Diesha Banner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Diesha , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I feel called to create a legacy that extends beyond myself. For so long, I thought about building generational wealth for my family, but I’ve come to realize that my journey can also open doors for others. I want my work, my passion, and my persistence to ripple out in a way that empowers and uplifts more than just me.
The road hasn’t been easy. There are absolutely days when I’ve said, “That’s enough.” Yet, somehow, I always find myself drawn back. And I feel like that is because the calling is bigger than my comfort. The world feels heavy at times, but witnessing others push through, build, and thrive reminds me: we can do hard things. I can do hard things. And nothing worth having ever comes without challenge.
Life will always “life,” but my passion won’t allow me to settle. Instead, I feel driven to create the life I desire while bringing others along with me. In the past, I might have stayed on the sidelines, but I am reminded that time is precious, and I am more than capable. So, I choose to step forward with courage and conviction.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diesha Banner, and I am the founder of A Glass Above LLC, a premier beverage catering and consulting firm based in North Carolina. For the past 10 years, I’ve been elevating the cocktail experience by blending creativity, expertise, and a true passion for connection. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate gathering, my goal is always the same: to create moments that guests will never forget.
What makes A Glass Above unique is that we are more than a beverage service, we are curators of an experience. Our immersive bar setups, professional licensed team, and commitment to thoughtful customization transform events into opportunities for joy, connection, and community. Every sip is crafted with intention, and every celebration is an invitation to build memories that last well beyond the glass.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I can’t say it was just one relationship that shaped how I see myself—there have been several. My belief is that we are a sum total of all of our unique experiences. Both of my parents, though they have passed, left lasting imprints on who I am. My mom was like my best friend. Losing her at 19 meant I never got to fully experience that adult mother-daughter relationship, but in the time we had, she showed me so much. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special, ensuring every interaction was meaningful. I’ve always admired and carried that with me.
My dad, on the other hand, was the picture of resilience. Even after losing his sight, he never let that define him. He remained deeply connected to community, knowing people everywhere and finding ways to live fully. He was selective in whom he engaged with fully. His more recent passing, after a long illness, was humbling to witness, but it also reminded me of strength. Together, my parents taught me invaluable lessons about love for others, resilience, and connection.
Beyond them, my sister and my son are my biggest cheerleaders and motivators. They fuel me to push harder than I ever thought I could. Having them on this journey with me not only inspires me but also makes me a better person. I lead and inspire them, but they’ve given me the same in return.I dream of creating the life we deserve in spite of all of our challenges.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
More recently, I’ve changed my entire perception of failure. I used to see it as a stop sign, but now I recognize it as a detour or a signal to regroup, tweak, and try again differently. Most great ideas evolve through many iterations, and that’s part of the beauty of the process.
Throughout history, every innovation we enjoy today was born from persistence after setbacks. Failure, whether gentle or harsh, is often just a reminder that change is needed and that the full vision is waiting on the other side of that speed bump.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to showcasing that representation matters, because if you can see it, you can believe you can be it. And this is my lived experience as I’ve watched others and later realized the possibilities.
I hold firm to the truth that broken crayons still color, and that our imperfections don’t diminish our impact.
Equally important, I believe that community is essential. When you find the tribe where you can show up as your authentic self, the possibilities multiply. Together, so much more can be accomplished than any of us could ever achieve alone.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I hope that when I’m gone, people remember me as both a safe space and a source of joy and a person whose energy lived on in the lives I touched. I often hear that I can light up a room and I’m working to see myself as others see me.
I want to be known as someone who brought others along with me, who believed in collective wins and celebrated community. I hope the things I create continue to live long after I do. More than anything, I see myself as my ancestors’ wildest dreams, and my deepest desire is to make them proud.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aglassabove.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aglassabove_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diesha-banner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helloaglassabovellc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelyladidi?_t=ZP-8zs1jN5OOYJ&_r=1
