I'm no longer a fan of this Ranch. I honestly don't know where to begin. I called this location, because I've visited quite a few time throughout the years. Being familiar with the ranch and what's to offer, I thought it was a good location to try. I contacted Chrissy, (manager) previously a week ago, with interest to use the ranch for backdrop location for an editorial/print project. They seemed interested from the first Initial attempt, asked for my name, contact info, as well as my website. Gladly, it was given via telephone. A week later today, I called back because a follow up call never took place as I was informed previously. Before I could recap my previous interest Chrissy interjected and said "you called last week, and we don't need anything." Confused and baffled. I said "are you saying you're uninterested?" She said yes. Now, when the call ended I was confused and distraught. A young professional with fashion and visual degrees, with international publications of my work with Vogue & GQ among others, which is scarce in Florida might I add, Jacksonville at that. So I called back just to get one-on-one with Chrissy to better understand what "you're unneeded" exactly meant. I said well I'm a young professional and my goal is to build the community that's scarce here, and get Jacksonville folks together to jointly and creatively merge our talents together seeking future publications. Reason being , I had to move to Los Angeles to further my career. So my mission was to bring those opportunities back home (Jacksonville, FL). She said we have our ads and our market is set, we don't need anything from you. This took me aback because last week, interest was sparked. Only until my personal information was given to her, the attitude towards my mission changed. What could a young professional who's accredited in popular publications, could possibly offer that's "unneeded". So I asked well what exactly is the reason you're uninterested, she says " I don't know how to say this any nicer, we just don't need you" now, me being very direct at this point, I asked was this a race issue. Reason being, the ads for this ranch display a very direct target audience, of individuals who do not look like me. (Wedding photos and such through google) Which sparked the reason of my questioning, following such a vague response like "you're just unneeded". Chrissy then says, I don't know your race and you don't know mine nor my husbands. I never inquired on their personal information, yet I've given them all of mine. And only until then, is when the un-interest took place. She then said you saying race makes us not want to do business. Which to me, was already out of question at this point. I've brought many youth events here, and the irony is. I was introduced to this location when I too was apart of a youth organization. All in all, this ranch will never see a dime of my money or any organization I take part in. As Chrissy told me, "they're just not needed". So I will hold that same statement to heart when it comes to how and where I spend my money. ITS JUST NOT NEEDED will be the first thought to mind. Although folks refuse to verbally convey their disdain towards others, actions however speak oh so profoundly. Thanks Diamond D Ranch, for catering to a set market, when there's an entire community of young dreamers inspiring to give, when others refuse to carter to them, as they do others in their likeness. read more