Today we’d like to introduce you to Deshea Shepard.
Hi Deshea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born & Raised in Durham, NC. I have always been fascinated with the Beauty Industry. I started teaching myself how to do makeup at 13. Shortly after, I started taking clients in high school to further my skill and build my portfolio. I graduated from Aveda Insitute’s Esthetic program in 2017, then opened Esthetics by Deshea, LLC with only $300 & drive. I received less than a 30-day notice that I had to vacate my first solo lash studio space Unexpectedly after only 6 months because someone else wanted my lash studio. They were willing to pay more money than I was paying. I was blindsided. I had just moved out of my grandparent’s home so that I could focus on my mental health and building Esthetics by Deshea / Opulent Lash Co. I only had $2,000 in savings. When I was 21 years old, I was overwhelmed, but I didn’t let it stop me. This motivated me to keep fighting for my vision. I stumbled across my current salon suite almost 3 years ago and have begun building one of the largest Lash Artistry Networks in North Carolina. I’m hungry to improve in all aspects. Even if you don’t know where the universe is taking you, keep going. Everything happens for a reason.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not. In a perfect world, entrepreneurship is a cookie-cutter, linear experience. When this is indeed false, Perfection is an illusion. The struggles I’ve faced have been working through mental health and trying to find a balance between personal life and work life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Lash Artist/Business Educator. I teach Lash artists how they earned over 300k behind the chair. I am most known for having my brand stand on Integrity & Passion. This is rare in our field. Many people are motivated just by the dollar sign, whereas for me. I adore my clients and honestly, The money Never motivated me, I’ve always wanted to change people’s lives by speaking to them through my gifts. My talents set me apart because I build upon building genuine relationships. Take care of your clients, and they will take care of you.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would highly suggest to someone interested in finding a mentor to look for someone they are most aligned with. One of the reasons I started Education and Mentoring for upcoming estheticians is because I would have saved a lot of headaches and money by having someone in the same lane as me to consult. Same for networking. I align myself with individuals hungry to improve, self-aware, and disciplined.
Pricing:
- 2 Day Training : $999
- 1:1 Coaching Session: $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estheticsbydeshea.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/estheticsbydeshea
Image Credits
@mbymichaelaphotography – Miami, FL @estheticsbydeshea- Charlotte, NC @opulentlashcompany- Charlotte, NC
