Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAnna Maynard-Goodman.
Hi DeAnna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a wife, mother and a successful entrepreneur. I was raised in Southern Ohio, the heart of Appalachia and I’m proud of my heritage. I am affectionately known as “FabD” by my friends, clients and a nationwide group of women I call The “FabD” Family. I’m a flashy person who loves the beauty and fashion industry. I’ve specialized in making women feel beautiful throughout my 20 years of career as a Cosmetologist.
I saw a need for plus-sized clothing that was comfortable, affordable and fun. I’d struggled my whole life to find the kind of clothes I’ve always loved but were not available in my size, and so I decided to do something about it. In a small corner of my salon, I founded FabD Boutique. In a very short time, thousands of women have joined the “FabD Family” and enjoyed the fun and interactive live shows. The live shows vent “Viral” and before long, we found ourselves ranking among the top 1% of all boutiques nationwide.
I’m passionate about helping women find and grow their confidence, and I understand that is more than helping with hair and fashion. Each one of my live shows, I bring comedic relief as well as an encouraging word to my audience. I keep it real and always am honest with others about my own challenges and what’s helped me to overcome them. The biggest being my Faith in God. Through doing this, I was “discovered” and accepted into a mentorship with Atlanta Pastor, author and celebrity Real Talk Kim.
She has helped me learn and grow so much in my own journey and gave me insight as to how to further direct others. She encouraged me to write a book, and in 2022 my dream of becoming an author was realized. I wrote, “What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful”. My book has now shipped to 45 out of 50 states, The Virgin Islands and Costa Rica.
My family and I travel to Atlanta every couple of months for boutique fashion shows as well as Stopping to see my mentor and pastor Real Talk Kim (Kimberly Jones). I’ve fallen in love with the city and hope to someday reside in Georgia. This small-town girl never dreamed of being able to enjoy the success that I have today. It has not been easy, but I often share with my viewers, “When you work hard and pray harder, anything is possible.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I shared my success in the previous section of this article. I will now share some of the obstacles I have faced during my journey. In 2012, I made the choice to end the marriage I was in at that time. I started all over with my daughter, who was then only an infant and we set out for a better life. During this season, I was on Government assistance and living in a run-down rental. I had just started my own business and was starting out New in every sense of the word. It was frightening, but I was determined to make a better life for my daughter and I. Slowly but surely, I did just that. Being from a small Rural area, there was seemingly no opportunities, and I faced many closed doors in my face as I worked to rebuild my life. In 2015, my salon was a victim to an act of arson. This was done by a man in my neighborhood who was an addict and struggling with mental illness. Suddenly I was left with a pile of ashes and no income, I once again had to rebuild my business and my life. I wanted to quit so many times, but still I kept pushing toward the brighter future I now have.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love helping others as well as sharing my love of beauty. I currently still do interactive live shows and share my story in addition to fantastic clothing. I’ve recently started doing speaking engagements and traveling for book signings. I hope to continue on this path and would love to come to a school, church, or an event near you to speak! I’m also currently working on my next adventure, “FabD Cosmetics” My own line of makeup, lashes and beauty items. I look forward to sharing them with folks all over the world.
What makes you happy?
Helping other women build their confidence is one of the things that brings me the most happiness. Life can be hard for us all, but being kind and sharing a positive word is easy if we set our minds to doing it. I also enjoy feeding the Homeless we encounter on our trips to Atlanta. I’ve gotten on a first-name basis with many of them, and they look forward to seeing me bring them a “Blessing Bag” when I visit. I remember being scared and at a low point in my life after my divorce and again after the burning of my salon. This is why I try to help others anytime I can now that I’m in a better position to do so. I never want to lose sight of all the struggles I’ve overcome to become the woman I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: ShopFabD.com
Image Credits
Apple Orchard Photography
