Meet Danasha Simmons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danasha Simmons.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My name is Danasha, but you can call me Nasha. I’m 24 years of age. Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Atlanta, GA. I’d say life sort came at me fast; really fast. In 2011, just two weeks after my 17th birthday, my dad passed away. That hit me really hard! Having to face the reality of losing my father. I am the youngest of my siblings, and it was my senior year of high school. My dad never got to see me walk across the stage, he never got to see me go to my last prom, or even share his advice about guys and relationships. None of that. All of those memories were taken from me in the matter of a moment.

Despite the huge loss in my life and to my family, I pulled through and graduated from high school. I walked across that stage with not only tears of joy, but also tears with pain. I never really had time to mourn the passing of my dear father, and for some reason, I felt the need to be “tough” in the situation. This was a time that so much was changing for me.

In the fall, I went on to attend college. I soon had hit rock bottom. I was getting in and out of trouble, hanging with the wrong people, and depressed. To be honest, I didn’t even know I was depressed until now looking back. I’m such a bubbly person, and that was so far from my character. Plus I felt the need to keep going and put on a strong face for my brothers and my mom, but I had enough. I started to lose myself; I was completely lost. If monsters were real, I would have been exactly that. I didn’t even recognize myself. It wasn’t until my mom gave me a “talk “and told me she didn’t want to lose me next. That rubbed me the wrong way… or in hindsight, the right way.

I needed to reflect. I really had to take a step back and evaluate myself and what I wanted for my future. So, I decided to take a break from what seemed to be my reality and jetted back home to California for a few months. Refreshed and recuperated, I came back to Atlanta, ready for “business.”

When I tell you it was a 360 turn around.  God had my back the entire time. I started medical school and graduated top of my class, summa cum laude.  

Ever since I was young, I had an undying urge to help people. I can still remember dressing up as a pediatrician for career day.  After the passing of my dad, I wanted to do more in the health care field.

If it wasn’t for God, my mom, and my guardian angel, I don’t even know how I would be walking. Because like I said earlier life hit me fast. I miss my father, but he is the force that drives me to be better than I could even imagine, and I will!

Please tell us about your business.
LoreneSzn is an online boutique 2 in 1 stop shop.

I sell hair bundles and lip gloss.  Both of which I have quality vendors for.

My lip gloss colors usually coincide with the vibe of whichever SZN we are currently in or what’s the trending color for that szn. In the fall, one could expect to see darker and cooler tones. While in the summer and spring, you can expect a more colorful and clean collection.

The hair bundles, I provide, are soft quality hair. The hair has thick and full weft that minimizes shedding and is also odor free.

I want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin. When you look good, you feel good, and for an affordable price, you sure are going to be feeling yourself . Your pockets will love it too!  I know how it is to have low confidence and not feel good enough. So I created my own platform, known as, LoreneSzn. To provide a service for anyone and everyone so they could not only shop and add a little dab and glam into their life but feel empowered while doing so.

I hope that when someone searches LoreneSzn and visits my website that they understand why I started my brand. I want people to hear my story, see my vision, understand what I stand for, and find some sort of inspiration to go and chase their own dreams.

I also would like to add that no animals were harmed in the making of any LoreneSZN products and that our lip glosses are natural based and great for sensitive skin. We’ve got something for every lady.

“REMEMBER WE’RE ALWAYS IN SZN “

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Don’t go bigger than your budget, don’t do it for clout or the internet. Stay in your lane and your budget. Be smart. It takes time, and focus and mistakes are inevitable, but that’s a part of the learning process.  Most importantly, don’t give up! Even if you have to save paycheck after paycheck to get started. Nothing comes without sacrifice, and nothing is worth more than sacrificing for your own dreams! Patience is a virtue. Don’t go beyond your means.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
LoreneSzn does plan up opening up a suite soon. It’s in the works, but you can always visit my IG @LORENESZN_ or my website LoreneSzn.com.  We are an online based boutique, if you are in the ATL area we do provide drop-offs.

You can always support LoreneSzn by word of mouth, liking and commenting under our IG pictures.

Contact Info:

• Address: PO BOX 2302 Buford ga 30515
• Website: LoreneSzn.com
• Phone: 7707020518
• Email: Lorenesznls@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/loreneszn_?igshid=3w2j1yt284le
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreneszn/

Image Credit:
@clickmani

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.