Meet Trailblazer Kamaya Chapman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamaya Chapman.

Kamaya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, the real Atlanta…
a female entrepreneur that lives by the Bible scripture Psalm 46:5 reassuring all women that anything God is involved in, will never fail if you put all faith into him.

I graduated from the only HBCU in Miami, Florida Memorial University with a BA in Public relations and I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC.

I began my journey as “Dalashplug” in March 2018 after I left my 9 to 5 where I was a counselor at a psychiatric treatment facility for kids. I loved the touching of the lives that I did while working there however my peace started to become interrupted and I began hating my job. I am a firm believer that happiness comes from within and you should always be happy in whatever you do, I lost the positivity that I once brought to work so I decided to leave.

When I took my lash class to become a mink lash technician. I did not know that I would do so well, I left my 9 to 5 with 0 clients, yet I still believed in myself to step out on faith to make it happen.

Now, almost one year later, I have become rather successful and even train other ladies to do what I do. I dedicate my business solely to my late son, Chayce. He was born March 3, 2009, in Mississippi, oh, I attended school there too. Mississippi state university I was dismissed from MSU with a 0.75 due to not attending classes and just playing while away from home. However, I graduated from Florida memorial with a 3.9, I like to brag about that because anything is truly possible.

Chayce only stayed alive for four hours but we bonded and I know that he is the main reason why I’m blessed so much. He’s truly my personal angel cheerleader and I am thankful for him daily.

My first job growing up in Atlanta was six flags over GA, so I’ve been working since I was 15. If I had to say what people love the most about me I would say that they love my transparency and my vulnerability to be simply me.

I share my testimony often with ladies because I want to be that woman I needed growing up.
Many people would also say that I am down to earth with positive energy and most importantly, humble. Even with being the niece of superstar T.I., I do my own thing and pave my own way.

My uncle has always taught us that God blesses the child that has its own and to never ride on another person’s coattail for nada, nothing.

My inspirations would be my mother and grandma, the two strongest women that I know. I was raised by my mother although my father has always been in my life. I saw her struggle, have utilities cut off, barely feed us, etc. but with God and her faith, she successfully put two children through college. She’s an amazing person overall and my best friend.

My grandma is just a sweet soul that will light up any room that she is in. She’s also my best friend and a very nonjudgmental person so that makes it easy to talk to her about anything

My boyfriend is also someone that I am beyond thankful for… a true love story. We met in college, remained friends ten years before dating and now about to hit our three-year mark. He helped me take off the mask… so that he could see the real light in me… so that I could see the real light in myself. He’s amazing…

I love my city. I love everything about Atlanta and I am forever will forever rep it till my last day, lol! I am from the west side and I will let anybody know it. I rarely say shawty until I’m mad and as professional as I try to be. I never want a person to forget that the Kamaya from the west side that used to ride Marta to high school with long nails and micro braids is still in me.

My advice for any entrepreneur is to simply go for it, believe in yourself, don’t worry about the naysayers, and attempt to be the best version of you every chance you get. Many won’t see the vision and many won’t support you, but if you believe in you and have the faith, what’s for you, will always be for you!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey hasn’t been an easy one. I was first raised in a single parent household which was a challenge in itself. Having a man present in the house is important for females. Luckily, I wasn’t “fast” but I did talk to guys growing up in hopes of gaining that attention I lacked from my dad. Not to throw him under the bus, however, he was present but only when it was feasible for him. You know the usual phone calls on birthdays, etc. but nothing extra. Sometimes, kids need extra!

College was hard for me, I partied my a** off, lol! I was away from home and free of my mom being on my behind every minute. Needless to say, I flunked out. It was embarrassing to myself and my mom because she spent a lot for me to go away to school. I had a 0.75, but God allowed me to get accepted into a four-year university graduating with a 3.9 that shocked me too! Lol, it took me about six years to graduate, but I got it done because I didn’t give up or let my circumstances at the time determine my future.

My advice for young women just starting their journey would be to remember friends don’t let friends mid class, friends don’t let friends leave with guys that they meet at parties, and friends don’t let friends half step in anything. You have to remember who you are at all times and treat yourself as a prize. It’s ok to not have everything figured out. Just relax and let God guide you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I started to mink lash March 2018, well I took my training class on January 28 and lashed my first paying client on March 12, 2018.

I fought with myself for a while telling myself why lashes wouldn’t work, “everybody in Atlanta is doing it”, “what if nobody comes to me” “what if nobody books with me”, etc. until I realized and said to myself but Kamaya Burger King and McDonald’s sell the same thing, burgers, and fries and they are booming everyday all day.

You really can’t worry about the next person because what God has for you is really for you. It’s cliche but seriously, your blessing specifically has your name on it and nobody else can have it.

Many people ask me all the time if I was scared to leave my 9 to 5 to lash and I tell them all the time, was I nervous? No… I’m a Taurus so once I’m into something, I’m going full throttle, however I was nervous. Nervous that things wouldn’t work.

Sometimes, people can be scared of success. After making my first $1k that nervousness went out of the window and lashing is very therapeutic for me.

I would say that I am known mostly for my energy. I am a vibe, im super chill, cool, and funny. Once people meet me for the first time they really fall in love with me. People tell me all the time after hanging with me or talking to me that “they feel like they’ve known me forever.”

What sets me aside from other lash techs is way bigger than the natural look I give lashes… it’s my welcoming spirit and the sister empowerment and confidence that I promote. I love women, especially black women and once a client comes to me I make them feel like they are the most beautiful person in the world and not because of their outer beauty.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think a woman can do anything she puts her mind to do, but I also feel like we get intimidated easily. Black women specifically. We see the women on tv that have had surgery to make themselves look beautiful forgetting that we are all beautiful… we see other races and feel “unpretty” but it’s really all in our head…

I think we allow the media to dictate too much of our lives… we see these women in relationships and say “goals” not even knowing what they go through and how unhappy they really are. We just see the “gifts” being presented on social media. Chile whatever!

Pricing:

• Classic full set : $100
• Mink training classes private $550
• Mink training classes group $500

Contact Info:

• Email: dalashplug@gmail.com
• Instagram: @dalashplug
• Other: @kamayadaplug

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.