Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Chandler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started dreaming of developing HAKD BEAUTY BY DEANNA in 2019. I wanted to do a lipstick brand to inspire women to love their beautiful lips. My goal was to inspire and use my creativity to promote the business and grow a brand that could one day become a household name. As a former cosmetologist for 17 years, who then jumped into another profession as a teacher, I found a way to share my beauty trends with clients but this time with cosmetics. After being constantly encouraged to get started by a co-worker, I did some research contacted my very talented friend and partner Ted Ramasola, who created my logo. After sitting and talking and being inspired by his positive energy I began moving forward. I saved about 700 and purchased my first private label order. It was the most amazing feeling to see my name on a lipgloss container. Then the fun begin with naming my products. I then set up the business side of things and begin marketing to some of my friends and family whom immediately supported my dream. Then the next step was marketing so I was able to put together my advertising commercial that focused on women empowerment and love. My goal was to encourage everyone to #GETHAKD. HAKD stands for HUGGED AND KISSED BY DEANNA. After running my advertising campaign with a focus each month such as “I AM BEAUTIFUL”, I AM LOVE”.
“I AM BOLD” the goal was achieved to uplift and empower the ladies to love themselves inside and out. I was then contacted by LGroup Pr who encouraged me to do a launch release which we accomplished in 2020. It was the most fulfilling moment to see women and men coming out to support my dream of starting a beauty brand. The support was so real, at that moment I knew HAKD BEAUTY was something special. We currently now have various cosmetic products available to purchase at our online store, and it brings me joy that I have participated in various local events to promote my business as well… I also launched a women’s and men’s skincare line in 2021 in which I can truly say my skincare products are handmade and the feedback has been amazing. I am honored to know that people want and admire HAKD BEAUTY products.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At first, yes the challenge arose when I was trying to figure out marketing on a teacher budget, but God has a way of sending you special people to assist you along the way. My biggest struggle came when you realized you have so many visions and creativity in your mind but implementing costs more than your budget allows. So then the doubt sets in and you start asking yourself, “Can I really do this?” You start thinking that you are dreaming too big. Of course you never let your mind stay in this zone, but that was one big challenge, staying motivated. When I wanted to quit, there was always an angel saying, keep going, you got this. You have a gift to share with the world. Keep inspiring, Keep helping others know how beautiful they are and keep telling them to believe it. Once I realized that it takes a team of people in your corner, I was able to overcome those challenges.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
HAKD BEAUTY was created to share my personal touch to my very own cosmetic line. The acronym HAKD means hugged and kissed by Deanna. What I believe makes everyone feel special is LOVE. I’ve created this line with lots of passion and excitement about the beauty industry. Cosmetics especially a cute lip gloss seems to always make us ladies shine! HAKD BEAUTY is simple, elegant, classy, and trendy, but with a hint of boldness. It’s your personal choice. It’s for EVERYONE to find their beautiful. My goal is to inspire and uplift all to love who they are inside and out while feeling confident in their own skin. I want to share some of my favorite beauty trends while promoting self-love yet providing high-quality luxury cosmetics. Wear whatever color that makes you feel beautiful, and wear it with pride. Always feel confident, because there is only one you. That alone to me is beauty!
We offer luxury cosmetics with a specialty in lipstick/lipgloss. We provide high-quality makeup for a reasonable price. I’m known for our beautiful clear love gloss and my empowerment campaign. It was all inspired by love and me accepting myself just as I am. What sets me apart from other brands is the fact that I do what my gut says do and I promote with the intention to change lives, spark beauty in others, and even as simple as putting a smile on someone’s face that has never worn lipstick or makeup before. That brings me the most joy. Brand wise, I am most proud of the quality of my products and using my name in my acronyms HAKD. I’m proud of what I stand for when it comes to showing love and encouragement to others while providing beautiful products to make customers feel good about themselves.
I believe what sets me apart from other companies is that I do whatever I believe feels right. The typical way to promote your business is your business. However, I believe that using my creativity whether it is a post, an advertisement, a commercial, being in film projects, being a panelist, even creating a HAKD BEAUTY photoshoot inspires myself and others. I also believe in organic connections and I believe that if a model without any exposure or experience desires to be a part of something fabulous, it’s okay to allow that. Everyone has to start somewhere.
#GETHAKD is a hashtag that represents an illumination of love that is already inside of you. The brand that was built to encourage, promote, and inspire characteristics of your own unique beauty. No one can duplicate “YOU” in a world that begins with a hug and ends with a kiss. So be sure to use the hashtag #GETHAKD whenever you are wearing our products. Remember you are beautiful, Do You, BE YOU, GETHAKD.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Atlanta is that I love the black business owner support. It’s amazing the way everyone tries to help the next person reach their goals. Women entrepreneurs are thriving and building generational wealth. It’s the black Hollywood. What I like least is that it’s not big enough to hold the entire small black business population, to keep the inspiration going and to keep small businesses inspired to network in that ATL atmosphere.
Pricing:
- 10.00
- 12.00
- 14.00
- 16.00
- 21.00
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@hakdbeauty.com
- Website: Hakdbeauty.com
- Instagram: HAKD BEAUTY
- Facebook: HAKD BEAUTY BY DEANNA
- Youtube: HAKD BEAUTY
Image Credits:
Ted Ramasola Frank Lott Maci Ware Henri Minor Michael Grayson Sielio Photography
