Today we’d like to introduce you to Dionne James. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The talented, resourceful, insightful, and visionary Dionne James has continually strived to create solutions and add value to the ever-evolving beauty industry. Dionne is a renowned cosmetologist, hair stylist, serial entrepreneur, licensed real estate investor, and business owner. With over twenty years of experience, she is a gifted instructor and innovator with vast knowledge and an unquenching hunger for success and growth.
A native of Queens, New York, she has become a relevant Master Pioneer professional in the beauty industry for her contributions to its participants and the entire world of beauty. In her continuous efforts to help individuals become more aware and abreast of industry approaches, she has tutored thousands of students across the globe, including China, Mexico, Canada, California, Jamaica, and America to date. Dionne has created a variety of sophisticated hair care products, leading to a paradigm shift in the industry. She has been featured on the Lifetime Movie Network, styled Mesago, the musician, and a plethora of NBA players.
Dionne owns several businesses across the various industries of beauty and real estate.
In her career years, she worked at a non-surgical hair replacement clinic as well. During these years, she helped both men and women suffering from major hair loss due to Chemotherapy, Alopecia, and stress. Likewise, she offered Laser Hair Therapy, non-surgical hair replacements, integration systems, hair prosthesis, and many other personalized hair loss solutions.
Best known for her signature styles, Cobra Stitch and the Box Stitch, Dionne revolutionized the Art of Braiding with her creative eye and talent. Her hairstyles have been featured in a myriad of prestigious magazines, including Essence, Sophisticated Hair, Braids & Beauty, Black Beauty, and many more publications nationwide.
Dionne opened the first exclusive Natural Hair Care Salon in Richmond, Virginia, called The Essence of Braiding and Weaving at the age of 20.
She formerly owned a state-approved beauty school, Essence Cosmetology & Barbering Academy, offering classes in Cosmetology, Barbering, Natural Hair, Nails, Waxing, and Individual Instructor courses.
A proven leader in the modern natural hair care industry, recently, Dionne published her debut book, ‘The Hustle is Real! Millionaire Stylist’ and a leading product line called ‘Dionne James Solutions.’
Dionne has always had a dream to enhance natural hair care and its surrounding practices. This dream inspired, ‘SOULUTIONS,’ which is a natural hair care line those refreshes, rejuvenates, moisturizes, and nourishes the hair and the scalp. Over the years, she had an idea to create an all Vegan and Plant-based natural hair care product line for all hair types and textures, regardless of ethnicity or race. This idea went beyond her innovating new products as she tapped into her nutrition and hair care lifestyle to find these solutions. After a few years of testing professional product lines, she decided to create a solution based on a nutrition-centered approach. Her products are composed of purely natural ingredients, including pure essential oils and natural butter without Sulfates, Parabens, and Mineral Oil.
In 2022, she launched an online beauty school, Beauty Billionaires University, that teaches students how to set up their beauty business to be foundationally sound with proper legal setup.
In 2023, she launched Youth Braiding Academy, where she teaches professional braiding techniques, entrepreneurship, and business skills to youth ages 8-18 years old. The goal is to encourage and motivate our youth to REACH FOR THE SKY! and have confidence in their abilities while promoting the endless possibilities of entrepreneurship.
She consistently provides women tools and valuable beauty resources while keeping them informed of the latest industry trends.
Beyond her career path, Dionne is passionate about helping others succeed financially and spiritually.
She is also a delightful Instructor, a mother of three amazing daughters, and a giver to the community at large.
She donates monthly to The American Cancer Society and Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc., to help find cures to save lives.
In 2013, Dionne not only chartered but became the first president of a professional sorority called Tau Gamma Delta Sorority Inc., Xi Omega Chapter in Richmond, Virginia. As a professional sorority, Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc. provides aid to worthy students in education, promotes reputable standards for growth and harmony, and furthers community and civic activities. Xi Omega Chapter also volunteers and empower both women and children, as well donate gently used coats to the needy. With the vision of the sorority, “Illuminating the Pathway,” reaching women in business and professional fields, Dionne can provide the community service commitment needed as a member of this sorority.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, marked a significant milestone on September 19, 2023, when it inducted 12 exceptional women as Honorary Members into its Alpha Omega Chapter during a ceremony at Howard University. Among these distinguished individuals, Dionne James, an entrepreneur and pioneer businesswoman, took her place as an Honorary Member.
As an Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Ms. James is eager to share her entrepreneurial acumen and philanthropic spirit. She is committed to educating and empowering women in the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, aligning her passions with the organization’s mission.
James will actively contribute her talents to several key initiatives within Zeta Phi Beta. Her dedication will extend to supporting St. Jude, participating in the Domestic Violence Program Initiative, engaging in Get Engaged/Social Action activities, and contributing to Zeta Organizational Leadership efforts. Her involvement is expected to enhance the organization’s impact in these crucial areas.
The inclusion of Dionne James into the Alpha Omega Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, not only celebrates her exceptional achievements but also strengthens the organization’s commitment to empowering women and fostering positive change. Her legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and educator is set to leave a lasting impact on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., as it continues to uphold its principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
Daily, Dionne inspires people to live their best lives while chasing their dreams relentlessly. Through her experience in both business, career, and life, she is capable of providing people with relevant insight that can propel them toward a bright future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been challenges throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Slow business periods due to economic downturns and difficulties in promoting my latest venture, the Youth Braiding Academy, have been some of the struggles I’ve faced.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
How Youth Braiding Academy Empowers Youth in Academics and Career Youth Braiding Academy is an exciting and empowering program that provides hair braiding and entrepreneurship training to youth ages 8- 18. Our fun, hands-on program is great for public schools, private schools, home schools, churches, sororities, parks, recreation, government agencies, and more.
Our program can be implemented during or after school, as well as during spring and summer breaks.
Youth Braiding Academy prepares students for the future by developing academic and technical skills for high-demand careers. It provides career exploration and work-based learning opportunities and creates pathways leading to future education and training or employment.
This career-connected learning, all students will reach long-term economic security. This vision is one where academic excellence is integrated with real-world skills and experience—giving students a head start on college and career and helping them build a strong plan toward a path to a rewarding career.
We find that middle school, when students’ quests for identity are on overdrive, is an optimal time to help students deeply explore the rich and diverse possibilities for futures that connect to the things that bring them joy.
What were you like growing up?
My upbringing in Queens, New York, was full of excitement and energy. The constant hustle and bustle, along with the presence of panhandlers, became a part of my culture and inspired me to strive for success. From a young age, I had a business mindset that drove me to find ways to make money. Whether it was ironing shirts, selling trinkets in my apartment building, or starting a hair braiding business at just 10 years old, I was always determined to work hard and be the best in my field.
Pricing:
- 250.00 & up per technique
- $699.00 for 8-week course
- &525.00 for learning 2 techniques
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youthbraidingacademy.com
- Instagram: @youthbraidingacademy
Image Credits
Dionne James
