Today we’d like to introduce you to Dedra Allen.
Dedra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a NC native and moved to GA after a divorce, so my children (I have three) could be close to their father. I have been in the beauty industry for over 25 years. I didn’t know a couple of people when I moved here. I worked odd retail jobs. I feel like my breakout moment was landing a job at like the River Salon. I learned about doing business in a larger demographic. I met so many people and in one year, I built a full clientele and open a business in the heart of Midtown. I wholeheartedly believe in networking and being cordial. I found out about LTR through Lawrence Washington, we met in 2008, while I was working at AVEDA in Lenox Mall. And I landed a spot on a Wetv’s reality Tv show “Cutting it in the ATL”. I met a young lady while attending Beauty school to get my educator license. We became friends, she asked a favor of me I was present and it landed me 2 seasons and a brand.
Currently, I am transitioning out of doing services and into teaching and wellness coaching. My goal is to open a beauty and wellness Institute. One thing I want people to know, that being in business is not easy and there will be ups and downs. It’s the people that continue to push through the downs that will be successful. It’s the people who plan and research who will sustain the entrepreneurship cycle. I have not formal training and I did not finish college. I was trial and error. Something I most definitely do not think is a good practice. We have the internet now and people willing to give information for free. We all have the same amount of hours in the day. It’s the mindset that separates us. I am currently studying to be a health coach, after having some health issues and watching family and friends struggle with health, I felt having a coach would help people. I have a podcast and a YouTube channel launching soon “Be too much or sit down.” I am always finding things that I enjoy and ways I can increase my brand and pockets. My sole intention is to be my best and attract the universe’ best and to be of help to others.
Great, 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?
OMG no, it has not. Not having the information needed is what made the road most difficult. I should have did more planning. Really thought out the business, the process, and the potential obstacles. I had to deal with my children and their adjusting to our move, and my adjustment which emotional took me to some edges of the road. And my faith extended the road and I kept pushing. Not being financially stable, but continuing to push for my goals was a struggle. I’m trying to open a business and I am barely paying my bills to live.
Young women, my advice is for you to plan out your goals. Give timelines, keep your credit good and save money towards your goals. Find a mentor. I say two mentors, one that solely talks about business practice and the other who knows the industry you are interested in going into.
It’s ok to grow your business, don’t think you have to start big. Growing allows you to work through doing business as you do business. If you ruin your reputation, it’s harder to come back from that.
I would also say never give up on your goals and position yourself to reach your goals.
Please tell us about Jdoah Beauty.
Right now, I am still doing hair, I have a podcast, YouTube channel launching soon, I have a medical marketing company and I am an educator. I am a serial entrepreneur, however, my main focus is opening my brick and mortar beauty and wellness institute. I am doing the research, I am taking classes and I am laying my financial footwork. I am most proud of the humanitarian work I do in and out of the country, the opportunity to showcase my talent on national TV, it’s so much I am proud of. I had to learn to be proud of Dedra. I have to realize that I am no ordinary woman. That my struggles are mine and overcoming them took my strength. What sets me apart is what should set all of us apart, I believe in myself and I set myself up for success.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Woman are positioned for whatever opportunity do they desire. I just don’t want women to forget about an opportunity that women alone have, and that’s having children, I’ve seen so many women focus on career, men and chasing a materialist lifestyle and then in their forties, they want a child. We can have it all if you want it. Proper playing and a balanced perspective can make all of it happen. We are a crucial part of what keeps this world populated. As a woman, I have done it all, and I believe I can do whatever I plan for.
Pricing:
- Health Coach Sessions $95 per session. Sign up for 6 months and receive one month free
- New Hair Client 50% off
- Free Weight loss assessment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jdoahbeauty.wixsite.com/jdoahbeauty
- Phone: 6789848683
- Email: jdoahexperience@gmail.com
- Instagram: dedrais2much
- Facebook: Dedra Allen
- Twitter: Dedra Allen
Image Credit:
Ace Photos, Sterling Photos
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