Today we’d like to introduce you to Dah’ Aysia Johnson
Hi Dah’ Aysia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in the beauty industry started in 2017 when I first discovered lash extensions. I was fascinated by the look and booked an appointment with a lash artist in Northeast Philly. After experiencing how lashes transformed my appearance, I was hooked. But when they started shedding, I wanted to keep up with the look without relying on someone else—so I started researching how to do them myself. I ordered my first supplies from Amazon, then moved on to different vendors, practicing on myself and my friends.
In 2018, I became pregnant with my first child, which put a pause on my lashing journey for about a year. But my passion never faded. In 2019, I decided to take my first official lash training with a popular Philly lash artist, Dollfvce. Getting my certification gave me the confidence to take on more clients, and as I practiced, my skills improved.
Expanding My Craft into Permanent Makeup & Beauty
By 2020, I wanted to expand my expertise, so I got certified in PMU brows with Jasmine J., a well-known brow artist in Philly. That training introduced me to the art of brow tattooing, and I instantly fell in love. My goal has always been to make women feel beautiful because when you look good, you feel good—and that confidence can be life-changing.
I started taking clients from my grandmother’s house, then moved to a dedicated room at my dad’s house, where I fully decorated a space for my business. My clientele grew beyond Philly to Delaware, New Jersey, and Chester. Eventually, I took a job at a lash studio, but since the business was new and unorganized, I realized I was better off working for myself.
Overcoming Challenges & Pursuing My License
In 2021, I rented my first studio space in Chester, PA, but a personal situation led me to shut it down. That experience taught me an important lesson—never let anyone have control over your emotions or your future. Despite setbacks, my passion never died. I continued taking house calls and working from my old studio space.
Later that year, I decided to go to cosmetology school to get my license. While there, I fell in love with not just lashes and brows but also hair, hair removal, and beauty overall. Despite personal struggles, I stayed focused. My talent stood out so much that my instructor at Empire Beauty School, Ms. Owens, invited me back twice after graduation to do lash and brow demonstrations for students—a moment that truly validated my hard work.
Building My Reputation in the Industry
In April 2023, I had the opportunity to do lashes for Kkapri, a reality TV star from Joseline’s Cabaret and Wild ‘N Out. Traveling to Baltimore for that experience showed me just how far my skills had taken me. Around that time, I also worked at European Wax Center, where I improved my waxing speed from 30-minute Brazilian waxes to just 12-15 minutes in under four months. I later worked at N’Beauty Salon in Ardmore, offering lash extensions and hairstyling, including wig installs and natural hair care.
Looking Ahead: Expansion & Relocation
It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve always found a way to keep pushing forward. Now, I’m looking to relocate—preferably to Atlanta or North Carolina—to expand my business and take my skills to the next level. I originally considered opening a full salon, but I’ve decided salon suites would be a smarter venture.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey in the beauty industry has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist and businesswoman I am today.
One of the biggest struggles I faced was balancing my passion for beauty with real-life responsibilities. In 2018, when I became pregnant with my first child, I had to put my lash journey on hold for a while. As a single mother, it wasn’t always easy to juggle motherhood and building my business, but I never lost sight of my goals.
Another major challenge came in 2021 when I opened my first studio in Chester, PA. Unfortunately, personal struggles led me to shut it down. That experience was a turning point for me—it taught me the importance of emotional control, financial independence, and surrounding myself with the right people. I learned the hard way that personal relationships can either build you up or tear you down.
Even while attending cosmetology school, I was dealing with an abusive relationship. But despite that, I stayed focused, graduated, and even got invited back to teach lash and brow demonstrations to students. That moment reminded me of how far I had come.
Investing in quality training and supplies was a priority, and I focused on sourcing from high-quality vendors. Doing it alone as a single mother was a financial struggle, but building something of my own gave me control and stability. It allowed me to set high standards and create a better experience for my clients.
Through all of these struggles, I never gave up. Each setback pushed me to think bigger, work harder, and believe in myself even when things got tough. Now, as I plan my next move—relocating and expanding my business—I know that every challenge I’ve faced has prepared me for even greater success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in lash extensions, PMU brows, and beauty services that enhance confidence and self-expression. I’ve dedicated Over 8 years to perfecting my craft, from classic lash extensions , Versatile Custom Lash Sets, Brow Tinting & volume lash extensions to permanent makeup techniques like Microshading & Beauty Marks and much more.My goal has always been to help women feel beautiful—because when you look good, you feel good, and that energy carries into everything you do.
I’m most known for my attention to detail and ability to customize each service to my clients’ unique features. Whether it’s creating the perfect lash set for different eye shapes or designing brows that complement facial structure, I take pride in enhancing natural beauty while ensuring my work lasts. Retention is my best friend.
What sets me apart is my versatility, experience, and passion for continuous growth. I’ve worked in various environments, from high-end salons to running my own beauty studio, which has given me a deep understanding of both artistry and business. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with reality TV personalities, like Kkapri from Joseline’s Cabaret and Wild ‘N Out, which reinforced the importance of delivering high-quality, camera-ready results.
Beyond providing services, I love educating others. I’ve been invited back to my former cosmetology school to demonstrate lash and brow techniques, and I’m currently working on ebooks and workbooks to help aspiring beauty professionals refine their skills.
One of my proudest moments was overcoming personal struggles while still pushing forward in my career. No matter what I’ve faced, I’ve remained committed to my craft. Now, as I look to expand into salon suites in a new city, I’m excited to take my skills to the next level and continue building a brand that represents quality, passion, and empowerment.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away from my journey, it’s that success is never a straight path—but passion, persistence, and self-belief will always lead you to where you’re meant to be. I’ve faced challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but I never let them define me. Instead, I used them as lessons to grow, both as a beauty professional and as a person.
For anyone looking to break into the beauty industry, my advice is simple: invest in yourself, never stop learning, and trust the process. Whether it’s through taking courses, practicing relentlessly, or stepping outside of your comfort zone, every effort you make will pay off in the long run.
I’m excited for what’s next as I continue expanding my brand and moving into new opportunities. Whether you’re a client looking for top-tier lash and brow services or an aspiring beauty entrepreneur seeking guidance, I’m here to inspire and empower. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dkartistryllc.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkartistryllc?igsh=MTc3NHZ3cmZnOWZ4aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://www.threads.net/@dkartistryllc?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dkartistry.ink?_t=ZT-8tyaHgfhBut&_r=1
Image Credits
@kvisions._ via INSTAGRAM
