Meet Shanequa Dasher of Dasher Creations and The Art of Confidence Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanequa Dasher.

Shanequa Dasher, also known as the Dasher Diva, is a native of both Florida(where she attended elementary school and college and Florida A&M University) and Tennessee, and currently calls Atlanta, Georgia her home. Shanequa has been married for seven years and is a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and 13-month-old baby boy. She is the owner of Dasher Creations, which is a company that specializes in tutus, custom shirts, as well as special gifts for kids.

Shanequa is also, a former elementary school teacher, children’s book author, co-owner of The Art of Confidence Foundation (AOC), which is a performing arts company for kids. Her favorite pastimes include play time with her 5-year-old assistant Kayla and her little brother Kyler, shopping, travel, crafting, and shopping and traveling to craft.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in a small town called Lake Wales, Florida, and was on a constant move after that point. Between Elementary and High school, I went to about 13 different schools.

Living in Tallahassee, Fl, Orlando, Fl, Tampa, Fl, and Nashville, TN, and sometimes looping back. This transient life is a huge part of my journey and who I am. It made me resilient, as well as able to understand and deal with a plethora of human beings and their personalities with no offense. But now, Atlanta, Georgia is my nesting spot. I’m here to stay unless Beyonce’ calls me and says that her kiddos need an in-house personal designer, then I’m out of here.

My ENTIRE life has been a wonderful whirlwind of kids, kids, and more kids. Being a teacher for over a decade and owner of a performing arts studio, I’ve always spent my time creating and crafting adorable costumes, production sets, and creative items that make life easier. In 2012, I was blessed with an adorable baby girl (Who also happens to be my fabulous 5-year-old business partner and assistant), and the creative madness began! I made her hair accessories, her tutus(which she twirls in daily), her room art, and even some of her toys simply because I couldn’t find anything that I absolutely loved.

After countless requests to duplicate the items I made for her and as gifts for friends, I decided to retire early from education and pursue my purpose in creating unique and beautiful items for the children of others. I pride myself in providing one-of-a-kind, creative, and quality items, as well as providing impeccable service. My life’s purpose is to be here to SERVE and CREATE cheerfully and without reservation.

Has it been a smooth road?
By no means has my journey been a smooth road, and as I push to higher heights, I don’t expect it to be. From rejection to epic business lessons learned(never work on projects without being paid first), I’ve had no shortage of bumps. My biggest struggle has been the “juggle struggle.” How to successfully manage multiple businesses, while maintaining the fabulous role of being a highly involved mother and wife. Scouts honor, I’m still a work in progress on this but I’m actively learning and in pursuit every single day.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dasher Creations and The Art of Confidence Foundation – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business life is two-fold.

Dasher Creations specializes handmade tutus, custom shirts, and specialty items for kids. We are most known for amazing costumes and our popular ribbon trimmed tutu. As a company, we are most proud of offering exemplary customer service with a personal touch.

I consider each and every client I have as family, and I design for every child as if he/she were my own. A lot of my business is from my Etsy shop and online orders, but local Atlanta clients have the added bonus of custom fittings and meetings with my team. This year, we’re super excited to introduce a new endeavor. I will be combining my decade teaching experience with my love for creating beautiful tutus.

Our Tutus and Twirls: tutu making event will be held on November 10, 2018, and will teach both kids and adults how to make beautiful tutus for fun, or start their own tutu business. I’m 100% excited about every Dasher Creations’ event happening this month.

In 2011, myself and two fabulous ladies, Le’jon Payne and Summer Blackmon opened The Art of Confidence as a full performing arts studio for Atlanta area youth. Seven years later we serve on a global platform, providing complementary acting, dance, crafting, and now basketball workshops to under-served children. We have most recently been working with a wonderful group of children in Nairobi, Kenya, who have absolutely made our purpose solidify beyond reason.

In addition, we continue to serve the Atlanta community through several after-school enrichment programs culminating each school year with a MAJOR performance. We are known for and most proud of building confidence in our students regardless of their experiences or background. We rest well knowing that whether a child who’s matriculated through our program pursues a career in performing arts or not, they have been fueled with the skills and confidence to conquer the world.

The element that sets The AOC apart from others(which is a continuing theme) is the element of family. We have built lifelong relationships with every child that has been a part of our organization.

Collectively both Dasher Creations and The AOC speak to my purpose of service and impact on the lives of children. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve in both capacities.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE ATLANTA! It was always a bullet on my vision board to graduate from Florida A&M University, move to Atlanta to buy my first home, and teach. I did just that at the age of 25, and there was no looking back. I love the people, the food, the shopping, and the culture. There’s never a shortage of things to do.

Now if I had to choose what I liked least, it would undoubtedly be the… TRAFFIC. I’m sure that’s everyone’s answer. But the great part about being an entrepreneur who works primarily from home is that I leave the house when I want, and typically that’s during non-peak hours if I can help it.

Pricing:

• Tutus and Twirls: Tutu Making workshop prices range from $25-$55
• Our fabulous tutus, flower girl dresses and costumes’ prices range from $29.99-$120
• Our custom shirts for adults range from $18.99-$29.99
• Tickets to The AOC’s annual productions(Aladdin 2019) FREE!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dashercreations.com
• Phone: 678-842-3325
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dashercreations
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dashercreations/
• Other: www.facebook.com/theartofconfidence

Image Credit:
B. Photo, Janelle C. Photography

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.