We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Demetriah Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Demetriah, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I didn’t finished college at Tennessee State University, I got pregnant at the age of 20 and had my first child on my 21st birthday. After, 6 months I got pregnant with my second child. My life was very chaotic back then from mentally. physically, emotionally and financially. I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew was I wanted more, wanted to do more, and needed more. I really felt like a bum, Ahaa. I lost my identity as a person; I was chasing the wrong things. I only knew how to be a mom. I believe as a human being, a person it’s important for you to know who you are. After a few years, I realized that enough was enough and I had to figure out who was Demetriah. I start writing down all the things I wanted to do and accomplish. I start checking them off one by one. I always wanted to do lashes extensions. I had two toddlers It was rough for me to even think about time for myself. I started my business during covid. I was working as Credit Analyst for HireRight. I was very overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid. I was tired I am like something has got to give!!! It started off as lash brand where I sold my own strips and supplies. I only sold them to my friends and family (I was still second guessing myself Ahaa). I did more research on doing lash extensions. I seen you had to have a license here in the State of TN. I researched schools, graduated from Paul Mitchell in December 2021, and I got my license as your favorite esthetician in March 2022.

I believe starting at the time it did was on god’s timing. It came at the right time. I faced a lot of hurdles during this time in finding myself. God purposely put you in different seasons in order to prepare you for the path he has ordain for you. He has showed up in ways nobody has ever has. I never felt alone during this process even when I was faced with a lot of trials. He was with me every step of the way. I don’t regret one decision. I followed my heart and prayed on it. I didn’t know how I was going to go to school at night after working and also taking care of two kids. Without him, it just wouldn’t have been possible. It was a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of crying, and a lot of failed relationships. I made it through. I’m blessed for the journey and it’s timing. It’s never too late to follow your dreams.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Demetriah. Born and raised in Nashville, TN. I also moved around a few places all over the world. It started off as lash brand where I sold my own strips and supplies. I only sold them to my friends and family (I was still second guessing myself Ahaa). I did more research on doing lash extensions. It was required for you to have an esthetician or cosmetology license here in the State of TN. I knew I was horrible about doing my own hair, so cosmetology was a huge NO! I researched schools, graduated from Paul Mitchell in December 2021, and I got my license as your favorite esthetician in March 2022. I offer Lash Extensions and Body Waxing. I help woman enhance their beautiful features. My most popular service I offer is Classic and Hybrid lash extensions.

I take pride in my work and I’m very passionate about what I do. I believe what sets me apart is I am always willing to learn. You never stop learning. I am also compassionate and realize my clients are humans just as well as I am. It’s always feels good when making your own money. I also understand that everyone is a good candidate for certain services. I will turn you around and turn you down If I feel as if a service isn’t best for your health or may cause damage to you. My client’s safety and health are always my top priority at OnlyByDemetriah. I haven’t met not one stranger out of all of clients. I’m proud that my clients have found me to be their safe place. They have been my safe place! The love and laughter never end. Again, I am always open to criticism, so my clients never feel as if they are afraid to tell me what something is they do not like. I am willing to

fix it. I think it’s important for clients to feel safe where they are spending their money. The economy is hard as is no one wants their money to go to waste.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

MANNNN, I had to learn that you can’t expect you out of everyone else. Not everyone is going to support you. Your biggest supporters when starting off is going to be strangers. People you never knew existed but you’re going to be blessed in finding those clients. They tend to have more to offer than your close friends and family. DO NOT bank on your friends and family. Don’t get in your feelings about it. Keep it pushing. Stay consistent. They will support you when you’re popular. That’s when you really won’t be looking for their support.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth! It’s still a thing. You have to be consistent with your brand. Clients love to consistency, they need it. I am very introverted it’s wild I even thought about being in this industry. Networking has been a thing tough but very rewarding for me. DON”T BE SCARED TO TALK TO PEOPLE!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.onlybydemetriah.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: onlybydemetriah
• Facebook: ONLYBYDEMETRIAH
• Linkedin: Demetriah Smith

Image Credits
Picture of myself was shot by ChildishArt ; Reggie Kiddo Alexander