We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deshawn Holmes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deshawn below.

Deshawn , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

To help people achieve their goals in the hair industry. Giving kids other options outside of going to college. You can be a successful hair stylist in a growing industry. I also teach and hire my students. Giving opportunities and changing lives is our mission.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Deshawn Holmes. I’ve been a salon owner for over 9 years now. My salon specialize in Locs (dreads) as Im also licensed to cut hair was well. As a ex high school basketball player Ive always had a passion for sports which led me attending Specs Howard school of media arts. My ultimate dream was to work for ESPN. At end of my time with Specs, I was blessed with an internship with FOX 2 sports. I remember my first day of Specs Howard during orientation I stood up to introduce myself and what my goals were. Dick Kernan told me my dreams were to big and. I needed to think small and grow. I was so focused and determined “no” wasn’t an option. After my intern at FOX2 I got a job with ESPN. This was a dream come true. This was my most proud moment. During my time at ESPN I developed my writing skills and holds a column with the Detroit Smart pages for 5 years now. After I left ESPN I couldn’t get hired locally so I started teaching how to do locs & podcasting. On my journey the most satisfying part is giving back to others. Putting people in position to make a living. We all go through life thinking about self. I didn’t realize I would find the most fulfillment in helping people to find themselves or to be apart of their journey. Last but not least Ive created a hair product that I sell inside of the salon and in a local beauty supply that helps with hair growth. Were small now with much potential for growth.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Great question. Prior to me talking up doing Locs I cut hair only. During my time in Connecticut (ESPN) I met s brother who was not only a barber he did locs as well. His name was Cedric. I was referred to Cedric by my co workers and who would of thought 11 years later he would of inspired me to open my own salon. He planted the seed and it grew. Theres a women by the name of Ewanda. She was one of the first Locticians in Michigan to actually specialize in the craft. From Connecticut I reached out and asked her could she teach me the craft. And she happily did. I transitioned from a barber, production assistant to a Loctician, teaching & still doing what I love In sports. Ewanda was the ultimate humanitarian. She helped so many undecided/ under privileged people that had potential. She gave us a skill that not only put us in a better financial situation, she taught leadership and the value in helping others.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I would have to say giving kids options & teaching. Now we all know that college isn’t for everyone. The reality is some kids are undecided after graduation. You can make a really good living in the hair industry. I service a lot of high schoolers and parents. A goal of mines is to go to a school and actually talk to students to encourage them to at least think about hair school. Also teaching and watching my students go on to do great things like open their own business, get good and even travel. People take pride in their hair and appreciate a good stylist. Reading my published columns or people telling me they read our paper or giving me feedback is very rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.detroitsmartpages.com
• Instagram: loclife_dreadhut
• Facebook: Loclife Dread Hut

Image Credits
Photo credits: F-Alan Instagram : @f_alan future@f-alan.com