Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deshay Styles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deshay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work didn’t happen overnight for me it was definitely a journey. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and the owner of my own brand, and I’ve always had a passion for doing hair, but turning that into consistent income took strategy, growth, and a lot of faith.

In the beginning, I was focused more on the craft than the business side. I knew how to do great work, but I had to learn how to market myself, price my services correctly, and build a steady clientele. Social media played a huge role I started posting consistently, showing my work, and letting people see not just the results but the experience.

One of my biggest turning points was when I stopped treating it like a side hustle and started treating it like a business. That meant setting income goals, creating a structured price list, branding myself, and being intentional about who I wanted to serve. I also started offering a wider range of services and creating packages to increase my average ticket per client.

It definitely wasn’t like that from day one. There were slow periods, moments of doubt, and times where I had to adjust my approach. But each phase taught me something whether it was improving my skills, building confidence, or understanding my worth.

If I could speed up the process knowing what I know now, I would have focused earlier on branding, consistency, and financial planning. I would have also invested sooner in marketing and not undervalued my services.

Now, I’m in a place where I’m not only earning from my craft, but I’m building something bigger a brand, a platform, and opportunities beyond just being behind the chair. And for me, that’s what makes it worth it.

Deshay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jessica Cunningham, also known as De’Shay Styles, and I am a licensed cosmetologist and the CEO of Diligent Hands Hair Studio Located in Irving TX at 504 Salon. My journey started at a very young age I began doing hair when I was just eight years old. What started as a childhood passion quickly became something I knew I was called to do. I’ve always had a natural love for hair and creativity, but more importantly, I loved how it made people feel.

Over the years, that passion grew into a purpose. My main focus has always been to give people the look they desire while creating an experience that leaves them feeling confident, seen, and happy. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing someone smile after their service and knowing I was able to bring joy to their day. That feeling alone makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something meaningful.

I offer a wide range of services including braids, locs, weaves, hair extensions, color, natural hair care, wig installations, and men’s styles. I pride myself on versatility and attention to detail, making sure each client gets a customized look that fits their lifestyle and personality. Whether it’s a protective style, a transformation, or maintenance, I approach every service with care, professionalism, and intention.

What sets me apart is not just my skill, but my heart behind what I do. I don’t just style hair I build relationships, create safe spaces, and help people feel their best from the inside out. My brand is built on diligence, consistency, and genuine care for every person who sits in my chair.

One of the things I’m most proud of is turning something I’ve loved since childhood into a growing business and brand. I’ve learned how to not only perfect my craft but also build a platform that allows me to inspire others, especially women who want to turn their passion into purpose.

I want potential clients and supporters to know that when you come to me, you’re not just booking a service you’re investing in an experience. My goal is always to make sure you leave better than you came, not just in how you look, but in how you feel.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most defining moments of my journey and a true example of my resilience was a season where I was pregnant, homeless, and had lost everything. I was living in a hotel, trying to figure out my next steps, while carrying a child and doing everything I could to hold it together for my family. I had an eviction on my record, and at that time, I truly didn’t know what I was going to do or how things were going to come together.

But even in that season, I didn’t stop.

Every single day, I still showed up to the salon with a smile on my face. My clients didn’t know what I was going through behind the scenes. I stayed consistent, professional, and dedicated to my craft. I was tired, uncertain, and figuring things out in real time but I refused to give up. I kept working, saving, and trusting God, even when I couldn’t see the outcome.

That season strengthened my faith in a way I can’t fully explain. I truly believe God sends destiny helpers at the right time and that’s exactly what happened for me. Someone saw my consistency, my work ethic, and my determination. They didn’t know everything I was going through, but they saw that I didn’t give up. They chose to be a blessing in my life and helped position me and my family for something greater.

Because of that and because God allowed it I went from not knowing what I was going to do next, to living in a fully furnished three-bedroom home with stability and a fresh start for my family, along with reliable transportation. That transition was nothing but God, combined with perseverance and obedience.

That experience changed me forever. It taught me that even when life feels uncertain, showing up still matters. Staying consistent still matters. Believing still matters. And when you don’t give up, God will open doors you could never open on your own.

Now, I carry that with me in everything I do. I don’t just do hair I create an experience that pours into people, because I know what it feels like to need light in a dark season. I want every person who sits in my chair to leave not just looking better, but feeling uplifted, confident, and reminded that their situation can change.

I’m most proud that I didn’t quit. I kept going when I didn’t know how things would work out and now I can say with confidence that everything I went through was part of the process, and God never left me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is deeply driven by purpose. My mission is to not only transform hair, but to uplift, restore confidence, and pour into people through my work. My brand, Diligent Hands Hair Care, is built on the foundation of “Blessing Crowns with Diligence,” and that’s something I truly live by.

For me, hair is more than just a service it’s connected to identity, confidence, and how people feel about themselves. My goal is to make sure every person who sits in my chair leaves feeling better than they came, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Everything I’ve been through starting young, facing hardship, and rebuilding in a new city has shaped how I serve others today. It gave me a deeper level of compassion and intention. I understand that people carry things they don’t always speak on, so I create a space where they can feel safe, valued, and uplifted.

Moving from Las Vegas to Dallas was a part of that mission as well. I came here with a vision to rebuild my life, reconnect, and share my talent in a new environment. That journey taught me that your environment may change, but your purpose doesn’t it only grows.

Long term, my mission is bigger than just doing hair. I want to grow Diligent Hands Hair Care into a recognized brand, teach others, and inspire people especially women to turn their passion into purpose and not give up on themselves, no matter what they’re facing. I want my story to show that even when you have to start over, you can still win.

At the end of the day, I’m not just building a business I’m building impact, legacy, and something that reflects the grace and favor God has placed on my life.

Booking: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/DeshayStyles
• Instagram: @DeshayStyles
• YouTube: De’Shay Styles
• Lemon8: jessica_deshay

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.diligenthandshaircare.com
• Instagram: @DeshayStyles
• Facebook: DeShay Styles
• Youtube: De’Shay Styles
• Other: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/DeshayStyles

  Tik tok Jessica_Deshay

Image Credits

Michael Anthony Photography
Krystal Medearis