We recently connected with DeShayla Denson and have shared our conversation below.

DeShayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

As a small business owner, capital is definitely limited just starting out. You have to figure out where to cut costs. For me, that’s a few things but mainly, social media and marketing. Hiring a marketing team, just hasn’t been a priority in the budget for me. So, for that reason, I manage my own. From graphics, to popular trends in the industry, to researching and using my knowledge to entertain, but also educate. My industry, beauty, is one where a lot of opinions, get in the way of facts and I want to be a vessel of the facts. As a licensed cosmetologist, that is important to me, sharing knowledge on healthy hair, especially how to care for your hair and I try to portray that on my social media accounts. For example, on Tuesdays, I have a segment on my stories called “Hair Tip Tuesday”. It’s educational, yet entertaining and relatable because of my delivery. I actually enjoy content creation and planning, but it is still definitely a demanding part of being a business owner.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the owner of ShayDee Beauty Co., based here in Miami, Florida. My journey began as a little girl always mimicking my mom and sisters as they experimented with hair, makeup, and fashion trends. I was always interested in knowing more about it. My mom was very open to letting my sisters and I express ourselves, whether it be through beauty, fashion, performing arts, you name it, so we were always exploring in creative ways. ShayDee Beauty Co. started as ShayDee Customz, where I was just customizing items such as hats, backpacks, and fanny packs. But when I expanded my products and services to wigs, hair, accessories, and cosmetics, I rebranded with a new name and new look, because I knew I wanted to really start to take this entrepreneurship thing serious.

Initially, I went to college and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL in Spring 2019. Post-graduation, I moved back to Miami and quickly realized working the average 9-5 wasn’t for me. I wanted to pursue a career that I was passionate about. I started my YouTube channel, debuting my first video about the launch of my cosmetic line Let’s Talk Glam Collection. I rediscovered my passion for beauty. With the help of the pause the pandemic allowed me, I decided to take my business seriously. So in 2021, I decided to quit working and enrolled in cosmetology school. I knew right away that this was the career path for me. I attended school full-time for a year until I reached my 1,000 of 1,200 hours when my instructor felt that I could challenge the Board due to the work and determination I had exhibited. This past May, I passed the Cosmetology State Board Examination and became a licensed cosmetologist.

The name ShayDee Beauty Co. came pretty naturally because I knew I wanted to be the face of my brand, so I would name it after myself ‘ShayDee,’ which comes from my personal Instagram name @heyimshaydee and it involved something I love dearly, beauty. ShayDee Beauty Co. is a beauty and lifestyle brand that is committed to bringing out the beauty and confidence within every ShayBae. My company specializes in healthy hair care, extensions, wig construction and maintenance services, but I also provide hair accessories, and cosmetics (Let’s Talk Glam Collection).

I am most proud of my growth as a business owner, continuing to obtain all the knowledge that I can about my industry, which allows me to provide quality customer service to every client and customer. What sets ShayDee Beauty Co. apart is that it’s not just a beauty brand, it’s a lifestyle. ShayDee Beauty Co. is a marketplace for the Fierce, Fascinating, and Fun! My brand is all about catering to the everyday woman that likes to live a glamorous lifestyle without breaking the bank. I also pride myself on being professional, yet personable. I want my clients and customers to feel like I’m their homegirl, not just a company they’re giving money to.

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

The best source of new clients for me, has always been word of mouth. It’s rather easy in the business industry to grow when your work can speak for itself. It makes me so proud and happy to know that someone saw my work and thought to ask “Girl, who did your hair?” Wig making is so fun and I always welcome new clients with new ideas, colors, and cuts to spice up their look.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

Although I am not sponsored by Shopify, I should be because of all the praise I give them, lol! With that being said, I use Shopify as my website platform. When deciding, my main options were between Shopify and Wix. I chose Shopify for multiple reasons. One being the ease of making a website. It was beginner friendly, but it looks like a professional made it. Another reason is the in depth analytics. I am able to see my a complete financial summary including my net sales, gross profit, taxes, returns, etc., store sessions and conversion rates, and much more. The app integration is also great, I’m able to connect my instagram and other social media platforms, as well as apps for text marketing, product bundling, etc. Most recently, they’ve added Shopify Balance, where they send you a physical bank card that you can use as a debit, where funds directly from your sales are put, that way there are no fees and no waiting for the funds. Honestly, I don’t have any cons fro Shopify, as they are always improving.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shaydeebeautyco.com
• Instagram: @shaydeebeautyco
• Facebook: ShayDee Beauty Co.
• Twitter: @shaydeebeautyco
• Youtube: heyimshaydee