We were lucky to catch up with Desireé Irving recently and have shared our conversation below.

Desireé, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning for me first came with interest. Growing up, I really enjoyed looking at magazines like Hype Hair and Sophisticates to admire all the work inside. So that in a sense was a way for me to study and then try styles on myself. I was also FULLY interested in beauty culture as a whole, specifically in my community. There was a period of my life that I was fortunate enough to experience a Black hair salon. I was about 8 when I started going to the beauty salon throughout the year with my mom. Experiences like that have left a lasting impact on my life, and certainly helped to shape my path. So background aligned with curiosity then met opportunity of beauty school in my high school years, then mastering how and where to style through college, Honestly looking back, it just feels like this path has always been for me, I just didn’t know how it would come, or if I would be ready for whatever may come.

I would encourage those who are wanting to be strong as a professional, to seek out help. Getting the right support to help sharpen you is the best, and sometimes most humbling thing you can do. Support means mentorship, being an assistant first. Make sure you have strong foundations in areas you know you can use work in. Find different ways to submerge yourself in the areas you ultimately desire to be in, Never close yourself off to learning from someone, no matter the situation. Some of the most valuable skills you’ll learn may come in the most unforeseen circumstances, but in the best way!

I believe I was always looking for support in specific scenarios versus just receiving the lesson that was being presented at the time. If I would have learned more quickly to detach from the outcome, BUT STILL PRESS FORWARD, I think who I am as a creative would be that much more advanced. Lesson learned.

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

My name is Desiree Irving and I own a beauty brand called Desirv Beauty. Desirv is a play on my first and last name, but the meaning of the mission is much deeper. The vision behind Desirv Beauty is to be another vehicle that provides the Black, Brown and Indigenous people quality beauty services and resources. It is our mission provide the overall experience that the client wants but most of all deserves.

Currently, hair services are being provided in Los Angeles, as well as Oklahoma City. The brand has expanded from salon based work, to commercial, film, tv/podcasts, brand identity shoots, bridal and much more. There is also plan to continue on with resources and solutions by way of merchandise. Desirv Beauty will relaunch its product and hair tools line within the next year. To see continued updates, please connect with these socials: @desirvbeauty @haircare.dluxe.

I started ‘doing hair’ in middle school, really. The love for grooming and taking pride in the appearance of my hair came at an early age. When I was about 8 years old, I remember experiencing the beauty salon through the year with my mom and I still remember what impact that has on me to this day. The Black beauty salon experience in the early 90’s was really an unmatched time, in my opinion. There was a lot of pride and beautiful work that came from those times. I wish there were words to express the feeling of leaving the (beauty) chair and feeling YOUR best. At this point, I have been on both sides of the experience, and it is still as equally powerful when the feeling hits. I have a laundry list of valuable people to thank for exposure, teaching, sharing, etc. One day when there is a need for an acceptance speech, I will at least be prepared.

I’m proud of what has been done so far with this brand, this platform. I have been at work on my entrepreneurial beauty focused life for a while, and I can say most days it feels like it’s starting to pay off. My focus going forward is to always allow myself to refocus and for what is right. Refocus to keep order and balance in my integral responsibilities to what I’ve built, while making sure that I am a living testament of what the world perceives this all to be.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In a perfect world, I think that if we would have the first thought to buy small, we would be in a better place. Artist and creatives are doing things from a place of love and necessity, but the financial systems that support them can be what feels like slim to none. If we thought about replacing our everyday items and needs with a small business (or sole proprietor), it would make double the difference – by encouraging a growing / thriving ecosystem and creating an equal playing field for the quality of life. Small businesses help to power communities and can offer different benefits like increasing tourism dollars. As these things continue to be done, the cycle will produce a balanced and increasing secure financial system for us all.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My current goal is creating more deep rooted legacy. In recent times, I wake up everyday questioning what steps I can take to add shape to this world. I’m always in heavy thought about if what I’m doing with everything is good enough. And one thing I’ve learned about my life is that when you ask, you’ll eventually get the answer. My hope to create foundations so strong they outlast the generations to come. I am not ashamed to say that I want these businesses to thrive and create generational wealth, generational pride and purpose. I want my family and my community to look at my story and immediately see the meaning without question. I want the beauty world at large to see me as a valuable and desirable source that is loved by all, especially those of the Black, Brown and Indigenous diaspora. A brand that continued to be solid and elevating, useful and trendsetting. A brand that aged like fine wine but in a real way, continuously giving the beloved communities what they are currently asking for and deserve.      

Contact Info:

• Website: Desirv.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/desirvbeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desirvbeauty
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-irving-b7686797

Image Credits
Zen Twenty Nine Eric Jones Larry Traevon Paige S. Wilson Jasmine Beaulieu Alissa Rose Photo Laurien Decibel Taya Shawki Breleased Productions Dominique Samaniego Elise Gutierrez Wes Klain Ashley Zhao Niki Vega Aime Ramirez Tiffany Sade Brittaney Banks Luis Quintana Ava Raiin Art Cooks Ntombi Ashley Belle Tre’Vell Anderson Valerie Vonprisk Pablo Simental Fabian Guerrero