We recently connected with Dioneshia Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dioneshia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

I can easily speak on the “things” I’ve accomplished in my life, but the truth is this: had it not been for my parents giving me a solid foundation, the road I’ve traveled would have been much harder. They taught me what love looks like, how to stay focused in the midst of chaos, how to steward well, show compassion to everyone, and never compromise my beliefs. I am who I am because God blessed me with parents who carry such beautiful spirits.

Because of them, I’m able to extend a helping hand by uplifting and empowering youth through my nonprofit, Braids And Business Education (B.A.B.E.). Through this program, we equip young people with mentorship, creative braiding skills, and the knowledge needed to build strong foundations in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Both my mother and father were entrepreneurs—my dad a true jack-of-all-trades who worked nonstop. Watching them showed me the dedication and sacrifice it takes to run a business while still working a 9–5, all while still being great parents. That exposure planted something deep in me, helping me believe that I, too, could bring my dreams to life. Now, I encourage my students to believe the same.

It’s funny because growing up I always told myself, “I’m never working with kids,” especially since my mom owned a daycare, worked at a daycare, and constantly turned our home into a place of safety for other children and family. Our house stayed full. But ironically, after college I found myself working in an elementary school in the Autism unit as a paraprofessional, later opening my own business—Xpression Hair Studio—where I specialized in children’s hair care. And here I am today, creating a safe space for youth to explore their creativity while building sound fundamentals in business, all while remaining true to themselves and giving back to the community.

Because of what my parents poured into me, I’m able to give back whole heartedly and lead by example for young girls who may not yet see themselves represented as often in the beauty and business industry.

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.

Great morning! (If you ever meet me in person and I don’t greet you with a great morning, something is not right ☺️). My name is Dioneshia Johnson, wife to Moses Johnson and mother to our blended family of five beautiful children. I am the President and Founder of Braids And Business Education (B.A.B.E.), an organization I formally launched as a nonprofit in 2023 after several years of serving the community through free youth braid and business classes.

I am a proud Florida native, a woman of faith, a retired braider, and an entrepreneur who truly believes that my craft is my ministry. My passion for braiding began at just 12 years old during a family reunion. My cousin and I sat on the bedroom floor practicing braids, and in that simple moment, I discovered the gift God placed in my hands. I didn’t know it then, but that afternoon would eventually grow into a lifelong purpose of serving others through creativity, education, and empowerment.

In received my Bachelors Degree in Business Management of 2010 from Webber International University and in 2017, after stepping away from Corporate America, I began braiding full-time from home. One day, while braiding a young client’s hair, she looked up at me and said, “Miss Dee, you should teach girls my age how to braid!” Her words sparked something in me. In 2018, I launched my very first “Business and Braids Class”, completely free to my community, serving roughly 10 young girls. Those classes were funded from my salon, Xpression Hair Studio, a few people I knew who believed in my vision, and they became a safe space for youth to learn a hands-on skill, grow their confidence, and explore entrepreneurship.

Over time, the vision expanded. The youth in our classes weren’t just learning to braid—they were learning discipline, creativity, professionalism, and the belief that they could build something of their own. That growth inspired me to officially establish B.A.B.E. as a nonprofit in 2023, allowing us to reach more young people and create structured programs, camps, workbooks, journals, mentorship, and hands-on lessons rooted in excellence and biblical values.

Today, the B.A.B.E. program serves K–12 students by teaching natural hair care, braiding fundamentals, business basics, financial literacy, marketing, and self-development. Each session begins with prayer, encourages character, and emphasizes the importance of using your gifts to serve others. What sets us apart is the environment we create—one where culture, creativity, and confidence intersect.

One of the most meaningful parts of our work is our summer initiatives, which intentionally expose our youth—many of whom are Black and Brown girls—to volunteer business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who look like them. Representation matters. Our girls need to see themselves reflected in leadership, in business, and in positions of influence. When they witness women who look like them thriving, serving, and succeeding, it becomes real. It becomes possible. And they begin to envision themselves in those same spaces.

As we continue to grow, we stay anchored to our mission and vision:

Our Mission:
To inspire and equip youth with mentorship, creative braiding skills, and the knowledge to build strong foundations in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Our Vision:
Empowering youth to braid success, confidence, and independence into their futures.

Ultimately, what I want readers and future supporters to know is this: B.A.B.E. is more than a program—it’s an investment in the next generation. We are shaping leaders, cultivating creativity, building confidence, and teaching young people that their gifts can unlock doors. And I am honored to be a part of that journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life and career came as a result of my Lupus diagnosis. For years, I worked tirelessly behind the chair—braiding, building my business, and serving my clients—without truly listening to my body. I experienced pain that I couldn’t fully explain or understand, and I kept pushing through, thinking that hard work alone would carry me.

Eventually, the pain became impossible to ignore, and I realized I had to step away from being behind the chair. At first, it was incredibly isolating and confusing. I felt like I had lost a part of myself—my identity as a business owner, my routine, my purpose. I didn’t fully understand why I was in so much pain, and the world around me didn’t either.

But in that season, I found a new kind of clarity. I pivoted from being solely focused on clients to investing more deeply in B.A.B.E. I realized that my time could be better spent growing the program, mentoring youth, and creating opportunities for the next generation of young entrepreneurs and braiders. What initially felt like a setback became a transformative moment, teaching me to prioritize my physical and mental health, set boundaries, and lean into the work that truly mattered.

Today, I view my diagnosis not as a limitation, but as a redirection—a wake-up call to care for myself while serving others. It’s shaped how I teach the youth in B.A.B.E.: I emphasize the importance of listening to your body, establishing healthy boundaries, balancing work and rest, and putting your well-being first. I want them to understand that success is not just about skill or hustle—it’s about sustainability, self-care, and building a life that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.

This pivot didn’t just change my life—it strengthened my purpose. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be: leading B.A.B.E., empowering youth, and showing them that even when life throws unexpected challenges your way, you can pivot, grow, and thrive.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Ohh Sandra—the friend I didn’t even know I needed! I first saw her work on Instagram and loved what she was doing, so I’d send potential clients her way even though we’d never met. In 2021, I invited her to volunteer with B.A.B.E., helping teach the girls new braiding skills. From that very first day, we just clicked.

Her daughters were part of the program, and even after they grew up, Sandra never stopped showing up. She became an incredible support and eventually stepped in as Vice President of B.A.B.E. Her love for kids, their growth, and their well-being is unmatched—she just gets it.

Sandra was also a true blessing during my Lupus diagnosis. She helped me shift my mindset from “I have a disease” to understanding that my body was in dis-ease, and reminded me constantly to “Lean on Him.” I honestly don’t know how I would’ve gotten through that season without her and a few other close family and friends. Sandra is more than a co-founder—she’s family, a friend, and a daily reminder that having the right people around you changes everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://braidsandbusinesseducation.my.canva.site
• Instagram: @b.a.b.education_
• Facebook: Braids And Business Education
• Youtube: Braids And Business Education

Image Credits

Theresa Miles