Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnesha Cole.
Hi Darnesha; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always wanted barbie dolls for Christmas so that I could do their hair. One Christmas year, my mom and dad bought me and my sister-cousins all Mannequin heads. We were maybe around 8 years old. I was super excited because, at that very moment, I just knew that I wanted to do hair as my profession! Growing up back home in Chicago, making sure your hair was a “Big Thing!” My mom was not big on doing hair, but she knew how to do it if she needed to! Saturday mornings were dedicated to getting to a particular salon and sitting all day just so my mom’s favorite stylist could service us. I never realized until this moment how those seeds of my becoming a stylist aligned until this moment! I always enjoyed the conversations in the salon, the snacks, and, most importantly, how it made me feel once we left. I wanted to ensure I implemented those things I enjoyed growing up into the salon space I provide for my clients! My motto is, “IF YOUR HAIR LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD!” This doesn’t feel like a 9-5 for me. I love what I do! It shows not only in my work but also in the relationship I build with each client. It was not easy getting to this point, though. It took a lot of praying, fasting, and writing my desires and affirmations. I had to fully seek God and ask him not to allow me to be fearful but to step out on faith and fully trust him. I was presented with many opportunities to work in salons, but fear always took over. Last year in 2021, I gave birth to my third son and lost my mom two days apart. I was in a very sad place in my life. But even with all I was dealing with, I knew I did not want to return to Corporate America. So that’s when my talks with God became a lot stronger, my thoughts became clearer, and I did not feel afraid anymore. I felt confident and fearless! I just knew everything would work out for me, and it did! I have a great support system! My family and close friends reminded me of those things I would speak as a child to a young teen in high school that this is what I always wanted to do. They believed in me enough to be my support system til this day! I’m so grateful because I get to be available for my children! They also get to see that mommy is living out her dream! I want them to be able to dream big and live out theirs too! If I had one regret, that would be not stepping out sooner! But everything happens just the way that it needs too. I’m a lot more mature and focused and appreciative of everything! And with our newest addition to the family, I can continue to run my In-Home Salon Business and be a Super Mom all in one!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, this has not been a smooth road. The difficulty with being a business owner, especially a Hair Stylist, is that if your client can’t make it or doesn’t show up for their appointment, that money is not accounted for. So If I don’t have anyone to service, I don’t collect a paycheck. That cannot be easy, especially when you have bills and a family to support! You must budget accordingly. That includes supplies to run your business successfully.
As you know, we’re big fans of She Rock Hair Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Darnesha, but everyone calls me Nesha or Nesh! I attended FSCJ cosmetology program right after high school in 2008! Since I moved to Fl from Chicago in 2004, I built my name by braiding hair! I own She Rock Hair Studio, an In-Home Based salon that offers a variety of services to everyone! Braids started as my specialty, but now I specialize in many other services like Starter Locs and loc maintenance. Sew-ins, crochet styles, natural hair care, and many other services. One thing that sets me apart from other stylists is the relationships I build with each client, down to the princess clients I have and my Shampoo services! You have to experience the magic I provide through my shampoo service. I am most proud of being able to run a successful business while being a stay-at-home mom. I want people to experience the services I provide to get a feel for who I am! Anyone can do great hair, but it’s about building that relationship with the person you trust enough to take care of your crown! I want to get to know you and your hair and educate you on proper hair care.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
The advice I would give to someone is to do it! How will you know if it will or won’t work unless you try? Seek God in everything you do, and give thanks for all things, big and small! Celebrate all steps because it took you to take a step for you to celebrate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sherockhairstudio.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/she_rock_hair_studio_llc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sherockhairstudio
Image Credits
@bracyphotos
