Meet Dee Brown

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dee Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dee, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Growing up, I was always a minority but felt comfortable because there were always a few people around who looked like me. However, everything changed when I attended a private university where Black students were few and far between. Most of us were athletes. After graduating and entering the professional world, I found myself in spaces with even fewer people of color. Throughout my career, I’ve only had four Black colleagues.

Navigating these environments taught me invaluable lessons. The lessons I’ve learned so far involves a blend of adaptability, cultural awareness, preparation, and authenticity. It’s about showing why diversity matters and being the best version of yourself to back it up.

Understanding how others prefer to communicate is so important. Cultural differences exist, and acknowledging them can make interactions smoother and more productive. If you are someone who is “set in their ways” or a “take me as I am” person you may struggle with this one. Learning to adapt is challenging but essential for success. Recognizing and respecting cultural differences can prevent misunderstandings and help build stronger relationships. This awareness has helped me connect and work effectively.

All of that really ties into reading the room. Knowing when and how to express yourself can significantly impact how you’re perceived. Actions can come across differently depending on the context, so understanding boundaries and relationships is key.

To stand out, I’ve learned to over-prepare, under-promise, and over-deliver. Exceeding expectations consistently creates a lasting impression and builds your personal brand. This requires discipline and consistency but is so rewarding.

Above all, being true to yourself is #1. Authenticity builds trust and respect. People appreciate the genuine you, and your unique perspective is valuable regardless of what others or media may lead you to believe. Don’t let being the only one get in your head—show them why more diversity is needed!

My journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the power of representation. By succeeding in these spaces, I demonstrate the value of diversity and pave the way for others who look like me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Dathisha (Dot-tee-sha) but I go by Dee. I’m the proud owner of Alluring Artistry Beauty + Wellness Spa. My journey into the spa industry began with a passion for lashes, wellness and self-care. I’ve always believed in the power of self care. You have to feel good to look good!

This belief inspired me to create a space where people can relax, rejuvenate, and find a moment of peace in their busy lives. My goal is to help people plan self care instead of trying to plan it in. Self care is realistic.

What excites me most about my spa is the personalized experience we offer. Each client receives tailored treatments that meet their unique needs, whether it’s a soothing massage, a revitalizing facial, holistic wellness therapies or natural beauty enhancements. We pride ourselves on creating a serene environment where everyone feels welcome and pampered.

One of the special aspects of my spa is our commitment to beauty + wellness which means none of our services require any down time. I believe that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Our clients appreciate the care and attention to detail that goes into selecting the best products for their treatments.

Currently, we’re working on expanding our services to include more wellness sessions, workshops and events. We want to offer our clients not just treatments but also education on how to maintain their well-being at home. This includes yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, and nutritional advice. Additionally, we just launched skincare products that I’m incredibly excited about – Alluring Artistry SKIN. These products have been carefully formulated to enhance our clients’ skincare routines and bring the spa experience into their homes.

I’d love for everyone to know that my spa is a place of inclusivity and relaxation. We’re here to help you unwind and take care of yourself in a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the daily grind or a comprehensive wellness plan, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you are in the midwest tap in!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities and skills that I believe were most impactful in my success: adaptability, resilience, and effective communication.

1. Adaptability: Being able to adapt to different situations and environments has been crucial. Whether it was navigating a diverse college environment or working in professional settings, adaptability allowed me to thrive. For those early in their journey, I recommend putting yourself in new and challenging situations regularly. This could be through travel, taking on new roles, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at adjusting and thriving in various scenarios.

2. Resilience: Building resilience has helped me overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward, even when things got tough. This quality is essential, especially when you face challenges or setbacks. To develop resilience, focus on maintaining a positive mindset, setting realistic goals, and learning from failures. Surround yourself with supportive people who can offer encouragement and guidance during tough times. Oh, and another thing – stay prayed up!

3. Effective Communication: Understanding and mastering different communication styles have been pivotal in building relationships and achieving success. Being able to express yourself clearly and understand others can bridge gaps and foster collaboration. To improve your communication skills, actively seek feedback, practice active listening, and engage in public speaking or networking opportunities. The more you communicate, the more confident and effective you’ll become.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace continuous learning and growth. Stay curious, seek out new experiences, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Ask for feedback! Each experience, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Lastly, always be true to yourself and your values. Authenticity is a powerful tool that will help you build genuine connections and stand out in any field.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who values self-care and is committed to their overall well-being but might not think it is possible to partake due to their schedule. They are looking for a personalized, high-quality spa experience. Here are a few characteristics that make someone an ideal client for my spa:

Open-Mindedness: An ideal client is open to trying new treatments and experiences. They trust our expertise and are willing to explore different therapies to achieve their wellness goals.

Commitment to Wellness: They understand that wellness is a journey, not a one-time event. They are dedicated to incorporating self-care practices into their routine and see our spa as a partner in their wellness journey.

Appreciation for Quality: Our ideal client values the quality of the products and services we offer. They are discerning and recognize the benefits of using natural and organic products for their treatments.

Respect for the Environment: They appreciate the serene and peaceful environment we’ve created and respect the space and time of other clients. They understand that the spa is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Willingness to Learn: Our ideal client is eager to learn more about wellness and self-care. They are interested in the workshops and events we offer and are keen to apply the knowledge they gain to their daily lives.

Overall, the ideal client for my spa is someone who is looking for more than just a quick fix—they are seeking a holistic approach to wellness that aligns with their values and lifestyle. They see the spa as a sanctuary where they can escape the stresses of daily life and invest in their well-being.

At Alluring Artistry Beauty it is our pleasure to make self-care realistic for everyone’s lifestyle by offering custom luxury beauty experiences that refresh your mindset and enhance your natural glow. Specializing in eyelash extensions, brows, skin care, waxing + so much more. Let us take care of you so you can focus more on what matters to you!

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