We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deja Hospey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Deja, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered that working with hair was my true calling because I have always been naturally drawn to it. As a child, I loved transforming my Barbie dolls and mannequin heads with unique and creative hairstyles. In high school, I began taking on clients, but at the time, I viewed it more as a side hustle than a potential career path. I decided to pursue a degree in business, which confirmed that entrepreneurship was in my future, but I hesitated to fully embrace that passion.
In September 2023, financial struggles left me doubting my passion for hair. I was ready to give it up and secure a traditional job due to scarcity. It felt as though I was losing both my vision and faith in my craft. However, through prayer and following God’s guidance, I continually found myself led back to my purpose. In December 2023, I enrolled in cosmetology school—a step I could take without any out-of-pocket costs, which felt like a sign that I was on the right path.
Balancing cosmetology school with a full-time job was challenging, and I often felt like I was navigating life all wrong. Yet, God made a way. In February 2024, I took a leap of faith and left my job to pursue hair full-time, and I haven’t looked back since. My days are often filled from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. creating styles that make people feel beautiful and confident. I love every moment of it—bringing visions to life, creating beauty, and building trust with my clients has truly made me feel more fulfilled than ever before.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Deja Hosley, and I am a luxury hairstylist specializing in low-tension hairstyles, color, extensions, and healthy hair care. The most exciting part of my craft is creating moments that leave my clients genuinely amazed. Hearing clients say, “You always get me right; that’s why I always come back,” is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the relationships I’ve built. Beyond delivering exceptional styles, I prioritize unparalleled customer service and attentiveness. I’m dedicated to providing personalized experiences, building lasting bonds, and ensuring every client feels beautiful and valued.
My brand embodies and celebrates hardworking women who love to invest in self-care, focus on healthy hair, and strive to achieve their hair goals. I am passionate about guiding clients—both ladies and gentlemen—on their journey to grow their hair, experiment with creative styles, and protect their natural tresses.
Recently, I’ve been expanding my craft into editorial, commercial productions, and creative photoshoots, bringing to life unorthodox styles that blend modern twists with classic, timeless designs.
On the horizon, I’m excited to announce the relaunch of my hair product line, Nature’s Touch, designed to help clients maintain healthy hair at home and between appointments.
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?
The three qualities that have had the most significant impact on my journey are consistency, resilience, and diligence. Entrepreneurship is far from easy; it demands a deep-rooted passion to drive these qualities forward. I began doing hair consistently in 2017, and now in 2024, I’ve elevated my brand, established a clear vision, and am finally in a position to enjoy the rewards of years of hard work. It is especially rewarding to have clients who have supported me since 2017 and continue to do so.
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial paths, I encourage you to establish a clear vision, recognize your value, and remain consistent in your efforts. A well-defined vision will help you maintain focus on your objectives, while understanding your value enables you to communicate authentically about your services, products, or craft. Consistency remains essential; by consistently showing up, you will keep your services top of mind for your clients and attract the audience you aspire to reach.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I believe that prioritizing self-care is essential when managing feelings of being overwhelmed. I make it a point to conduct weekly check-ins with myself to assess how I’m feeling, whether I’m prepared for the week, whether I’ve met my goals, and what new goals I should set. For me, feeling overwhelmed often stems from overthinking and not taking enough proactive action. This is why self-care is non-negotiable—it keeps me grounded.
Life can move quickly, and it’s easy to neglect yourself unknowingly. By regularly checking in on my mental health, I ensure I’m staying balanced. My self-care routines can vary from journaling and taking a refreshing nap to indulging in retail therapy or pampering myself with a manicure and pedicure. Whatever it may be, finding ways to recharge and reconnect with myself helps me regain focus and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbydej.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbydej._?igsh=NWhmMXZkMzhyb216
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