Donn Harrison of New Orleans on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Donn Harrison. Check out our conversation below.

Donn, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about my industry, especially in beauty services like lashes and hair is that we’re just trying to get clients to fund our lifestyles. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. What we’re offering is a luxury service, often provided at a solo or small-business scale.
Behind the scenes, we’re investing in high-quality products, continuous training, and countless hours of perfecting our craft to give our clients the best possible results. It’s not just about glam, it’s about professionalism, consistency, and care. The prices reflect not only the artistry and time involved, but also the business expenses that come with running a beauty brand independently.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Donn Marie, and I’m a 27-year-old licensed cosmetologist specializing in lash extensions and silk presses. I began doing lashes back in 2018, but I didn’t fully pursue my craft until 2022 when I decided to turn my passion into something purposeful and professional.
My brand is all about beauty expressed as luxury. Every appointment, even a consultation, should feel like a moment of self-care and relaxation. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and my goal is always to give my clients the best experience possible.
What makes my business unique is the personal attention I give to each client. I take the time to understand their lifestyle, tailor services to meet their specific needs, and recommend the right products and aftercare routines to help them get the most out of their beauty investment.
Right now, I’m focused on becoming a more versatile cosmetologist by continuing my education. I understand that beauty isn’t one size fits all, and I want to be equipped to serve any client who walks through my door, no matter their hair type, texture, or beauty concerns.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think I started seeing the world differently when I got to middle school. In elementary school, I wasn’t around the same group of kids consistently, so I assumed most of us lived similar lives. But in middle school, I began to notice real differences. Some kids came to school dressed differently, some had very involved parents, and others had access to resources I didn’t even know existed. That’s when I realized that life wasn’t the same for everyone, and if I wanted to succeed, I would have to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I saw kids selling candy, others taking care of their families, and many facing adult responsibilities at such a young age, yet they rarely complained. It opened my eyes to how different people’s circumstances can be, and it made me more determined to make the most of mine.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. When I was 23 or 24, I spent nearly $20,000 on business mentorship, marketing, and classes, only to realize most of it was a scam. I had been working with some companies I found on Instagram. We had exchanged services and payments before, and since we had built a relationship, I trusted them. I was excited to launch products like edge control, lash extensions, and headbands. They sent me samples I loved, but when the actual order arrived, the quality was completely different. That order alone cost me nearly $10,000.
About six months later, I found someone else offering help with business funding, marketing, and mentorship for a small fee compared to what I had already spent. I did my research and thought they were credible, but it turned out to be another scam. I received nothing. The website I was promised had broken links, I got denied for business funding multiple times because they gave me the wrong information, and I never received the mentorship, refund, or even an apology.
At that point, I was exhausted, discouraged, and ready to give up. But I turned to God and asked for guidance. I decided to focus on improving the services I was already offering. I started watching YouTube videos to learn the algorithms and joined groups with other entrepreneurs like me. Little by little, I rebuilt and rebranded. Within just a few months, I had scaled my business beyond what I lost. That experience taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the value of community.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to creating an experience. I believe that offering a personalized and memorable experience is what truly makes you stand out. When I started doing lashes in 2018, every client who came back mentioned the same reason — the experience they had with me.
I began working out of the living room in my apartment, with just a couch, a TV, and a lash bed. From the moment my clients walked in, I focused on making them feel comfortable. I would start with a short, informal consultation to help ease any nerves and build a connection. Before I began taping, I would always ask them to let me know if they felt any discomfort or needed anything adjusted.
My bed was layered with blankets and pillows, and many clients would fall asleep during their appointment if we weren’t talking. Each session took about four hours, but I used that time to create a peaceful, welcoming environment. At the end of the service, I would take pictures while the client was still resting. Since most people hadn’t done their hair yet, this helped avoid any feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness.
Before they left, I gave them an aftercare kit with brushes, lash shampoo, candy, and printed care instructions. They would also receive a mini version of the kit at every refill. This small gesture made a big difference. Many clients returned not just because of the results, but because they felt appreciated and taken care of.
A lot of other providers charge the same amount or more, but don’t offer any aftercare or personal touches. I’ve learned that clients value how you make them feel just as much as the service itself. Creating that kind of experience is something I’ll always be committed to, no matter how long it takes.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace on a fully booked day. Client after client, conversation after conversation, knowing that I made someone feel a little more beautiful or a little more at ease. Many clients leave not only with a service but with something that feels like therapy, and sometimes that’s worth more than anything else.
I genuinely enjoy what I do, so being in my studio, surrounded by my work, knowing that my craft is in demand, brings me a deep sense of peace. I feel blessed to be doing what I love, and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://etherealelmnts.as.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etherealelmnts_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EtherealELMNTS
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ethereal-elmnts-new-orleans