Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphanie Venning.
Hi Daphanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I guess my story began just like anyone else’s, I had a vision. I didn’t always understand it, but it was always there. I used to visit my grandmother every summer in Atlanta and she or my uncle would always take me to get my hair braided. I would always think like how do they do that? I loved sitting and watching other people get their hair done. It’s something about getting my hair done that relaxes me, not to mention I’m usually feeling myself after. I ended up leaving Charleston, SC and moving with my grandmother at 10 years old, but we couldn’t always get my hair braided, so I would ask her to buy the hair for me and I would just practice on myself. I would track braiding hair all over her carpet, but she encouraged me. In middle school, I was practicing on friends for $5. I’m talking hours of work, but I wanted the practice. I went back to Charleston, thankful for the opportunities my high school offered. I got my cosmetology license and went straight into working in Smart Styles inside Walmart while I was in college. I took a break from doing hair however that vision never left. I worked hard and went into business for myself. Now I’m back doing what I love, and I got other people out here feeling themselves too! A new hairstyle is honestly therapy and when you look good, you feel good in my opinion!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would be lying if I said there haven’t been struggles along the way. The biggest struggle was trusting myself and taking the leap of faith. It’s like in the beginning there was no fast income, I went days without appointments. I was no longer getting a regular paycheck every 2 weeks, so I had to get out there and promote myself. I was spending money not knowing if I would get it back or not, but I had to believe I would. During my break from the hair world, my cosmetology license expired and by the time I had any interest in getting it back I had to take both of the exams again. My exam dates got pushed back a few times due to covid, so I used the time to prep. I was terrified I hadn’t taken those tests in 13 years, but like I say I had a vision. I passed both test on my first attempt and once again became licensed. I truly believe what’s meant for me will always be. Now my biggest struggle is getting some of my little ones to sit still long enough to get their hair braided.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in hair braiding for women, men, and children. I’ve been in business for myself now for almost 3 years. The business name was chosen because I love what happens to people when they get their hair done. It’s the expressions on their face and the joy in their voice when they are in the mirrors. Y’all, I love what I do. My clients trust me to make them feel more beautiful. They trust me to get them ready for events, birthdays, vacations or even just because it’s their therapy. My space is a safe haven. They know they are able to be their true selves and it’s a no judgment zone. I’m honestly most proud of my customer service. I speak from the reviews that I receive as well as the referrals. I’m not perfect, I’m human but the love I receive is overwhelming. When I meet new clients and they tell me who referred them and the nice things they say, it warms my spirit because I know I’m walking toward my purpose.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe my dedication is my most important quality for the success of myself, my clients and my business.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Bryan Alston
@Mariondieli
Model: Tia Pridgen
