Today we’d like to introduce you to Dejah Brown.
Hi Dejah. Please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Previously, I had been a preschool teacher in Anchorage, Alaska. When Covid hit, I was furloughed due to my health issues, Hashimoto’s/Hypothyroidism. During this time, I was able to think and reflect. I had been doing my nails for years and always had an interest. Quarantine gave me time to think about what I wanted out of life. I almost immediately enrolled in Evergreen Beauty College in Washington state. This meant moving myself and my family out of Alaska to Washington. We had already moved from Missouri to Alaska in 2018. I was determined. Their program was one of the best in the country. It also included a business management and entrepreneurship course and their nail program. I began my nail journey in November 2020 and graduated in April 2021. I then took my written and practical state board testing and became a licensed nail tech in July 2021. I would drive 2 and a half hours to school and another 2 and a half hours home from school 5 days a week. Getting home at 11:30 every night was rough, considering I didn’t have much time with my children, Aamira and Kenzo. However, it was worth it in the long run. After graduation, I discovered I love doing press-on nails just as much as a full acrylic sets. I decided that I would be a nail tech that does both. I’ve always been into art, so drawing on nails was something I thought I would try. It turns out I’m pretty good at it. Not quick yet, but I love it. Full sets and press-ons are my passion; nails are my passion. Recently my little family moved back to KC due to needing to be close to family. The support since my move back has been nothing short of amazing! Knowing that everyone loves my work and believes in me means so much. It’s my motivation to keep pushing, and I’m just getting started!
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been rough. Moving my family from Alaska to Washington so that I could go to school wasn’t easy. Neither drove 2 and a half hours to school 5 days a week.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Nails are my specialty, for sure. I’m still learning and still growing in my field. I am proud of the fact that I pushed through school even on days I felt like giving up. I am thankful for the support I have gotten from family after showing how serious I am about my passion. It feels good to know they believe in me and are rooting for me. One thing that sets me apart is that I love nail art. I can draw most things on nails; mostly press ons I need more work with nail art on full sets.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I became a mother at a young age. At the age of 20 I had my daughter, Aamira, and moved to South Korea at the end of 2008. That was an interesting experience that taught me a lot. My second child, my son Kenzo, was born 8 years later in 2016. Each of my children have changed my life in different ways. I want them to see how hard I’m working to accomplish my dreams and goals. I am building a business they can be proud of and have a hand in. I want to leave something behind for my babies. Generational wealth is important to me. Hopefully next year my little business will blossom and I will have my own suite. I am grateful for the opportunity to have my work seen and recognized.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Freshsets_byDej
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Just.Cherokee
