Community Highlights: Meet Da’Shona Martin of Dee’s Authentic Tresses

Today we’d like to introduce you to Da’Shona Martin.

Hi Da’Shona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been passionate about where I come from, and have lived off of 31st street my whole life. I’ve seen family, friends, businesses, neighbors, etc. come and go. So, when I was in my senior year of high school I took a seat and step back.

I re-evaluated what I wanted to do and where I was going. I knew I was going to business school but the questions “for what?” and “then what?” were constantly in my head. Then, it just kind of clicked for me.

What’s something that I’m good at (taking leadership roles and having a direct vision (i.e. the business aspect) + something that I’m passionate about (helping each person that works with me to have a strong sense of self-confidence and a melted scalp (i.e. hair extensions services) + something that I can make a staple in my city (something that’s here for a good time AND a long time).

This all equaled my formula to Dee’s Authentic Tresses.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all!

My senior year of high school was between the years of 2018 and 2019, and I didn’t officially launch until December 19th of 2021. That’s about 3 years of time that I spent searching through vendors, business plans, a pandemic, and a major loss in my family; just to name a few things.

And that doesn’t even begin to touch post-launching and having to face a more internal journey (that I am still on) of finding myself while finding my business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dee’s Authentic Tresses?
Dee’s Authentic Tresses is an upcoming one-stop-shop for any of your hair extension needs. I currently specialize in providing pre-made and custom wigs, along with bundles, closures, and frontals while I’m strengthening my skill set in installing all of these hair extensions.

I believe what sets me apart from others is the honesty and openness that I offer in my business. All of my #DATGirls have watched me from when I had super choppy videos, blurry photos, and sometimes even a misspelled caption. They have watched me grow into an extensions stylist that they feel comfortable coming to with their concerns and for any tips or training they’d desire.

The main thing that I would want everyone to know about D.A.T. (an abbreviation that has come in handy from one of my loyal girlies) is that as I continue to grow in my skill set, so will the services Dee’s Authentic Tresses will offer to each of you.

This is truly the beginning of where I plan to take my business and my mark on Kansas City, Missouri.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone wanting to start a business, a brand, or a “movement” is to not be afraid to do it.

There is no market “too over-saturated” or something that’s already been done. You have something to offer that is originally and authentically you!

No, I appreciate each and every lesson I had to go through to get here; because it makes me value and not take for granted where I am at this very moment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/deesauthentictresses
• Facebook: facebook.com/deesauthentictresses

Image Credits
@deesauthentictresses and @reesimaging