Meet Deonna Simon | Deonna Simon—Kings Kid & Serial Creative Entrepreneur
We had the good fortune of connecting with Deonna Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Deonna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my business is truly God. My business was birthed in one of the hardest seasons of my life during a time of depression and little hope. I had always loved braiding and doing makeup, but I never saw it as a career for my life. My dream since childhood was to actually become a doctor but after high school, things didn’t go as planned. Some unexpected events kept me from going to college, and I fell into a season of sadness, comparison, and grief. While my closest friends were starting the next chapters of their lives, I was grieving the loss of what I thought would be my reality as well. But even in that difficult space, little did I know that God was stirring something up. My family kept encouraging me to share my gift for braiding, reminding me that I should have confidence in myself. One day I finally listened & caved in. I created an Instagram page, uploaded the photos I had been taking of my work, and started sharing it publicly. Slowly but surely, new clients started coming—first through word of mouth, then through social media. Around that time, “Lemonade Braids” were trending, and that style alone had me booked and busy almost overnight!
Eight years later, that same business has not only sustained me but also helped me grow into the woman I am today, meet incredible people, and experience opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined. It has been my main source of income all these years, and a constant reminder that when you give God your yes, there’s no telling what He can do with your life. I would honestly say that my journey reflects Psalm 37:23 which states “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in His way.”
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way ?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of a work-life balance! When I first started my business, it was all hustle and grind, seriously lol. I barely slept, my days ran into each other, and I felt guilty anytime I tried to rest. My days blurred together. It would be Monday, then suddenly Friday, and I’d feel like it was still Tuesday. If I took a day off or didn’t respond to a client right away, I thought I was failing as a CEO.
This was my system for about three years and then I experienced burn out — really bad. I realized how I’ve been operating wasn’t sustainable. I had to rewire my thinking and unlearn certain mindsets I had because the world and culture teaches us that if you’re not up at 4 a.m., grinding 24/7, then you must not want success bad enough. But that’s far from the truth.
Now I see the value of rest, boundaries, and self-care are just as important as the grind. I treat myself as an employee—like clocking in and clocking out, setting boundaries regarding bookings, I honoring my off days and my Sabbath. Learning that has not only helped my business grow, but it’s helped me grow too. Now, I give myself permission to enjoy life and other passions I have such as dance and fashion.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love this question! Yes! There are so many people I want to shout out and publicly thank for their continuous support in my journey.
God
First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without Him, I wouldn’t be alive and I wouldn’t have the gifts He’s given me. His grace and mercies cover me every single day! And I’m grateful.
My Dad (Deon)
When I was just 10 years old, my dad was the first person to ask me how I’d feel about braiding my sister’s hair. He saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself at the time and he trusted me based on what he saw me practice on my doll’s head.
Priscilla & Dorian
This mother-daughter duo played such a huge role in my journey after high school. They encouraged me to put myself out there as a braider, helped me build confidence in my craft, and pushed me to start taking pictures of my work. Honestly, a lot of my first clients came just from people seeing Dorian’s hair!
Campbell Simon
My uncle Campbell has been such a blessing, helping me understand the business side of entrepreneurship and guiding me through the legalities. He’s my Go-To Person when it comes to making major decisions regarding Dee’s Beauties.
James Thomas
James is my business coach, and he’s done so much! From building my website to placing me on Google and helping me with all things business. He’s always been and continues to be a source of wisdom, strategy, and solid advice.
Keionne Johnson
My sister Keionne was my first and only client for years. She was where I practiced until my work became perfected. For seven years she also served as my assistant — helping me braid down, manage inventory, handle finances, and respond to clients, and handling my emotional breakdowns lol.
Elisa Tate
Elisa, my spiritual mom and mentor, has been my godly accountability partner. She helps me stay focused on the goals God and I set, and her encouragement has been a driving force in my life. She nurtures my feelings but builds strength in my character. I love her dearly.
New Covenant Christian Ministries
To my church home, thank you for teaching me to invite God into every area of my life — including my businesses. I’m grateful for my spiritual mentors and the relationships I’ve built with so many like-minded believers. My community truly means everything to me.
My Family, Friends, & Clients
Finally, a huge shoutout to my family, friends, clients, and supporters. To my friends, thank you for listening to my endless business rants, staying up with me through all-nighters, and always pouring into me with encouragement and love. You’ve been my backbone through it all, and I love you dearly. To my clients and followers, thank you for always supporting me and trusting me with your crowns. I don’t take it lightly since I work in a saturated market. Thank you for engaging in my content and being the best digital community! To my family members, uncles, aunts, cousins, siblings, etc. Thank you for always being a helping hand and being my voices of reason.
Website: www.deesbeauties.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deesbeauties?igsh=bXM2bWxocGlmazk%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1hKVAJvqkb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@deesbeauties?Si=LI8qgAyFtO2Pty9a&sub_confirmation=1
Other: https://tr.ee/p7DvhdaDLr
Image Credits
Photo Credits: @pablofilmz_ @leolastudios
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