We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacia Dashiell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacia, how do you think about risk?
Risk is what life is all about. In order to move forward you have to have faith in the unknown and unseen. You have to trust yourself, be optimistic, have courage, and ignore the static. Just like the story about the train who said, “ I think I can, I think I can”. He had faith in himself and took the risk to move. That’s how I think about risk. In life everyday you wake up, get dress and walk out the door, you are taken a risk. You do not know your destiny until you put on your armor and take that leap. If I had n’t taken the roads that life has directed me to, I would not be here today.
As a young girl, risk was a part of life lessons for me. I learned early to observe good risk and bad risk. I had to think critically to determine if the outcome would be beneficial for my current situation and my future. I learned to put my faith and trust in a higher being in order to mustard the courage mentally to take on the many challenges in my life and in my career.
In my career and in my life, I have had to rise above many daggers that were thrown toward me. I would isolate myself in order to reset my mind, body, spirit, and soul to trust my heart and faith. I believe that through God all things are possible if I just stand still and allow the positive energy to guide me through.
Risk means the following to me.
R- Rise above
I- Isolate my mind set, myself, and my surroundings
S- Steadfast
K- Keep on moving no matter how many obstacles I have to endure
Life’s journey is full of risk. The sooner you realize it, navigating the risk may be a positive aspect of ones life.
What should our readers know about your business?
As a new business owner, I had a few challenges that I had to over come starting out. I am one who does not like to repeat unnecessary steps over and over. I take pride in what I do. I research multiply strategies and best practices of whatever project or endeavor I’m interested in pursuing.
What helped me to get to where I am today business wise was self motivation, the desire to enhance my career, life, pray, independence, my children and more. Although it was not easy, pray was and still is the main thing that I do to move forward with all my hearts desires of being an independent business woman.
Some of the lessons I learned along the way is that everyone does not mean you well. You can end up having so many mentors that you don’t get anything accomplished. Also, you have to be concerned with sharing your plan with others. People tend to steal your ideas and use it for themselves. With that said, you have to be leery of who to trust with your business ideas. Learn when too much information is enough and when it may be useless. Not to mention funding. There are many funding opportunities out here but few that you can actually receive. This is another lesson that I have learned along the way. Although they say money is out there, you really have to research to find the one for you. That is not always an easy task. Patience is something you must have when going into business. Learning the many pillars in business is very time consuming and you must be willing to learn.
I would like to share that over the last few years through all of the learning and lessons, I have a successful plan and processes in place to help A Beautiful U Beauty Supply be successful. Taking advantage of the various organizations that are willing to help is the best thing that ever happened. There are many free classes and services out there to lead you in the direction you are willing to go and will help you put all the puzzle pieces together. I advise people to study their craft, be patient, be open to learn new avenues, be discerning and humble themselves.
A Beautiful U is about enhancing already beautiful people. As we move forward with the business that is our continued focus. Our brand logo shows the meaning and also incorporates the reason behind the business. Steadfast.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting my city I would take them to the nice breakfast spots. Ms. Shirleys for a good breakfast omelet and First Watch. Then we would visit the historical places in Baltimore, such as Elliott’s City and the historical Baltimore City. After we have completed the tour we would eat lunch at Michael’s Restaurant in Cockeysville, Milk and Honey in Pikesville, and Libby’s in Perry Hall. When dinner time rolls around, I would take them to Pappas Restaurant to experience the best crab cakes in town, and to Madonnas for all you can eat crabs, shrimp and seafood. Then for a night on the town, I would take them to The Place Lounge on Friday and Saturday to the Safari Night Club. These are the most exciting and awesome places to visit. They would have a fun and exciting time.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my partner Aronde Gaskins. He has believed in the concept since the beginning and continues to support and believe in the process. Robin, Macie, Erika, Taren and Mekhi for their continued marketing support and creative ideas. The BSI, Urban Business Institute, Maryland Capital, SBA, and the Urban League for the continued support with training and consulting. Lastly, all of my family, church family, sorority sisters, friends, and subscribers for their continued support.
Website: Www.abeautifulubeautysupply.com
Instagram: Abeautifulu_
Twitter: Abeautifulu2019
Facebook: Abeautifulu_
Youtube: Abeautifulu2019
Image Credits
Photos by Gregory Prioleau
Very inspiring story of someone who shows strong faith and ability. Wishing you much success in all
of your endeavors.
Congratulations on your endeavor. Your strength and ability
are commendable.