We had the good fortune of connecting with Damaris Ryland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damaris, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance has always been balanced, but I had rocky times where I felt like I couldn’t do anything due to me being a full-time college student and doing hair while working two jobs. I kept pushing until my clientele started growing more than I expected, which I was very happy and grateful about because I got to invest more of my time into my craft, which is why I left one of my jobs and just focused on hair and school. I knew time management was my biggest thing, so I sat down and created a schedule with my week and weekends planned out in advance so I could be able to balance everything out, including my social life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Being a hairstylist is part of my brand. D.onthelace is a young, multi-talented woman who knows the importance and benefits of her ability. I am well known for being an entrepreneur. My brands are different from others because I always find the best way possible to accommodate my customers and make certain that no one leaves unsatisfied. I’m extremely proud of how far I’ve come with my brand. From acquiring many communication skills and marketing, staying up late strategizing in my journal and teaching myself hair techniques that have worked for me to become better at my craft and knowledge.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, knowing us both, we would check out some black-owned businesses off TikTok and just try the food and drinks.We’ll go to Roc South Cuisine to grab something to eat and head to Allure Gentlemen’s Club to hang out with some friends and grab a drink or two after. We’ll sit in the car and laugh and have deep, heart-to-heart conversations with one another. Next day we’ll go to the movies, watch a movie, and then head to the complex in Atlanta; we always have a ball there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out would have to go to my mom, both of my sisters, my best friend, and my major. I also read a lot of books on business. Everyday, my major taught me so much about how to run a business, the ins and outs of everything communication, and what it’s like to be a business owner and manager, as well as the books I read that help me learn about things I’m not learning in school and other important things I need to know like business credit and grant money for business owners, write offs for workers, etc. My family and friends have supported me from the very beginning of my journey and never stopped or tried to discourage me with anything. They would be my mannequin heads and send me ideas and share my work without me even having to ask. They’re very supportive of all my work businesses, and I really love and appreciate them for believing in me and helping me through this journey even through the difficult times as a hairstylist and entrepreneur.

Website: https://donthelaceschedulingsite.as.me/schedule.php?fbclid=PAAaZRBu-l776YQo4zbsfFZIuTTRqy4tNkY0vwh0PI0IgXNNof1FTVTMUOzqM

Instagram: I’m on Instagram as d.onthelace. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1020kgkc7q28y&utm_content=cf7pgve

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Iglosstv

Other: My main instagram is @darkskin_.dede

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.