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

Hi Deanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I think we all crave to spend our time the best way we see fit in a way that feels the MOST fulfilling. And working my 9-5 felt dreadful—whereas I would be doing hair or teaching someone to skate for fun and would get paid without even having to ask for it! I’m blindly doing it for enjoyment because I want others to experience the same joy I feel.

My friends would constantly plant seeds with saying, “You need to turn your passion into a business Dee. It comes to you easily and people are already paying you to do so!”

One night, I was showing someone a skate move and they discreetly slid $50 into my hand and wouldn’t allow me to give it back. Something just clicked for me—I should turn this into a side hustle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love that I am headfirst in an art that demands you to show up as yourself—be authentic, be YOU! Both in rollerskating and as a loctician. I love how empowering and liberating they both feel. You know that saying, “You’re not sad, get your hair done,” and after the appointment you then see this joyous confident person? I am proud of being the bridge between those emotions on and off the skate floor! And if you just so happen to have locs and rollerskate—well you get the best of both worlds!

I wear my loc crown proudly to skate events to not only represent my loc brand: Loctopia, but to also represent my SELF and the message of my skate brand: Rolling Revolution. The revolution will be televised as we empower skaters to embrace their uniqueness and redefine their skating experience. Diversity is our strength, and by celebrating individuality, we build a community where every skater feels empowered, seen, supported, and encouraged to push the boundaries of what’s possible for them. We inspire others to OWN THEIR ROLL!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What I love most about my best friend is her down-to-earth yet ready for anything spirit, the love we both share for the arts and the willingness to experience new things. Festivities for the week will be a strong mixture of chill and outgoing.

We’ll begin the week off with a gentle self-care session at Iwi Fresh Spa with the veggie aloe Mani Pedi. The perfect place to melt into to catch-up and reconnect. Then takeout from Plant Based Pizzeria and wine!

In ATL, there’s only one place to come chill at every Monday–at a Controllerise Vibe Session. Good music, food snacks & drinks with LOTS of interactive activities. Tuesday is the best day to go to Pullman Yards to eat, drink and network!

After an eventful beginning of the week, we can relax into a much-needed stretch class located in the West End– Moga Healing stretch class and a fresh and nourishing smoothie from Wadada Juice Bar is the perfect way to recenter and prepare for the rest of the festivities ATL has to offer. Followed up with a skate date at both adult sessions from Stone Mountain Skates and the Best End Brewing.

We WILL NOT let the weekend pass by without some highlight photos! Tickets to the Balloon Museum on Thursday for more art appreciation. After serving looks head over to the one of the best burger spots in the A, Mix’d Up Burgers!

Fun day Friday at “Your 3rd Spot” for good food, drinks, games and outgoing people. Can’t go wrong with a fine wine on a Saturday!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my spirit team because I would not be where I am today without their guidance. My older sisters Dana & Deja for their unconditional love and support, speaking my name in rooms I’m not in. Thank you to “BHLDTHEMUSE” for bringing my businesses to life with all of my logo creations! Thank you to my partner Jamari for always being my rock and fresh air, for uplifting me in my heavy moments of discouragement and pushing me forward. My best friends: Leilah and Cheyenne, for showing up and showing out whenever I needed them or felt like I was at an en passe. Thank you to ALL of the really talented skaters that I have been able to experience and learn from on my skate journey. My business mentors, T’rya & Sherry for all of their support & wisdom on my business ventures. My mom and siblings: Tracey, Treves, Trevion and Taliyah, for being my first clientele and rocking my creative hairstyles proudly. My late-night guidance counselor/mentor, Mama Reecie for all of her fresh & challenging perspectives, and welcoming embrace. Thank you to Latechia, Divine, Mama Angie, Q, my clients and students who continuously show love and support me. This moment of gratitude does you all no justice!

Instagram: @isalutemilyon

Linkedin: linktr.ee/isalutemilyon

Youtube: itsloctopia

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.