Meet Joya Dupree

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

Hi Joya, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What truly makes me happy is the love I share with my family and the pride I feel in my business. My family gives me purpose, grounding, and the kind of support that reminds me why life is worth living. This niece of minds, she brings me so much happiness that it’s hard to put in words. I had to raise her when I was barely more than a child myself, and because of that, our bond is closer than most, Watching her grow, learn and become her own person fills me with pride and joy. She’s not just my niece, she’s someone I’ve poured my heart into. Someone who has shaped my life for the best, just as much as I’ve shaped hers. Loving her and being there for her has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I have this amazing nephew of mine. To see him grow, smile, play and simply be himself brings me joy, purpose, and warmth into my life. When it comes to my parents Tijuana Dupree and Rodrick White. I love them with all my heart and every bone in my body. I would not be here if it was not for them. They make me happy by knowing no matter what they are always there to support me. It does not matter how big or small the event is. My parents make me happy in ways that are both simple and deep. They give me comfort when life feels heavy and encouragement when I start to doubt myself. Their love shows up in small things. Like checking on me, listening when I need to talk. They’ve guided me, taught me, and supported me through every stage of my life. The happiness they give me comes from knowing I am loved, understood, and appreciated for who I am. They are a constant source of strength, peace, and joy I’m grateful for them every day. My business brings me a different kind of happiness. The fulfillment of building something of my own, watching it grow, and knowing my hard work matters. Doing hair does not feel like a job to me anymore, because hair has become something I truly love. It’s more than a profession, It’s a passion that brings me real joy. There’s nothing better than seeing my clients smile, feel confident, and leave my chair happier than when they arrived. Their happiness gives me purpose and makes me even more grateful for the work I get to do every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Soxtrabeauty is more than just a hair business. It’s a place about creating an experience where every client feels seen , understood and styled with intention. A place where people come to rejuvenate. I’m a stylist that is built on trust , communication , and long-term hair care relationships not just quick appointments. When clients come to sit in my chair I make them feel safe and loved. I am almost like their therapist when they are in my chair. Even outside of them coming to Soxtrabeauty, they are still able to call and talk to me. Soxtrabeauty we are not just any regular hair business, we are a family. Me and my clients stand by one another, lift each other up during challenges, and celebrate every milestone together. I love my clients, each person brings something unique and meaningful to Soxtrabeauty. They have helped me achieve some good achievements in my hair business. I built a loyal client base through exceptional service and consistent results. Expanded my clientele through word of mouth referrals and positive reviews. Mastered advanced techniques like sew-ins, protective styles and precision cut etc. I served as a mentor to new stylists often. I’m a mentor who takes pride in guiding others as they develop their skills, confidence, and professionalism. Me as a mentor I teach with patience, clarity, and real industry experience, creating a supportive space where upcoming braiders can learn, grow, and truly believe in their talent. My mentorship is hands on, encouraging, and focused on both technique and business. All the things I am doing in my life I have dreamed about it as a kid. I love helping others and I love making people feel good. With my business Soxtrabeauty I am able to do both at the same time.
Having people travel across the states to get the Soxtrabeauty experience from me. That’s what excites me the most, to know people are seeing me. To know those things I always prayed for as a young girl is coming true as an adult excites me. As a child I always wanted to do hair and I knew I wanted to have a franchise. I knew I had to work to make a name for myself so that’s what I did. I’ve committed countless hours, tears, lots of energy when I had just a little to nothing left. If I didn’t have God on my side, a lot of the things I was able to receive wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have God. My journey hasn’t been easy , but it’s been worth it. I built my business through determination, long hours , and a deep love for what I do. I have had three different suites in my life, I’ve lost two due to me not having the clientele. But I did not stop there that honestly made me go harder. Losing my suites was discouraging because it felt like losing a piece of everything I work hard for. But even through that discouragement, I learned that my strength, my talent, and my passion can’t be taken from me. That’s what keeps me moving forward.

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.
I’m a deeply family oriented person, and my life is centered around the people who I love most. I don’t go out much unless it’s with my family, because being surrounded by them brings me the most joy and peace. One of my favorite ways to show love is through cooking big family dinners. Absolutely love to bring everyone together to laugh, share stories, and enjoy a good meal. Moments like these mean everything to me. They strengthen me and remind me of what truly matters love, connection and togetherness.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God gets all the recognition when it comes to Soxtrabeauty and even when it comes to me. He helped me pull through every rough path I have had to go through with my business. There are days in this industry when the weight of the work feels overwhelming. Days when the pressure, the expectation, and the constant push to be exceptional make quitting seems like the easier choice. I’ve learned that these moments don’t reflect weakness, they reveal how deeply I care about the craft and the name I’m building Soxtrabeauty. Never really seen it at first but he always had my hand. I remember there were times where I didn’t have clients for days and weeks at a time. I was so stressed out and overwhelmed , bills had to be paid. I have my mother and niece to take care of. God did not let me down, he made it happen for me every time I was in need. Whenever times get hard and I don’t know what to do I just call on God. The journey of my business has not always been easy. Through every challenge, God has been my strength and my guide. When the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming, God gave me clarity. When I felt uncertain, he provided direction. And on the days when I question my ability to keep going, he reminds me of the purpose he placed inside of me. Every obstacle I faced became an opportunity for growth because God walked me through it with grace, patience, and unwavering love. My business is not just a reflection of my hard work. It’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness, his timing, and his constant presence in every step of my journey.

Website: https://soxtrabeauty.as.me

Instagram: soxtrabeautyy

Image Credits
Malachi media, llC