Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Cortez.
Hi Desiree, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began at a young age, practicing on family and friends, where I quickly discovered my passion for hair. I started doing hair outside of my home, and soon after learned I was pregnant with my son. The early stages of my journey were challenging as I navigated building and promoting my clientele while pregnant. After having my son, I made the life-changing decision to attend cosmetology school, and from there everything began to align. My clientele grew rapidly, allowing me to secure my first suite. Through consistent networking and self-promotion, I became booked weeks in advance. I later began teaching braid classes at Ogle Cosmetology School, which opened the door to offering one-on-one braid classes where I now help others perfect their technique while also teaching marketing and business strategies. Today, I work from a new location that allows me to provide high-quality services, with a full book of loyal regulars and referrals. I’m grateful to live out my passion every day, guided by faith, prayer, and purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I faced many challenges, including building a solid clientele, learning how to promote myself on social media, and navigating the business and marketing side of the industry. I overcame these obstacles by being proactive—creating business cards and flyers, studying social media strategies on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, taking marketing classes, and learning from other business owners by listening to their experiences. Another ongoing challenge as an entrepreneur is slow season, where one week can be very profitable and the next can be quiet. That experience taught me the importance of having a financial plan in place, so slow periods don’t become stressful but instead allow me to stay consistent and enjoy the flexibility that comes with owning a business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Slayed By Dez ?
Slayed By Dez is a luxury hair studio designed to be more than just a place to get your hair done—it’s a space where clients can relax, feel at home, and leave feeling completely renewed. I specialize in stitch braids, knotless braids, and custom hair styling, and I’m known for creating a comfortable, high-quality experience from the moment a client sits in my chair. What truly sets my brand apart is the genuine connection I build with each client and the care I put into learning their hair and educating them on proper aftercare so their hair can grow and thrive. My chair is a safe, welcoming space where clients can unwind, reset, and I offer more than just a hairstyle I offer “therapy time “ a chance to wash away worries in a clean, high-vibrancy atmosphere, premium products, and thoughtful touches like snacks and drinks. I also follow up with clients to ensure their style lasts and is being properly maintained. I stay current with hair trends and new styles by continuously educating myself, practicing new techniques, and staying inspired through ongoing training, social media, and industry leaders. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the strong relationships I’ve built, my experience teaching braid classes, and being a brand ambassador for EZBraid. Slayed By Dez was created to deliver a true luxury experience—high-quality services, intentional care, and a feeling that stays with you long after you leave.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I view risk-taking as stepping into faith with the belief that there’s a greater reward waiting on the other side. There are always two choices—to take the leap and move closer to where you want to be, or to stay comfortable and wonder what could have happened. One of the biggest risks I took was getting my first suite when I only had about ten regular clients. I was nervous and unsure if I would be able to cover the monthly rent, but I trusted God and bet on myself. By His grace, my business began to grow rapidly—my Google presence and social media started bringing in consistent bookings, and my clientele expanded through regulars and referrals. Today, I’m fully booked each month, and that experience reshaped how I view risk. I believe that if God places a vision on your heart, there’s a reason for it, and taking that first step is often what allows everything else to fall into place. There’s nothing more rewarding than doing what you love and having the freedom to walk in your purpose.
Pricing:
- •Men 5-6 Braids 90$
- •Freestyle design 4-8 Braids 150$
- •Hairstyle 75$
- •Medium Boho Knotless Braids 300$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slayyeddbydez.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayyeddbydez?igsh=MW53c3B0NGdyZWVuZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKaL2dxuX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://slayedbydez.booksy.com/a/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@slayedbydez?si=QM7E220j_RcMDlzD
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@d3zmia?_r=1&_t=ZT-92ilyLPnzoM
Image Credits
Rivee visions
