Today we’d like to introduce you to Deonna Perry.
Hi Deonna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s my absolute pleasure to share a synopsis of how I got to where I am today in hopes that it inspires someone reading. How I got where I am today is the same way that I started out, dreaming bigger than big. No matter the day, the week or how many no’s you get, you always have your imagination & intention. However that’s only one side of the token, you must know that hard work & discipline is key. Faith is key.
My circumstances while growing up in a small town outside of Houston molded my mindset as daunting as it was then, it was my gift and this ultimately is what birthed my present day. I grew up in Bryan, never quite fitting in forced me to have a massive imagination. I never aimed or desired to be anything that I wasn’t but at the same time, I was never satisfied with doing just one thing or thinking the way everyone else does. My brain always has loved the stimulation of a challenge and that ultimately led to phenomenal grades, accolades, being super athletic but yet still an outcast in every way & everywhere if we’re being honest. This early set dynamic catapulted my unwavering work ethic and is one reason I function at a high vibrational level.
Dreaming big was a power that I’ve tapped into through many outlets such as writing, poetry, sewing, singing, traveling, drawing, training at the gym, painting, reading, makeup, hair coloring, styling, cooking, and adventuring the outdoors – barefoot might I add. Being the oldest of 12 siblings, 6 being blood I matured far earlier than everyone in my class. I never wanted to be popular, I never fancied any accolades or trophies, what I find joy in was & is serving.
As a business owner & creative, I marvel at the next best thing to document, fixate my attention on or investment in. Whether it be defying the odds, going to college, getting licensed as a Cosmetologist or Certified as a Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer. I’ve always dreamt big trusting that if I can see it, it is very well mine alongside two things that are my life hack’s – faith and hard work.
I’d like to offer something a bit more personal which is that remaining present is my largest asset at the moment & I never do anything that I’m not passionate about, ever. The present moment has much more substance to offer you than the future or the past. I learned in college at Sam Houston State is that SMART goals is a fundamental element that I propose to anyone reading who is interested in achieving any goal imaginable.
The businesses & investments that I own all started out as a simple idea that I manifested. That I was told sounded nuts or too crazy. By silencing the naysayers & being disciplined you will be fruitful. It’s challenging being an Entrepreneur but it is far more rewarding than it is challenging when you love what you do and you crave success as badly as you want to breathe.
The past doesn’t define you. The future doesn’t define you. Neither success or money will define you. Being successful and a failure are both very hard – pick your hard. Your character matched with resilience is what will get you through your marathon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road leading to where I’m at today has not been the smoothest. In fact, exploring my own business ventures and dreams is the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Fear was the first head on struggle because you have to look yourself in the mirror. It requires a certain self belief, self analysis and self love that you muster up only through experience & unwavering faith. Experiencing that first step is gut wrenching at times, it’s supposed to be that way anytime you begin elevating.
Most people don’t share all of the no’s that you must verbalize once you begin chasing your dreams & even to the closest people you love. When you begin to build a business everything about your business consumes you. You’re no longer working a clock 24/7 you are working for yourself & that means acquiring skills you never knew existed. It means saying no when you want to say yes, staying up late when others are resting or partying, waking up at 5am, spending your money on investments and not on materialistic items and so forth.
The one thing that keeps me going is knowing that every single day as I plant a seed for my future, it is not only me who eats the fruit in my future’s harvest but instead for my family, my future children and grandchildren. The world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is my passion and it feels as easy as breathing. Here’s a bit more details on some of the things I’m working on right now.
I’m the personality type & individual that can’t mention what they do without mentioning how they do it & through who? So I’m a woman of God first, Business Owner immediately after. While I’m far from perfection I absolutely strive to grow to my best self in every way and every day. I specialize in expanding my heart in order to expand my businesses both as a Professional Stylist & Wellness Enthusiast.
One idea that I’d like to share is that the future for my business is also to own a chain of gym facilities targeted to the Black/African American community & women with hands on nutritional direction included in memberships also providing my very own juice/snack bar in case you need a freshly squeezed juice, protein shake or even a quick bite as you come or go. The issue I’ve seen arise as I’m now 6 years into my fitness journey is remaining disciplined & I have hacks in order to help others achieve that through community, personalized training and unique refreshments.
Makeup is a passion of mine that originated from painting, I’ve always loved mixing colors and enjoyed it very much. However, I did not begin doing makeup effortlessly, I had to study the art. I began practicing Makeup in 2012 just before graduating & becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist in 2014. I then followed this Certification with mastering my skills as an Artist at a Cosmetics store known nationwide alongside working as a Colorist at a well-known local salon. I officiated my business Deonna Perry with the vision of knowing how global it would be & I quickly broke free from working under anyone else’s brand once I knew I needed to & could.
Transitioning to a freelance artist was truly a fluid move. From working on set of commercials styling hair and makeup, to being behind the chair I thoroughly enjoy creating art for both hair and makeup. While I straddle between both beauty and wellness the two are divinely connected. Which is why I plan to merge the two in a much more holistic way. My goal is to continue receiving explicit knowledge & build each day.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love the most about my city is the culture. Here in Houston, we have a culture that transcends time & captivates greatness if we’re speaking on skillset. Being in Houston is like being in the largest pool of creatives from all over the world. Houston is so special to me because of the events, amazing food, fun museums and music. I’ve made major strides in my career here in Houston with the connections I have relationally. Houston is known for birthing legends and when you live here that energy is contagious, inspiring and monumental. Anywhere life takes me, Houston comes along with me. It’s my goal to make a name for myself to make a way for others that will come after me.
What I like the least about my city is the traffic. If you’ve ever heard anyone speak of Houston, traffic is a package deal here in the South with no escape. Depending on if you live in the inner loop or in the Woodlands, a drive across the city can be anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes easily.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.deonnaperry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deonnaperry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000906242115
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/msdeonnaperry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/deonnaperry
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/poetdeonnaperry
