Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Brinson.
Hi Dee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never imagined that my career would begin in a preschool classroom. Before I was a hairstylist and barber, I was a preschool teacher at a privately owned school. Every morning, I found myself doing the little girls’ hair before class, simply because I loved making them feel confident and cared for. One day, a friend noticed how passionate I was and asked me a simple question: “Why aren’t you in beauty school?” That question changed the direction of my life.
I took a leap of faith and enrolled in cosmetology school while working toward a completely different future. During that time, I met someone who would become one of the biggest influences in my career—my mentor, the woman who now owns the suites where I run my business today. She saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself and helped shape the professional I would become.
After graduating, I started my career in a traditional hair salon, where I built my foundation and learned the beauty industry from the ground up. As my skills and confidence grew, I discovered a passion for barbering. I loved the precision, the artistry, and the relationships I built with every client who sat in my chair. That transition allowed me to carve out my own unique path in the industry.
Today, I proudly own my own suite—a dream that once felt far out of reach. Looking back, every step of my journey prepared me for where I am now. From styling children’s hair in a classroom, to taking a chance on beauty school, to learning from an incredible mentor, every chapter has been a reminder that purpose often finds you when you’re willing to follow your passion.
My story is proof that success doesn’t always start with a perfect plan. Sometimes it begins with someone recognizing your gift before you do—and having the courage to say yes to the opportunity that changes your life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape the professional and business owner I am today.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was transitioning into barbering. It’s a male-dominated industry, and there were times when I felt overlooked simply because I was a woman. I knew my talent spoke for itself—I could cut just as well as, if not better than, many of the men around me—but I still had to work twice as hard to earn the same level of respect. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I kept showing up, perfecting my craft, and proving through my work that I deserved my place in the barbershop.
The beauty industry as a whole is also incredibly competitive. There are thousands of talented professionals, so every day you’re challenged to show clients why they should choose your chair. It’s about more than just giving a great haircut or style—it’s about building trust, creating an experience, and consistently delivering quality.
Another major challenge was stepping out on my own and becoming an independent business owner. Working in a salon or barbershop provides a built-in clientele and environment, but owning your own suite means everything falls on you. You’re responsible for marketing yourself, building your brand, retaining clients, and navigating the highs and lows that come with entrepreneurship. There are great months and there are slower months, and that can be stressful.
Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is just as important as talent. Every setback taught me something valuable and pushed me to grow. Today, I’m incredibly grateful to have a skill that allows me to create, connect with people, and earn a living doing something I genuinely love. That’s a blessing I never take for granted.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a well-rounded beauty and barbering professional, which allows me to offer a wide range of services. Whether it’s haircuts, barbering, braids, retwists, blowouts, silk presses, color, or styling, I enjoy helping clients look and feel their best. Having training and experience in both cosmetology and barbering gives me a unique perspective and a versatile skill set that allows me to serve a diverse clientele.
If I had to say I specialize in one thing, it would be beard grooming and detailing. My clients often joke that I’m a “concierge of beards” because I pay close attention to every detail. I believe a great beard isn’t just about trimming hair—it’s about creating balance, enhancing facial features, and giving each client a polished look that fits their personal style.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just owning my own suite or building a successful business—it’s that I never gave up on myself. I trusted my passion, stayed committed through every challenge, and built a career that allows me to help people feel confident every single day. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone leave my chair standing a little taller because they feel good about themselves.
What truly sets me apart is the experience I create. My personality, my attention to detail, and the genuine care I have for my clients are what keep them coming back. Every person who sits in my chair is treated like a celebrity. I never take for granted that they chose to spend their time and trust with me, especially when they have so many talented professionals they could choose from. I want every client to leave not only looking their best but also feeling valued, appreciated, and confident.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that not every client is meant for me—and that’s okay.
Earlier in my career, I used to take it personally when someone chose another barber instead of me. I would question myself and wonder what I could have done differently. Over time, I realized that building a loyal clientele isn’t about trying to be everything to everyone. The right clients will naturally connect with you, your work, and your personality.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that I never have to pretend to be someone I’m not. I can be professional while still being myself, and that’s what my clients appreciate most. We’ve built relationships that go beyond appointments. Some of my clients have become like extended family—they’ve invited me to birthdays, graduations, and family gatherings. To me, that’s one of the greatest compliments because it shows they’ve come to trust me not just as their barber, but as a person.
Another lesson that changed my business was learning how to say “no.” In the beginning, I thought saying yes to every appointment was the only way to succeed. I worked from sunup to sundown, often sacrificing time with my family and friends because I didn’t want to miss an opportunity. Eventually, I realized that if I didn’t create boundaries, I would burn myself out.
Now, I understand that taking care of myself allows me to take better care of my clients. Setting boundaries has made me a better business owner, a better barber, and a better person. When I step behind the chair today, I’m fully present, refreshed, and able to give every client the level of precision, professionalism, and care they deserve.
Pricing:
- haircuts 40
- haircut and beard 60
- silk press 150
- retwist 200
- braiding depends on style
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Queen_offades
Image Credits
Christian, Tyrell, Miguel, Dominique, Jamaica, CJ, Logan
