My name is Dimitria Chantel (pronounced Shawn-tell) and I’ve been an entrepreneur for 12 years, a creative for 27 years. My entire life is based off creativity and innovation, being said I’ve never had an employer. Growing up I briefly experienced generational wealth, I also witnessed the downfall of it by patriarchs. Im grateful to experience both because I know what and what not to do. Art has always been an outlet for me no matter the circumstances, it was second nature to drown out the world and dive into mine.

My intellectuality was first discovered in a small, intimate Montessori type homeschooling; I was considered an experiment to my teacher because of how advanced I was; reading at 18 months. I was homeschooled till it was time for 1st grade, I didn’t experience preschool or kindergarten. My first interest in grade school was Earth Science. I’ve always been fascinated with natural elements, and this curiosity drove me to digging deeper— literally digging! I found natural clay in my childhood backyard, making free-hand sculpting bowls and plates, then painting them for my mother’s collection of crafts. Building 3D homes out of boxes, sewing, origami, etc. No one taught me these skills, it just felt natural. I’ve always used my hands. I’ve always been a visionary.

Poetry then became a second language at a young age, which lead me to having my first poem nationally published in 3rd grade titled “Rubies and Diamonds”. 

My intellectuality has always been heightened, then sports grabbed my attention. I quickly received awards and recognition by excelling to varsity/elite levels. My mother told me, “everything you touch turns to gold”. I believe her.

Transitioning into a teenager, going into high school, I wanted more, materially. I grew my own style and I wanted to express it. I tried applying for jobs, asking friends to help me get in certain positions… it’s like nothing worked. I wouldn’t get a callback, email, nothing. I had no choice but to use my creativity to hustle. The rewards from sports became expected, however it was revealed that I’d rather be at home sketching, brainstorming, or figuring out how to multiplying my income. I couldn’t do that with sports.

I get asked, “how long have you been doing hair?”— I didn’t grow up knowing how to braid, my mother didn’t either—haha. I had to teach myself. I was going to school to be a cosmetic surgeon, I already began taking medical courses in school. I knew nothing about hair, the only reason I genuinely became interested is because I experienced a nightmare from my first salon visit. I had trust issues after that.

Funny thing is, I quickly became the girl you needed to see before the bell rang in high school. The one bringing hair glue, eyebrow blades, flat irons, whatever you needed… I had it. My small clientele rapidly increased; from peers to servicing my coaches and school principals all in my bedroom. It became noticeable I enjoyed hair more than anything, more so because I have complete control over my income. It felt great. Oddly enough, even some teachers tried scolding me, or attempting to redirect me..I chose what made me happy and went to cosmetology school once I graduated high school, then shortly started working in a well known hair salon located in Matteson.

The owner and I bonded quickly and easily, until she decided to give up ownership of the salon. The surprise I didn’t know was— the new owner was a celebrity makeup artist with a national celebrity glam squad I soon became part of. I became a celebrity hair stylist at 19– helping SWV get ready for concert, Cardi B & Hennessy, Juju, down to state politicians, government officials, city aldermen, producers, writers, etc. I’ve worked amongst legends and I’m grateful for every experience. 

Growing at such a rapid rate at such a young age caused turmoil in my environment, that was used as fuel. It made me uncomfortable, it made me non complacent. I experienced tragedy in between, almost fatal car wrecks, so much..it never changed my vision. I just pivoted.

The art of development all while learning detachment means you will be forced to expand, you will outgrow your environment. You’ll lose things, even your mind in the process. I had to be okay with that. It taught me how to take risks, how to have more trust in myself. It taught me blind faith.

April 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, I had the bright idea to open a salon while the world was shut down. I just wanted my own space. I knew it was perfect timing to jump, why not? The world was still. It didn’t make sense to most people but it didn’t matter to me. I already saw the vision.

I don't really consider myself as a hairdresser or hair stylist, it’s deeper than that. I’m an artist who learned how to face adversity and drown out opinions. The name of my salon, Artistry DC speaks for itself. I love the idea of being multifaceted. I love my layers. Why not dive into every aspect of yourself? I’m a creative, not for fun, it’s how I live.

I genuinely hope to inspire and change the industry step by step, day by day— starting with authenticity. So many of us are pulled out of creativity due to being in survival mode, I want to carefully intertwine the art and love back into this industry that all us contain. Art brought me back to self.

I build out and provide carefully crafted spaces where entrepreneurs can feel safe and build community. The point I’m trying to make is, there should be no limits to your creativity and imagination. Dive into every craft! Always put your dreams/visions first, follow your heart, and progression is better than perfection :)