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. 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 discovered in a small, intimate Montessori type homeschooling; considered an experiment to my teacher because of how advanced I was as a toddler. My first interest in school was Earth Science. I’ve always been fascinated with natural elements, this curiosity lead me to discovering natural clay in my childhood backyard, free-hand sculpting bowls and plates, then painting them for my mother’s collection of crafts. Shortly after many outdoor interests and discoveries, poetry 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”.
Sports then grabbed my attention—receiving awards and recognition by quickly climbing to varsity/elite levels. Transitioning into a teenager, going into high school, not having much financially led me to wanting many things I couldn’t have and many things I couldn’t afford. The rewards from sports became expected, however it was revealed that I’d rather be at home sketching or figuring out how to multiplying my income. Sketching opened the doors to fashion, which lead me to hair.
I didn’t grow up knowing how to braid, my mother didn’t either—haha. I had to teach myself. I quickly became the girl you needed to see before the bell rang. I was the one bringing hair glue, eyebrow blades, flat irons, etc. I serviced my coaches and school principals in my bedroom. It became noticeable I enjoyed hair more than anything, even some teachers tried scolding me, or attempting to redirect me. I chose what made me happy, I went to cosmetology school once I graduated. I started working in a well known hair salon in Matteson. The owner and I bonded within a short time, 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 burned as fuel. It made me uncomfortable, it made me non complacent. The art of development all while learning detachment means you will be forced to expand, you will outgrow your environment. I had to be okay with that. It taught me how to take risks, how to have more faith in things.
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. It didn’t make sense to most people but it seemed pretty perfect to me. Why not take advantage of things while no one else is?