Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Hagood.
Destiny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started YDE out of pure luck and frustration. When I decided to become natural (natural texture of hair without any additives or heat), there were little to no resources known to me to make this process an easy one. During my transition, I couldn’t really find the help I craved on what to do, how to do or what to use on my natural Coily/Curly hair. Hours of research became a struggle on what to do or even how to find out what my hair type was. From that point on, I had lots of ideas and thoughts come and go during this process of ‘finding my hair.’ The main idea that struck a nerve makes your own hair products. This way you can do various experiments, trial and error, on what works on my hair. Things started to become clear…and those around me became interested and offered to buy my hair products. At this point, the hair products that were created were only for self. I needed something I was comfortable with first, didn’t even think about selling them in a formal setting.
The first product I made is called “buttah” and it does unbelievable wonders for my natural 4a-4b hair and skin. I continued making these for myself until some of my fellow church members found out (we all know church folk). A couple of members wanted to try and pay me for making their hair products, as well. I never thought of turning my new hobby into a business. I JUMPED in. Two months later, I had my first vending event and SOLD OUT. My emotions were all over the place and I knew that this was something I could carry out and create generational wealth for my family and future children. yourDestiny Essentials was born!! From then on, YDE became a thing…One year later, I have a name, 15 products for hair, body & skin, my certification in natural skincare, an LLC, a variety of vending events under my name and the self-love I had been seeking since college.
Where I am today came purely from love, hard work, donations and free labor lol.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Overall it has been a rocky road with smooth parts. The biggest struggle was loneliness. There is a thing as moving too quickly and not taking the time to BUILD your brand. I started to create more and more products, my logo while learning how to run a business and longing for someone to help. The most challenging aspect was the BUSINESS itself. I didn’t know which programs to use, how to keep up with ALL of my expenses or how to create a DBA. I felt as if I wasn’t good enough to succeed.
Another BIG challenge is pricing, aka KNOWING YOUR WORTH and making a profit to continue on. The whole ‘idea’ was to create products that are affordable and full of self-love. But, by pricing them too low, it caused my spending to become too much of a burden on my pocketbook (if you know what I mean).
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business stemmed solely from my lack of knowledge on being natural during the beginning stages of my newfound natural hair care journey. yourDestiny Essentials (BODY, FACE, & HAIR products) represent every part of myself that I had to not only learn to love but to also learn to take pride and care for the skin I was in.
I specialize in Health & Beauty products. What I am known for are THE customer favorites, MOIRAI (mango buttah), FACE (Rose oil), DEFERENCE (lavender buttah), NAILS (cuticle oil) and PLUS for MEN Beard oil.
yourDestiny Essentials represents a fresh perspective on the beauty industry by instilling the love of self behind our products and branding. Yes, I am American (with colored skin), but everyone of all races, ethnicities and demographics DESERVES to feel what I feel when using these ESSENTIALS (products)… LOVE…Love for themselves, self-worth, self-acceptance, and a genuine love for one another, wanting to see each other excel and prosper mentally, spiritually, and physically. They are well-rounded and versatile for every skin type, and they FEEL so good.
The logo represents my self-worth, love, and value for myself, and that’s what I want people to experience when they use these ESSENTIALS. I want them to know that your Destiny Essentials represents them along their fellow journey back to being and feeling ESSENTIAL. I want others to feel the love and passion I have for sharing natural hair and skin care products and regimes, along with the foundational message of learning to “Be Essentially You” in the process.
What I am MOST proud of as a company is the willingness to not give up and to keep pressing forward! I DO have help, I AM worth it and I AM creating something that will be talked about and used for generations to come.
How do you think about luck?
I would say luck played a big part, but in 2023 we should all start to have new mindsets right! I am God’s child and I love Jesus, so I don’t say that I am lucky but that I am loved! There has been so many people, those I know and don’t know, who want to help, offer services, love seeing someone of color in the business, donated and an overall genuine care for humans in my corner. With this amazing energy around I have always had a sale. Whether it be $10 or $100, the support comes in all shapes and sizes and I am blessed ad grateful!
Pricing:
- MOIRAI (mango buttah) 2 oz – $12 & 8 oz – $22
- DEFERENCE (lavender buttah) 2 oz – $10 & 8 oz $20
- FACE (Rose oil) 1 oz – $18 & 2 oz – $20
- NAILS (cuticle oil) $8
- PLUS for MEN Beard oil – 1 oz – $14 & 2 oz – $16
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourdestinyessentials.com
- Instagram: yourdestinyessentials
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourdestinyessentials
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/xpressitdezz
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Destiny Hagood Photo Credit: Christine Bryant Photo Credit: Kirsten Dabney
