Today we’d like to introduce you to Desa Unique.
Desa Unique, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story: A Journey of Resilience, Love, and Transformation
In the summer of 2019, as I was navigating the final year of college at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, I took my first steps into the world of beauty and self-care. Encouraged by my mother and my late aunt—two pillars of strength and vision in my life—I embarked on what began as a work-hobby hybrid: becoming a lash technician. It was a time when lash extensions were gaining popularity, and I found myself constantly booked, charging $60-80 per client. As much as this venture felt like a calling, it was also a nest egg for a dream that was soon to become my reality: moving to Los Angeles.
Just a month post-graduation, in January 2020, I packed my bags and ventured westward. Los Angeles had always been the promised land in my dreams and actually being there felt surreal. With palpable excitement, I started planning how I would grow my brand in this new city. But as fate would have it, the pandemic hit, and like everyone else, I found myself in a quagmire of uncertainties.
Navigating the struggles of being alone in a new city and trying to run a fledgling business felt like tightrope walking without a net. This led me to the realm of body sculpting. Initially, I was drawn to it for personal reasons—who wouldn’t want to melt away fat right at home? However, as I dived deeper, I realized how much potential there was in this burgeoning field.
Eager to embrace this new opportunity, I flew back to Virginia for specialized training and returned to LA on a mission. My days became a blur of hitting the streets, introducing myself to anyone and everyone, leaving business cards in salons, hair stores, and even sneakily tucking them into baby bags and gym clothes at local Targets (apologies to Target, but also a big thanks!).
The hustle began to pay off when I connected with Ej King, a pivotal moment that marked the acceleration of my brand. From that point on, things really started to take off. I started working with many influencers and celebrities, becoming the go-to girl for lashes and body sculpting.
After years of honing my craft and building my brand, something extraordinary happened: I took a solo trip to Bali. This transformative experience did more than just rejuvenate me; it opened my eyes to the person I had become and what I wanted my next chapter to be.
So, in May 2023, I took a monumental step. The service provider transformed into the educator. Now, I empower women to launch and grow their body-sculpting businesses through meticulous training and mentorship. But my coaching isn’t just about technique; it’s about building a strong foundation in emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and I want every woman I mentor to be fully equipped for the journey.
My classes are accessible both online via Zoom and in person, offering me the beautiful opportunity to travel and connect with incredible women from all walks of life. It’s not just about sculpting bodies anymore; it’s about molding futures and empowering women to believe in the limitless possibilities within themselves.
So here I am today, running a brand that’s not just about beauty but about empowering individuals that they can now do the same. My journey has been fueled by love—from my mother and my late aunt—and fortified by resilience and hustle. It’s been a ride of highs and lows, but isn’t that what makes any journey worth it?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anyone who tells you that entrepreneurship is a smooth journey probably hasn’t taken the ride themselves. But I believe that’s where its beauty lies—in the twists, turns, and bumps along the way. Each challenge is a lesson, and each setback is a stepping stone for growth.
My road was anything but smooth, and perhaps the rockiest phase was my big move to Los Angeles right at the onset of a global pandemic. Imagine landing in your dream city, only to find everything suspended, its opportunities paused. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was also a profound teacher. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, of pivoting and adjusting to whatever life throws your way.
But let’s be real—the challenges didn’t stop at mastering the art of adaptability. Entrepreneurship is often a rollercoaster of good months and bad ones, highs that have you feeling invincible and lows that make you question every choice you’ve ever made. There have been times when the thought of giving it all up and settling for a nine-to-five was tempting.
However, in those moments, what keeps me grounded is remembering why I started this journey in the first place: to serve others. Purpose is guiding me even when the path is murky. If you have a reason that extends beyond you, a purpose that aims to enrich the lives of others, then you have your strongest asset in navigating the uncertain terrain of business.
So, has it been a smooth road? Definitely not. But every bump, every curve, has sculpted me into the entrepreneur I am today, resilient and purpose-driven. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing and I’m always grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In the evolving world of beauty and self-care, my business stands out as a beacon of holistic empowerment. At the core, I aid women in launching and growing their body-sculpting enterprises, imparting them with top-tier training and unwavering mentorship.
What do I specialize in? It’s the science beneath the surface. It’s one thing to know how to perform a procedure; it’s another to understand the intricate dance of body fats to tailor treatments that best suit each unique client. I noticed that a lot of people in the industry appreciate my social media because they say they didn’t learn half as much in their actual training which is not good for the industry, so took it upon myself to craft a program that would serve as a bedrock for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the industry.
But what truly sets my courses apart isn’t just the comprehensive technical training; it’s the soulful layer of holistic enrichment. Mental and emotional well-being are paramount, not just for personal growth but for success in any business. Thus, within the framework of my classes, I’ve woven sessions with life coaches, holistic healers, and seasoned professionals from the industry. The insights and guidance aim to dismantle limiting beliefs, address doubts, and infuse a profound sense of purpose.
I often say that the heart of my business isn’t just about sculpting bodies; it’s about shaping futures. It’s about the vulnerable moments that women share, about ensuring that when they entrust themselves or their clients to a procedure, they are receiving nothing short of the best.
Above all, it’s the genuine connections I forge with incredible women from all over that truly enrich my journey. Each one, with their unique stories and dreams, reinforces my commitment to serve, uplift, and empower.
To the readers, know this: when you embrace my offerings, you’re not just getting a service; you’re becoming part of a community. A community dedicated to excellence, wellness, and the ceaseless pursuit of empowering every individual to be their best self.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of my favorites is Jay Shetty’s podcast. Every episode is a reservoir of wisdom, offering insights that transcend the boundaries of business and touch upon the very essence of human existence.
“A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle completely changed my life in Bali. It delves deep into consciousness, helping readers unearth their true calling and purpose.
Another author who resonates deeply with me is Humble The Poet. His books are more than just pages filled with words; they’re experiences, journeys through introspection, and wisdom distilled from lived experiences.
I believe it is so important to nourish our minds and souls with enriching knowledge and perspectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17877888
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desaunique/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@desaunique
