I turned $150 braids into a million-dollar portfolio. Now I teach others how to find their freedom behind the chair.”
From the heart of Queens to national stages, Dionne James is a transformational voice for beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, and dreamers ready to break free from survival mode. As a Millionaire Stylist, Author, and Speaker, she’s proof that skill + strategy can build not just a business — but a life of freedom, impact, and legacy.
Featured
About Dionne
Dionne James began braiding hair at just 12 years old in Queens, New York. By 20, she owned her first salon — but even while she was “booked solid,” she was stuck chasing survival instead of building wealth.
That changed the night she had only $47 in her account. From that moment, Dionne created her signature Freedom Formula: Skill + Strategy + Systems = Scalable Success.
Today, Dionne leads a portfolio that includes:
Essence of Braiding & Weaving Hair Studio
Beauty Brillionaires University
Youth Braiding Academy
Eusoyah Properties LLC
Dionne James Soulutions — a vegan haircare line
She’s also the author of The Hustle Is Real: Millionaire Stylist and a proud Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (2023)
Her story has been featured in Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Lifetime Movie Network, and AMC — inspiring thousands of women to turn their hustle into freedom
Signature Talks
Freedom Behind the Chair
Her journey from $200 braids to a million-dollar portfolio — and the lessons every entrepreneur can use to scale beyond the chair.
Booked Solid but Stuck?
The three traps keeping stylists from building wealth — and the proven systems to break free.
Skill + Strategy + Systems = Scalable Success — a blueprint for creatives and entrepreneurs ready to grow without burnout
The Freedom Formula
Speaking Highlights
Founder & Instructor
The Hustle Is Real: Millionaire Stylist Launch
(State-approved, 2011–2015
Author & Keynote Speaker
Essence of Braiding Cosmetology School
Richmond, VA, 2020
Keynote Speaker
Freedom Behind the Chair
October 27, 2025
Featured Guest
Leading Ladies with Monica Pearson
Interview
WAS-TV Channel 2 with Audrey Washington
Peachtree TV
Speaking Highlights
Founder & Instructor
The Hustle Is Real: Millionaire Stylist Launch
(State-approved, 2011–2015
Author & Keynote Speaker
Essence of Braiding Cosmetology School
Richmond, VA, 2020
Keynote Speaker
Freedom Behind the Chair
October 27, 2025
Featured Guest
Leading Ladies with Monica Pearson
Interview
WAS-TV Channel 2 with Audrey Washington
Peachtree TV
Services & Impact
Dionne’s programs, workshops, and coaching experiences are built for beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, and youth ready to thrive in purpose and profit.
Workshops & Coaching
Business growth, branding, and wealth-building strategies.
Youth Programs
Empowering teens through skill-based education and mentorship.
Nonprofit partnerships that champion empowerment and legacy.
Brand Collaborations
Each talk or session leaves audiences inspired, equipped, and ready to act.
Recognition & Features
Honorary Member
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (2023)
Founder & First President
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter (2013)
Award for Outstanding Recruitment
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc. (2015)
Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Braids & Beauty, Black Beauty, Lifetime Movie Network, AMC
Featured In:
Recognition & Features
Honorary Member
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (2023)
Founder & First President
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Chapter (2013)
Award for Outstanding Recruitment
Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc. (2015)
Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Braids & Beauty, Black Beauty, Lifetime Movie Network, AMC
Featured In:
Testimonials
“I went from unlicensed beginner to thriving braider with over 20K followers — Dionne’s mentorship changed my life.”
- Enyah Eggleston
“Her coaching helped me transform my salon into a full-service beauty and retail brand.”
Bamba, Richmond VA
My blog
I'll let you in on some trade secrets and share my top tips on how to successfully promote your brand online.
”We went from having zero online presence to dominating our niche on Google. As a technophobe I never thought we could do it, but currently social media amounts for the majority of our sales.”
Nicollas Ductorn
Director of Corporate MarketingForge Inc.
The Hustle Is Real, Millionaire Stylist
Dionne James brings you the story of a talent that began at the age of 5, evolving into a rewarding and ever-changing passion. Experience her journey of trials and tribulations and learn how to thrive within an industry where your hustle is the truest form of survival. Here lies the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge at reaching millionaire status. Perhaps you are just beginning your journey in the hair industry, maybe a new business owner, or have been doing the same things with little results, Dionne takes you on a ride, exposing all of the highs and lows a Master Stylist faces throughout her career. With a passion to help others succeed both financially and spiritually, The Hustle is Real will surely become the go-to book for salon owners, industry moguls, and entrepreneurs everywhere.
You don’t just need another speaker.
You need a voice that inspires action and builds legacy.
Bring Dionne James to your next conference, summit, or stage and give your audience a message that lasts beyond applause.
