Meet Destiny Hagood | Owner & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Destiny Hagood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started YDE, I started the company a little out of frustration. I say this because, during my transition to natural hair, I couldn’t really find the help I craved on what to do, how to do or what to use on my natural coily hair. With the hours of research I conducted, I didn’t come out of it satisfied. I still struggled 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, make your own hair products. This way you can do various experiments, trial and error, on what works on your hair. Once I did this, it started to become clear when others around me offered to buy my hair products. From then on, YDE became a thing and slowly but surely I started to expand my skill set and the business was formed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The thing that I am most proud of when it comes to YDE are my products. I started out with just making a hair buttah, simple and quick with the ingredients that worked BEST for my hair. The hair buttah then turned into two. I added mango for extra properties, and the smell alone made noses tingle! It was so successful I couldn’t believe it honestly. How I got to where I am professionally, today, is by family, loyal followers and word of mouth. These 3 things are the key to being a success. Success isn’t measured by what ‘others’ say it is. It’s measured by what you think it takes to make yourself successful and by the goals that you set and fulfill. I’m successful without a big facility or millions of followers. I’m successful by the love poured in and by the new customers I’ve gained because the products actually work. Honest and true ingredients! It was not easy getting here. I didn’t have the necessary skills to run a business, once I’ve found people that know more than I and that are willing to invest their time in me, it became clear as day. I’m doing something right! I want the world to know that it all starts with self-love and confidence. Believe in yourself at all times and you will start to see positive change! Stay aware and be kind! Kindness goes a LONG way and it’s the little things that people remember. This is how people remember me, because I stay nice, true and honest to whoever I meet. I don’t like to cut corners.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a hard one…I’m such a homebody lol! Day 1 – A must have in california is driving up pch to see the ocean from malibu and stopping at the boardwalk to grab a bite to eat. Day 2 -3: Disneyland! I am an AP member and this is one of my favorite places. My routine, I always go after 4pm on a sunday, let the crowds die out, this way we can enjoy everything with less lines. We would start at california adventure and head to the boardwalk for lobster nachos and a sangria, then head over to the guardians of the galaxy ride, walk around a bit before heading to the main park. Must rides are the ‘haunted mansion’ and ‘indiana jones’ with a corn dog from the corn dog cart and popcorn for pirates of the caribbean. Day 4 – We would head to IN-N-OUT which is a staple in california, a must go. Then head to go roller skating at venice beach. Day 5 – We would hang at the house, grab a ton of snacks and junkfood and have a movie marathon, laugh and talk

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes of course, shout out to The Lord Almighty, which all things are possible. I would be nowhere without HIM. Shout out to Christine Bryant, my marketing manager and Essentialite. She’s helped me to lock down my branding, brainstorm and has come through on many vending events Shout out to Melanie Johnson, mentor and owner of Royal Adornments. She has been one of the biggest influences in my life and supporters. Shout out to EPE (Emphatic Praise Explosion), they gave me my first shot at having my products available at their event. Shout out to Ernieca Burnett and Jamie Purnell. They were the fist to EVER buy a YDE product. Before I became YDE! Last but not least, shout out to my family! I can’t tell you how much they’ve been in my corner from DAY ONE!

Website: www.yourdestinyessentials.com
Instagram: yourdestinyessentials
Linkedin: Destiny Hagood
Twitter: Xpressitdezz
Facebook: yourdestinyessentials