Destiny Payton-Williams is an Entrepreneur/Influencer, Realtor/Investor, Reality TV personality on Oprah’s OWN Network, and is also a fierce businesswoman who knows how to succeed in both business and life.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I’m a woman of many hats. My career began in real estate, but I’ve since merged into the beauty industry. I created the MaDonni Beauty brand, which has now opened the first-ever black-owned beauty supply store and salon suites in my city of Huntsville, AL.
I am also a cast member on Oprah’s OWN Network, with hit reality TV show Love & Marriage: Huntsville.
How did your brand MaDonni Beauty come about? What inspired you?
I created the MaDonni brand out of need, after realizing that the beauty industry lacked black ownership in a world where the African American consumer spent over 95% of our dollars and owned 3% of the industry.
How does your brand work?
MaDonni Beauty is a brand that represents “All Things Beauty.” The brand offers consultations through MaDonni Beauty & Business Academy for those interested in learning about or starting a beauty business.
MaDonni will begin franchising in 2021. We also offer our own line of MaDonni beauty products such as Magnetic lashes, Shampoo/Conditioner, Edge Control, Virgin Hair Extensions, and makeup.
What is something you’d like to highlight a potential franchisees’ experience with your brand?
My consultations through MaDonni Beauty & Business Academy will offer three tiers that each will aid in the development of your brand and or get you started with franchising with MaDonni Beauty.
What are some of the challenges you faced while creating your brand? Do you have a day to day struggles or challenges?
Getting contracts with vendors and just breaking into the industry with the same opportunities as our counterparts. There has definitely been a monopoly on the industry which either makes you give up or in my case it made me go harder. My mantra is “Find a way or make one!”
How do you manage business finances?
I have been 100% self-funded. I worked at my corporate job while building my business. I’ll tell anyone that it wasn’t easy, but it’s worth it. If you can use your salary to fund your dreams, do it. Those sleepless nights and endless hours will pay off and prepare you for entrepreneurship. I also think it’s smart to have business credit and business credit cards.
What’s your future vision for your brand? What is your dream about taking it to the next level?
My near-future vision for the brand is to launch my line of beauty products and makeup. Then, I’ll take MaDonni Beauty & Business Academy to the next level, which was created to help those interested in getting educated about the beauty industry and how to open their own business. I’m then going to franchise the MaDonni Beauty brand and open stores all over the U.S. and the islands.
I’m also into stocks and trading HFX with my Manifest Destiny FX brand, which is another untapped business that needs to be brought to light.
What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?
Stay the course…if God has shown you the vision it’s already yours. Stay patient, diligent, and faithful while working hard towards your goal.
