Connect
To Top

Check Out D Rachelle’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to D Rachelle.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello, I’m D Rachelle—a third-generation hairstylist continuing a legacy of beauty, artistry, and innovation. My professional journey began in 2011 at Fantastic Sam’s, where I laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic and purpose-driven career in cosmetology. Since then, I’ve evolved from salon stylist to salon owner, first launching a color studio named Laveau, and now operating Greenhouse Beauty Lounge, a production-forward creative studio where beauty meets vision.

Over the past five years, I’ve split my time between Memphis and Los Angeles, working bicoastally to bring my signature touch to television, film, and bridal experiences. My work includes credits with Netflix, Braxton Family Values, Miss USA, and over 200 weddings—each one a unique story I’ve helped shape through hair and creative direction.

Whether I’m working behind the scenes of a major production or helping a bride feel her most radiant, my mission remains the same: to create beauty that feels as powerful as it looks.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming who I am today—a mother, educator, and creative force in the beauty industry—has been anything but easy. I started my career in cosmetology with fire and ambition, but nothing could have prepared me for the balancing act that came with it. I had four children—born in 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2019—and somehow, between sleepless nights and nursing babies, I opened two salons. I built dreams while nurturing life. I navigated divorce, but never stopped working. The sacrifice? Time—precious time away from my children that I’ll never get back.

Emotionally, there were days I was completely depleted, questioning whether I could keep going. Therapy gave me the tools to develop the mental fortitude I needed, not just for myself, but for those very same babies. They were, and still are, my motivation.

When I closed one of my salons, I was ready to run. The embarrassment was heavy—but my clients reminded me of who I was. They stood with me and pushed me to keep going, even when I couldn’t see the vision clearly. That encouragement reignited my passion, reminding me why I started in the first place.

Over time, my craft has become more than hair—it’s become healing, purpose, and community. I now find deep fulfillment in teaching, pushing creative boundaries, and making meaningful impact through beauty. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to strap in—it’s going to be a wild, beautiful ride.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in silk presses and extension services, proudly identifying as a texture and extension specialist. However, my passion truly shines in production work, where I get to collaborate on high-profile projects like bridal, pageant, and TV work. These spaces allow me to craft effortlessly beautiful, natural, and sexy styles that elevate any look.

What sets me apart is my ability to make hair look like it requires little effort, even when it’s meticulously styled. Clients and colleagues often comment on how enjoyable it is to watch me work—my vibrant and engaging energy makes the process just as delightful as the outcome.

Some of my proudest career moments include working at New York Fashion Week, styling for Miss USA 2020, and serving over 200 brides. Each experience fuels my love for what I do, but it’s the collaborative energy of working with a talented team that excites me the most. Creating beauty with others, especially on these high-profile projects, is what keeps me inspired every day.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is an inevitable part of my journey. One of the biggest risks I took was opening Greenhouse Beauty Lounge. I signed the lease in January 2020, and the world shut down just two months later. At that moment, I wanted to run, but I didn’t. I had an unwavering “I can’t quit” attitude and a strong sense of community that kept me grounded. The business was already in motion, and I knew I could make it work.

That experience taught me the value of calculated risks. I made sure I had resources I could call on if things didn’t work out, which gave me the confidence to move forward. In hindsight, I’m proud that I took that leap. The only thing I would have done differently is building a stronger backend business structure—more paperwork and administrative stability would have helped me navigate the challenges with a little more ease.

For me, risk-taking is a necessary part of growth. You need failure to learn and build resilience. Failing teaches you to develop thick skin and gives you the tools for course correction. Once you’ve experienced failure, you begin to notice when things aren’t working before they go too far. You learn to course-correct sooner and move forward with more confidence.

Pricing:

  • Silk Press $200
  • Extension Services $250+
  • Bridal Package $600+
  • Creative Direction $300+
  • Production Services $200+

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageMemphis is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories