Today we’d like to introduce you to DaNae Crawford .
DaNae, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out in Law Enforcement working in just about everything I could get my hands on from working in an all male prison, to the jail and retiring as a Correctional Deputy (I was certified as a law enforcement officer and a correctional officer) I really thought that I was going to be Chief of police or on the Swat team lol. I was wrong, I was met with so much rejection and unfair treatment that I decided this wasn’t the career for me. So, I left and it’s been one of the best decision to date. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do next. That was until I spoke to a friend that was a flight Attendant.
I said to myself that seems fun, but I don’t like flying. I went for it anyway and to my surprise fell in love with the flexibility of working for a major airline. Though it’s not all glitz and glam it’s truly a dream job. After a couple of years, I felt like I was missing something. Did I mention me and my best friend started a non-profit organization for women because we know if we are going through hardship, good times, and accomplishments then imagine how many other women are too. Sometimes we just need the support of other women. It was a hit at first and you know the saying, one bad seed ruins the batch. It really put a damper in are spirit and plans and we went on an hiatus from it. Life went on and I was a wife and a mother of two by now but I wanted more. Life is funny sometimes you get exactly what you ask for and sometimes you get the opposite. I got the opposite.
My life took an unexpected turn for the worse when my husband passed six days after I had my daughter and looking back at it now I think to myself how did you ever overcome that? A forever healing process that involved family, friends, friends of friends and a huge church family that covered me, prayed for me and never let me out of their sight or mind. Till this day they really showed up and showed out. I’m forever grateful and indebted. How could I not mention the reason I’m alive and well… I’ve fell to my knees plenty and cried out to him in anger, fear, and loneliness GOD! There’s so much more but to make it short I’m still standing and I’m able to do all things through him. So, onto these businesses I’ve always been interested in the beauty and fashion industry. I like products that are chemical free and natural.
Before quarantine, I started making homemade hair products, hair growth oils and hair butters just for me, my family, and my close friends from their results I knew I was on to something. People started to inquire about how to purchase, after being very reluctant I decided to bite the bullet and get the ball rolling on setting up shop. I haven’t quite launched, but October of 2020 is the plan. I’ve always loved fashion and because I dress for the season I’m in and always incorporating neutral colors throughout the years. I like pieces that are simple, chic, classic can be dressed up or down and are all inclusive while still being sexy. Being that I’m Tall, I really want to carter towards my Tall girls and offer clothing that is not only the right length but fit according to our height.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
So far it’s been a little bumpy it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to run your own business. The only person you have to rely on is yourself to get the job done. I’m learning everything as I go and reading as much as I can about the fields I’m in. It’s not a sprint it’s a marathon is something I tell myself daily. I’m my only competition, I can do anything I put my mind to!!!
Please tell us about The Fly Affect.
The Fly Affect was something that I started that could encompass everything I love from beauty to fashion where I could showcase the two without compromising the quality. Something where if you saw it, it had a lasting affect on you and you wanted to either learn more or purchase. Fly=Fully Loving Yourself some much that it rubs off onto others. I specialize in making handmade hair growth oils and hair butters consisting of many different herbs , oils, essential oils and butters. On the fashion side I offer fashion that’s classic, chic and versatile it’s offered in seasons once that collection is done. You have to wait until the next season.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have listened to my first mind, it never leads me in the wrong direction. I think sometimes we look for validation in others. They don’t have the vision so that won’t see what you see. Stay focused on whatever it is you want to do. Someone needs it and it’s up to you to see it through to the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheFlyaffect.com
- Email: theflyaffect1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theflyaffectbeauty?igshid=1bot8rkjw5om0
- Other: https://instagram.com/theflyaffect_?igshid=1gbk51fhnwqjv
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