Rising Stars: Meet Dee of 21 Blue Lash

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee.

Hi Dee , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
21 BlueLash was founded in 2020. When my daughter was 18 months old, she had a seizure and regressed in speech and developmental skills. It was as if a light switch had gone off. She stopped talking and going to the potty chair. No one knew what was going on, for there were no signs of any oncoming illness–especially epilepsy. She’s my only child. I was (and am) a very attentive mother. I would’ve noticed if something was off. Yet, there wasn’t, and the seizure came out of the blue. Consequently, she was diagnosed with autism at four.

Fast forward to her graduating from high school but not being able to live independently. I started brainstorming on what I could do to make a path toward a viable future. Enter 21 BlueLash. I combined my love of makeup with advocacy for people with disabilities–especially children. My amazing family and friends (Sheila, Meka, Thea, Kourtney, and Leash) signed on to lend their creative talents, and the rest is history.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The makeup world is oversaturated with older brands that have more money and longevity. However, I’ve never allowed that to deter me. We offer something most don’t–diversity and inclusion are the principles we stand on. Most importantly, we cater to the beauty of differences. For us, it isn’t a fashion statement–it’s who we are.

Second, I’ve branched out 21 BlueLash into another area: media. Amerisogyny is an eyeshadow palette and also a podcast. I challenge listeners to take a close look at what’s going on within their environments. Be it unprofessional antics from local businesses or an all out assault on women’s rights, my listeners get the very best of what we have to offer: ADVOCACY.

It doesn’t matter who’s behind the bad behavior. I’ve talked about school systems violating children’s rights in NC and a sketchy psychiatric hospital’s illegal and questionable practices towards patients in New Jersey. Whenever I discover that vulnerable people are mistreated, my listeners will hear about it on the podcast.

We just streamed in our 79th country outside of the U.S. For a little one woman show, that’s huge to me!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to being the founder of 21 BlueLash, I’m a sci-fantasy author. To date, I’ve published 11 books. The most recent, A Time Traveler’s Tea, releases on June 19, 2026. The book spans across four periods in time: 1897. 1927, 1955, and 1972. My prior series are Platirius, Coldarius, (Co-Dare-Ree-Us), JanIus (Jan-Eye-Us), and Maieman (May-Man). These four represent galactic alien worlds, and Maieman (the planet) and Queen Marietta were inspired by my beautiful Aunt Mae, (Mrs. Marietta Rhodes).

What I’m most proud of is that all of my books feature predominantly Black characters. Usually, Black people are either included in projects or they aren’t. Rarely have I seen consistent casting in movies or animations like Black Panther, Sinners, or A Devil In A Blue Dress throughout time. These gems are rare and not as consistent as movies with characters of other races. Spike Lee and Ryan Coogler’s talent is immeasurable. I would die if I saw Platirius on the big screen with Steve Harris (Diary of a Mad Black Woman) starring as King Dubian, and John Boyega. (Star Wars Episode VII) as General Lucian Kron.

Denzel Washington breathes life into his roles. Without him, a character is just words in a script. There hasn’t been a Black actress who’s won an Oscar since Halle Berry in 2002. Michael B. Jordan is the 6th Black man to win the award for lead actor. That’s it. I want to see that change.

Black people are Americans too. We have beauty and creative talent that is specifically unique to our culture. It’s the same culture that has shaped not only the United States, but other cultures around the world.

South Korean rap and breakdance. I just saw Blackpink’s Jennie with a grill in her mouth. Where do you think that comes from? Us. Black people. We didn’t invent the culture–we ARE the culture. There’s absolutely no denying that the world has been influenced by the significant contributions we’ve made.

I write sci-fantasy because I love it. It’s what I grew up on. I want to see more Black characters cast in a light outside of slave ships and cotton. Nichelle Nichol’s Nyota Uhura was a groundbreaking character in 1966. She’s still a legend.

My series feature lead Black female characters. I didn’t complain about the change I wanted to see in the world. I wrote it. What sets my work apart from others is my writing offers a cast of heroes and villains that are very flawed.

Neither Platirius’s Queen Revari or Queen Vivant can be rated as one-dimensional. Each has struggles that are very relatable to readers. Some readers have regarded Queen Revari as the ultimate villain while others understand her actions. That’s what I want others to see–heroes and villains who can play either side.

Second, I’m self-published. I fund every aspect of my books, from the cover designs to the marketing fees. I’m extremely proud that I’m self-sufficient in doing what I love: writing.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in the favor and blessings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What He has for me will be for me. The right people will see my work at the right time. The right listeners faithfully tune in to listen to what I have to say on the Amerisogyny podcast.

I’m not a celebrity with millions of dollars. I’m a mother who has a lot to contribute to this world for my daughter. That’s what draws people in. They see that I’m transparent. They know I care about human rights and use my creativity to amplify it. What matters most to me is knowing my daughter will look back on all the work I’ve done and be proud. It’s what I live for and why I keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.21bluelash.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misshunnybunns1225
• Other: https://www.dlhannah.com