Rising Stars: Meet ChaKhan Dews

Today we’d like to introduce you to ChaKhan Dews.  

Hi ChaKhan, 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?
I’m a mom of two who started XoticStrands my hair extension business from my living room in 2009. My youngest was born in late January of that year and he, my oldest, and I had just relocated to Kent from Cleveland. 

In 2010, I decided to begin my educational tenure in cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the Academy in Twinsburg. I completed 900 hrs. there and decided to complete an additional 900 hrs. at Interstate Beauty School in Lyndhurst. I traveled from the city of Kent to both schools until graduating with 1800 hrs. as an advanced cosmetologist in 2013. 

Shortly after working a few different jobs, I acquired a salon in the city of Cuyahoga Falls. I remained a salon owner until 2017. Tragic events led to the salon being transferred to new ownership. 

I decided to return to my career path of working with the mentally ill. In September 2018, I began working as a behavioral health specialist for an Agency. During my professional tenure, I took additional substance abuse courses and worked hard to provide casework to clients who were in need of behavioral health support. 

In January 2022, after restrictions of The Covid 19 pandemic started to recede, I made a decision to attend Cleveland State University. I obtained education to work in the community as a liaison to the resources aimed to assist people in their development and health. 

I’m currently in the process of renovating a new multicultural salon and completing my Internship with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. I’ve always used my passion for hairstyling as an avenue to serve my community, so I look forward to my new salon home In Cleveland Heights and serving the people in the surrounding suburbs. 

Today, I am ChaKhan Dews, The mother of 2, An Advanced Cosmetologist and Salon Owner, A QBHS (qualified behavioral health specialist), and a CHW (Community Health Worker). 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road to becoming has not been easy. Initially, the struggles were financial, and the support was minimal. No one ever tells you about the friends you lose when on your road to becoming either. It’s truly a lonely but rewarding road when you are focused and a hurtful but strengthening road when you’re succeeding. I don’t think anyone wants to enjoy the fruits of their labor alone, but sometimes the road to success requires separation, elimination, and in due time, new accumulation. The transitions are always bumpy. So, we can’t forget the emotional struggles as well. I’ve even experienced the social struggles of being misunderstood in business by my peers to the existence of marketing paralyzation. Some of the business struggles included learning how seasonal variations affect the salon industry and finding the perfect financial and environmental path within the industry. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What is it that I do? As a hairstylist, I import extensions from all over the world and provide extension services. I’m most known for being a multicultural hairstylist and being comfortable with creating any style. 

I also use my care knowledge to provide interventions as a QBHS. I use my liaison support services and healthcare knowledge to serve as a community health worker. 

I am most proud of my ability to reinvent myself and serve as an example to my loved ones and other women who strive to overcome. I’m proud of my tenacity, courage, and self-confidence. 

I think what sets me apart is my lived experience as someone who has had to endure some of the hardships of the people I serve. I’m a silly yet no-nonsense type of person that is often fueled by challenges, instead of being intimidated by them. I’m able to be Optimistic and hold on to positive aspirations in the midst of troubled times. I don’t aim to hinder others because of my plights, and I make a conscious effort to treat others better than I’ve been treated. It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding for sure. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I had one mentor by the name of Quinton Durham, he was the elder who was assigned by God himself to mold me into the woman you see today. When I met him, I was really rough around the edges. I was 26 and still angry, short-tempered, and impatient. He explained culture to me as it related to temperament, he showed me that we have a say in who we are by what we choose to project. Quinton was a Connoisseur of Construction and Demolition. He taught me how to write up construction contracts. If my contract won a particular bid, I was rewarded. It was never when expected and this is how he taught me to be more patient and understanding. 

I also had a teacher named Mrs. Rose she was my 7th-grade writing teacher who made me understand the concept of writing immaculate essays. She told me that I had to be more than just cute, and I never forgot that. I take pride in my ability to write, however, I should exercise the gift to put my thoughts on paper more often. 

These two people outside of my parents were motivating forces that have catapulted my life in ways that no one else could have. I’m thankful to have met them and experienced their zest for community and inspiration. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.XoticStrands.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/msdews_qbhs