Determined to make a difference in the Black Community, Deshauntia Benn is celebrating the grand opening of her latest venture

By Staff Writers, BLKPRENEURSHIP.COM
5 minute read – Mon July 8, 2024

GRETNA, LOUISIANA – Born and raised in Gretna, Louisiana, Deshauntia Benn has dedicated her life to uplifting those around her. With deep roots in this community, she has always felt a profound connection to her hometown, a bond that has only strengthened over the years. As a mother, sister, and community organizer, Deshauntia has faced personal tragedies and systemic challenges, but her resilience and passion for making a difference have only grown stronger.

Driven by a lifelong passion for education and community organizing, Deshauntia has dedicated herself to uplifting and empowering those around her, particularly within the Black community. She believes in the transformative power of grassroots organizing, which has been her primary focus throughout her life. “It’s my passion to uplift the community and give back through grassroots organizing,” she explains. “I’ve dedicated most of my life to finding ways to benefit the Black community, and I feel really good about that. I am living my dream and passion.” Her commitment to creating opportunities and fostering growth in her community is unwavering, and she takes immense pride in living her dream and passion.

From a young age, Deshauntia aspired to start her own business to make a tangible impact on the lives of people who look like her. Her journey began as an organizer for a labor union, where she worked closely with educators, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. However, she grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in addressing the systemic issues faced by Black educators and students. The resistance she encountered in her efforts to tackle these issues head-on ultimately led her to a pivotal realization: she could leverage her skills and ideas to create meaningful change on her own terms.

Determined to make a difference, Deshauntia established Dimensions Consulting Firm, where she assists businesses in obtaining grant funding, developing leadership, and strategic planning. Her consulting firm helps organizations grow, elevate their voices, and build a robust organizational culture. The firm represents more than a business venture; it’s a platform for Deshauntia to implement her vision of empowering others to achieve their full potential.

In a serendipitous turn of events, Deshauntia also became the owner of a beauty supply store. This unexpected opportunity allowed her to connect with people in her community on a more personal level. The store serves as a space for networking, engagement, and promoting her consulting firm’s mission. “The idea just fell into my lap,” she says with a smile. “I saw it as another way to connect with the community and elevate my consulting firm. People come into the store, and we talk, network, and find ways to support each other.” Through these interactions, Deshauntia continues to elevate and honor her community, fostering economic growth and empowering others to embrace their unique potential.

The loss of her son profoundly influenced Deshauntia’s approach to life and business. She became intentional and purposeful in her actions, always considering her son’s spirit in her decision-making processes. Her consulting firm’s name, Dimensions, reflects her deep love and connection to her son, symbolizing the limitless and enduring nature of her love. “I love him beyond dimensions, and that love drives me to honor him by elevating the community. Dimensions was the perfect name for my business because it represents growth, impact, and the limitless love I have for my son.” This name also represents her commitment to elevating the community and creating meaningful, impactful change.

Deshauntia’s journey is deeply personal and driven by a desire to honor her son by living an authentic and liberated life. Inspired by her son’s ability to embrace his true self without fear or reservation, she strives to embody the same authenticity in her own life. Deshauntia now pursues activities that bring her joy, such as karaoke, regardless of societal expectations. She believes in the importance of finding happiness and fulfillment, particularly in the face of grief and loss.

Her son’s influence extends beyond personal fulfillment. Deshauntia’s consulting firm and beauty supply store serve as platforms to create opportunities for others and foster economic growth within the Black community. She aims to empower individuals to discover their calling, develop their skills, and build businesses that contribute to community wealth. Her vision includes hosting workshops and training sessions on leadership, effective communication, and embracing one’s identity, all aimed at fostering a strong sense of self and community.

Deshauntia also emphasizes the importance of collective effort and mutual support within the community. She envisions a future where Black businesses and individuals work together, pooling resources and talents to uplift and sustain each other. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, she believes that the Black community can achieve significant economic and social progress. “We don’t have to depend on others to build wealth in our community,” she asserts. “We have everything we need – power, influence, and creativity. We just need to tap into it and support each other.”

Dr. Umar Johnson, a prominent figure in the Black community, has also been a source of inspiration for Deshauntia. “He stands by his beliefs and speaks his truth, even if it means stepping back from certain opportunities,” she says. “That’s the kind of energy I want to surround myself with. We can do this with our community rather than seeking validation outside.”

Deshauntia’s passion for knowledge and personal growth fuels her endeavors. She continually seeks to learn more about the global African diaspora, the challenges faced by Black communities worldwide, and ways to enhance her skill set. Her love for poetry, the beach, and water provides her with therapeutic escapes, grounding her and helping her stay connected to the universe.

Starting her consulting firm and beauty supply store marked the beginning of a new journey for Deshauntia, one filled with challenges and unknowns. Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic and confident that her efforts will yield positive results. She acknowledges the complexities of running a brick-and-mortar business but views each challenge as a learning opportunity, reinforcing her belief in the importance of perseverance and resilience.

Looking to the future, Deshauntia aims to create spaces for youth and adults to learn about their identities and the contributions of their ancestors. She believes in the power of education and the importance of understanding one’s heritage to build a strong, self-sustaining community. By creating an academy focused on the history of Black music, dance, and creativity, she hopes to instill a sense of pride and belonging in future generations.

Deshauntia’s ultimate goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential. “I want to help other people find their calling, gain skills, and build their own businesses,” she explains. “My vision includes workshops and trainings on leadership, passion, and effective communication. I want to create a space where people can embrace their unique talents and skills.” She encourages individuals to find a supportive community, embrace their uniqueness, and trust the process of growth and self-discovery. Through her consulting firm, beauty supply store, and community initiatives, she strives to plant seeds of change, fostering a collective movement towards empowerment, resilience, and success.

Deshauntia Benn’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community. Her dedication to uplifting others, honoring her loved ones, and living authentically serves as an inspiration to all. As she continues to navigate her path, Deshauntia remains committed to creating a brighter, more empowered future for the Black community, driven by her unwavering belief in the power of resilience, passion, and collective effort.

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