My name is Demetra Lewis, and I invite you into my world. Born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Delaware alongside my two younger siblings, I discovered my passion for hairstyling at a young age. At 15, I began doing hair in my mother’s living room, starting with my little sister and then friends in the neighborhood. I never held a traditional 9-5 job; my first role was as a shampoo assistant at HairTrendz Salon in Newark, DE.  

 

By the age of 16, having completed only the ninth grade, I enrolled myself in cosmetology school. Thanks to the grace of God, American Beauty Academy accepted me as a full-time student, and my passion for hairstyling grew immensely. I loved making women feel beautiful, confident, and empowered it was never about the money but about making a positive impact.  

 

By the time I graduated, I was already working in a salon and taking house calls from my mother’s apartment, steadily building a clientele. However, I learned that to take the Delaware state boards, I needed my GED. Disappointed but determined, I stepped away from salon work to attend an adult alternative school, where I earned my GED.  

 

With that accomplished, I pursued my state boards, finally passing the theory exam on my fourth attempt, and became a licensed cosmetologist in Delaware. From there, my career flourished. I opened my first salon at 21 and been in the business ever since.