Today we’d like to introduce you to Dimitria Cooper.
Hi Dimitria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dimitria Chantel (pronounced Shawn-tell) and I’ve been an entrepreneur for 13 years, a creative for 27 years. My entire life is based off creativity and innovation, being said I’ve never had an employer. Art has always been an outlet for me no matter the circumstances, it was second nature to drown out the world and dive into mine. My intellectuality was discovered in a small, intimate Montessori type homeschooling; considered an experiment to my teacher because of how advanced I was as a toddler. My first interest in school was Earth Science. I’ve always been fascinated with natural elements, this curiosity lead me to discovering natural clay in my childhood backyard, free-hand sculpting bowls and plates, then painting them for my mother’s collection of crafts. Shortly after many outdoor interests and discoveries, poetry became a second language at a young age, which lead me to having my first poem nationally published in 3rd grade titled “Rubies and Diamonds”.
Sports then grabbed my attention—receiving awards and recognition by quickly climbing to varsity/elite levels. Transitioning into a teenager, going into high school, not having much financially led me to wanting many things I couldn’t have and many things I couldn’t afford. The rewards from sports became expected, however it was revealed that I’d rather be at home sketching or figuring out how to multiplying my income. Sketching opened the doors to fashion, which lead me to hair.
I didn’t grow up knowing how to braid, my mother didn’t either—haha. I had to teach myself. I quickly became the girl you needed to see before the bell rang. I was the one bringing hair glue, eyebrow blades, flat irons, etc. I serviced my coaches and school principals in my bedroom. It became noticeable I enjoyed hair more than anything, even some teachers tried scolding me, or attempting to redirect me. I chose what made me happy, I went to cosmetology school once I graduated. I started working in a well known hair salon in Matteson. The owner and I bonded within a short time, until she decided to give up ownership of the salon. The surprise I didn’t know was, the new owner was a celebrity makeup artist with a national celebrity glam squad I soon became part of. I became a celebrity hair stylist at 19– helping SWV get ready for concert, Cardi B & Hennessy, Juju, down to state politicians, government officials, city aldermen, producers, writers, etc. I’ve worked amongst legends and I’m grateful for every experience.
Growing at such a rapid rate at such a young age caused turmoil in my environment, that was burned as fuel. It made me uncomfortable, it made me non complacent. The art of development all while learning detachment means you will be forced to expand, you will outgrow your environment. I had to be okay with that. It taught me how to take risks, how to have more faith in things.
April 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, I had the bright idea to open a salon while the world was shut down. I just wanted my own space. It didn’t make sense to most people but it seemed pretty perfect to me. Why not take advantage of things while no one else is? I may not have this opportunity again, or this much time.
With the success of my first salon and multiple extension companies within, I had more than enough time & transitioned fully back into art in 2024. I hosted my first solo art gallery titled Grandeur Galleries.
After the launch of Grandeur Galleries, I went back to my first love, sports. I became a cheer coach in 2025 youth football season for 3-4 year olds and 11-13 year olds.
Shortly after my coaching season, I opened my second salon Artistry DC, which is bigger and more diverse than the first one. With more experience, I decided to write a book describing my process and experience titled The Creative Conduit.
The Creative Conduit (194 pages) is a physical and interactive guide + 12 month planner that focuses on mindset shifts, personal and business structure, pattern recognition, pivoting, creative development and navigating through blockages—then tying this into strengthening your brand identity, artistic/creative direction, mitigating potential challenges, contingency strategies, as well as building and maintaining financial freedom. I wanted to keep physical copies because I truly believe in physically engaging & writing— analog style
I completely built a new brand & logo by using @thecreativeconduit.solutions interactive guide + 12 month planner; it helps me stay grounded and open to receiving new ideas 💡 we strongly believe physically writing down our thoughts will create a solid outcome, so there’s enough room to jot down new ideas throughout the entire book while we dive into brand identity, artistic direction + templates, file formatting and so much more.
At The Creative Conduit, our mission is to empower creatives by building resilience, enforcing proper guidance, and creative reconstruction for sustainable success. Our goal is to organize you in building a thriving empire that leads to financial freedom—without compromising your identity or values.
We emphasize the importance of laying a solid foundation through strategic planning and consistent effort. We are committed to equipping you with the tools, insights, and support necessary for both personal and professional growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall my experience has been smooth only because I genuinely understand this is my path. Of course I faced challenges, especially reprogramming my nervous system and mindset from things that no longer serve me or childhood trauma
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known hair, art, instructing, sports, and being a salon owner/author. I’m most proud of the salon I built. I built everything by myself from laying the floors down, painting walls, electrical, interior design and decor. I then wrote a book about it titled The Creative Conduit
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to broaden the scope and perspective of creatives and entrepreneurs to help merge and bridge the gap. Most people have a hard time choosing one or the other, when in fact you can do both. I want people to understand the sky is the limit. You can be and do anything you put your mind to
Pricing:
- The Creative Conduit is $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thedimitriachantel.com
- Instagram: Dimitriachantel
- Other: https://Grandeurgalleries.com
