Today we’d like to introduce you to Dezzie Payne.
Hi Dezzie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Destiny “Dezzie” Payne, and beauty has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was raised in the beauty industry by my mother, who has owned a salon and cosmetology school for over 15 years, so after school afternoons were often spent surrounded by stylists, students, and creativity. That environment shaped who I am.
Today, I wear many hats as a beauty educator, model, and dancer. I began my professional journey in beauty at a young age and became an instructor in my twenties, helping students build the skills and confidence to succeed in the industry. Beyond the classroom, I express myself through fashion, runway modeling, and dance, always finding ways to blend artistry, education, and self-expression.
At the core of everything I do is a passion for helping people see beauty as more than appearance but also inner confidence, creativity, culture, and opportunity. My journey has been about turning the world I was raised in into a career that allows me to inspire others while continuing to evolve myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, Absolutely! One of the biggest obstacles has been navigating both mental and physical health challenges while continuing to pursue my goals. There have been seasons where fatigue, health concerns, stress, and the demands of balancing multiple careers made it difficult to show up at the level I expected from myself. I’ve had to learn that success isn’t just about working harder. It’s also about taking care of myself and recognizing when I need rest.
I’ve also had to work through self-doubt, pressure, and the challenge of establishing my own identity while growing up and working within a family business. Balancing my roles as an educator, model, dancer, and creative has required resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose.
Those experiences have ultimately made me stronger. They taught me perseverance, self-awareness, and empathy for others who may be facing struggles that aren’t immediately visible. Today, I view those challenges not as things that held me back, but as part of the journey that shaped who I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a beauty educator, model, and dancer. Professionally, I specialize in beauty education, particularly esthetics, nail technology, and cosmetology training. I am known for creating engaging learning experiences that help students build both technical skills and confidence. Beyond education, I have built a presence in modeling and performance, where I combine creativity, fashion, and movement to tell stories and connect with audiences. Whether it’s teaching at YesHoney Studios or walking amazing runways like AltBall, my goal is always to inspire someone to try something new, have fun, and look good doing it!
What I am most proud of is the impact I have on others. Watching students, from dance and cosmetology, who once doubted themselves succeed, earn licenses, build careers or simply feel good wile moving their body is incredibly rewarding. I am equally proud of my own journey. It was a rough ride but worth every bump in the road.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m an avid reader, so books have always been one of my greatest resources. I love dark romance and fantasy world building. Reading has helped me expand my perspective, strengthen my creativity, and continue learning both personally and professionally. Beyond books, I draw a lot of inspiration from fashion, beauty, and creative media, whether that’s educational content, industry publications, or visual storytelling through photography and runway.However, one of the most valuable resources in my life has actually been the people around me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without so many amazing people like my fellow honeys at YesHoney, my ballroom family House of Juicy Couture and House of ebony, as well as my immediate family. I love them all dearly.
Pricing:
- Private Dance Lessons $75-$125
- Private Modeling Lessons $60-$100
- Choreography/ Performaning starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: purebeautyinstitute.com & yeshoneystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dezziesleep
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dezziestillsleep
