Dashnay knows how to thrive through adversity, and she leads by example. Many may not know but Dashnay is a huge philanthropist who has donated thousands of dollars to her community.
She has used her platform and expertise to provide opportunities to others. Assisting single moms and children with securing housing, purchasing school supplies, holiday gifts, groceries or those in need: paying it forward continuously out of love.
Sometimes we learn what we’re made of, only when things go wrong; when some adversity or setback changes the trajectory of our existence. When we are forced to be the change we want to see in the world. There is a timeless proverb that states, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”
Dashnay is a life representative of that quote. Before she was a devoted wife, and mother of five boys, she was a statistic. However, there is power in seeking redemption.
FWM: Tell us a little about you?
My name is Dashnay Michell Johnson. I’m 32 years old. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. I am married to my best friend and business partner, Barry Darnell Johnson. I’m the best mom in the world to our five boys (in their eyes). They are 15, 12, 11, 4, and 1. I’m a phenomenal cook, dancer and book worm. I enjoy philanthropy and spreading love. I take pride in my work. I love to travel but I’m mostly a homebody.
FWM: How many businesses do you have? And what are they?
I currently have 3 businesses. VIP CREDIT REPAIR, where we help people with less than perfect credit. Most people come to us because they want to purchase a home, buy a new car, refinance a loan or establish business credit for funding and capital. I own VIP Consulting Agency LLC. We assist others with business plans, registering and establishing their business. Lastly, I own VIP CREDIT REPAIR ACADEMY, an online school to teach, certify and coach others who want to become CREDIT REPAIR CONSULTANTS.
FWM: What made you want to become an Entrepreneur?
I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. As early as 15 years old, during my stay in a residential program for at risk teens, I started a hair salon. In a facility with 70 boys and 35 girls, there was no one there to do hair. We were not allowed off campus unless your family picked you up. Most of these kids had no family. I met with the director and gave him a list of prices and hairstyles I could do. He agreed that I would be paid weekly. Every Friday I turned in my log of everyone’s hair I did, with the style and price and by Monday, my pay was in my account.
FWM: What has been your greatest challenge as an Entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge I would have to say is separating my work from family time. I’m fully aware that things can change at any time and that fear makes me work around the clock. I don’t take the fact that my businesses are doing well for granted, I’m always working to improve my services and the process. This means that there are times I’m on family vacation and I’m on my laptop working. It can be a Sunday, and although im closed for business, I’m still working on the back end. Anyone who knows me knows my Sundays used to be reserved for family but that’s not so easy when you’re running a business.
FWM: Tell us something no one knows you like? (Something funny and exciting)
I’m greedy as heck!!! There is nothing I don’t eat! I love frog legs, chicken feet, etc. There is no food that I would not try and I have never tasted anything and said “I don’t like it”. I’m a real foodie!!
FWM: What direction do you feel that we as women in business can take to continue to trailblaze for the next generation of women in business?
We must pass the torch! We must get out the mindset that we are in competition. My sisters will never be my competition. I teach anyone thing that I know, I uplift and empower every single day because that’s what’s needed. So many times, we just need a little extra push or reassurance to get us to the next level. Who better than someone who has already travelled through the same path?
FWM: What exciting projects are you working on?
Right now, I just completed my real estate course, and I’ll have to take my exam for licensing. So many of my current clients have become homeowners since using my services. The happiness and joy I felt for their accomplishment drove me to want to be apart of the process even more. Yes, I fix their credit to help them get approved, but I want to find their dream home. I am truly at my best when I am of service to others.
FWM: What final words do you want to share?
I want to let others know that every single circumstance in our lives is apart of the plan. We are always exactly where we are supposed to be. So much has happened in my life and there were times I would think “why me God?” But now I understand those events were necessary for my growth and my success. Life has truly humbled me and I am grateful for the good, the bad and the ugly, I don’t regret anything.
