A reflective piece on how diverse life experiences and education shape entrepreneurial success, emphasizing that lessons learned in one field translate into unexpected opportunities and achievements across different industries.
In Conversation
Yasmina Adamo Desouza for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Yasmina Adamo Desouza: Speaker: Yasmina Adamo Desouza , Founder, Meena.Braids - Heavenly Extensions | OwnTheTableWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Yasmina Adamo Desouza : Hello, my name is Yasmina, and I believe that being an influential woman means leading by example, staying true to who you are, and inspiring others to believe that with passion, discipline and courage, anything is possible.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Yasmina Adamo Desouza : My advice is simple, just go for it. Don't wait for everything to be perfect. Believe, believe in yourself. Stay passionate about what you do, and remember that success comes to those who are willing to keep going even when others doubt them.
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Her Story
About Yasmina
Yasmina Adamo Desouza is an entrepreneur, business growth strategist, and beauty industry professional based in Ashburn, Virginia. As the founder of MeenaBraids and Heavenly Extensions, she has built a thriving beauty business known for luxury braiding and extension services that prioritize both style and hair health. Drawing on her strong academic background in mathematics, including a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Bridgewater State University, Yasmina combines analytical thinking with creativity to deliver exceptional client experiences while managing a successful and highly sought-after business.
With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Yasmina transformed a passion for braiding into a flourishing enterprise that consistently maintains a waitlist and serves clients throughout the Virginia area. Her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by her desire to create a career that offered flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to be present for her family. Beyond her work as a beauty professional, she serves as a Business Growth Strategist for organizations including Levitated Fitness and Scriptura, helping businesses strengthen their brands, expand their audiences, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic marketing, content development, and operational support.
As the founder of OWNtheTABLE, Yasmina is committed to empowering entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners to build successful ventures with confidence and purpose. Her philosophy—"If they don’t give you a seat at the table, create your own table"—reflects her personal journey as an immigrant who learned to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Passionate about lifelong learning, innovation, and mentorship, Yasmina continues to expand her expertise through business education while inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurship, embrace their talents, and build meaningful lives that balance professional achievement with family and community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yasmina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of client loyalty, consistent self-promotion, and a strong work ethic. Building lasting relationships with clients has been essential to my growth, while continuously promoting my work and staying dedicated to excellence has helped me create new opportunities. Above all, my faith has been a guiding force throughout my journey, and I believe that my achievements have been made possible through God's grace and blessings.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I live by is: just go for it. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect, because perfection often delays progress. Be passionate about what you do, because when you truly believe in your work, there’s very little you can’t accomplish. First comes passion, then courage because at first people might laugh, but eventually, they start taking notes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to master your craft and never underestimate the power of professionalism. Talent will get people interested, but consistency, discipline, and how you treat people is what builds longevity. Don’t be afraid to start before you feel ready, stay passionate about what you do, and remember that trends come and go, but building a brand with purpose is what truly sets you apart.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the beauty industry right now is that a lot of people are choosing convenience over quality, and that has lowered standards in many areas. But at the same time, that creates a huge opportunity for professionals who truly care about their craft. Clients are becoming more educated, and more people are looking for stylists who prioritize hair health, professionalism, and an actual experience not just a quick service. I believe the opportunity right now is for those who are willing to stand out by building trust and delivering real value.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values that matters most to me, both personally and professionally, is doing things the right way. I believe in integrity, excellence, and making sure that whatever I put my name on is done with care and intention. In my work, that means prioritizing quality over convenience, and in my personal life, it means staying true to my principles and always moving with purpose.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Yasmina
Dream. Build. Win.
How a Mathematics Degree Became the Foundation for Entrepreneurial Success
One thing people often do not realize about success is that every experience in life prepares you for something bigger. For me, earning my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics shaped the woman I am today in ways I could never have imagined.
Through that journey, I learned discipline, consistency, problem-solving, resilience, and what it truly means to push forward even when things feel difficult. Mathematics taught me how to think beyond what is directly in front of me and understand that every problem has a solution if you are willing to stay committed long enough to find it.
Today, as an entrepreneur building businesses in completely different industries, I realize that success is not always about staying in one lane. Sometimes, the lessons you learn in one season prepare you to excel in another. What matters is having the courage to start, the discipline to remain consistent, and the passion to keep going when others doubt you.
To anyone chasing a dream: Do not underestimate where you started. Every lesson, every challenge, and every experience is shaping you into the person you need to become.
At first, people may laugh. Eventually, they take notes.
So trust yourself, work hard, and most importantly, just go for it.
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