Local woman shows kindness in her community through entrepreneurship

Donna Prescott has lived in New York City for more than two decades. It may surprise many people that she is a mom to a 26-year-old. She is also tenacious.

Another surprising thing: “Despite being an extrovert in social settings, I deeply cherish moments of solitude and silence. People may think I thrive on constant interaction, but I find my most profound clarity and strength when I’m alone, recharging in quiet spaces,” she said.

Prescott sees her parents as the most significant influences on her path as an entrepreneur today, as they modeled this for her growing up.

“My dad was a contractor, and somewhere woven inside me was the blood of someone who knew there was freedom in building something. Then there’s my mom, a homemaker who knew exactly how to step in when needed to make an extra contribution. Seeing them at that time making changes without many resources has left an imprint on me,” she added.

Prescott remembers witnessing an act of kindness growing up. Her mom took care of their family with the little means she had, and she extended love and help to her extended family and strangers.

“My mom gave so many people a start by letting them live with us, sometimes up to five years, to get on their feet. She did that without asking for anything in return and providing the basics of room and board and food for each person,” she stated.

She also remembers when her mom went on a church mission as a volunteer to feed the homeless, and she took in this elderly blind lady after one mission, taking care of her for years until her death since her family abandoned her.

Prescott has owned her hair salon and wig store in Brooklyn, Donna Prescott Beauty, located at 1131 St. Johns Pl., Brooklyn, NY 11213, for 15 years now. As a hairstylist, one of my earliest strengths was providing hair extension services and making them look as natural as possible.

“During that time, my mom lost her hairline over a very short period. My mom has never relaxed or braided her hair, so it wasn’t a result of that. After many tests, it was determined the reason was due to severe stress,” she explained.

“My mom always had very full, beautiful, natural hair and did many creative styles. “It was hard seeing her experience such severe hair loss that I had to step in to find a wig that mimicked her hair.” As a result of that experience, she started her own Wig line, which grew into a clientele of women who were also seeking remedies for their hair loss.

In 2020, she created her Donna Prescott Beauty Day Program, a monthly giveaway to someone dealing with severe hair loss.

“I got to give back to this community that was dear and near to me, and these women got to share their stories and bring awareness to the different causes of hair loss,” she continued.

One of Prescott’s favorite things she has done is hiring the youth within her community and mentoring them.

“I enjoy training and giving them tools and resources that help set them up for future hires. Over time, I’m hoping this generosity helps to break the cycles of poverty and inequality, creating a more resilient and thriving community where they have the tools and encouragement to succeed,” she stated.

She added that getting started is usually challenging, but that can be turned into positive progress. The reaction from those mentored is always one of eagerness and excitement about the future.

Prescott feels that these contributions in her community foster “a sense of unity and belonging as individuals coming together. Showing them that they are valued.”

As a kid, she enjoyed swimming in the ocean and river and being in nature. These things are still her favorite as an adult because they keep her centered and grounded.

She wants to be remembered for sharing her resources, instilling values and knowledge, and sharing experiences in her community. “I hope to pass on these things through the memories I’ve created, the lessons I’ve taught, and the kindness I’ve shown, knowing that my contributions left this world a little better,” she said.

Those interested can learn more about hair services offered at Donna Prescott Beauty here: https://donnaprescott.com/.