Join us for this week’s Monday Morning Message, as we engage in real talk with small business owners Ashley Marie Booker-Knight, Co-Owner, Words Unite Bookstore and Event Center, LLP and Daunya Byrd, Co-Owner, Altons Old School Barbershop about the impact of COVID 19. Both Ashley and Daunya were contestants in the Women Veterans Day 2020 Inaugural “The Pitch: Women Veteran,” and are pivoting their businesses to not only survive COVID 19--they're implementing strategies to collaborate and THRIVE!
MEET OUR GUESTS:
Daunya Byrd is the Co-Owner of Altons Old School Barbershop. She opened the business with her husband Michael Alton on January 1st, 2020. Barbering and hair education is one of Daunya’s passions, she loves working with her hands, so barbering was a skill that came naturally. Daunya has been in the industry since 2005. The husband and wife team are dedicated to perfecting their craft and educating others in the industry.
Long before Daunya started a career in the health and beauty industry she dedicated herself to fighting inequality and donating time and energy to those adversely affected by the system. Her interdiscilpinary studies resulted in a majors in Women’s Studies, Counseling, Social Work and Psychology allowing her to see the world through a variety of lens. Human Rights issue are very important to Daunya, who sought out an internship at The Genesis Women’s Shelter; at the time, it was the only shelter helping women in emergency situations related to domestic violence. The shelter worked closely with the Bush Administration to change several laws concerning marital violence, women’s rights and even anti-stalking laws. Unfortunately, Daunya was on her own and soon ran out of funds, resulting in an inability to complete her studies; nevertheless, she plan to eventually return to UTA in the fall using her Hazlewood educational benefits.
It was a lifelong dream of Daunya’s to serve in the military. She joined in 1999 and was the only female in her AIT Class, 72 Lima, only the second female to attend the technical school for special electronics device repairs. Daunya loved the experience and learned so much, yet her thrist to learn more led her to Virginia for training as a supply specialist. Daunya was later stationed in Kitzingen Germany as Headquarters Support Staff for the 1st Infantry Division, where she managed the arms room and found time to attend the University of Hamburg. Daunya enjoyed many new experiences, yet perfecting her skills and practicing discipline via martial arts was her favorite activity.
Ashley Marie Booker-Knight, Co-Owner, Words Unite Bookstore and Event Center, LLP