How My Dreadlock Journey Became My Biggest Passion

By Dijana – Founder of Dijana Dreadlock Shop

Ten years ago, I had no idea that a single decision—one that started out of pure curiosity—would completely change my life. Today, I look back at that moment as the beginning of my dreadlock journey… and the birth of what would become Dijana Dreadlock Shop.

Trying My First Dreads

Before I ever started my natural dreadlocks, I wanted to try synthetic ones. I walked into a Jamaican shop near my home, full of excitement, and explained to the lady how I wanted them braided into my hair.

During the appointment, she kept encouraging me to start a natural dreadlock journey instead of just trying synthetic ones. And honestly? It had always been my dream. But I told her I needed to see how the braid-ins suited me first—and that I’d come back in a few months.

And I did.

The Beginning… and the Struggle

When I finally booked in to start my natural dreadlocks, I spent the entire day in the salon. The stylist claimed she specialized in European hair, but as soon as she began, I could see she was struggling.

She interlocked my hair, used wax, and at the end told me something shocking:

“Don’t wash your hair for six months.”

My dreadlocks did not look like I hoped they would.

The journey after that was extremely difficult—tons of shrinkage, frustration, and a constant search for someone who actually knew how to use proper crochet technique. Back then, it was almost impossible to find someone experienced enough to fix them.

When Passion Took Over

Eventually, I started learning how to maintain and fix my dreads myself. At the time, I was a general manager in restaurants—long hours, stressful shifts, nonstop pressure. I loved working with people, but I was tired. I needed a change.

And that’s when it became clear:

My dreadlocks weren’t just a hairstyle… they were leading me toward my purpose.

So I quit my full-time job.

I took a part-time position just to cover my rent, and I started building my dream from scratch—one client at a time.

From a Small Dream to a Global Community

Fast-forward eight years…

I now have a beautiful, diverse community of clients from all over the world. My Instagram page has grown to over 240,000 followers, and every day I get to do what I love most: create, transform, and help people express their authentic selves through dreadlocks.

I’m incredibly grateful—for every client, every challenge, every lesson, and every person who trusted me with their hair. None of this would exist without the support of the dreadlock community.

Blessings to all of you.

My journey started with a dream—and now I get to help others start theirs.