Against All Odds: From the Projects to the Penthouse

by Mahisha Dellinger

For Mahisha Dellinger, life in the rough streets of Sacramento, California was paving the way for a lifetime of poverty, despair and dysfunction. But while criminals ran rampant, gangs took over, and her own relatives chose drugs over dreams, Mahisha knew she was destined for something greater. Rewriting her story Determined to write a different ending to her story, Mahisha set out to alter her destiny, through college and hard work. But her dreams were bigger than just a 9-5 job and she worked tirelessly to pursue her passion of owning her own hair care business. That dedication and commitment has paid off as Mahisha's company, CURLS LLC, is one of the leading natural hair care companies in the country. Against All Odds chronicles Mahisha's journey from the projects to the penthouse, how she overcame an impoverished beginning to lead a life of wealth, privilege and success....doing a job she loves. Complete with success tips to process in your own life, Against All Odds will show you how to turn your tragedy into triumph, no matter what the odds.

194 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

As a young girl growing up with her single mother in the projects, Mahisha witnessed the closeness of her community when there’s love and grace. Through this upbringing, Mahisha built a personal and professional mantra of always growing with tenacity and reverence. Mahisha details the story of her road to success in her book Against All Odds: From the Projects to the Penthouse.

Mahisha received a degree in business administration and marketing from California State University Sacramento before beginning her career as a Marketing Manager for Intel Corporation. It was there that she discovered her true passion in life: creating effective and eco-conscious products for natural curly hair. Mahisha learned quickly to take charge of her life and control her destiny.

Mahisha launched CURLS Beauty Brands in 2002 and never looked back. Frustrated with the lack of products for natural, curly hair, Mahisha worked to develop an award-winning line of organic hair care products and singlehandedly built the demand for the CURLS brand.

In addition to running CURLS Beauty Brands, Mahisha dedicates her time to helping other women of color succeed in the business landscape. This is through her experience in the corporate world and recognizing black women have the lowest opportunities extended to them. Mahisha then embarked on a journey to build a blueprint for success for African American female entrepreneurs.

Through her show on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), “Mind Your Business with Mahisha Dellinger” and her business coaching conferences,”Black Girls Making Millions”- Mahisha helps other women business owners navigate the business landscape through mentoring and her vast network.

Reviews

[Venessia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of the Author before or her natural hair line but the title of the book caught my eye. I really enjoyed this story. She grew up seeing poverty, abuse, dysfunctional relationships, etc. She was a victim of rape, low self esteem and low self worth and married her Husband when she was still damaged from all she had endured yet she still rose to fame doing something she loved and managed to keep her family in tact along the way. This book is very empowering and a must read!

[Kaywanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I interviewed Mahisha two weeks ago and decided to read her book. Omg! It's an inspirational, empowering tear-jerker. This book has it all. Great tips for starting a business as well as the real backstory that led her to be the amazing woman we see today. I recommend you read it and share with other women who may have had some trials.

[Titus Family Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

I like how truthful she was in this book. Truly inspirational. I would recommend all young women to read this and aspiring entrepreneurs.

[Ayoola Efunkoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief and concise. Highly inspiring. Very realistic and practical

[Carmen Blakely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for two types of people. Those who are trying to find their way after a rough childhood and/or otherwise broken. And those trying to find their footing in the career or start up. Mahisha then gives us hair care tips and endless ways to cocktail our hair products. Check it out!