About the Founder
Hi, I’m Deshawndra Gillispie : educator, author, coach, entrepreneur, and founder of The Legacy of Gillispie House.
I am deeply passionate about helping people grow academically, physically, and personally. My work sits at the intersection of education, health, leadership, and mentorship. Whether I’m teaching, coaching young athletes, developing wellness initiatives, building youth mentorship programs, or creating beautiful Sisterlock transformations, my mission is always the same: empower others to become their strongest, most confident selves.
Through The Legacy of Gillispie House, I’ve created programs centered around youth development, fitness & movement, leadership building, and community engagement. My work focuses especially on youth, helping them build confidence, character, discipline, and long-term vision. I am also a mother, which fuels everything I do. Building legacy is not just a brand for me, it is a responsibility. I believe in showing up fully, doing hard things with integrity, and creating opportunities that extend beyond one generation.
Rooted in purpose
Built for growth
Designed for legacy
Our Commitment to Growth
The Legacy of Gillispie House is an individual-focused organization committed to empowering individuals through intentional guidance, skill development, and character-building experiences. The organization emphasizes growth, accountability, and purpose, working in partnership with schools and community stakeholders to support student success.
We aim to create an inclusive environment where both youth and adults can thrive, learning from each other’s experiences and embracing their unique identities.
Services
Empower Your Journey
Our range of services includes tailored mentorship programs, fitness coaching, and Sisterlock establishments that celebrate beauty and self-expression.
The Come up Mentorship
The Come Up Mentorship program supports youth through mentorship and growth-based experiences that promote confidence, leadership, and purpose.
PILLAR 1: LIFE SKILLS
• Time management and organization
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Financial basics: budgeting, saving, spending
• Stress management and coping strategies
• Responsibility and accountability
PILLAR 2: RELATIONSHIPS & EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
• Healthy vs unhealthy relationships
• Boundaries with peers, family, and dating
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional awareness and empathy
PILLAR 3: PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE
• Personal appearance and hygiene
• Social and professional etiquette
• Digital and social media behavior
• Public speaking and introductions
• Respect and professionalism
PILLAR 4: CAREER BUILDING & INTEREST EXPLORATION
• Career awareness and exploration
• Interest inventories and strengths mapping
• Resume basics
• Interview skills
• Job readiness and workplace expectations
PILLAR 5: PURPOSE, IDENTITY &
GOAL SETTING
• Self-awareness and identity development
• Confidence building
• Short- and long-term goal setting
• Vision planning
• Leadership development
Legacy Performance Lab
Fitness and Movement: Rooted in Purpose and built for growth, our fitness and movement service equips individuals and teams with strength, confidence, and discipline through personalized weight loss training, fitness conditioning, basketball skill development, and team training.
Sisterlocks™
Red the Loc'er focuses on helping individuals grow in confidence and embrace their natural hair journey through Sisterlock™ Establishments - providing Sisterlock installations and professional retightening (retie) services.