We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danielle Atkinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danielle below.
Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission is to educate beauty professionals to understand they are serving others and creating joy in the world, one person at a time.
I began my journey in the beauty industry when I was 13. I realized quickly that I could brighten a person’s day by styling their hair and helping them see the beauty I saw. The smiles on their faces, the confidence they had created a passion within me that I still hold on to. My journey in the beauty industry has given me so much joy that I wanted to share the joy and passion with others so I began my teaching journey. What I quickly realized was that the people who are in this industry, enjoy seeing beauty in other people. There is a selflessness that comes from within that wants to serve others in a way that makes a difference that they can see. I am grateful for the many beauty professionals who I am able to inspire, and teach who go on to do great things in the beauty industry. The mission is simple, create beauty for those who you meet, those who sit in your chair and trust you with some of their most vulnerable moments. This is the gift of the beauty industry, we touch people and we serve people.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey to beauty was born out of a need to feel beautiful. I struggled with self worth and with my own insecurities as a young person so it gave me a sensitivity to those dealing with those issues. The beauty industry was a choice I made because it came easy for me, and most importantly I ENJOYED It! I love every part from hair, to nails, to skin, to beauty products, ALL OF IT! I have been a hair artist, a nail technician, a make-up artist, and so many other specialties within the beauty field. What sets me apart from others is my attention to seeing a person for who they truly are, and allowing them to see the beautiful person I see. My most inspiring part of this journey has been an educator. I have found a love that I didn’t know I could have for this industry. I love inspiring those in the industry who need to find their what. There is a why most aspiring students already have, but what their purpose in this industry will be is where I come in. I help them find what will sustain them for the duration of their career, what values they will hold onto during their learning and growing phases. What they are creating not only for themselves, but for those they service.
I am most proud of my ability to teach anyone the skills they need, simply, plainly, and by teaching these skills they are able to create a career where they can be proud. My brand is You Made Me Beautiful. I am proud to create beauty for anyone who needs to feel their beauty, experience their beauty, and see themselves in a Beautiful light. I teach you to see yourself BEAUTIFUL. My work is on the inside of the people I serve.
You Made Me Beautiful LLC is soon to open the first location where I will instruct more people in the beauty industry.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have always been a hair artist/stylist and that was who I thought I would always be, but a wise person told me I was not my profession I was who I wanted to be a part from my work. My work and I were one until I was forced to change everything! I got married, and moved to another state. This abrupt life change made me examine every part of my life and identify what I truly wanted to be, who I wanted to be. I knew I wanted to stay in the beauty industry because it had been good to me, sustained me, and still inspired me, but in a different way. I tried to remain the same when I moved, but it didn’t feel right anymore. It felt like I was growing in other ways, almost like my time of being the same wasn’t comfortable anymore. Wanting to change I started doing research into instructing cosmetology and what that would entail. I found a program in a school near my home, and after a year I became a Master Cosmetology Instructor. This was one of the best, yet hardest decisions I had to make at the time. Feeling like you have no choice but to advance or stay stagnant is often times the catalyst for your greatest move! There will be times when you have to make a choice to go for your dreams, goals, ideas, or your next and it will not seem like the right time. It will often seem impossible, but that’s when you press forward and work harder to do what you thought you could never do.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients are your regular clients. When you do great work it will show and other people will notice. All you have is what you are already doing, and it is already maintaining the clientele you have. If you can bring in 1 or 2 more clients weekly you are doing great. I have found that word of mouth is the best way to get new clients. There used to be a commercial on television that had one friend tell another friend and the word just kept getting around. Keep being your best, show up with excellence and provide a great service and you will grow your business. Always look for ways to give back to those who are loyal to your business and they will share your information with other people. People are always looking for great service providers, and great customer service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ymmb2.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/beauty_d_ymmb/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/youmademebeautiful1/
