We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danielle Gerkens. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danielle below.

Danielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I believe being an Artist is inherently risky. Even before I decided to become a Makeup Artist, I always knew I wanted to pursue artistry. In my early 20s, I began modeling, but soon realized it wasn’t sustainable for me. It was during a shoot when another Makeup Artist gave me an opportunity that changed everything.

During a test shoot, I asked if I could do my own makeup for the final look. Without hesitation, the Makeup Artist replied, “Absolutely!” I created a smokey eye that extended from my eye to my brow bone and beyond into my hairline. Impressed with my work, the Makeup Artist suggested I should work for MAC Cosmetics, planting the idea that I could be a Makeup Artist. From that moment, I decided to pursue this as my next career, something I had secretly desired all along.

With that initial risk, a long journey of self-discovery and healing began. It was during this period that I discovered Reiki which sparked my exploration of learning about inner beauty, as well as outer.

I believe taking risks is crucial not only for fulfilling your dreams but also for understanding yourself better. If you find yourself uncertain about who you are or the direction of your life, ask yourself, ‘When is the last time I took a risk?’ and see where it leads you. You might discover newfound alignment in your mind, body, spirit, and even career.

Danielle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Danielle Gerkens, known to most as Dani. Based in Brooklyn, NY, I am an IATSE Local 798 Makeup Artist and Reiki Practitioner with over a decade of experience in makeup artistry and five years practicing Reiki. I approach beauty from a holistic perspective, guiding individuals through transformative journeys both externally and internally.

My expertise extends beyond enhancing performers’ ability to embody characters; it involves fostering deep personal connections that empower individuals in navigating their own lives. Through Reiki, I use a blend of hands-on and hands-off techniques to harmonize a person’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Simultaneously, with Makeup, I strive to create a nurturing environment where performers can authentically embody their character and undergo impactful external transformations.

What drives me is my passion for facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. I am dedicated to empowering clients to navigate their paths of change and healing, both on and off the set. By integrating Reiki and Makeup, I aim to support individuals in achieving inner and outer alignment, fostering resilience and confidence in their personal and professional lives.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book ‘The Universe Has Your Back’ by Gabrielle Bernstein became a guiding influence for me upon moving to New York in 2017. Amid feelings of uncertainty and apprehension about the future, I found reassurance in Gabrielle’s insights. During periods of professional stagnation or when confronted with a scarcity mindset, I turned to her wisdom: ‘When you think you’ve surrendered, surrender more,’ and ‘Obstacles are detours in the right direction.’ Embracing these teachings has been instrumental in integrating them into my daily life.

This journey has fostered a profound transformation, empowering me to trust my intuition and embrace faith. As a result, my confidence in myself, colleagues, and clients has deepened significantly. I now recognize that transitions in life, whether personal or professional, are opportunities for self-renewal rather than setbacks. This understanding permeates both my work and everyday experiences.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

In reflecting on my career, one of the most fulfilling aspects has been the people I’ve had the honor to meet and collaborate with. Whether alongside incredibly talented artists like Ani DiFranco, EchoSmith, and Thievery Corporation, or connecting deeply with everyday clients, each interaction has profoundly enriched my journey. When someone sits in my chair, it’s a profound moment—not just about enhancing their appearance, but creating a nurturing space where they can feel empowered and authentically themselves, inside and out.

As both a Makeup Artist and Reiki Practitioner, I feel privileged to be part of each individuals journey that I get to co-create with. Beyond enhancing someones outer beauty, my role is to foster their confidence and inner peace. Each person who shares their time with me allows me to witness their unique essence and contribute to their personal growth. Having the opportunity to positively impact others’ lives fills me with deep gratitude. Every day, I am reminded of the profound connections we forge and the transformative power of genuine human interaction that goes beyond the brush.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to cherish authenticity and the profound impact of nurturing personal growth. My journey continues to be enriched by the trust and connections I build with each individual who sits in my chair, reaffirming the beauty and significance of every unique encounter. These moments fuel my passion and commitment to helping others discover and embrace their true beauty, both inside and out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daniellegerkens.com
• Instagram: daniellegerkens_llc
• Linkedin: @danielle-gerkens
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniellegerkens_llc
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7029538/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/125297865?si=257369c743404c4a&nd=1

Image Credits

1. Behind the Scenes from 2013
2. Backstage: VFiles at NYFW, Model Jean Jay from Hero’s Models, MUA Lead Tomy Rivero, MUA Key Rachel Toledo, Execution Danielle Gerkens, representing Mastered Makeup. Shots from Getty Images
3. Behind the Scenes: Danielle Gerkens and Kate Flannery
4. Cowboy Bear Ninja Productions