We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Halbert recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

There are a few things that make me different than a typical stylist but I think one of the biggest is I work to build a connection with every client. There is never a person who sits in my chair that I don’t try to get to know. My clients refer to me as a friend or even family and I feel the same way. I have people tell me about their lives at the highest and lowest moments. We laugh together, cry together and sometimes pray together. I definitely have a special bond with all my clients. It’s like going into a store and everything is beautiful but the staff pays little attention to you or is rude, You most likely won’t go back. Well, it’s the same way with hair. I try to create an enjoyable experience for everyone how comes in.

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.

I am a 34 year old salon owner from Potosi, MO. I have been a licensed stylist for the last 14 years and a business owner for the last 5. I decided to go into the industry at 20 years old and it definitely changed my life. I was so shy and back then never approached a conversation with a stranger. School is where I learned to make that personal connection with a guest. The college I attended was Matrix based most people know them as the brand Biolage. I worked and trained at 2 Matrix based salons before working independently. I acquired several advanced certifications through my career including Advanced Hair Color Techniques, Period Styling, Advanced Haircutting Techniques, Makeup Application, Mentorship, Lash Extension Application & Technique, and I am Pravana Color certified. I got into the industry because I felt like it was my calling. I know that probably sounds weird to some people but being a cosmetologist is not just hair. However, I love doing hair and creating beautiful customized colors for my clients. My specialty is hair color with a focus on blonde and natural lived in color application. I remember being a kid and my mom taking me to a lady up the street to get my bangs permed. That is my first memory of getting my hair done. My mom has been a huge supporter of me and my creativity for my whole life. There has never been a time she ever told me I couldn’t accomplish something. Not even when I opened my business and only had $700 in my bank account. I started very modestly to say the least. I feel truly blessed that what I do helps others feel beautiful and has grown into the business it is today. I am able to help women (and men) be confident with their appearance and if you think about it that’s a very powerful thing. People laugh and say your a magician and in a way stylists kind of are that. Everyday I get to meet new people that I build a connection with. I learn all about their lives as the years go on and they truly are friends and family. I want to be remembered not only for how I make people look but also how I make them feel.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I definitely had to unlearn that beauty is not one size. When I was a kid it was the age of the supermodel. Everyone was blonde, tall, super thin and had large breasts. While that is beautiful there is so much more unconventional beauty in the world. I was not conventionally beautiful with my red hair, freckles and chubby body. When beauty standards started to change it was so refreshing to see media celebrate the woman with pink hair and tattoos, the woman with pale skin and dark hair that people used to mock as goth, or dark skinned more voluptuous women not previously as celebrated. It was hard growing up in a time where if you didn’t fit the mold you was essentially ugly. Being beautiful is not just what’s on the outside and I think that’s the biggest take away from what we have been seeing in the industry as of late.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth is the best source of new clientele. It’s old school by today’s standards but still the most effective. It goes back to building those connections I previously talked about. Social media is great advertising and fantastic for displaying your work. I consider my social media a look book but I try to never end a first appointment without telling the client that if they love their hair tell a friend because it’s helps my business grow and 90% of the time they refer a friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: danielle-halbert.square.site
• Instagram: styledbydaniellehalbert
• Facebook: Styled by Danielle Halbert