Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Luckett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Danielle, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Being an entrepreneur is a risk in itself. My mindset has always been to be risk adverse. I am also a Christian so I try to put my faith in something greater than just myself or things I see. But starting this business was a risk. I studied business in school, and as a PM, I have managed IT projects, but I am not “technical”. Diving into the tech space to build out my business was, and is very intimidating. As I am doing it now, I am nowhere near where I want to be, there is still so much for me to learn. Each day that I lend my time and resources towards this business instead of something else is a risk. One way I try to mitigate that risk is by also maintaining a 9-5. We all have to fund our dreams and it is always good to have an exit strategy.
I would say the riskiest part of this are the unknown aspects of the tech industry, and learning as I go. The financial burden is also a risk. But that is also the blessed part of it and that part of the journey I would not trade. Nails are a passion of mine, but as a consumer. I am not a nail tech or own a salon. As a customer, I spend a lot of money in the industry on nail care and products, and I saw a way to make it better.
I am still growing and tracking how the risk unfolds. Some positive impacts of the risk thus far are the lessons and perseverance the journey has built. I hope to end up prospering and with enough to change the lives of those around me. I will keep you posted on how it turns out, but I am praying it goes well. #NailWarz
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Danielle Luckett and I am the founder of Nail Warz! I am an MBA and a project manager, by trade. But I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. My dream was always to work for myself, I just needed to find out how. I have a clothing line with my close friend from college called LET ME LIVE, make sure you check us out!
I got into the nail care industry by being a proud consumer. I love getting my nails done and pampering myself. While navigating the industry as a consumer, I saw pain points that bothered me enough to want to fix them. Nail care consumers struggle to find a reliable nail care provider and lack overall transparency in their nail care. Nail care businesses struggle to build and retain clientele, while technicians suffer from physical joint pain and excessive hazardous chemical exposure.
I believe my Nail Warz platform has a solution for all of these problems. Our flagship service is our virtual battles: NAIL WARZ. We offer nail techs a chance to go head-to-head with their latest work. The public votes and the winner received free marketing/promotion, and sometimes cash prizes. We also host battles for nail consumers to show off their hands for a chance to win free manicures!
Our digital platform will serve as the one stop shop for the nail care industry. In addition to our battles, we offer a bevy of services for nail care consumers/clients as well as salons to provide a dedicated space for this niche market. Our community will bridge the gap between business and consumers and bring transparency to nail care. #NailWarz
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey has been fun. The resilience for me I think is the faith and consistent push towards obtaining my dreams. I try to work as if I am working for the Lord and that helps me not quit. I believe that work also needs to be smarter and not harder, so my efforts are not in vain, but not quitting is the key. I played basketball all of my life and college basketball was intense. However, it taught me the power of self-discipline. I simply apply that to something I love, which is NAIL WARZ.
I have spent countless hours on learning about the tech space, a lot of money on software, consultations, engineering services, etc.. I have learned that all journeys are different, but ultimately, what you put into your goals is what will set you apart from others. I read, I watch YouTube videos, I ask for help, I pray for help, I pay for help, I try to network, and I hear the word “no” a lot.
One quote I heard that changed my life was, “What if I told you, you were 1000 ‘no’s’ away from your big ‘yes’? And with that said, how anxious would you be to get your first ‘no’?”
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I am still unlearning the “overwork yourself to death” lesson. Society today glamorizes the possible outcomes of entrepreneurship, but not the hardships of journey. Once you’ve put about 5-7 years into something, you learn that there is usually more work involved than people portray. I have to fight the urge to pour so much into my goals that I miss out the blessings that are presently in front of me.
There are things that I want for myself and those around me, and those desires can sometimes feel unobtainable without endless work. There is always something that I can do. One thing I have realized is how fleeting time is and I want to enjoy every second I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nailwarz.com
- Instagram: @NailWarz
- Facebook: @NailWarz
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/J_vZ5gwGKNs?si=xftKA_CSVXvpoID2