We were lucky to catch up with Daniquia Bailey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniquia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
I learned a long time ago that family and friends are the least likely to support your business, so I try not to ask. If they choose to, I’m always grateful, but the majority of the support I’ve gotten has been from people I didn’t know. I would ask for support and offer free services and get excuses. Then there were some who would only participate if I was offering a free service, which is where I had to draw the line. It used to hurt my feeling so bad to see them go and support others who did the same thing I did with no problem, but didn’t support me. But I learned to focus only on the people who support me and are truly rooting for me to win and not on the ones who don’t, and that meant family included.
Daniquia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Ok, my name is Daniquia Bailey, I am a licensed Esthetician/Makeup Artist located in Houston, TX. Back in February, I decided to go back to school for Cosmetology, so I am now a cosmetologist student. I got into the beauty industry back when I was 19yrs old, but life started doing what life does, and I had to drop out of beauty school and put my dreams of becoming a salon/spa owner on hold. Back in 2019, I started an online boutique with my sister but still felt like something was missing and started to lack passion in my business, so June 2021, I went back to school and got my licensed in Esthetics. I now have my own business called Dollface Esthetics. I provide makeup services, wedding parties, events, and waxing services. Not only that, but I’ve also partnered with photographers on set to provide makeup services for clients. I’ve also recently expanded into skincare and started a cosmetics line called Dollface Cosmetics. We sell skincare products made with all-natural ingredients, for individuals who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. I started my brand because I have a 7-year-old who suffers from eczema. We’ve tried so many crèmes prescribed by doctors, body washes, and soap for eczema that dried out her skin terribly and majority of them had harsh chemicals in them, so I decided to do some research and make her soap, and it was well worth it. Before I knew, I had a whole line of products and decided to turn it into a business. I feel my authenticity is what sets me apart from other brands. I have my own way of doing things, and I’m fine with that and so are my clients, they love it. Above all, I am most proud of how far I have come in business, the business friendships I’ve made, and the relationships I have created with my clients over the years. The love and support I get from them is unreal, but I am grateful for it all. I can’t wait to see what more God has in store for me.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I would have to say the most effective strategy for growing my clientele is utilizing social media as much as possible. Posting 2–3 times a week and being consistent with pushing content. With the way so many people are turning to social media for services and goods, it’s important for me to stay consistent with it. It also allows me to get really creative and try new things with my craft, and I love it.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Sure, back in 2019 I started a business with my sister. We started an online boutique called Dollhouse Minkz as I’ve previously stated. We sold lashes, hair, women’s apparel, cosmetics, and so many other things. After year 2, sales started to decline, so I had to make some adjustments. So, I decided to take a step back from business and focus on myself for a while. In doing so, I found purpose again. When I was younger, my dream was always to become a salon spa owner, which was my passion behind starting our boutique. I wanted to eventually expand, but we expanded in other areas of the business and ended up not where I initially thought it would. I went back to school for Esthetics to do makeup. Furthermore, I graduated in January 2022 from Ogle Beauty School with my license in Esthetics and now I am a licensed Esthetician/Makeup Artist and now Cosmetology student with a successful business in doing makeup.
Contact Info:
- Website: dollfaceesthetics.square.site
- Instagram: _dollfaceesthetics
Image Credits
Devron Zeno