We were lucky to catch up with Daria Angelopoulou recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

In 2019, a compelling vision for an improved education system filled me with indescribable energy, revealing a purpose I knew was mine. Acknowledging the evolving world, both parenting and the education system must adapt. Envisioning a new educational philosophy, future schools will impart crucial life lessons we wish we had learned earlier.

The curriculum will prioritize teaching kids to care for their health, understand the body and immune system, and recognize the significance of mental health. Students will be guided on dreaming big, manifesting aspirations, and overcoming limiting beliefs and fears. Emphasizing emotional intelligence, they will learn to control emotions, understand triggers, and stay focused through goal-setting.

The ultimate goal is to inspire happiness and nurture each student’s best self. The vision includes cultivating a respectful community with conscious behaviors, fostering a safe and kind environment. Through heightened self-awareness, future students won’t seek solace in substances.

This Evolving Generation is poised to change the planet and contribute to saving the world, embodying the transformative power of a forward-thinking education system that will come to life in the future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Daria Angelopoulo and I am a female entrepreneur and permanent makeup judge, keynote speaker, world renowned leading trainer of the microblading technique and Founder and CEO of Darcase, the ground-breaking skin tools and lifestyle accessory company.

In 2009, I started my career in Greece. I entered into the beauty industry doing eyelash extensions and as a Makeup Artist for various fashion shows. It was due to my early success within the industry, that I was featured by countless international TV shows as an expert and trailblazer in the field.

In 2014, my husband and I moved to the United States and opened the first official Microblading Academy in Beverly Hills, CA. As the first permanent makeup academy to teach the art of microblading in the United States, my highly-sought after beauty techniques and reputation for excellence attracted celebrities and social media influencers from all around the world. I have been featured on the Lifetime Network, Buzzfeed, among others and my permanent makeup studio was named “The Premiere Destination for Permanent Makeup” by Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine.

Over the years, I innovated and customized many permanent makeup techniques and created a one of a kind microblading tool used internationally by other permanent makeup artists. In 2020, my line of premium luxury skin tools and accessories, Darcase, came to the market.

Today my husband Kostas and I operate their permanent makeup studio and academy under the name “Golden Brows” and can been seen at all the major beauty industry trade shows nationwide. We have trained over 2,000 students and are incredibly blessed with the lifelong relationships we have formed in the industry. I am a SPCP Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP), and SPCP Trainer Member, and continues to advance my technique and craft every day.

I currently reside in Beverly Hills with my husband and two sons.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

My journey in the manufacturing process has been both intriguing and enlightening. While some products underwent a relatively smooth and swift development, the majority proved to be more intricate and time-consuming than initially anticipated. When venturing into product development, especially creating something entirely new rather than a private label, the initial step involves crafting a sample. The complexity of the sample dictates the duration it takes to reach the final stage. In my experience, navigating through at least three rounds of samples is often necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

My recommendation to fellow entrepreneurs is to delve into the minutiae during this phase—specify details about materials, colors, shape, size, flavor, fragrance, or any pertinent attributes of the product. Providing comprehensive information, be it through drawings, mock-ups, or references to similar products, expedites the sample development process. Personally, I’ve handcrafted some of my products, molding plastics to closely match the envisioned final product, an approach that significantly accelerates sample development.

A crucial lesson learned is to brace for timelines extending beyond initial projections. Patience is paramount; resisting the urge to rush a product to market is essential. Perfecting every detail before launch is more beneficial in the long run. In my beauty tools and accessories brand, molding plays a central role. Each tool or accessory involves several pieces, each requiring a specific mold for production. However, molds are costly, and the process of opening one takes around two months. After finalizing the sample, there’s a waiting period before actual production can commence.

While some products in my portfolio had remarkably swift turnarounds, others, like a case with intricate details and complex functionality, took a staggering five years to manufacture. The manufacturing timeline is a dynamic aspect, influenced by the nature of the product.

Finding the right manufacturer is a critical step in the process. Online platforms like Alibaba can be a resource, and attending trade shows such as Cosmoprof in Asia has proven beneficial. For certain products, like skincare or cosmetic items, I prefer not to outsource from China directly. However, for packaging, boxing, and tools, China remains a viable and commonly utilized option within the industry.

In essence, my manufacturing journey has been a blend of meticulous planning, unexpected challenges, and the invaluable lesson of embracing the ebb and flow of the intricate process.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of my favorite resources that has significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking is ‘Marketing Made Simple’ by Donald Miller. I often recommend this book to fellow entrepreneurs and even give it to new team members. What I appreciate about this book is its practical insights into effective communication with clients. It has enhanced my understanding of what clients like to hear and how to tailor our communication to resonate with them. The strategies outlined in the book have proven invaluable in refining my approach to marketing and overall business management.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.darcase.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcaseofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcaseofficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkwW9uK43ZFbvwrkYTNr-g

Image Credits
Darcase