Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle (Dee) Henry.
Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always been into playing dress-up. I would steal my mom’s makeup and take it with me when I was in elementary school. Always getting in trouble for putting it on! I started coloring my hair, thinking my parents would not notice when I was about 12 or 13. I didn’t pursue cosmetology school until a little bit later because I thought, “how would I be good enough to make a living out of this?! There are a million hair stylists and makeup artists out there.”
Fast forward to when I was 20 years old and sitting at my boring desk job. Something in my heart told me I just had to go for it. I was so bored, being told that I talked too loud on the phone to the offices I worked with… having too much personality. Imagine that. I went online and did some research on schools. Then, I applied for a loan and walked out of the office never to return. School was a struggle. Living on my own, having bills to pay, I went to school eight hours a day and then worked at MAC at night. I did that for two years until I graduated. I had moved into a managerial position with MAC so I was doing that full time, five days a week and then two days a week doing hair. Boy, was I getting burnt out being a slave to retail.
One day, again my heart told me to just take a leap of faith. With the amazing support of my husband, I quit MAC and went full time as a stylist/makeup artist at a salon in San Diego. It was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve been able to work all over the west coast, east coast and even run my own salon for three years while living overseas in Italy. Today, we are back in San Diego where I am building back up my clientele since the three year sabbatical in Europe. Every day, I am hustling to make my clients as happy as can be and continue to tell myself that the sky is the limit!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel like everyone I went to school with had the same fear on graduation day; what now? How do I start? Will people really pay me to do this? I’m scared!!!! It really stopped a lot of them dead in their tracks and they never did hair/makeup after graduating. Self-doubt can be the biggest obstacle one can face. I always said, “fake it til you make it!” And that really helped me because when I was scared, I would pretend I had confidence. It’s crazy how that actually REALLY helps. Like, try forcing a smile when you’re sad or in a bad mood. It feels weird but oddly enough, it brightens your mood. I started in a time where social media was brand new. So even now, I find myself feeling not good enough because there are people with thousands of followers or they are really good at editing their posts and have a ring light… I’m over here, so damn old school and it can make me feel inferior. But I am not inferior. I am capable and I am driven. So, are you, you just have to believe in yourself! Easy? Absolutely not! Worth the hustle? Hell yes.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into D’s Little Hair House story. Tell us more about it.
I am a cosmetologist. I work at a salon, specializing in blondes and makeup application for special occasions. I absolutely LOVE what I do. I get to affect people in a way that not many can. I brighten people’s day. I lend an ear when they need it. I get them ready to marry the person of their dreams… what a special career I have! I am known most for blondes, especially before and after shots. I like to take my blondes to the next level. I am also known for my personality. I’m a no BS, straight shooter. I love to laugh with you and maybe a tad inappropriate sometimes. My love for my clients and fun personality set me apart. My clients truly give me so much joy and I know they feel that when they are in my chair.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I follow a lot of inspirational people on YouTube and Instagram. Continued education is a MUST and staying connected with like-minded people is so helpful!
Contact Info:
- Address: 811 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103 - Website: dslittlehairhouse.com
- Phone: 6197579737
- Email: dhenry@dslittlehairhouse.com
- Instagram: @ds.little.hair.house
- Facebook: D’s Little Hair House
Image Credit:
D’s little hair House
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