Today we’d like to introduce you to Dannielle Robeson.
Dannielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started as a kid cutting my barbies hair. I always thought Barbie should have many different hairstyles but she always came with the same long blonde hair. I would try a more “edgy” style and all seemingly failed. It would stick out in all kinds of weird places and no amount of shampoos or rubber bands around the neck to hold the hair down would do. I wasn’t really into baby dolls but I’m sure if I was, they’d have a new style too. I also had a long bus ride to and from school so while on the bus my friends would let me style their hair. It was lots of braids, of course. I loved doing it and always brought joy. I next moved on to my hair. Only the front though. I decided A new pair of bangs would definitely give a great new look but wet curly hair, scissors, and kids don’t mix together. They ended up being so incredibly short you couldn’t even pin them back haha.
Once I was a little older, I moved onto cutting my friend’s hair. Why they let I don’t know. But, I figured my years of watching me get my own haircut as well as my own personal bang cutting that I was definitely experienced enough to cut my friends hair. And in all honesty, it actually wasn’t too bad. I only botched one cut and that was a clipper cut where my friend wanted me to fade the back of his pompadour. I cut a whole straight to the scalp… oops.
I tried going to beauty school about a year out of school but it didn’t work out, not sure why anymore. I eventually met my husband and we got married. He was military and so we ended up moving to Georgia. We just had a baby so I took some time off to raise my son and then I ended up finding a job as a receptionist at a salon. I tried again going to beauty school but we couldn’t afford it. So, the ladies at the salon told me to look into doing an apprenticeship, which is ultimately what I did. After a few years, my salon ended up closing. I was pregnant at the time with my second and my husband was currently living in San Diego to fulfill his last year in the military. So, I actually packed up our whole house, put it all in storage and moved to Miami to live with my in laws til the baby was born and to save money to move us all to California. Long story short we had complications after the birth of our second which extended out stay an additional 6 months.
Once we finally got out of here, I worked as a receptionist again in a medspa. Til we could figure things out. I met some awesome people along the way and quickly got back into doing hair on the side for all the people I was meeting. I found out all my apprentice hours where non-transferable so, I had to look into starting over again and trying to go to school. Which we couldn’t afford so I continued doing hair on the side for a few years and we finally got to a place where we could afford for me to go to school. After school, I started doing bridal work for Vanity Belle and then also started doing cuts and colors at Avia.
I eventually left Avia to rent a chair at Vanity Belle to do my cuts and colors.
It’s been a long road with a LOT of ups and downs but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have had some amazing mentors and have met some amazing people along the way. And I’m not sure if I would appreciate or feel as humbled where I am at as much if I hadn’t had all these struggles. It felt a lot like one step forward to steps back. I love this industry, I love the people, I LOVE my clients!
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride.
My biggest advice is, not to give up. It sounds so cliche but your time is gonna come and sometimes being patient is the hardest thing. If you are dealing with fear and are afraid of taking that next step, surround yourself with people who will help support and encourage you. Be open because when the time is right and the door opens, it may not be the way you think it’ll be.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a stylist and I specialize in bridal hair and makeup and I love doing cuts and colors as well.
Hhhmmm, I’m not sure what I am most proud of. Honestly, right now, I am most proud of the leap I took in my career last year when I added makeup to my repertoire. I had played with it a little bit but last year, I made it a goal to be able to add it to my list of services I provide. To become confident in myself and the work I provide. I really enjoy doing it and it’s a great change of pace being in front of the chair instead of behind it.
I work with some really talented women and have learned so much from them.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Confidence and fear.
Comparing yourself to others.
A lot of women lack confidence which manifests as fear… fear of failure, fear or the unknown, fear of judgment, etc
I know I’ve done it. Sometimes, I still catch myself doing it. Whenever that happens, I always find myself turning to my husband for inspiration. He’s great at helping me find my confidence and moving past the fear and just doing whatever it is that I am wanting to do.
Comparing yourself… ugh… that is a big barrier I think.
It’s an industry of artist it feels almost unavoidable. Too much social media, maybe? I don’t know but I can say sometimes, scrolling through Instagram or where ever we find ourselves falling through the rabbit hole of comparison and that’s when it’s time to put the phone away, haha.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1237 Prospect St
Ste U
La Jolla, CA 92037 - Website: www.danniellerobeson.com
- Phone: 619-884-7339
- Instagram: @Dannielle_robeson
- Facebook: @handbbydannielle
- Other: www.styleseat.com/danniellerobeson
Image Credit:
Dannielle Robeson
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