Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Calcara.
Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been working professionally in the hair and beauty industry since 2008; working behind the chair in salons, on location for weddings, photoshoots, television, and fashion shows. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been obsessed with all things hair, make-up, and fashion.
My first memory of loving fashion honestly has to be playing with my Barbies as a little girl. I would cut their hair and style them in different outfits- which turned into styling hair, make-up, and clothing for my cousins and friends and putting on shows with music anytime anyone would be willing to watch! My life trajectory changed completely on my first trip to New York City in 2013 when I was given the opportunity to style hair for fashion shows during New York Fashion Week.
The moment I stepped outside my taxi onto the streets of Manhattan, I was never the same! Working behind the scenes styling hair for fashion shows gave me a glimpse of another side of the beauty industry- FASHION! From there, I decided I wanted to expand my horizons and my skillset, so I began my journey of obtaining my Bachelor’s of Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management. I worked as a Fashion Merchandiser for about 7 months after graduating from college when I felt I was missing the human connection that I loved so much from my experience in working years behind the chair with clients.
There’s something so special about the energy exchange and positive impact one can have on another by boosting someone’s self-confidence through listening, attention, and teaching of all things aesthetics. Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and I absolutely LOVE being able to bring that out in my clients!
Obtaining my Fashion Degree along with being professionally licensed in Hair, Skin, and Nails for the last 14 years, along with my love for all of life’s aesthetics, is what compelled me to launch Aesthetically Obsessed and I’m so grateful I did!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is never a completely smooth road, it’s what we learn along the way that matters the most. I’m such a ‘silver linings’ type of woman- every setback is a chance for a comeback and when mistakes are made it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, so they are actually blessings.
One of my favorite quotes is “You don’t know what you don’t know.” When I decided to launch Aesthetically Obsessed I had no idea how I was even going to get my first client, I just knew that with all of my preparation, experience, and passion for what I wanted Aesthetically Obsessed to become, the clients would inevitably follow. Being a one-woman show at the moment can be challenging to juggle.
I’m the stylist, the accountant, the marketing manager, the website builder, etc. Delegating adequate time and energy into maintaining all of the above can be a lot- but AO is like my second baby so it never feels like work to me which is amazing. I’m truly blessed to love what I do so much!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Aesthetically Obsessed I provide numerous offerings from Personal Styling, Personal Shopping, Closet Edits, Closet Organization, Vacation Styling and Packing, Beauty and Image Consulting, Weddings, and more.
Closet Edits and Closet Organization are some of my client favorites, along with personal styling and shopping. I also offer virtual appointments and personalized shopping lists which work great for my clients who live in different states. I love curating aesthetically pleasing experiences for my clients and I also produce fashion shows throughout the year as well.
Getting the crazy idea in my head of launching Aesthetically Obsessed just came to me one day, first with the name, and then it seemed as though the ideas kept flowing to me and falling into place. When I became so obsessed with the idea of launching Aesthetically Obsessed, there was no turning back, I knew I would figure out a way to make it all come to life. Knowing how many lives I could change and impact for the better by aesthetically educating each person I work with is so fulfilling and rewarding. There is SO much power that comes when someone is confident in themselves.
Fashion, Beauty, and Life- Styling are what I specialize in that can drastically change someone’s life outlook and self-confidence.
I’m different than other fashion and wardrobe stylists because of my extensive background in Hair, Skin, and Nails. I’ve been professionally licensed in all 3 since 2008 which gives me an edge for photoshoots. I’ve worked with many colleagues who have commented on how great it is to have a stylist with so much attention to detail- not just for wardrobe, but for hair as well.
Having the experience in all of these areas within the beauty and fashion industry really helps with creatively looking at the projects I work on as a whole cohesive story, and not just in one specific look.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risks are always necessary for life, no matter what the capacity. Playing safe all the time won’t get you too far, it’s about calculating the risks versus the rewards and what you’ll be investing into the risk, and what your ROI will be after the fact.
Some could say quitting a position with 401K options, health benefits, paid vacations, and going into business for yourself is a major risk, but I would never have it any other way.
When you are driven and passionate about something, such as launching your own business, you’ll do what it takes to make it successful, so the risk is definitely worth it!
Pricing:
- Personal Styling starting at $150
- Closet Edits starting at $150
- Closet Organization starting at $850
- Personal Shopping starting at $150
- Virtual Appointments starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Email: danielle@aestheticallyobsessedstl.com
- Website: www.aestheticallyobsessedstl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticallyobsessedstl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aestheticallyobsessedstl
Image Credits
Maddi Manheimer Photography, Tori Wright- Victorious, STL Photography, and Maddie Kamp Photography
