Danielle Halbert shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Danielle, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
I am currently learning from my past. I’ve had a lot of changes this last year, personal and business-wise, and it has put me on a journey of self-awareness and discovery. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 35 due to major health issues, and had to close my business for 6 weeks, which taught me a lot about my client base. Some clients were kind and caring, while others were only concerned with their hair. I made major changes to my business after returning. I realized after 7 years that I no longer enjoyed working late evenings, and I also cut back my menu to reflect what I truly enjoyed. If anyone has read any other interview I have done from the past, then you know I am religious, but I recently became more spiritual and have been working to align myself and my path. I was posed with the question “Who do I want to be and how would this person act”? How does this person take care of themselves? How would this person react or handle this situation? How does this person carry themselves? You cannot have a high-value life and business if you are doing or accepting low-value actions. The past is a great learning tool to know what you do not want or how you do not ever want to be again. A wise person never stops learning or growing personally or professionally. The last 6 months have been a huge turning point in my career. I feel more in tune with my current clientele and overall happier with the direction I am taking my business. I am learning new techniques and services to offer my community and give options that are lacking in our area while also keeping aligned with my new business goals and newfound personal boundaries.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Danielle Halbert. I am 36 years old and I am a Salon Owner and Stylist.
I have been completely solo for the last 6 years and have built a personal brand based on my unique style and coloring techniques. I specialize in blonding and lived in color services. I am a full-service salon, though offering cuts, waxing, and texture services as well. What makes my business different from others is that I have a very cozy one-on-one atmosphere. I rarely double-book. I let my clients choose music selection, offer a mobile work station for those with work-from-home jobs, as well as drink and snack options, and I have an emotional support dog for those who struggle with anxiety, my dog Mr. Thor. I think what has made my business special is the personal connection I have with my clients. We refer to each other as friends because that is what we are. I know everything that happens in these people’s lives, and we celebrate the triumphs and cry about the defeats. Don’t get me wrong, I get you addicted with my expertise in color, and everything else is just a happy bonus. An interesting fact is that I always thought it would be cool to do stand-up comedy, so everybody gets a little funny story time, complementary to their visits. I am currently working on a revival of my business brand. A lot has changed over the years, and I’m working to bridge the gap between the old and the new. Something that is unique is that I do offer specialty services that not many salons in the area offer, including French Haircutting Techniques and an array of foiling techniques. Every head is different and needs customized placements. I greatly pride myself on my work, and when I work on someone, I treat it with the attitude that I’m doing this as if I were doing it for myself. I want perfection, and so do they.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world can be a cruel place if you are not aligned with the right people. The world told me by the time I was 25, I needed to have a career, spouse, 1.5 kids, and a dog… now, keep in mind I am old, and this was the standard at the time. I was born before Google was invented. There is no set path in life, and I just about drove myself crazy trying to achieve all this. Before I became an adult and people started telling me who I needed to be or what I needed to have, I was incredibly forgiving, loving, and imaginative. The world, for a long time, made me hard. Bad relationships, demanding jobs, unfulfilling friendships, and unrealistic expectations. As I mentioned, I am on a more spiritual path now, and I am unlearning all the things I have been taught and am rediscovering who I am at my core. This is causing me to question why the world creates such demand and restrictions. You may not get married until you are 40, you may not buy a house until you are 50, you may not ever have kids, I didn’t, and hell, you may want a cat instead of a dog. Before the world told me who I was, I was a kinder and gentler person. Finding that person again has been a journey of self-discovery, to say the least.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could only say one thing to my younger self, I would say “just do it”. At the end of the day, other people’s opinions don’t matter. What people say about you doesn’t matter. Nobody else is in your shoes. You have to do what is best for you and your business. Do the crazy thing. I spent the last $700 I had to start my business with most of my family, thinking I was not going to make it. And you know what I did. I worked any day or time someone wanted to book. I advertised like crazy. I created an illusion that I was booked and busy even when I wasn’t, to make it seem like my service was in demand. I created a business page and posted every day. You have to be your biggest fan and supporter. Clap for yourself even if nobody else is, because there will be times it’s just you. But no matter what, just do it. We always regret the things we didn’t do. You may do something and it may be a monumental flop, but you don’t know unless you do it, but it could also be a major success. Even when it’s hard, just do it. When you want to give up and you will at times just do it. No matter what, just do it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
This has nothing to do with hair… but I am a believer in the Bermuda Triangle! Have you ever watched any videos on that? There are too many weird things that occur there for there not to be something paranormal.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I regret not starting my own business sooner. I wish I had started at 23, not 30. I missed so many years and opportunities because I was not confident in myself and listened to other people. Having this business has been life-changing, and if I had known, I would have done it from the very beginning. I literally kick myself for it all the time. Don’t be afraid to gamble on yourself because you are the safest bet you will ever make. Other things that make the list are not starting my business with policies in place and personal boundaries. I could have saved myself a lot of problems if I had gone in with the mindset that this is a business like any other, and businesses have rules. This also applies to family and friends. Don’t feel obligated to give discounts or work for free. People pay for what they value. People pay $9 for a coffee or hundreds of dollars for a bag they can pay for your service. Value yourself and your time. Also invest in yourself and your business. Continue your education, take the latest classes and workshops. You can never be overeducated or overdressed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danielle-halbert.square.site
- Instagram: styledbydaniellehalbert
- Facebook: Styled by Danielle Halbert
