Today we’d like to introduce you to Dañiel Luna-Fuller.
Hi Dañiel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
After being Medically Discharged from the United States Army after 17 years of service for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I found myself looking for a new career. I utilized the knowledge gained from my military service and found a job working for a large electrical distributor in St Louis. While employed there, I learned much about the electrical industry and stumbled upon lighting. With all the changes in technology to LED for energy efficiency, I took an interest in learning more and found out about lighting design. Many had told me over the years, as I battled to cope with PTSD, that I needed a hobby or a way to focus my attention elsewhere. By taking courses and learning how to use the various software programs out there, I found a way to manage my PTSD and be productive at work at the same time. I left electrical distribution, moved to Kansas, and started working for a lighting manufacturer, where every day, I had the chance to work on various projects and hone my skills. I enjoyed the work and the group of people I had the pleasure of working with daily.
Unfortunately, I received a phone call from my mother about my grandfather. We knew he had dementia at the time, but she informed me he was getting worse and that I may want to consider moving back home. I was devastated by this news. Having grown up with my grandfather, being there with him was extremely important to me. I enjoyed the company and people I worked for and didn’t want to stop working a job that I truly enjoyed daily. I asked if I could work remotely from St. Louis and, if needed, travel back to Kansas for meetings or a few times a month. Before Covid, working remotely was hit with much resistance, and I was told not to work remotely from St Louis.
Luckily, I had a coworker/friend who suggested I go into business for myself. I hadn’t considered that before and was quite nervous. When I put in my notice at the manufacturer, I also let them know I was going to open my own lighting business, and they were all very supportive. They were one of my first clients. They sent me their overflow work as an independent contractor, allowing me to get the ball rolling on Luna Consultants. Since the start of Luna Consultants in 2017, I have been fortunate. I have been able to work on so many different clients and projects all across the United States.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business has its ups and downs. Figuring out a work-life balance is a big struggle. When you dive in head first and decide that this is how you are going to earn a living, you put in those later hours to make that new client giving you a chance happier, but at the same time, attention is being taken away from your family at home. You can only hope they understand that you are trying to build something and that some of their sacrifices will be worth it. There is a point in your business where you get too big to do it yourself, and you must look at finances before hiring other staff. I struggled with those growing pains as I hit different thresholds of projects and clients I was working with regularly. Another big obstacle is trying to keep a business open during 2020 when Covid started, and shutdowns happened. We slowed down and were hit hard like many other small businesses. I was fortunate, though, as we work with many essential businesses, and I already had employees working remotely. After a short break, the workload improved, and we were back in business with minimal losses.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Luna Lighting is a Minority, Woman, Service Disabled Veteran owned business. We provide residential, commercial, retail, industrial, and horticulture lighting studies. We also ally with Ameren Electric to assist with an incentive for Lighting Upgrades, as many businesses are looking for more energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions. We have worked on projects all over North America and even have worked on some projects in Australia. Aside from our multiple certifications, our skills with Horticulture lighting set us apart from others in our line of work, and we are incredibly proud of that.
What does success mean to you?
My definition of success is enjoying what I do daily and having a supportive team that enjoys their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lunalighting.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunalighting_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightingIsLife
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luna-lighting-usa
Image Credits
Picture 1 – Luna Lighting Logo Picture 2 – Camp Courageous, Monticello, Iowa Picture 3 – Hotel Earl, Charlevoix, MI Picture 4 – Twisted Trompo, Dallas, TX Picture 5 – UNLV Picture 6 – The Women of Luna Lighting Picture 7 – Adelaide Football Club, Adelaide Australia photo courtesy of Valo Lighting
