Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Banks.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
During my college years, I worked in a trendy, buzzy salon and instantly felt empowered working alongside successful women. Soon, after I graduated from the University of Minnesota, I decided to get my Esthetics license from Pivot Point Academy in Evanston. My first job was at a specialized waxing salon, where I was able to perfect my waxing skills and propel my business.
After working in a waxing salon for 4 years, I decided to expand my service offering and move to a space where I was able to offer skin care services in addition to waxing. I was able to excel quickly and grow a spa within a high-end Chicago Salon.
Shortly after taking on both skincare & waxing, I had the opportunity to relocate to London with my husband. Since it was a temporary move, I took a break from esthetics (due to licensing restrictions) and focused on a job in customer service. Within this position, I was able to take on a managerial role and gained experience with team management. Even though I loved being abroad, I missed the beauty industry and the hands-on work.
Now, back in Chicago, I have returned to the industry. I have expanded again, and now offer a variety of services such as eyebrow microblading, laser hair removal, microneedling, dermaplaning, alongside typical luxury facials and waxing. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful mentor who helped me break into the medispa side and although I never thought it was the path I would take, I find I love it more and more each day.
I truly believe our outer beauty is a reflection of what’s happening inside our bodies and my love for esthetics combines a nurturing for both our inner and outer selves.
Great, 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?
The road is never smooth and if it is it means you aren’t growing. The struggle for me was the major move overseas. I work in an industry that requires me to stay in one place, I am only as successful as my client base. In this industry, it is so important to stay up to date on the latest beauty trends. Join a professional organization, attend trade shows, follow beauty blogs because your clients will expect you to know what’s new and hot and speak to these trends.
I also believe you need persistence and patience. It takes time to build a clientele. You need to make yourself available and be open to working hard in the beginning. If you love what you do, work hard, and keep up to date on the industry, the clients will come.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Danielle Banks Beauty – what should we know?
I work across two locations in Chicago. One is a standard spa in Wicker Park where I offer relaxing facials, mild chemical peels, and full body waxing. Currently, I am practicing with sugaring which is an alternative hair removal technique that is gentler on the skin than waxing and often results in less redness, fewer ingrown, and less pain.
The other location is a medspa in Gold Coast. Here I offer a variety of services including laser hair removal, IPL skin treatments, micro needling, dermaplaning, and deeper chemical peels.
I offer lash lifts + tints at both locations and it is one of the top selling services.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I work in an industry dominated by women and I was drawn to the beauty industry for this exact reason. Our industry is growing so fast and women are at the forefront. They are ideally positioned to be entrepreneurs, even if they don’t own their own salon or spa, they are growing their own mini-business within the treatment room.
Contact Info:
- Email: daniellebanks.beauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @daniellebanks.beauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellebanks.beauty/
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