Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Lou Majer.
Dani Lou, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Out of high school, I was a licensed cosmetologist, training at Innovations Salon in Naperville. My dreams of becoming a makeup artist got derailed when I saw my friends going off to college and decided I wanted that experience too. Following graduation from Illinois State University (go Redbirds!), I worked in sales and marketing, but my longing for being in a hands-on, creative field never died.
After seeing the musical, Hamilton, in December of 2016, I was inspired to not miss “my shot” and was on the next plane to New York to take some refresher courses at the Make Up For Ever Academy.
With the mentorship from my best friend, Elisa Lojkutz of Makeup by Elisa and my entrepreneur husband, Jovim Ventura founder of InoPrints & CrowdSigns, I launched Dani Lou Beauty last February 2017. And, here we are today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Post-college, I worked in sales and marketing. Although I enjoyed my career, I knew deep down that sitting behind a desk/computer every day was not my destiny.
Year after year, I dreamed of getting back into makeup, but made excuses or told myself “maybe when this happens”. After turning 30 and watching the Hamilton musical, I realized what am I waiting for?! Life is too short to not LOVE what you do.
So, I made it happen. In launching Dani Lou Beauty, I, of course, had my doubts and insecurities. The beauty industry is booming, there’s so much talent and competition right now, but I stayed focused in my lane, stuck to my aesthetic (which is natural beauty) and put myself out there.
My advice for other women who are just starting their journey is to just get started. Don’t overthink, just start. Your work doesn’t need to be perfect, you don’t have to be an expert, just start. When you’re passionate about something and put it out there, it will take off. You’ll learn as you go and before you know it, you’ll be a year into your career looking back saying WOW! All of this happened because I just kept stepping forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dani Lou Beauty – what should we know?
I specialize in traditional and airbrush makeup application. My aesthetic is natural beauty. My mantra is beauty that lets YOU shine through. My goal as a makeup artist is to enhance the client’s best features, making sure they still feel like themselves and letting their natural beauty shine through. I love a glowy, sun-kissed look that is effortless and timeless.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
My advice for women just starting their career is to just get started and to network with your peers. The beauty industry can be super catty, but we can empower each other by working together. There’s so much talent out there and when you collaborate, you’re able to learn from each other and bounce business off each other.
I had a full circle moment in March, when I had the opportunity to do the makeup for the lead in Hamilton Chicago, Arianna Afsar, who played Eliza (sadly her last show was in March). She was ironically hosting an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in honor of women supporting women and responded to a direct message I had sent her on Instagram – asking if she needed makeup done for any upcoming events. Here I was a year ago watching Hamilton, only dreaming of being a makeup artist and painting the face of people like Ari and had I not started, this opportunity never would’ve happened. It’s crazy what you can do when you just start.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup: $185 (includes consultation, trial, traditional or airbrush makeup application and false eyelashes)
- Special Occasion Makeup: $85 (includes traditional or airbrush makeup application and false eyelashes)
- Makeup Lessons: $85/hour (includes a hands-on experience where you’ll learn tips, tricks, product recommendations for your skin type and lifestyle)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://daniloubeauty.com/
- Phone: 773.359.3264
- Email: hello@daniloubeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniloubeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniloubeauty/
Image Credit:
Pink Background Shots – Photographers: Conrad Quitoviera & Neil Bautista, Models: Christina Hall, Amber Chavez, Marta Magdalena Inciong, Kathleen Collins & Rachel Evangelista, Hair: Katie Jo Belock, Makeup: Dani Lou Beauty // Bridal Shoot 1 – Photographer: Brooke Kristine Photography, Model: Katie McGinnis, Hair: Ann LaCorte, Makeup: Dani Lou Beauty, Florist: L.A. Flowers Inc., Dress: Eva’s Bridal of Oak Lawn, Decorations/Event Styling: Boho Blush, Venue: Wilder Mansion // Bridal Shoot 2 – Photography: Nicole Jansma, Model: Kayleigh Hamre, Hair: Holli Beauty Bridal, Makeup: Dani Lou Beauty, Florist: Alyssa Jackson, Planning/Styling: Sarah Rhodes Boyce Weddings, Venue: Armour House Weddings // Ari Afsar of Hamilton Chicago – Photographer: Allie Appel, Hair: Jeni Atraje, Makeup: Dani Lou Beauty
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