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Life and Work with Danielle Mendoza

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Mendoza.

Danielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been in the beauty industry for 15 years. I have been an owner/operator of Dani K Salon for the last eight years (opened in 2011), starting out as a Beginner Stylist, then progressing to an educator at Artistic Beauty College. I served as Salon Manager at Regis Salons and now a proud owner of my own salon. How can I possibly talk about my story without talking about the women who have inspired me throughout my journey? First and foremost, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have this business. Second, my mother, she has truly been an inspiration to my success owning several businesses herself, she has been a vital vessel in my entrepreneurial career. Then, I have a few family members, my aunt Ellen, who is now a retired attorney and has done in many many things for the Latino community. And my cousin, Carmen who is the founder of Santiago’s restaurant in Colorado. Then, there is Ann and Sue, that guided me with advice and mentorship and lastly, my friend, Krista who has been a mentor to me, most specifically in salon ownership. With these women being a part of my life, I have truly developed and continue to develop into a strong entrepreneur. Two attributes that keep motivated on a daily basis are; I love people and have a passion for building relationships. My passion for people led me to volunteer my services, providing cuts for those in need at Catholic Charities, Samaritan House in downtown Denver, Colorado for seven years. I have a passion for continuing education regarding opportunities to sharpen my business and communication skills. I am excited to see what the next chapter of my life will bring!

Has it been a smooth road?
Running your own business is not easy. For me specifically, I do not have a business background or fancy degree, I had no idea what I was getting into! All I had was my faith and my ambition. I literally took a leap of faith! I dove into personal development, reading books and going to conferences that taught me about business. My advice to anybody who wants to start their business is to figure out your WHY, and go for it! And get yourself a good accountant who wants to see you grow. 😉

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dani K Salon – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
What I do for a living is create, transform, and maintain people’s appearances by cutting, coloring, styling, and placing hair extensions to create volume and length. Having been a stylist over the last 15 years, I feel that I have really grown in the way I manage each client based specifically on their needs and wants. I listen to their comments and concerns and together, we reach a decision that makes the most sense for their hair and budget. I’ve come to understand, consultation is everything! What I’m passionate about is touching people’s lives, by being able to speak life into them. I love that I can surround myself with people who are just wanting more out of life, iron sharpens iron! Utilizing this one-on-one personalized approach has allowed me to develop some good relationships with the majority of my clientele. During many of our conversations, I am sought out for advice and feel that the words that I am able to share with them are uplifting and beneficial to their personal and sometimes spiritual wellbeing. Being a business owner as well as my volunteer work with Samaritan House has been a catalyst in attracting other professionally minded men and women and business owners. Through our relationships, I attempt to build up and empower as well as encourage them in their professional endeavors.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Honestly, I really have to say, that I don’t listen to the media. See, I realized that in order for me to grow I needed to pay attention to the people that I respect and have what I want rather than listen to the people that don’t. I believe opportunities are everywhere! You have to be prepared to be able to see the opportunities. That is the key. As Zig Ziglar says: ”Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.“ As a young Hispanic Woman trying to figure out who I was, I had to change my thinking from I’m not good enough, or I don’t have the skills, to I can do this, and why not me. I believe skies the limit for women to take advantage of all opportunities. Unfortunately, we must work a little bit harder. In this day and age, we as women are driven, compassionate, and resourceful, therefore, we adapt to any situation and rise to any occasion.

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Image Credit:
Felipe Mendoza

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