Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Peralta.
Hi Dani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
10 years ago, I went to cosmetology school originally to do just nails… And then I absolutely fell in love with the artistry of it all. I assisted alongside a prestigious hairdresser who gave me all the information and knowledge to be a good hairstylist on paper, but I was missing the hands-on aspect of it all. I had little to no opportunity to actually do hair while I was an assistant. Except doing my family and friends hair… at home or after hours after assisting full time. It was time that I furthered my career and started my journey behind the chair. I relocated north of Austin and worked in a salon where I leveled up rather quickly and build a very solid clientele. Although I’m proud of my struggles and how far I’ve come, I was still missing a piece to the puzzle… a little after the pandemic hit, I began soul-searching and exploring what services really filled my cup. At that instant, I knew I wanted to focus and specialize in curly hair and balayage / natural blonding. I continued to work in a salon until it no longer served me, and I had stopped growing. Fast forward a few years I am now a small business owner that focuses on education, curly hair and natural blonding all to enhance our own natural beauty. My studio is an eco-friendly, low-toxic, all-inclusive, and safe space for all. It was really important for me to create a safe space where all genders and races are welcome and comfortable. I can’t wait to expand even further to create a safe and welcoming environment for all curl types and textures with no judgment or discrimination. My goal is to have a space where knowing how to do curly hair is not even a question… and creating a space that builds confidence helps better educate the process of taking care of that individual’s curls and their loved ones.
Alright, 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?
It has been anything but a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was starting over. Working in the salon, I was that stylist that was beyond busy, which was great financially, but it cost me my mental health. I was doing everything, and to be honest, I did not like to do everything. That’s really when I felt I hit rock bottom. I wanted to only do the services that I loved doing. So, I started referring guests to other stylists that could better serve them but so allow space on my schedule for the guests I was truly interested in having. I took a turn financially, which was scary because I have a family that depends on me. I trust the process even when I want to give up. Most importantly, I am thankful I have continuous requests from new guests each month. I am so thankful to be considered to be the Hairstylist that can bring hope and confidence to the local curl community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am one of the very few hairstylists in Williamson County that specializes in Curly Hair and offers education to help better serve and simplify all of the chaos of improper curl information online. Offering education is something I wish I had growing up… I myself have curly hair, and as a kid, my parents had no idea how to even take care of my hair, so my hair looked awful all of the time. It brought down my self-confidence, and I resorted to damaging and constantly smoothing out my curls. Having a child with curly hair gives me purpose to help educate my guests on creating a simple yet effective way to maintain and care for their natural curls. I strive to constantly become even more fluid in my skill set so I can help mentor other stylists, as education is part of my life, blood, and work.
I have to say I am just proud to be considered as someone stylist when it comes to curly hair. It’s such an emotional experience, and I live for the moments that can’t even be described in words. It’s a humbling and unique craft being able to not just do curly hair but to be a part of someone’s journey.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Along with my day-to-day operations at “Dani’s Hair Lounge” I have my own independent education program- “Balayage and Curls EDU“ where I help local artists/ professionals and even coach them with the technical side of the business… specifically curly hair and balayage but also with how to run your own independent business and how to be authentic.
Being true to who you are, aka authentic. I am not a copy machine I want to stand on my own and be unique even if that means I’m not understood.
Pricing:
- Balayage + Curls – 300+
- New Guest: Curl Cut + Rehabilitation +Education 200
- 3-D Natural Blonding+ Curls- 350+
- Wash and Hydrate -100
- Curl Coaching Hands-On -125
Contact Info:
- Website: Danishairlounge.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_balayageandcurls?igsh=MTRiYWh5Nm9veHAzeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
