Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Pires.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I have always been a problem solver and the first one to jump into helping anyone that crossed paths with me. I had my first child when I was 17, and soon became a single mother struggling with responsibilities and lack of freedom. Although it was hard, I embraced the new reality with passion, and worked my way up with one goal: raise my son well, Today I’m very proud to say that he is an Aircraft Mechanic, working and living in Switzerland, while he waits for his greencard so we can be reunited., and I’m very proud of him!!
I studied Business Administration, and in the last year of school I met my 2nd son’s father. A retired US Marine, that went to Rio to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. My pregnancy triggered his PTSD, and we came to Texas for his treatments. 3 years later, he was well and decided to leave me.
Stuck in Texas, without my family, and with a 3 years old son. In 2019 I saw myself as a single mom for the second time. The divorce was difficult and expensive, but my love for my son gave just enough motivation that I needed to move forward.
Since then I’ve worked for Google, and Facebook. Turned my house into a 5 stars Airbnb that I named Casa da Dani (Dani’s home), and life started to feel right. But when the pandemic hit, my business sank with no guests, and by the end of the pandemic I had a huge debt and my job Facebook was no longer available.
So, I started working as a nanny, and created my first business page “Dani the nanny”, on Nextdoor, where I was able to build my name and connect with the local community. As the money wouldn’t cover my expenses let alone my debt, I started driving for a rideshare company, but that was exhausting and a soul braker. Soon I was hired by parents that heard about me from neighbors and driving their kids to after-school activities, driving senior citizens to shopping and doctor’s appointments, and I started to receive requests to drive to Austin International Airport.
So I saw a need to be fulfilled: reliable and safe car services!
It all happend organically, and every first-time passenger became a repeat customer.
In 2023 I shifted my services to a full-time private driver and “Dani The Driver ” was born, which I absolutely love it! Today I have over 350 neighbors over 16 neighborhoods following my page. And have been awarded a Neighborhood Favorite in 2023 and 2024!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I remember one day someone commented under one of my posts: “I hope your insurance covers your services “. I was shocked, confused, and afraid of the potential risks.
From there my life was like “connecting the dots”. Internet research was little to no help, insurance companies didn’t know how to help me cover my services, and that was my first priority: making sure I had the right insurance! Well it took me over a year to figure out what was necessary to run my business properly: Commercial Auto Insurance, License to operate a Public Ground Transportation issued by the City of Austin and an Airport Permit, on top of all the hassle that comes with opening a business!
I know for a fact that a lot of drivers offering ride services do not have any of that, and they as well as their passengers have no idea that they are not covered by the driver’s personal auto insurance. But it’s not that simple to have it all sorted out!
I just want to say that I’m very grateful for each and every one of my neighbors, passengers and friends that welcomed my business and recommended my services to their families, friends and neighbors.
Please visit my website www.danithedriver.com (that I built from scratch by myself!), as well as my page on Nextdoor https://nextdoor.com/pages/dani-the-driver?init_source=business_preview&utm_campaign=1733456139337
Safe travels 🙏
Danielle Pires
Founder, and driver, of
Dani The Driver LLC –
Reliable rides – Here for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#SmallBusiness #ShopSmall #SupportLocal
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dani the driver LLC?
Dani The Driver offers private transportation services that are tailored to each client’s specific needs. Whether you need an airport transportation, a ride to a special event, or stress-free transportation for a business meeting.
I offer comfortable and reliable transportation at competitive rates, making traveling a hassle-free yet joyful experience.
What’s next?
I plan to expand to attend the increasing demand for safe and reliable rides at affordable prices.
I learned that the quality and value of my services speak louder than any advertisement and my passengers recommendations bring the right customers to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danithedriver.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danithedriveratx/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dani-the-driver-austin-3
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/dani-the-driver
