Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Richie.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began in 2019 with nothing more than a dream of working for myself as an entrepreneur. While visiting Atlanta, I booked an appointment to get my eyelashes done—and instantly noticed how popular and elevated lash extensions were in that city. After my service, I saw that my lash technician was selling lash trays, so I purchased some out of curiosity and inspiration.
Once I returned to Austin, I was determined to learn how to do lash extensions. I immersed myself in YouTube tutorials from sunup to sundown, studying every detail I could. After a few weeks of practice, I felt confident enough to begin doing lash sets on family and friends. I started posting my work online, and soon enough, paying clients began to book appointments.
A few months into lashing, I decided to enroll in esthetician school to obtain my license. While attending classes full-time—10 hours a day, four days a week—I was also working a 9-to-5 job. It was a demanding schedule, but I was deeply committed to building a future for myself in the beauty industry. I continued lashing part-time, motivated by a long-term vision of eventually becoming a lash trainer and mentor to other aspiring artists.
Though I was studying esthetics with a focus on facials and waxing, eyelash extensions quickly became my passion. I taught myself the technique and dedicated countless hours to perfecting my craft. After about nine months of working with clients, I decided to take a formal class in Austin to sharpen my skills and make sure I wasn’t missing any key techniques.
In January 2020, I was unexpectedly let go from my 9-to-5 job after nearly eight years. While it came as a shock, I saw it as a divine sign that it was time to pursue my business full-time. Within two months of focusing solely on lashing, I had doubled my previous income—and by August, I was earning close to $10,000 a month. A few months later, that number had grown to around $15,000.
During that time, I also began training others and officially launched my lash product line. From 2020 to now, I’ve grown my business to include salon suites in both Austin and Houston. When I moved to Houston to attend fashion school, I opened a location there. After graduating, I made the decision to return my focus to Austin and consolidate my business in one city.
Over the past few years, I’ve navigated many transitions—both personally and professionally—but each one has aligned perfectly with the growth of my brand. Today, I’m focused on scaling my business, building a team, and continuing to develop my knowledge of salon ownership and entrepreneurship.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I’d love to say the journey has been smooth, the reality is that entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of highs and lows. There are days when everything flows seamlessly—appointments are booked back-to-back and the energy feels aligned. But there are also days when clients cancel unexpectedly or bookings are slower than usual. Still, I’ve learned to view every part of the process as a blessing and a necessary part of growth.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is dealing with imposter syndrome. Even with success, there are moments of self-doubt—questioning whether I’m doing enough or if I truly belong in the space I’ve built. Another struggle has been building the right systems and structures to keep my business running efficiently. Creating a foundation that supports long-term success takes time, strategy, and trial and error.
In the beginning, I didn’t have a business background, so I had to teach myself how to truly operate as a business owner. I invested time into learning how to book clients, retain them, attract new ones, and market myself effectively—especially on social media. From content strategy to client communication, it’s all been a learning experience. But each challenge has taught me something valuable, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Xotic Beauty Bar is a luxury beauty brand dedicated to enhancing confidence through premium lash services, professional training, and high-quality lash products. We specialize in eyelash extensions—offering Classic, Hybrid, and Volume sets—along with one-on-one and group lash trainings designed to empower aspiring artists with the skills and confidence to build successful careers.
What sets us apart is our commitment to both artistry and education. Not only do we deliver stunning lash results tailored to each client, but we also provide mentorship and business-building strategies for lash artists who want to elevate their careers. From custom lash mapping to handcrafted fans, we ensure precision, professionalism, and a personalized experience.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far we’ve come—from a solo operation to establishing multiple salon suites, building a product line, and helping countless women launch their own beauty businesses. Xotic Beauty Bar stands for excellence, empowerment, and elevation—and we’re just getting started.
Whether you’re looking for flawless lashes or ready to become your own boss, Xotic Beauty Bar is here to help you feel beautiful and unstoppable.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is: stay consistent and give yourself grace. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t move as fast as you’d like. But if you stay focused, keep showing up, and continue to sharpen your skills, the results will come.
I also wish I had known how important it is to treat your business like a business from day one. That means learning how to manage your finances, market your services, build client relationships, and most importantly, how to set boundaries. Take time to invest in your education—not just your craft, but also the business side.
Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Social media can make it seem like everyone is ahead of you, but the truth is, everyone starts somewhere. Believe in your vision, trust your process, and know that every step—even the mistakes—are shaping you into the entrepreneur you’re meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xoticbeauty.as.me/
- Instagram: @xoticbeautybar
- Facebook: Xotic Beauty Bar
- Other: https://xoticbeauty.as.me/
