Meet DaniAnn Rawls | Wardrobe Stylist, Fashion Designer, & Confidence Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with DaniAnn Rawls and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DaniAnn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m what you call a calculated risk taker. I truly believe you have to take risks to see an effective change in your life. When I say I’m calculated, that means I weigh my options with the pros and cons of that risk. Risks is how you learn and become better in my opinion. If I didn’t take that risk of leaving my desk job I wouldn’t know that following my dreams was possible and therefore would be stuck saying what if.
I truly believe in the saying “High Risk, High Reward”.
Life is a gamble, and I will always bet on myself. Even if I lose I just take that as a lesson to get better, a lesson on what to do next.
Risks play a big role in my life and my career. Subconsciously, I used to fear the what ifs, or I’m not ready, or the I’m not good enough. But, I had to break that program and reprogram my mind to believe and to risk by just going after what I want whether it be personally or professionally.
I owe a lot of my success to risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a professional wardrobe stylist/seamtress with work on Norwegian Cruise Lines, National Broadway & off Broadway Theater Tours, Productions, Campaigns, Editorial, Brand Marketing Shoots, and Personal. I’m also a fashion designer where I create resort wear for women as well as custom looks for events such as dresses, competitive NPC suits, custom swimwear, and various alterations.
I also hand make all natural, vegan beauty products with healthy skin as the goal. This is where I make beauty bars, moisturizing creams, exfoliating scrubs, massage oils, face serums, and beard oils.
I’m so so so proud of how far I’ve come. I truly move on the accord of passion. With everyone I work with I want to leave a positive impact. Spreading love and light is my mission. I pride myself on creating confidence with my clients. I’m so grateful that my degree in communications and my travels in life have taught me how to get along with anyone, and if I don’t… nothing personal I just politely remove my self. I’m so happy I’m able to mesh and mingle with different ages, genders, cultures, and personalities. That is HUGE in a customer driven career.
Creating my brand is not easy. It takes a certain mental strength, patience, determination, dedication, and passion to keep going. It also takes alot of networking, getting others to believe in you and your vision. Non of this could be done alone. You have to pray everyday, affirm 10x a day, and trust that what is yours is yours. If you know what you want to do, set your intentions, and pray to the universe or whomever you pray too, you have to have faith that it will be.
As I continue to build my brand I want the world to Trust me, that I will make you look good, and feel even better by creating a new confidence you always had but was afraid to show.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some must go places is Orsay for their rotated oysters, Biscottis in Avondale is super cute and delightful food, Bread and Board is also quite delicious. We have a ton of hidden gems and restaurants to visit. You can literally eat out everyday and not repeat a restaurant. Alsooo, you have to visit St Augustine and Fernandina Beach! It’s quiet here, but if you’re into a slow pace life you will definitely enjoy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have several. I’d like to shout out Agnes Lopes from Posewell Models. She took a risk on me and allowed me to style to cover of Bride when I was first starting. The rest is history! Kimtasha Armstrong who is Jacksonville’s go to MUA for productions, she believed in me and is always encouraging.
Simone Garvey-Ewan owner of Sage Reed Media is always there for me supporting, promoting, and getting me links with some amazing women in the network.

Website: www.donnareine.com

Instagram: @DonnaReine

Image Credits
Khalifa Dieye