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

Hi Danielle, what inspires you?
Bright colors, drag queens, hair makeup, fashion, editorial magzines etc.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my fearlessness when it comes to experimenting with color on the face specifically. I’m a huge fan of monochromatic tones for brows, lips, eyes etc. There is no color too bright or bold that I haven’t tried!

What I am most proud of is my career as makeupartist and hairstylist. I had to go to cosmetology school during a pandemic and alot of what I know is self taught. I love my job and getting able to create shapes, designs and colors to enhance people’s natural beauty and style excites me the most.

How I got where I am today: I started doing makeup when I was 18; I started at Ulta and quickly worked my way up the ladder to Mac then Macy’s, and lastly Sephora. I’m not gonna lie it was incredibly hard and sometimes discouraging because I worked for 14 years in retail sales, where artistry isn’t really a focus anymore. It starts to become more about making money and less about the art and the way it changes people’s lives.

How did I overcome these challenges?
Prayer lots of it; But also I took a leap of faith when I started cosmetology school. I was tired of being overworked and underpaid and I just simply decided to act on it. It was like taking several steps back paywise in the beginning but I know that what I was doing was going to change my life forever and honestly I regret nothing because I get to work alongside so many brilliant people where the opportunities are endless.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Trust the process. Trust that what is for you will always be there waiting for you. Never say never.

What I want the world to know about my brand?

Artistry and education and client experience are top priority.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Entertainment: Flynn’s Arcade Disney World, Universal Studios, Rapids waterpark, epcot

Eat: big bear brewery
Sushi Siam
Morton’s steakhouse
Rocco’s tacos (las olas)
Cherry Smash
Larry’s ice cream parlor

Shopping: Aventura Mall

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank God first and foremost for my success. Second my husband and third but not last my friends and salon family who continue to inspire and push me everyday.

Instagram: Dbalasmua, dbalas_artistry

Facebook: Danielle Balas Acevedo

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