Flashbacks and Inspirations

We know Danielle Keasling is many things: SalonEVO columnist, Ulta Beauty Pro Team member, Executive Artistic Director for Great Lengths USA, and ambassador for Matrix and Biolage Pro. But did you know she is also the founder of Hair Biz and Beyond, a coaching platform for beauty professionals? Danielle tells us about her mission with Hair Biz and Beyond, and the journey behind it.

I sat at home for months on end in a very surreal world, increasingly wary of the times, suddenly deprived of artistry, human interaction, and all the feel-good vibes a trip to a salon, spa or fashion event could bring. I was left wondering where our industry would stand. Never in a million years did I think anything would stop people spending money on beauty. Like most of us, I was not prepared for the possibility that this could be our new normal. COVID was worse than we expected; our industry was held to paralyzing standards and almost forced out of work.

It’s in these moments that you question a lot of things. One of them, for me, was this: if I could do something to give back to the beauty business community after such immense struggles, what would it be? After months of feeling helpless, it came to me. As an industry veteran of 26 years, I have always appreciated the value of a mentor, and I have mentored many. I knew what I needed to do: share my knowledge, experience, and passion for learning and teaching in a way that was more accessible, specialized and valuable, on a concierge level.

Keeper of the keys

“Concierge” is a French word often explained as “keeper of the keys.” I developed Hair Biz and Beyond with that in mind, offering the keys to success through one-on-one and business coaching, consulting, and keynote speaking for beauty professionals.

With the new technology and new ways of doing business that came with COVID-19, it is now more possible than ever for me to connect worldwide. Teaching, coaching and inspiring beauty professionals near and far suddenly became simpler and more customizable over Zoom and FaceTime.

Fast forward to the “new world” of today. As we all continue to re-establish our roots and find our footing, it’s more important than ever to find the people and leaders we feel most connected to, and to learn and grow again.

What’s next

Back to business as usual for me has meant full steam ahead, travelling full-time for multiple brands again. Oh, how I have missed my industry family. I have immense gratitude for them, and we’ve created some jaw-dropping campaigns with more to come. But there’s also a renewed desire to give back to this fabulous industry. That leads me to what’s next for my company, Hair Biz and Beyond.

I read a lot about like attracting like. With that in mind, I kept putting these thoughts out to the universe, and I’m pleased to say the universe delivered. I’ve partnered with a seasoned marketing professional, and together we’re combining our knowledge to give beauty professionals a fresh approach to business, with straightforward education. In beauty and in marketing, we have each spent our entire careers helping people reach their next level of visibility and impact, to thrive and prosper.

Hair Biz and Beyond is a natural evolution of our hard-earned experience, expertise, credibility and authentic big energy. We offer what we wish we’d had when we started, and again when we were striving for that next level of growth: clear, practical resources. We know how important it is to surround yourself with a like-minded tribe, and to invest in programs and relationships that lift you.

Hair Biz and Beyond’s mission: helping beauty professionals grow their business with more money, ease and balance.

First published in SalonEVO.