Danessa Myricks, founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty, transitioned from nursing to the beauty industry after a chance encounter at a magazine. She shares her journey of self-education in makeup artistry, leading to her innovative brand launch. The conversation covers the development of her multiuse flagship product, Colorfix, and the critical importance of community support in her growth. Danessa emphasizes perseverance, personal worth, and the value of mentorship, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and seize opportunities in their careers.
Danessa Myricks transitioned from nursing to beauty after recognizing her emotional struggles, highlighting the importance of following one's passion for fulfillment.
Her journey from volunteer makeup artistry to founding Danessa Myricks Beauty emphasizes the value of persistence and self-education in achieving success.
Danessa's commitment to inclusivity in her brand reflects a broader recognition of diversity within the beauty industry, driving innovation and community engagement.
Deep dives
Path to Self-Discovery
Danessa Myricks initially pursued a nursing career, driven by the perception that healthcare offered a stable future. However, her experience in nursing proved emotionally challenging, prompting her to seek alternative avenues. A fortuitous encounter led her to the world of beauty journalism, where she secured a position at a hair and beauty magazine despite lacking formal qualifications. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished as she transitioned to makeup artistry, ultimately recognizing her passion for creativity and desire to connect with others through beauty.
Building Experience and Confidence
After leaving the uncertainty of corporate jobs, Danessa embarked on a journey to establish herself as a makeup artist. She engaged in volunteer work to learn from industry professionals while simultaneously honing her skills through practice and observation. Despite initial self-doubt and a lack of experience, her tireless work ethic and dedication to craft allowed her to produce notable results. Early successes, including her first wedding gig, boosted her confidence and reaffirmed her belief in her artistic capabilities.
From Small Beginnings to Major Developments
Danessa leveraged her newfound confidence and connections to scale her career, leading to opportunities with prominent photographers and brands. She conducted makeup workshops and created educational materials, including DVDs, which solidified her reputation as an industry expert. Her collaborations with brands like Kiss and Benefit allowed her to develop innovative products that resonated within the beauty community. These experiences ultimately shaped her vision and became foundational for her own brand, Danessa Myricks Beauty.
Establishing Danessa Myricks Beauty
In 2015, Danessa launched her eponymous brand to fill gaps she noticed in the beauty industry, particularly for underrepresented communities. Her focus on inclusivity and innovative product development was informed by her history in the industry and the conversations she had with clients. She prioritized creating high-quality, versatile products that could be accessible to everyone, allowing for personal expression through beauty. The brand quickly gained traction, demonstrating a clear market demand for its unique offerings.
Navigating Growth and Future Aspirations
As her brand grew, Danessa faced the challenges of managing operations and scaling effectively. The partnership with Sephora marked a significant milestone, amplifying her brand’s reach while requiring careful navigation to maintain quality and customer satisfaction. Danessa continues to prioritize community engagement, using customer feedback to drive product development and innovation. Looking ahead, she aspires to create a legacy brand that empowers individuals through beauty, fostering connections and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
Danessa Myricks, founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty, started out her career in nursing before parlaying a chance meeting with a media executive into a job at a hair-and-beauty magazine publisher. When the magazine she worked for abruptly closed, she pivoted again, teaching herself to be a makeup artist. She built up her experience and expertise and, within a few years, was an in-demand artist teaching at trade shows and selling DVDs of her master classes. She then went on to work at Kiss and Benefit, where she led product development and innovation on projects such as Benefit’s brow collection. In 2015, she launched her eponymous brand, which made a splash in the beauty world with its imaginative, multiuse products. The brand launched in Sephora in 2021 and has seen huge year-on-year growth, all while creating entirely new formulas and offering programs like the Danessa Myricks Angels, which provides mentorship opportunities to up-and-coming artists.