Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Steele .
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Life. My name is Danielle Toí Steele. I was born and raised in Charlotte NC with my mom and dad and lots of animals. Growing up as an only child, I was extremely shy but loved to perform and I had a wild imagination! I have older parents, so they introduced me to great music at a very young age. Dancing and singing was how I was able to express myself.
I was in the marching band from high school and all through college. Performing made me feel alive. It made me feel special. I could be someone I wasn’t for just a moment.
As a black woman, I’ve always been insecure about my size. I got picked on for being skinny because black women were supposed to look one type of way and I had none of those features. One day I was at the mall with my mom and a fashion designer and makeup artist from NY scouted me out. They were looking for models for an upcoming show. I participated in the show and was later called to do a photoshoot for him in NY. My first time ever being in front of a camera! That was the first time in my life that I felt appreciated for my size and I knew this was the start of something special. Modeling and band are my life. That’s when I feel the most confident.
Moving to Atlanta in 2018 was the best decision I ever made!! I had no idea how much it would change my life. I modelled wigs for the hair stylist of Real Housewives of Atlanta and built a long term work connection with Killer Mike and the SWAG Shop. After going through a couple of bad relationships, I used my time in Atlanta to grow spiritually as well. I started reading tarot for fun and made a business out of it. Toi Box Tarot has helped me and others transcend to our highest power.
I used to get homesick but I can’t wait to spend so much more of my life here in Atlanta.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Love is so powerful and the lack of it in my life, relationship wise caused a lot of challenges in my life. Multiple relationship disappointments can change the way you view yourself. I went to therapy numerous times trying to deal with my self esteem and relationship issues but no one was able to help me the way I was able to help myself. I started buying books and I studied how to love better, how to listen to my intuition, how to set boundaries, how to let go, and how to simply become more self aware. The beautiful thing about all of my previous obstacles is that now I learned the lessons and I want to help people learn their lessons too instead of repeating those challenges.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked with Wells Fargo for 5 years as a Financial Crimes Specialist. Investigating bank fraud was pretty interesting! I’m now working with Superior Court in Atlanta. I majored in Criminal Justice and I’ve been blessed to find careers right up that ally. I’m probably one of those most unconventional people you’ll ever meet but I keep working corporate jobs! I love reading tarot and providing advice to family and friends which makes me believe that I could’ve been a really good therapist! One day I’ll take classes.
I am most proud of my growth and how dedicated I will always be to it. Self awareness is something that a lot of people lack in life. We’re quick to point the finger and play victim but once I understood that the only person I can change and control is myself, that changed the game for me. Life is a wheel that will continue to roll and I don’t want to get left behind.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My parents retired from the local PBS station WTVI in Charlotte, North Carolina and ever since I was born, we went to all of the National conventions. By the time I was out of high school, I had traveled to almost all of the 50 states. My mom would be in meetings all day and my dad and I would explore whatever city we were in! Whether we went to Disney Land or to see the Wells Street Bridge in Chicago, my dad was my best friend and we had the most fun making memories. The beautiful part is that all of the memories and some embarrassing footage is on camera!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_stizzz
- Other: @toiboxtarot
Image Credits
@sdaniellephoto @jay_mulan @styledbycocodeloach @miicongenteel @stevewest @lando__bando_ @jaybarnesphotography @lawrencesmurray @styledbystylez_ @flowersome_
