Today we’d like to introduce you to Danay Helena
Hi Danay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started Cosmetology school in 2009, Graduated in 2010 and took my state board exam right after graduation. I passed on the first try and got my license. I was then able to start working at Smart Styles inside of Walmart. I worked there for a little over 9 months and gained a regular clientele that would come to Smart Styles specifically for me, even though it was a ‘Walk-in’ only salon. After gaining a solid clientele, in December of 2011, I was able to open up my own suite and bring my clients with me. I started to advertise on Craigslist everyday, I created a Groupon Deal and used Social media to market my business. After all of the marketing I was doing, I got to the point where I couldn’t handle the new and regular clientele by myself, so I opened up another suite and hired my first employee in order to help me with the over flow of clients.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was born in the Mid-80s, It has not been a smooth road, in my 20s, I was in and out of jail, I went through a lot of trials and tribulations that almost deterred me from achieving my goals. Cosmetology school is expensive and you have to dedicate a lot of time to it. I was also on house arrest at that time, it was hard trying to juggle a full-time job and then go to school at the same time all while making sure I made curfew so my ankle bracelet wouldn’t go off. Also, starting my own business was a big step that I never thought I would achieve. There are times where you have to struggle to keep things going and the business up and running. It’s definitely been a learning experience but now at 40 years old and having been in business for 14 years, I can say that I am an expert at my craft and running a business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bella X’press Salon is a full service salon that specializes in Healthy Hair care. We offer a multitude of services including, Silk Presses, Relaxers, Color, Loc Services, Amino Acid treatments, protein treatments and a plethora of other services and treatments. We are known for having extremely affordable prices, luxury quality services with little to no wait time. We can usually guarantee to get our clients in and out of the salon in 2 and a half hours or less. We work very fast, hence the name ‘Bella X’press’. What sets us apart from other salons would be our competitive prices, quality of work and wait time. We are also one of the only salons offering a Loyalty Program where every 5th visit is 50% off. We appreciate our clients loyalty and would like to reciprocate that because without our clients, there would be no ‘Bella X’press Salon’. I’m most proud of the level of professionalism we have maintained throughout the years Bella X’press has been in business. Customer service seems to be a lost art these days and I want to continue to give great customer service. We also offer hair products tailored to a client’s specific hair needs. We use a variety of products because we know that everyone doesn’t have the same type of hair. We care about our clients and want them to leave the salon with bouncy, healthy, salon quality hair!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Tamika Chapple is also a Licensed Cosmetologist, she specializes in locs, braids, twists, massages and treatments. We work together as a team to keep our clients happy. She has been with Bella X’press Salon for 4 years. She is appreciated.
Pricing:
- Silk Press: under $70
- Relaxers: under $100
- Color: under $170
- Locs: under $100
- Treatments: under $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellaxpress.com
- Instagram: @bellaxpresssalon
