Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Diggs.
Hi Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in the beauty industry back in Philadelphia, where I earned my cosmetology license in 2012. At first, I focused on weaving techniques, but I quickly realized there was a huge gap in knowledge about curly and kinky textures—even in our own community. That realization led me to shift my focus entirely to natural hair.
When I moved to Atlanta, I went back to cosmetology school to earn my educator’s license and founded I Woke Up Curley LLC. From the beginning, my goal was not only to style hair, but also to educate. Beauty schools don’t teach enough about textured hair, and that leaves both stylists and clients without the tools they need to truly understand their natural hair.
That’s why I created my own curriculum, workshops, and now, my product line. Each product is designed to work with natural hair the way it really grows—not to force it into something it isn’t. But products are just one part of the equation. What matters just as much is teaching people how to build a regimen, how to properly care for their curls, and how to make informed choices outside of the salon.
Today, my mission is clear: to empower both consumers and stylists with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take care of textured hair the right way. My products are a reflection of that mission, and my workshops and online courses carry the education even further. I believe that when you understand your natural hair, you can love it, care for it, and wear it proudly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. When I first came to Atlanta, I was broken — mentally, physically, and spiritually. I had left Philadelphia searching for clarity and healing, but I was battling depression, addiction, anger, and confusion. At the same time, I was trying to find my place in the beauty industry, where textured hair was still being pushed to the side and not properly taught in schools.
On top of that, I had to figure out how to survive while building something bigger than myself. There were times I had no money, no stability, and no support system. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up while fighting my own battles. And running a business hasn’t been easy either — the costs, the setbacks, the mistakes, and the constant pressure to keep going when it feels like you don’t have anything left.
But those struggles shaped me. They forced me to slow down, find my voice, and stand in my purpose. They taught me resilience and gave me the heart to fight for natural hair education, for myself, and for the people I serve. And it’s because of those battles that I realized this is bigger than styling hair — it’s about creating products that actually serve textured hair and teaching people how to build regimens so they can take care of their hair outside the salon.
Every obstacle has been a reminder that I’m not just building a business — I’m creating a movement for textured hair, and I had to go through the storm to get here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Texture Technician and founder of I Woke Up Curley LLC, I specialize in guiding people through transitions with their hair — whether it’s natural to straight, curly to blow-dried, straight to curly, or even from free hair to locks. I support them through every step of their journey by providing guidance, products, and customized regimens to help them accomplish their hair goals.
Beyond working with clients, I also train and educate stylists so they can confidently work with all textures of hair — not just straight. My products are designed to meet the needs of both the client and the stylist, making textured hair care not only possible but accessible, practical, and sustainable.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my focus is on expanding my workshops to cities across the country. These workshops are designed to educate consumers on how to create their own regimens and truly understand how to care for their hair outside of the salon. My goal is to make textured hair education accessible everywhere, so people feel confident managing their hair on their own terms.
The next workshop will be held in Atlanta in December 2025, and from there, I plan to continue traveling to different cities, building connections, and spreading this movement.
Long-term, my vision is to create a national network of stylists who specialize in textured hair — from straight and blow-dried, to curly, coils, and locks. Through the I Woke Up Curley curriculum, these stylists will be trained, certified, and connected under one brand. This will make it easier for clients to find trusted Texture Technicians who not only understand their hair but are also backed by a standard of education, integrity, and expertise.
Ultimately, my future plans are about building a legacy — a system that ensures textured hair care is taught, respected, and celebrated across the beauty industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Iwokeupcurley.com
- Instagram: IWokeUpCurley
- Facebook: IWokeUpCurley
- Youtube: IWokeUpCurley
- Other: https://share.google/uuuJRysoki0MHx3CK
