We had the good fortune of connecting with Donovan Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donovan, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
The things that make me happy are the moments that bring me peace, laughter, and purpose. I find happiness in spending time with the people I love, creating memories, and feeling connected. I’m happiest when I can express myself, whether that’s through my passions, my creativity, or simply being myself without judgment. Little things also bring me joy—music, good conversations, achieving my goals, and moments where I feel appreciated. Happiness for me is about growth, love, and enjoying life’s simple blessings while becoming the best version of myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a hairstylist, my art is about more than hair—it’s about confidence, transformation, and helping people feel their best. What sets me apart is my passion for creating styles that not only look good but also empower my clients. I take pride in my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring each person’s vision to life.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. It’s taken hard work, patience, and perseverance to grow in this industry. I’ve faced challenges, but each one taught me valuable lessons about consistency, resilience, and believing in my talent. Those experiences helped shape both my skills and my brand.

I want people to know that my brand is built on passion, growth, and empowerment. I’m not just doing hair—I’m creating experiences, building confidence, and turning my craft into a legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience—good food, fun vibes, nightlife, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: We’d start with brunch at a cute spot with great vibes, then spend the day exploring the city, shopping, and taking pictures at the best scenic spots. At night, definitely a rooftop dinner with good music and drinks.

Day 2: Spa or self-care day, then hit some popular local restaurants for lunch. Later, we’d check out lounges or hookah spots for a chill night.

Day 3: Adventure day—maybe an amusement park, escape room, or something active and exciting. Then late-night food runs because those always make the best memories.

Day 4: A content day—getting dressed up, visiting trendy photo-worthy places, creating social media content, and ending with a girls’ night or fun group outing.

Day 5: Culture and creativity—art museums, festivals, pop-up events, or live music. Somewhere inspiring but still fun.

Day 6: Full nightlife experience—best restaurants, pregame, then the hottest clubs or bars with great energy.

Day 7: Slow it down with brunch, meaningful conversations, maybe a relaxing park or waterfront moment before wrapping up the trip.

For me, the best experiences are all about a mix of good energy, great food, beautiful aesthetics, and being around fun, authentic people. I love places that feel exciting but also create real memories—because the best part of any city is the vibe, the people, and the moments you can’t recreate.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have genuinely supported, guided, and believed in me throughout my journey—my family, close friends, mentors, and everyone who has encouraged me to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Their love, advice, honesty, and support have played a huge role in shaping who I am and pushing me to grow. I also want to recognize every life lesson, challenge, and experience that helped build my strength, resilience, and perspective. Every conversation, opportunity, and moment of encouragement has added to my story, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those influences. This shoutout is for everyone who poured into me, believed in me, and reminded me of my potential.

Instagram: DonDaStylist

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