We had the good fortune of connecting with Danny Buchanan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Danny, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
My favorite quote that has been told to me ever since I was a little girl is ” If it does not make your happiness flow, let it go!” I have always believed in going after what you want in life. The world is yours! it’s up to you to take matters in your own hands to manifest and create the life you want. When god places you in uncomfortable situations it’s not to break you down… It’s to prepare and test you for what you have been asking for. If you are putting in the hard work and effort and you begin to get discouraged or feel like you should give up my best advice is to think back to the reason WHY! Why did you start in the first place? Who are you here to help? Why would you give up now and let all your hard work go down the drain? Why would you disappoint everyone who has been rooting for you? Once you begin to ask yourself these questions, your motivation and drive should come back making you want to keep going. As far as entrepreneurship, there is no “right way” to do things or a book that will give you step by step on how to run & grow your business. But that is what life is for, to experience & learn that way we can help others not make our mistakes!
No matter how difficult or disappointed that road might get remember that it’s not the end! There’s nothing better than saying I tried! You should never give up especially before attempting first. Failure is something that everyone goes through even the Billionaire’s and Trillionaire’s. Giving up might be the easy way out but it’s not the way up! The only time you should give up is when what you are doing no longer makes you feel passionate or happy. Especially when it no longer brings you peace and it is not what you actually want. Then that’s when it is time to go back to the drawing board in dig deep into what you are actually passionate about. Prepare yourself for both the good and bad, the pretty and ugly that way there is less thoughts in your head that would make you want to give up.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company name is Hair Fantasy by Danny. This brand was inspired by my favorite quote, “Girls are every boy’s dream but, Hair is every girl’s fantasy. The name was something that anyone could remember and it’s catchy, simple, and cute. Everytime A client leaves my chair they feel 100x better than they did when they first sat in it! My services include: Lace customization, Ponytails/ Up do’s, Hair coloring, Quickweaves, Wig construction and installation, and all styles weave-related. I am known for my “scalp-like” lace installs, Sleek ponytails, & my exceptional customer service. I am most proud of my growth as a stylist and how my brand name has made a difference in women’s lives. What sets me apart from others is that I am consistent in my work and energy. The reviews of my clients are “she’s always on time.” “she was so nice” “she’s very professional” “she’s so fast” “she made me feel so welcomed”. Consistency overrules talent and that is what will keep you booked forever! Finally, I have a great sense of humor and It comes out during appointments so you have great experience. Many people underestimate me because I am young but you should never count out the underdog! I would be lying if I say the road to get to where I am today was easy. I went through every emotion. My first struggle was starting a New, small black business in the middle of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Because of the unknown everyone was fearful of what was going to happen next. Therefore, no one was getting their hair done to sit in quarantine. It was very discouraging at first but, with guidance from my father, faith in god, and prayer, I was able to persevere.
Although a lot of people doubted my work, I started a portfolio of my work via Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. People that I didn’t even know began to support me and it honestly grew from there. I started receiving reviews that I was making people feel beautiful on the outside to compliment their beauty on the inside. Lastly, I was challenged with the Atlanta hair industry being so saturated. I used my time off away from doing hair to notice what other popular hairstylist weren’t doing so I created my own niche market and developed new styles and techniques to launch my business. I created a business plan that focused on excellent customer service and satisfaction. You are able to make an appointment with ease, your appointment is guaranteed to start on time, and you will leave being satisfied with service and experience.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am such a foodie, I LOVE to try new foods and restaurants especially in my city! The first stop would be Breakfast at Barney’s (BBQ salmon is to die for) or The Garden Parc (There 1 hour unlimited mimosa’s are so fun!). They both have great music, AMAZING food, nice drinks, good vibes, and it’s just a great way to introduce Atlanta to a visitor. We would probably try a new restaurant everyday for each meal. If I had to name a few of my fav spots it would be: The pretty little taco, Ruby Chow’s, Cirque, Blu seafood house, Area 4, Fogo de Chao, and Roc South. A sip and paint picnic at Piedmont park is always fun. Mics Karaoke is a VIBEEEEEE. There is always something to do at Ponce city Market. I love nightlife as well so a few spots that always give me a good time are: Escobar, Cru lounge, Harold’s Chicken and Ice bar, Fin and Feathers, Slush ATL, and Por taproom.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to God, my father, Dan and my angel mother Sharon. Everything I do is for them. They have all did everything they could to put me in the position that I in am today. I am and will be forever grateful. Without them I am nothing. Also, my clients, customers and supporters! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you all keep me motivated everyday.
Website: www.Hairfantasybydanny.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hairfantasybydanny
Facebook: Hair Fantasy by Danny
Other: Tik tok: @Projectdannymarie
Image Credits
@HairfantasybyDanny @Shanfotografia @Anomalywholesale @Speakingofparis