Today we’d like to introduce you to Danay Felipe.
Hi Danay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an independent Miami-based hairstylist. Cuban-born, at the age of 16 moved to Turin, Italy. In 2004 I started helping and assisting at a local salon where I learned the profession. Italians do teach you the old way I have to say. Back then I didn’t even know if I wanted to be a hairdresser. Honestly, who knows what they want at that age! It was hard standing for hours, sweeping, washing, and cleaning all day long. But little did I know I fall in love with this art and eventually attended a Hair Academy in Tuscany to professionally pursue this career.
In 2012 I moved to San Francisco, California for a fresh start. I attended the Aveda Institute to be a Board Cosmetology certified licensed in the States. While in the city I worked at local bars/restaurants since I’m a food/wine lover, taking a little break from the beauty industry. After 6 years of fun in the Bay Area I decided I needed a change and relocated to Miami. I wanted to reconnect with myself, my culture, my roots, and most importantly my career. And what better place than Miami for that?
In 2021 I decided I wanted to be my boss, so I went down that road. Wanted more freedom, the ability to choose my Ideal clientele, work with my favorite brands, and being able to surround myself with the right energies. I’m so grateful to call this city my home! Best decision ever! I’m lucky enough to work with such talented, creative, and supportive people. I have the sweetest, cool, and most down-to-earth clients, I can’t complain really. I guess you attract your tribe!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has never been easy for me. I guess I was always unconsciously challenging myself. I believe that’s my nature lol. I pushed myself even when I thought I wasn’t gonna make it. like moving to places where I didn’t know the culture or language. Starting from zero over again. For sure all these experiences had led me to where I am today. I believe in hard work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Miami-based hairstylist. I specialize in color, balayage/ highlights, and cutting. I’m obsessed with low-maintenance blondes and brunettes. I love my clients to have dimensional hair, but for it to grow out nicely. I also find big transformations fun because they can completely change the client’s look and mood!
I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my career. Not being from here and in a little time I have built a great reputation and now I run my own business. Ah, I’m also a proud Capricorn! What sets me apart from others is the ability I have to create custom looks for each of my clients based on their needs and lifestyle. I love continuing education and always strive to be better and give my clients the best hair on every visit.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The beauty industry has grown so much in the past 10 years. And I can’t even imagine what it will be like in the next few years! I remember before it wasn’t even a career. People will say, “You want to do hair because you didn’t want to study” Luckily all that had changed, there are stylists out there making 6 figures nowadays! I’m so excited about the new trends for this year, a lot of rich brunettes with softer highlights and big bouncy blowouts!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairbydanymiami
