Conversations with Danielle Paquin

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Paquin.

Hi Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story as an aspiring artist begins in 2006. I had just graduated from college with a business and comm degree, and I wanted to move to North Carolina, so I took a job as a sales associate for Neiman Marcus on the beauty floor. The store was just opening. It was an exciting time to work for this retailer. I have always had artistic ability but never realized how to make a living as an artist.

This job showed me how. I learned the techniques and product knowledge from all the big brands – Chanel, Dior, Bobbi, Lauder, Cle de Peau, La Mer, Sisley, etc. My career was supposed to be in business, however, and I loved managing brands, so I went down the path of retail management which gave me an amazing ten years managing all different departments of retail and four different Neiman locations. Once my family life started becoming more demanding, I chose to leave that industry and found myself wanting to work more on my own time with a better balance.

I started back into the makeup game at home with my second baby in tow. Offering to glam my neighbors and friends and showcasing it on my homegrown Instagram page. This took a life in itself, and the people started coming. Neimans hosted a few events for me to help me grow, and that created a buzz from the get-go. After about six months of word of mouth and Instagram growth, the brides started inquiring. From the beginning, my style has always leaned toward a natural, lit from with-in glow.

After all, I was in my mid-30s and struggled with feeling well rested with two kids and a hustling lifestyle, dark circles, and losing my youthful luster by the second so it was important for me to focus on that for myself with skincare, correctors, concealers, the right foundations for my age, and also I wanted to share this information with others who were finding themselves in the same position. We need to wear makeup now because of our age and want to enhance our look, but the knowledge isn’t there because we have never really worn it before.

My technique and background with Neimans gave me the ability to know what to use for what skin tones and how to make it last all day for my bridal clients. I like a timeless, classic look for my brides. I keep up with trends, but I know how to keep it more trend-safe so it’s not dated after years of looking back at your photos from your Wedding Day. Fast forward seven years, and I’m now 90% bridal and 10% event, branding, or makeup lessons with my business. I’m booked a year out, and my brides need to inquire 12-18 months out with me to get their desired dates.

During the week, I do more one-on-one or group lessons, trials, branding photos, and event makeup for work presentations or fundraisers. It keeps me busy, but I love the flexibility of it, and it allows me to be with my kids and pick them up from school. Sundays are our day for family.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, this has been a no-pressure situation for me from the start. I had no expectations that this would start as a hobby. I always said the minute I stopped loving what I do or the response was negative, I would pull back.

But the momentum has always been forward pushing, and my passion for doing this art has always kept me in a good space, and therefore, I keep doing it! I have had to make boundaries for myself and my family by saying no to certain weddings or days of the week. But overall, I’m super happy with the relationships I’ve made and the people I have met while doing this artwork.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in bridal makeup and bridal parties, makeup for professional photography, and lessons for the average woman who wants to enhance their look from day to day to date night. I do makeup for work presentations and special events like galas, fundraisers, and special nights out.

I am most proud of my work of mine that has been published and recognized by national publications, seen Magazines, hour Detroit, the Grosse Pointe News, metro Detroit Weddings, Wedding Chicks, The Knot, etc. I am proud of the relationships I have created in the wedding industry, and it keeps me inspired as I work with some of the best vendors in the area for weddings.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Consistency, professional workmanship, quality products and technique, an eye for classic beauty, and bringing it out of my clients from each and every person’s individual face and canvas. I have an extreme expectation of myself and never sacrifice the look for more money by giving less time per person. It’s all about the finished product and how it looks on camera from all angles up close and zoomed in. It takes time and an eye for the little details.

I have super high expectations of myself to be the best makeup artist, professional in business, and thorough for my clients so they feel and want to express the value I have brought into the wedding planning and wedding process. I strive for everyone I work with to be extremely satisfied with their makeup and their overall experience with me.

Pricing:

• Bridal makeup $250
• Wedding parties $150 per person
• Mon-Thurs $125 makeup
• Fri-Sat $150
• Weddings minimum of 5 services to book

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.daniellepaquinbeauty.com
• Instagram: @danielle_paquin_beauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellepaquinlooks

Image Credits
Shelby Dubin Photography and Alicia Frances Photography