Skip to main content

20 questions with Danielle Lombard

amy

amy

Danielle Lombard
@daniellelombard
Photographed by Sarah Krick

Hello gorgeous, Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello Modeliste Family! My name’s Danielle and I am a Small Business Entrepreneur with a background in Cosmetology and Psychology & Social Behavior! Quite the combo, but my passions include traveling, dining out, beauty and recreating some of my favorite dishes at home!

How would you define yourself in three words?
Loyal, Optimistic and Compassionate

In what ways have you been incorporating self – care into your daily routine?
I’ve definitely had days where I feel down and need to recharge, but I try not to be stagnant throughout the day. If I’m doing a lot of work on the computer I make sure to step outside and take my dog, Mila for a walk and I love winding down at night with a nice bath.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
I’ve found it the most fulfilling lately to be able to use my platform on Social Media to amplify voices and share methods of action for change. Whether it’s in taking better care of ourselves, serving our community better, fighting for equal rights or promoting products and brands that are more sustainable and eco friendly. I’ve found purpose and passion by working to better myself, while sharing those tools so followers can see simple ways to improve their life and the lives of others.

Can you tell us about an exciting time in your career?
One of my most exciting moments was shortly after I became a partner in my first nail salon at 22. Through our loyal, growing clientele and raving reviews a commercial real estate group in LA approached us to create a concept for their shopping center. It was the first project I worked on where I had full creative control over the concept, design and development. It was such an incredible process and I had also been working on opening an ice cream store in Northern California. It was a very trying time for me, but knowing that I had the capability to manage two projects in separate industries gave me the confidence that I could do anything I set my mind to!

How do you educate yourself on ways of maintaining healthy skin? 
Growing up, my mom always instilled the importance of healthy skin. She gave my sister and I an Epicuren 3 Step Kit when I was in my early teens and I learned the importance of cleanse, tone and hydrate! From there it sparked my curiosity of the beauty industry and after getting my Cosmetology License and working in a beauty supply store I gained more access to different products and brands. Now, I love to see what my favorite celebs, makeup artists and dermatologists are using and seeing what works best for my skin. Everyone’s different ingredients are always changing so it keeps things fun and exciting.

What do you love most about Pixi Beauty?
I love that Pixi Beauty is a cruelty free brand and that their prices are so affordable!

What are your top 3 favorite Pixi Beauty products?
DetoxifEYE Hydrogels Mask, Lip Icing in Toffee and their Glow Mud Mask (which I actually have on right now!) All of these are Vegan too!

What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment to me is when you as an individual take control over what you do have power over. You are able to bring to fruition the things you most desire in life without having to rely on anyone else.

In what ways do you use your platform for the greater good?
I use my platform to create a community where other women feel safe, heard and empowered. While also using it to bring awareness to causes and movements that are important to me.


During these tough times, what has kept you motivated
?
During these times, it’s been a period of self reflection. Scaling back and slowing down has allowed me to prioritize my passions and channel my energy into my new product line which has been incredibly exciting and motivating for me.

How do you remain fit, active, and healthy with stay-at-home orders intact?
I’m definitely guilty of carb overload especially while cooking so much at home because in my opinion, if it’s made from scratch it’s healthy But seeing all my friends and fellow influencers working out definitely keeps me motivated! I’ve been loving Chloe Ting’s at home workout routines because they are goal oriented and each program targets different areas of your
body. I’ve also done several challenges on the Nike Run Club with my friends that keeps me motivated to get outside and exercise, because getting a daily dose of vitamin D and fresh air is very necessary!

As a creative in quarantine, how have you found inspiration and ways to create?
Honestly, I took a little break but TikTok was incredibly inspiring to me! Lots of influencers were posting tutorials and how to’s and I think I’m a very visual person so seeing the explanation and process behind the finished photo or video gave me a lot of inspiration and insight. Just gotta be sure you don’t go down a black hole and spend hours on the platform…it can be addicting!

What and/or who has had the most influence on your growth and why?
For me, it’s been my friends who are in the same industry. Most of us are all multi-faceted and their dedication to their craft and hustle definitely motivates me to do more. This is an incredibly competitive space where the market has become over saturated so it’s important to stay on top of content to stabilize your career.

How can you as an individual actively take part in fighting a system of oppression and standing in solidarity with your peers of color to amplify their voices?
Thankfully I have a platform where I have access to resources that not only promote the fight against oppression, but provide ways to take action. I’ve been protesting, having conversations with people on and off-line, educating family members and even taking note myself of the privileges that I’ve been unknowingly given due to the color of my skin. Even before this movement I have been aware of the racial injustices and ways in which we may be contributing to the systemic injustices. Whenever I hear someone say or do something that is harmful to the Black community, I’ve always been very vocal about how those thoughts and actions have negative repercussions.


How have you found ways to educate yourself and those around you?

I’m always someone who’s been very diligent and proactive when it comes to educating myself. We are constantly learning, growing and evolving and it’s important to recognize that there is always room for growth. Throughout this movement I have come to acknowledge and accept my privileges and to educate myself by having open conversations with people so that I can improve. Media can skew things in an attempt to distract and avert our attention away from the root issue, but if you educate yourself through valid sources then you can clearly see what has been occurring in our country for centuries and how to move forward towards a path of equality.

What do you think are ways that others can help society and our surrounding communities?
Be more involved, continue to share and consume information to educate ourselves. Pay attention to what’s happening in your city by staying on top of local government officials and policies. Go to a protest, attend a sit – in, have open conversations with your family and friends. Use your platform to share information and call for specific actions that will lead to resolutions.

In what ways has your life changed due to current events?
I’ve definitely been able to redirect my energy and focus into things that really matter for me. Not having to worry about driving around LA all the time and spending a majority of time home, I’ve been able to launch my website, create a YouTube channel and work on my product line. This is also the most consistent I’ve worked out in a long time since I’m not traveling. I also believe that I have grown exponentially as a person and have been able to focus on the people and things that I value most.

What advice do you have for someone who aspires to create a career like your own?
Put in the work. Success never comes overnight, and I think for me…there’s always room to grow. If you’re interested in a certain industry, you may have to put in lots of hours where you’re not getting anything in return other than experience. Build connections, network, put yourself out there and focus on the things that you’re passionate about and how ways to differentiate yourself or your business from others.

More From
Featured