Published December 3, 2014
Age:
34
Bio:
The Jacksonville native moved to Tampa seven years ago to take a job as a media planner with 22squared. Even though she loved her job, her passion for fashion pushed her to start her own personal styling company in 2009. The business took off, and in 2013 Danielle was able to open Don Me Now—a styling and clothing lounge in Hyde Park Village.
Philanthropic Efforts:
For the last two years, Danielle has volunteered her time to style the Children’s Dream Fund kids who participate in Rays on the Runway. She recently worked with the Ian Beckles Foundation to style the Hard Rock calendar girls for the Flavor of Tampa Bay gala. The event benefited children in the Tampa Bay foster system.
When I’m not in the store:
I’m shopping!
Last book I read:
#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
Where do you take out-of-town guests to show off Tampa:
Hyde Park Village, Curtis Hixon Park, the Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard.
Proudest accomplishment:
Opening this store. I was in an accident in 2009 and I wasn’t sure if I would go back to work. I fell from a moving golf cart and had a serious brain injury. Cognitively, that had an effect on me. I re-learned things over again, and deciding where you are on that level and whether you can do that again. From that to this, that’s my accomplishment.
Motto:
If you’re questioning it, go for it. There continues to be things that are scary. Just do it. Fashion-wise, I’d say fit and feel is everything.
Mentor:
I wouldn’t have done the store without my mentor Leila Williams in Jacksonville. When I first had the idea, I approached her with the concept for advice, and she said just do it.
You could nominate someone else for this recognition:
Erinn Berkelhammer of Dixieland Monogram. She started out of her house while she was still in college and has continued to grow her business. She has been a huge help to me launching my online store. She’s a very smart businesswoman and has that business-savvy mindset that’s always forward thinking on how to expand and grow.
If I wasn’t doing this:
I’d still be in advertising. I loved it. I thank the lord every day that I had advertising every day before this.
Best meal in town:
Paninoteca. I’m a big fan of Mediterranean food
Best thing I can cook:
Mahi mahi tacos
Guilty mall pleasure:
I have an obsession with faux fur.
Favorite movie:
Love Actually
Favorite album:
Bob Marley, Legend
How I spend holidays:
Typically my family comes to us, but this year my husband and I are going to NYC for Christmas.
Dream vacation:
Greece
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive:
George W. Bush
