Danielle Keesler

Danielle Keesler

Daily, we all make assumptions about people, intentionally or not, based on their appearance.  Our mama’s always said “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and with good reason.  You see, I have a deep love of people that surprise me.  People who are actually quite opposite from that assumption in my head.  Those who don’t fit into a single mold.  I love that.  It’s something that I, myself, relate to.  See, while I love to dress up, and wear makeup and pretty dresses….there is another side to me that wants to “bum it” in stretchy pants and a sassy worded t-shirt.  I may look prim and proper, and yet I have the mouth of a sailor.  I love people who just OWN the several differing facets of their personality, and revel in their uniqueness.

Danielle Keesler is truly a unique individual.  She has a love of all things Harley Quinn or fox themed, loves to wear black, and could be found wearing the cutest skirt…with skulls on it.   One would automatically assume “goth,” but then, she could turn on her ipod and a country song come on….or High School Musical.  She could be donning black lipstick and combat boots, and look like one tough mamma jamma, but she has one of the sweetest hearts around.   I absolutely adore her.

Photo taken by Jennifer Lazos

As mentioned in the intro to Jennifer Lazos’ interview, I first met Dani the day I went to do my first boudoir shoot.  Immediately both her and Jenn made me feel welcome and at ease.  Our friendship has grown by way of facebook.  I enjoy seeing her posts pop up on my newsfeed, because so many times I’m like “YESSSSS! She gets me,” due to something she has posted.  And now, I look to her for all things makeup.  She is an amazing makeup artist, one that I trust and respect very much. 

I am privileged to call her a dear friend.  I hope you enjoy her interview.

Photo taken by Danielle's boyfriend, Jeff.

Tell me a little bit about yourself:

"I'm bad at this part. I love baking, my dog, motorcycles, car shows, drawing, writing and dance...and pizza."

Were you always interested in makeup and hair? When did you know this was something you wanted to make a career of?

"I actually did not like make up until high school, and I wore my hair in a ponytail everyday in school. Even now, I have no interest in doing my own hair; I never do my hair, I don't even brush my hair. However, I love styling other people's hair. 

I grew up with both grandmothers being hairstylists, so I've always been around the beauty industry. I originally decided to go to school for it because it was something quick and something "easy" that I could take with me no matter where I lived. However, about halfway through school I had a client that just really solidified my interest and my love for it."

Tell me about your love of makeup:

"The reason I fell so in love with makeup, is because I use it as an escape from my anxiety and my depression. Whether I'm doing it on myself or somebody else, it just lets me get away for the time being and lets me get out of my own head and focus on something that's not as stressful, so it helps me calm down and relax and so in a way it's sort of life-saving because if I couldn't find a way to get out of my own head I would be having panic attacks on the daly, and I have them multiple tines a week anyways."

What is the best thing about being a makeup artist?

"It sounds cheesy...but the best thing for me about being a makeup artist, has to be the way people light up when they see themselves done up in a way that enhances the beauty that's already there. I have always loved making people smile; making people laugh; making people feel good; so, when I saw the other stylists doing that, as I was growing up, I was like, "Well, that's really cool." The first time I was able to do that for somebody, it made me feel so good! I was in a better mood just as much as they were."

What is the hardest thing?

"The hardest thing is probably accepting the fact that you can't please everyone. So, you have to learn not only to have tough skin, but a strong backbone as well. You need to be able to stand up for yourself when someone's, you know, insulting your work. I also think one of the hardest things is listening to a person who's in my chair, sit there and list everything they dislike about themselves and list everything that they think is ugly. I see these people and I'm like "I think you're gorgeous," and so it's a little disheartening that so many people dislike the way they look."

What is the trend that you most wish would go away?

"I really wish the trend of contouring heavily like a Kardashian would go away. People don't realize that contouring that heavily is meant for Flash photography and film sets where there's really intense light. When you walk around looking like that, it doesn't look good. Your face looks muddy and you look like you have unblended stripes of crap on your face and I hate it."

Favorite products?

"Smashbox liquid lipstick in "Chill Zone" and Kat Von D foundation."

What do you feel will be THE trend of 2017?

"I have no idea what the trend for 2017 will be because I'm a terrible trend guesser. I've never been good at that so hopefully it's something simple."

What do you wish you could tell all girls?

"I wish I could tell all girls that makeup doesn't have to be done a certain way and neither does your hair. The simple fact is that, yes, there are certain makeup applications and certain hairstyles that will definitely look better on certain people as opposed to somebody else. However, it's your hair , it's your face.. if it makes you comfortable, wear it, own it, and don't be afraid to do what you want. It's an art form, it's not supposed to be set in stone on how to do it. However, on that note as well, if you go to a professional and are asking them questions or wanting them to assist you, you need to listen to their advice. Professionals are professionals for a reason, they worked their ass off and deserve that credit and respect."

What are your future plans?
"My future plans for now are to continue working in the salon. However, I am very content at my front desk position where I just schedule appointments. I do get to apply makeup, so that makes me happy, as I prefer makeup over hair. So, hopefully, my love for this will continue as it makes me really happy."