Meet Daniel Valles | Mini Salon owner/hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Valles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe in making an impact wether big or small I truly believe we can make the world a better place if we all took a step toward doing something for others. I chose my career based on the simple fact that I would be able to interact with people from all walks of life and wether it be a haircut or a complete transformation I want to be able to be apart of someone feeling truly beautiful! My favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou “ ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.“ I’ve used this quote as a mantra for the 6 years that I’ve been behind the chair. I’ve always strived to make sure that my brand truly meant something, and I believe that it does, I get to make people feel confident, beautiful, sexy, strong, empowered, and so much more.

—True Beauty By Danny

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Bryan, Tx in 1996, I always knew I had a lot to say and prove to the world ever since I was a kid. The older I got the more adversity I faced, being a gay male in the south and being a Mexican American I had the decks stacked against me, but I knew that I could make it through and if I did I wasn’t going to stop. I knew I chose the right career path because I’ve never been one to blend or be complacent. I have always wanted to leave my mark on the world, and what better way to do that than to enhance and draw attention to the already existing beauty that lies within all of us. When I open the doors to my small business I am overwhelmed with a sense of purpose, I feel like I have a duty to make sure that each guest I interact with leaves feeling amazing and empowered and TRULY BEAUTIFUL. I worked at a salon company the first 3 years of my career I was able to be an associate and experience education like no other and for that I am forever thankful. After being behind the chair for a while I started to feel like I was being molded into something I didn’t quite align with and decided to leave and try booth renting, in doing so I wanted to see if I could spread my wings despite what others said or thought. I was immediately sure of my decision as my income had doubled and my business sprouted! From that point on I just knew I had to have something of my own. A dear friend of mine who is also my business partner and co-owner informed me of an opportunity to own a mini salon together, from that point on it’s been a beautifully eye openings experience. Opening a mini salon in the midst of a pandemic taught me so much in so little time, was it overwhelming? Yes. Did I cry and wonder how it was going to work? Yes. It was not easy and still isn’t but I know that with faith, dedication, and pure intentions my career and business will thrive for many years to come! If you have doubts or fears all I can say is challenge them and don’t let them hold you back! Go for what you want and own it through the flaws and all, nothing worth fighting for comes easy.

-Danny

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Downtown Bryan is filled with so much culture and history, it’s also a huge place to network and get a sense of community. We would go have some Mexican food at Papa Perez and enjoy some margaritas. After we would walk the beautiful streets and interact with people and other business owners who also share so much similarities!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Since I was a young boy I was always surrounded by strong and beautiful women, I remember my two aunt’s getting ready to open up their hair salon. The excitement and pure joy I witnessed was unlike anything I’d ever seen or experienced, I remember looking forward to going with my mom to get her hair done so I could watch my aunt’s do their work and make people smile and make them feel beautiful. From that moment on I knew what I wanted to do, I give all my thanks to them. Monica Flores & Veronica Olivares I thank you from the depths of my heart for paving the way for me and so many others in our community! I can only hope to continue to make you both proud! “The salon of vern & Mo” has been serving the Bryan/College Station area for over 15 years!

Website: Truebeauty.GlossGenius.com

Instagram: @Truebeautybydanny

Facebook: True Beauty By Danny