Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Powell.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was the first person from either side of my family to be born in America instead of in the Philippines and that has shaped my life from the very beginning.
Growing up caught between two different cultures is something I’m really grateful for. Filipino values like faith, hospitality, and family keep me grounded to this day. And American values like individualism, diversity, and the freedom to pursue my own version of success have played a major part in every season of my life.
I’ve worn many hats and worked many jobs but my most recent role is that of an entrepreneur. It’s something that’s still new to me— so new, in fact, that saying it out loud feels strange. But I’ve learned a lot in such a short amount of time that I wish I had started sooner.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I had a better answer to this question!
It’s been a smooth road for me in the sense that I found clients and became profitable relatively quickly. I don’t consider myself self-made because I started out with valuable connections and many opportunities just fell into my lap. I consider myself blessed. I wish others had the same opportunities that I did early on.
Most of the struggles I’ve faced have been internal. I knew that if I started down this path, my life would look entirely different than how I imagined it would be for the past decade or so.
I was preparing for a career in academia as a studio artist and professor.
I didn’t anticipate that I’d be working for myself. That’s been the hardest thing. In some ways, it feels like I won the lottery and in other ways, it feels like I failed. It really depends on the day.
I will say, though, that the bad days are fewer and farther between as time goes on. More than anything, I’m excited to see what the future holds because the journey’s been unbelievably rewarding so far.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is called Beholden To You and I offer social media, writing, and design services to small business owners. I started my business because I want to be a lifelong learner, I want to be challenged in a way that forces me to grow, and I want to help other business owners flourish with the skill set I’ve been gifted with.
On paper, what sets me apart is my background in art and design; I taught at a university level and understand the visual language better than I understand anything else.
Internally (or so I tell myself), what sets me apart is my sheer unwillingness to give up on what I’m passionate about— and I’m extremely passionate about helping others succeed.
The stubbornness that got me in trouble at school or caused fights with my parents (sorry mom and dad!) is my weapon of choice against any problem I encounter. Whether that’s a client’s problem or a problem in my own life. I tell myself, “Whatever it is, it’ll break before you do.” So far, that’s worked!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Before I started my business, one piece of advice I was given was, “Don’t strive to be the coolest kid at the party. Strive to be the friendliest.”
I’ll talk to nearly anyone, so reach out to me! I genuinely love connecting with new people. I think too many relationships these days are transactional so I savor any bit of authentic conversation I can get. Let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Email: danielle@beholdentoyou.com
- Website: www.beholdentoyou.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beholdentoyou/
Image Credits
LL Productions
