Meet Danielle Roper | Licensed Esthetician & Skin Health Coach

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

Hi Danielle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since going to esthetic school in 2007 I have always wanted to have my own business. I have been a business owner on a very small scale since graduating but only doing it after work for friends and family. It wasn’t until I moved to Colorado Springs and met my amazing boyfriend that I started to take it more seriously and want to actually make it my full time job. I worked in the medical field since 2001 and I never loved it. I did a host of jobs and just couldn’t find something to get behind and make my career. I think many people can find passion and peace in that field but I never did, not even as a medical esthetician. Like many business owners, I think Im better at bossing myself around than being bossed around by others. Im very independent and like things a certain way. I think this makes it hard for me to be a good employee in that I want to control the job I do and do it the way it will work for me. Most places of employment are not that easy going with how you do work. So, it has always made sense to me that I should be a business owner or, at the very least, my own boss in some capacity. I don’t have to ask permission to implement or change things or to take time off. I really enjoy that freedom in my work and in my schedule and think that when you feel that kind of freedom you are able to enjoy your work more and put more love into what you do even when you question your sanity for making such a hard life choice. Its not about the clout of being able to say “I own my own business” or making a ton of money because, let’s be honest, most small business owners don’t love wearing all the hats that come with their business and are just scraping by. It’s a love of the job for me and most business owners like me. I love esthetics and helping support my clients that have skin concerns and its rewarding to help people move towards better skin and coach them towards their goals. That is more rewarding than any job I have had as an employee and the other big motivator in starting my own business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own an esthetic practice in Colorado Springs called Derma Lab and I am an acne specialist and skincare coach. I have personally struggled with skin issues my whole adult life and it was the primary reason I am an esthetician. I struggled with acne in my 20’s/ 30’s and found clearing my skin was impossible by myself. I wanted to find that answer and be able to help other people that are in the same boat that I was and help them through the rollercoaster of emotional distress dealing with their skin. I like to think of myself as a skincare coach because it’s not just about what you see in the mirror, it’s really mentally taxing and can be pretty debilitating having skin issues that are visible to the world and then having to go online and see the f*ke flawless skin that is presented to us. I know the feeling and embarrassment that comes with these visual reminders and want to be a support for my clients as someone that has been in their shoes.

It has been hard finding clients that trust me. Many clients come to me after seeing other estheticians or trying every skincare line promising results and they are emotionally drained, skeptical and have a wall up. The main challenge is to let them know that I am not making promises and I am not here to give them more skincare that doesn’t work. It can take time to truly build that trust with someone and start dismantling those protective barriers but it is super rewarding when I am able to build that relationship with someone and gain their trust after years of being skeptical of the industry.

I want people to see the value I bring to the table as an esthetician with these experiences. Its a nice thought to see a skincare specialist that has amazingly smooth, dewy skin that looks like a Barbie doll… Thats just not 99% of us and many times the most talented and experienced estheticians have first hand experience. I learn the most from my own skin issues and I love being able to pass that working knowledge on to my clients and help them realize that skin is imperfect by nature and that we strive for the best skin we can have based on lifestyle, environment and genetics.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, the most amazing part of living in Colorado Springs is that we have a ton of things to do. We are no Denver when it comes to food but in the 4 years that I have been down here, it is getting better every month and I am excited to be in such an amazing place. I love nature and food so that is basically my itinerary for anyone coming to visit me.

The first thing I think I would do is take my friend on the Cog Railway. This is something I did years ago during a family reunion in the springs and I think it is one of the best ways to get a taste of the nature in Colorado. We would enjoy some donuts at the top and an amazing view before heading back to Manitou where we would spend some time walking and visiting some of the amazing small businesses in town. Dinner would most likely consist of Rudy’s BBQ because I think its the best I have had so far and it’s a weekly staple in my house.

Depending on the weather we would do some of the other local attractions like Rampart Reservoir and Garden of the Gods. You cant have a complete trip without seeing all the free nature in the Springs.

We would also go to my favorite breakfast/ brunch spot, Urban Egg in University Village. This place has the freshest food and they make about 99% of everything in house. Amazing cocktails, juice combos and coffee. Have yet to have a bad meal there.
My friends are all coffee lovers so I have to go introduce them to my girl, Rachel, at her coffee hut, Pine to Peak Espresso. This girl makes a mean lavender latte.

Other lunch/dinner spots I love frequenting and taking guests to is Pakwan on Austin Bluffs and Academy. This is hands down the best Indian food in the springs and the owner, Vikki, is always welcoming. Skirted Heffer is a local fave of mine when I want a good quality hamburger. They always have a special each week and is always delicious. The one on Dublin and Powers has an ice cream sandwich called The Big Bessie and its so good! I can not let my friend leave the springs without experiencing this goodness. Some of my other favorite places to take out of town guests is Edelweiss with the best German food in maybe all of Colorado. Slice 420 has my favorite pizza and pleases even the most pick eaters like my 6 year old niece that was recently visiting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My boyfriend, Chris, has been that guy. He has been my biggest cheerleader, motivator and support emotionally and financially in my quest to build my business. I can not say enough about how much it means to me having him in my life though the highs lows of owning a business. He has been supportive throughout this journey and keeps cheering me on to keep pushing through the rough patches and excited for my milestones. I would not be where I am without his support and it means the world to me.

Website: dermalabesthetics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dermalabesthetics/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DermaLabEsthetics/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/derma-lab-colorado-springs

Image Credits
Aspire Images