Be You

Meet Danielle Johnson owner of Be You Girls Boutique and Nail Bar.  This American Mom strives to empower young girls to be themselves through creating a safe place for them to get pampered and feel special.  “I have always dreamed of doing something that had a positive impact on the lives of children. After ending my corporate career, I decided to bring the concept of the Be YOU Girls Boutique & Nail Bar to Douglas County because I wanted a place for my girls to enjoy pampering in a non-judgment zone, and I wanted to make sure their friends could share the experience.”

Danielle is from St. Louis, MO and has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Spelman College.  She is the mother of three children; 12-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son, and 2-year-old daughter.  Her professional background in Human Resources and Retail Management made her transition into business ownership a natural fit.

“ I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I didn’t have a plan and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. When my company was acquired, I stopped being happy about going to work. I wanted something for myself and I needed to do something I enjoyed.”

Be You Girls Boutique and Nail Bar opened September, 2018 at the Arbor Place Mall in Douglassville, GA. It offers a positive and loving environment where girls can receive manicures, pedicures, arts and crafts,  birthday parties and shopping. The concept was inspired by her daughters and the birthday parties she has thrown over the years.  Danielle wanted to create a unique space for girls to be able to express themselves with their friends. “This is a space that is made for little girls to feel special. It is a place just for them.”

“We strive to provide a place where girls can be bold, be brave, be thoughtful, be creative but most of all, be themselves!”

Danielle empowers other women and minorities by providing a space to sell custom made merchandise.  She features designers that make robes, hairbows, and tutus. Additionally, she sells purses, travel bags, headphones, accessories, and bath products.  This space is designed to inspire girls to be themselves, teach the importance of self-care and grooming, build their confidence, and make them feel special.

Balancing motherhood, business, and time with her spouse is a work in progress.  “Work life balance is a constant struggle as an entrepreneur. But, my 12 year old comes to work with me and its special time for us.  I’m teaching her how to run a business, be professional and reliable. I love the flexibility I have and I’m always available when my children need me.”

Danielle is proud to model for her children that they can “be fearless and confident” with anything they choose to accomplish.  She feels her most admirable strength as a mother is the ability to communicate with them candidly. “I want my children to have a clear understanding of life, so I talk to them without underestimating their intelligence.  I don’t hide the world from my children.”

As a female business owner, equity and equality is her hope for women in the professional landscape of America. “I want women to fully know and understand that there is no ceiling.  We create boundaries on ourselves. There is nobody stopping you but you!”

Thank you Danielle for lending your voice and sharing your story of entrepreneurship.  Follow her @be_you_girls_nailsalon and please support her campaign at ifundwomen.com