Our Kin: Danee Bolan | Melbourne, Australia

If you’re ever in need of a skillful set of hands to make you feel like a million bucks, Danee Bolan should be your go-to. Sure, Danee will make your skin and hair shine for your big day (or photoshoot), but more importantly, she will infuse your session with positivity and laughter so when you leave her chair you’ll be looking and feeling fabulous. Read on to learn about her journey into business, and her tips for feeling great every day.

Danee, tell me, have you always been a Glamagician?

I've always been pretty obsessed with makeup, beauty, skin care, and the power of transformation. Ever since I was a teen, I've been fascinated by how makeup can transform us into different personae and characters. I was the go-to amongst my friends when we had a dress up party to go to- everyone always wanted me to create some kind of makeup look which was so much fun, even though I knew nothing about what I was doing!

I've meandered through many different jobs and career pathways in my time, but when I moved to Melbourne over a decade ago, I knew I wanted to take it seriously and start a journey. I felt energised by the amount of creative souls and the unique opportunities this city presented. I was pulled into the world of beauty and haven't looked back.

How did Killer Queen Creative come about? How did you carve your own path?

I've been a makeup artist for about 9 years, but it wasn't until I became a mama 4 years ago that the seeds of Killer Queen were planted. My beauty career up until that point was a creative side hustle, and I lacked a bit of direction and purpose. I didn't know my niche or who my ideal client was; or even how to market myself. I just enjoyed the art of it, and because it was a side hustle, I could indulge that. I really had no idea about business, or how to build a brand.

When I became a mum, I started dreaming of bigger opportunities for my business, knowing that I wanted to focus on that and not return to 'regular work'. I knew that I couldn't juggle a 'normal job', as well as motherhood, AND my business. I knew I had to give my business the focus and attention it had been lacking up until that point. It was time to create a path forward.

So, in essence, having my son was a catalyst for a whole lot of change for me; most of all, creating a brand that represented strong, diverse, individual beauty and the power of women. I wanted to create a bit of a movement, a brand that would encompass all of my creative desires as well as empower others and make them feel good about themselves. Having experienced such a momentous change in my life, I realised a lot of women lack confidence, time and energy, and can lose a bit of their former identity, and I wanted to find a way to allow them to celebrate themselves, express their individuality, and find confidence!

I also really wanted to forge a community of like minded souls- women who walk their own path and do so with confidence, and without apology. It was the best move I ever made. I relish my role as a business owner and am so glad I took that step to create a life that I love and is so rewarding.

What was the biggest hurdle when you first created Killer Queen Creative? 

Balancing my time and priorities, and giving myself the space to let Killer Queen grow and breathe organically!

I'm very much the type of person who is always thinking and dreaming of the next big thing, and I get very frustrated when I can't make it happen quickly. Having my son forced me to slow down and to be patient, which was a GOOD thing, but it was hard to do at the time. I wanted big changes and quickly! The juggle is real!

If you could give younger Danee advice, what would you say?

If I could look back now and offer myself some advice, it would be to enjoy and trust the process. To be patient and celebrate the baby steps. It's ok to dream big, but don't get too frustrated when you feel like you're treading water. Every single achievement - no matter how small- is a step in the right direction, so it's important to acknowledge that.