One on One With Danny McClure: Professional Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

Danny McClure is a professional hairstylist and makeup artist from Virginia. He has experienced serious bullying in the past and Lady Code had the opportunity to share Danny’s story with you.

 

Name: Danny McClure
Birthday:
 05-02-1990
Occupation(s): Hairstylist and MUA

Favorite…

Quote: 

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? -unknown
Color:
 Green
Hair Product: Paul Mitchell
Food:
 Asian
Book:

 Harry Potter series
Workout: Insanity

Danny’s Story:

How old were you when you started getting bullied?
I was in the 4th grade when I first started getting bullied, I would say 8

What did you go through regarding bullies?
I’ve always been quiet and kept to myself. I was called gay and anything mean little kids could think of.

How did you first react to bullying?
At first I didn’t do anything I just tried to ignore it because that’s the way I was taught by my parents. But once I started coming home in tears my mother stepped in and told some of the school staff. It progressively got worse and I switched schools many times and couldn’t make friends because I was in and out very quickly. In Middle school it got to the point where my parents had to pull me out of public school system and home school me the remainder of middle school and all of high school.

How did you overcome bullying?
I discovered who I was when I was about 15, I wanted to go to high school but my parents decided to stay home schooling me. I became very sheltered to anything outside of church. My father was a pastor of a church that I attended every Sunday for many many years. Even though I hadn’t told anyone my “secret” I lived a life my parents and family expected me to live. I was not happy until I came out to everyone when I was 18. Now I couldn’t be anymore free and happy to live life and be myself know matter what anyone thinks of me.

We are so proud of you doing so well with hair and makeup. You are so talented. What got you into doing hair and makeup?
My mother is a hairstylist, I always grew up watching her do hair. I am a very creative person and the beauty industry allows me to be creative and make money and do something I love doing!

What is your favorite hairstyle on females?
I love sleek angled haircuts for women. Blunt fringe, Sharp disconnections, and bold silhouettes.

Smoky eye or natural look?
I love everything about make up. If I had to choose between the two I would pick natural look.

Red lip or nude lip?
Who doesn’t love a sexy Monroe red lip!

Do you have any beauty advice for girls?
Don’t hide behind layers of make up to feel pretty, be yourself.

What is the most important hair tip that you almost always use?
Use product. Best advice I can give.

We are extremely inspired by your strength and perseverance. What kept you so strong when you were dealing with bullies?
My parents, and the faith I had in myself to be a strong creative individual.

Lady Code is passionate about ending bullying. Is there any advice you would like to give to someone who may be going through bullying at school?
Stand up for yourself. They say words don’t hurt, but they are extremely painful. Stay positive and know that they are just jealous of you and how amazing you are!

Name one mistake you have made on the way to your current success that you have learned from:
I should have stayed more focused when I first started school.

In the next five years, where do you hope to see yourself?
Master stylist, My own Makeup collection, International photo stylist

Who are your inspirations and why?
My mom and dad – they have always been there for me and taught me wrong from right
My beautiful life partner- Supports me, loves me, and makes every dream of mine come true.

If you could tell us three interesting things about yourself, what would they be?
I am a freelance tattoo artist, I love riding motorcycles, I hope to visit every country before I die

Is there anything you’d recommend to girls to help them be the most beautiful (and successful) version of themselves?
Be passionate, Be strong, Be graceful, Be YOU!

Thank you so much Danny. We are so proud of you!