Meet Daniela Lindh

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniela Lindh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniela below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Daniela with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My strong work ethic stems from my upbringing. My father, who immigrated from Sicily to Sweden in the 80s, has been a great inspiration as an entrepreneur. My mother supported him financially in the beginning, until he secured a part-time job to learn the language and then saved up to buy a car and two leather jackets from Italy. He traveled around Sweden and sold these to high-end boutiques, eventually opening a big clothing store in Stockholm in the early 90s.

My mother and my grandfather were both incredibly hard-working individuals and very successful in sales. Even after my parents separated, my mom continued to work late nights and picked up extra shifts to support us. She instilled in me the importance of working hard, and I’m grateful for her tireless dedication and inspiration.

When I was just six years old, I landed my very first job! It all started when my stepdad, who was the general manager of a hotel in our hometown, asked me to create paintings for the monthly newsletter he sent out to local businesses. He gave me the choice of being paid 20 Swedish kroner per painting, which was equivalent to two dollars, or receiving movie tickets. I opted for the movie tickets, seeing their higher value.
He was a professional soccer player in his 20’s and always talked about how important it is for each person to be a good team player, to show up and do their part to be able to work well together as a team. This apply to both sports but also in the workplace.

Growing up, the hotel became like my second home. While waiting for my parents to finish work, I would head down to the laundry room and help fold towels with the main maid or load up carts with fresh linens. Whenever I lent a hand, my stepdad would reward me with a symbolic amount of 20 Swedish kroner. By the time I was 13, I had started working weekends cleaning hotel rooms and washing dishes. I saved up every penny to buy a moped, with some assistance from my biological father. Being one of the few of my friends with a job taught me the importance of setting money aside for things like movies, concerts, and trips. I was fortunate to have these experiences at such a young age.

I believe I’ve been influenced by both Swedish and Italian cultures when it comes to work. Swedes are known for their punctuality and organization, while Italians are more relaxed and easygoing. Finding a balance between hard work and leisure time is crucial—work hard, play hard!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I started attending hairdressing school at the age of 16 in my hometown, Umeå. After completing three years of cosmetology and general education, I secured a position at the top salon in my hometown, Hårizont.

Although I enjoyed my work, I felt that I had matured too quickly and desired more life experience, so I applied for business merchandising at Santa Monica College. Despite never having visited America before, I felt a strong sense of purpose that led me here, so I followed my instincts.

Since relocating here in 2015, I have explored various job opportunities in line with my visa permissions. However, I have consistently maintained my hairdressing skills and kept up with the latest trends. Last year, I made the decision to resign from my full-time role as a salon manager and dedicated myself entirely to hairdressing. In April of this year, I chose to establish my salon suite in the lively area of West Hollywood, with a primary focus on hair extensions.

I am delighted to be associated with one of the most luxurious hair extension brands on the market, known as Hair Lingerie. These extensions are particularly suitable for individuals with fine hair, as they lie flat and seamlessly blend with natural hair. This method is perfect for clients seeking to add a pop of color or enhance volume and thickness without necessarily lengthening their hair. 

My goal is for each client to leave my salon feeling more beautiful, uplifted, and confident. I aim to use only organic, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products, prioritizing the well-being of both clients and stylists.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. People Skills: Having spent years as a hairdresser, I’ve learned to navigate conversations with empathy and openness, embracing the diverse perspectives that come our way. The ability to accept various opinions without judgment opens doors to new opportunities and relationships. When we acknowledge that everyone has their own truths shaped by their backgrounds, it becomes much easier to connect. When you embrace the uniqueness in others, you broaden your horizons and create connections that can elevate your career.

2. Discipline and self-management are equally crucial. Picture this: you’re organized, prepared, and ready for anything that comes your way. I’m known for being the go-to friend because I got my sh*t together (at least so it seems). For instance, my purse is like a mini-emergency kit! From chargers to first-aid supplies, sunblock, needles, and thread—you name it. Being proactive is my secret weapon. But it’s not just about carrying essentials; it’s about establishing routines that keep you on track. Journaling daily helps me prioritize tasks and stay disciplined in my approach, ensuring I’m always prepared for whatever comes my way.

3. Always trust your intuition! 
Every significant decision I’ve made has been a blend of intuition and strategic planning. Your gut feelings can guide you toward amazing opportunities and choices. By combining intuition with logical planning, you’ll stay a step ahead in your career journey. Be creative in envisioning your path, and always have a backup plan.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

We all have those days when life throws too many tasks our way, and it feels nearly impossible to juggle everything. For me, slowing down and taking a deep breath can make a world of difference.

One of my favorite tools to regain control is the Eisenhower Matrix. It helps me categorize my tasks into four key segments: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This simple framework allows me to see what truly needs my attention and what can be delegated or set aside for later. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strength. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family or friends. You’ll be surprised by how willing people are to lend a hand.

When worries start to creep in, I turn to a method inspired by Dale Carnegie. It’s all about getting the facts, analyzing them, making a decision, and then taking action. By writing down what’s bothering you, you can sift through your worries and come out on the other side with clarity. So, take a moment to reflect, maybe unwind with a bath or a peaceful walk, and let those worries float away.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Amina Touray
Havilah Unique

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