Doniel Holmes is a licensed cosmetology instructor and passionate hospice nurse. She is also the CEO of DNH Hair Care and co-owner of HolmesWholesale.com beauty supply, which has been black owned since 1996. This beauty professional believes in her work and the benefits it provides. Putting her clients’ hair health first has enabled Doniel lasting relationships and client retention for over 20 years. In her spare time, she is a benefactor for the Dr. Ethel D. Allen promise academy in Philadelphia, PA. We’re putting Doniel in the stylist chair today! Get to know her below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Doniel, Doniel?
Doniel: I guess my swagger would be consistency. It sounds corny, but it’s true. What makes Doniel, Doniel is the most high God and the support of my husband and family. I love comedy and don’t take things too seriously.
Fancy: What attracted you to the beauty industry?
Doniel: Money! I was in the 8th grade and had already been working for my aunt as a shampoo girl. At the end of the day, she took her smock off, emptied her pockets, and asked me to count her money while she cleaned up the salon. I was shocked and sold at the same time. A normal weekly paycheck in one day? Yes! I became a stylist and then an instructor.
Fancy: Please tell us about your line, DNH Hair Care, and how it got started.
Doniel: DNH was a result of my own needs. My hair had been relaxed since I was 12 years old and I have two beautiful daughters who have never had relaxed hair. They had questions about my hair that I couldn’t really answer such as, “Mom, why doesn’t my hair stay straight like your hair?†“Mom, what do your curls look like?â€. I told them my hair was relaxed and had to explain the chemical process to bewildered faces. What I couldn’t tell them was my texture and curl pattern. I didn’t know what it was; I had not experienced my hair being natural since a very young age. I knew my hair wasn’t as thick as it used to be and that needed to stop. I remembered how my mom and aunt used to be so meticulous with my hair, and I’m the same way with my clients. I’ve always mixed and formulated products for my clients according to their hair care needs. With our culture embracing their natural beauty from within, I decided to make the DNH HAIR CARE line for everyone.
Fancy: What makes the DNH line unique?
Doniel: Our organic fresh ingredients and quality control. We don’t mass produce and by using the best ingredients and a consistent process insures continuity. It’s what my clients expect and it’s what we deliver.
Fancy: So you create these products yourself?
Doniel: Yes, my line is organic and hand made in small micro batches. I use fresh herbs sourced locally and some ingredients imported from Africa.
Fancy: How does your schedule work with you also being a hospice nurse?
Doniel: It’s hard, but I couldn’t choose between the two so I do both. It’s like having two very good friends. I work hospice PRN which can be up to three days a week and the remainder of the week, I’m tending to my businesses. I really like giving back to my community and culture.
Fancy: With more natural product brands opening each day, how do you compete?
Doniel: We stay true to who we are and refuse to compromise the integrity of our products. DNH is organic! No artificial ingredients, period. Our products are FREE OF mineral oil, parabens, sulphates, phosphates and silicones.
Fancy: What are two of your most popular products and why?
Doniel: Our 4 main products are used as a system. Our hydrating shampoo gently cleanses and moisturizes the hair while our conditioner seals the cuticles and imparts a rich and vibrant shine. The renew oil is beneficial and antioxidant abundant and increases blood flow to thicken and strengthen all curly hair textures. Our Glossifier adds the finishing touches by preventing dullness and breakage. Our 5th product, The Transition conditioner speaks for its self. It helps those who are not ready for the “big chop†maintain their hair and length while receiving quarterly trims.
Fancy: What advice would you give those considering entering the beauty industry with their own line?
Doniel: There’s always room, but don’t worry about other like companies. Don’t give away time that’s needed for your own business.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Doniel: Yes! Our business shower is coming up in October 2018. Please join our email list for invites and updates at www.HolmesWholesale.com
Find and purchase DNH Organic Hair Care at HolmesWholesale.com. You can also connect with them on Instagram @HolmesWholesale and Twitter @HolmesWholesale.
