The Life of a Queenpreneur is an interview series that showcases young women who balance the role of a queen and the role of an entrepreneur. A queenpreneur is unique because she possesses a graceful style mixed with a hustler’s ambition. This interview will feature Dani Walker, Miss Montana USA 2018.
Tell us about yourself.
I am Dani Walker, Miss Montana USA 2018. I have participated in pageants since 2004. I am an advocate for sustainable solutions for poverty and have worked with over 50 non-profit organizations. I am best known for my YouTube channel which, was formerly known as Pageant Access. In 2018 the channel name switched to YouTube.com/Daniwalker, in order to expand my content beyond pageantry.
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I had normal after school jobs growing up, but I never enjoyed having a boss. I always wanted creative control over my work. I believe the desire for creativity originated from my upbringing as a dancer and musical theater performer. I also loved the freedom of setting my own schedule and traveling as I please. That is a priceless luxury, to me, and something I greatly value.
What are some of your business endeavors?
My first business was a new pageant system. I built the organization from scratch and managed it for three years. In the third year it became profitable but I decided to dissolve the LLC so that I could focus on competing for a Miss USA state title; I believed it would help to increase my brand within the pageant industry, and I was not wrong. Soon after I discovered Youtube and began to grow my reach and reputation as a pageant expert. This lead to a coaching business which, allowed me to partner with various organizations for group classes, build my one-on-one client base, and host pageant events around the US. Most recently I have launched an online store with a focus on digital products and resources to assist a wider audience of pageant contestants.
Did competing in pageants prepare you for running a business? If so, how?
Yes, in countless ways. The first being confidence. I believe it takes self belief to take risks, and being an entrepreneur is a big risk in some people’s opinion; to me, it is a calculated one. Through my participation in pageantry, I developed incredible communication skills that are demonstrated on my YouTube channel which, draws in potential clients. My interpersonal skill set shines during one-on-one coaching appointments and keeps clients returning and referring new customers to me. Pageantry also taught me the value of supporting other women in order to build a community that in-turn supports me.
What are some of your entrepreneurial goals?
At the moment my goal is automation. My YouTube channel produces income but, at the moment, it is not enough to sustain my lifestyle. I am working on growing the channel in order to market my new online courses and digital coaching products so that I can discontinue my one-on-one coaching business and spend more time with family and traveling.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as a leader and pageantry expert with unmatched resources for pageant contestants. I intend to stay active and supportive of the pageant industry while building fully automated online coaching programs. As I grow my online presence I plan to collaborate with large brands that serve women in pageantry.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you.
If you would like to be featured in The Life of a Queenpreneur series, please inquire at info@krystleclearpageantry.com
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