We had the good fortune of connecting with William Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was I wanted to develop a brand that enriches the lives of people and gives back to the DFW community. Anyone can have a brand, but it’s all in what impact you have with your brand that counts. Divo Beaute and DivoUStyling has been afforded opportunities to support local school supply drives, coordinate natural disaster supply drives, participate in domestic violence awareness and prevention causes, as well as collaborate with various breast cancer awareness and prevention initiatives. Whether it is beauty related or fashion related I always tie in causes that are near and dear to me as well as the communities I grew up in. Sometimes you never know who you are inspiring by simply being yourself

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Divo Beaute specializes in Pro Makeup Artistry and skincare services. We offer airbrush makeup artistry, special FX makeup, and a full-range unisex natural skincare line. Education is the key. I graduated beauty school in 2019 with my Master Makeup Artist Certification from Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology.

Having spent 10 years in luxury fashion retail I gained experience in maximizing personal wardrobes and clienteling. With this experience DivoUStyling was born. Over my career I have had the pleasure of styling everyone from C-suite executives to television media personalities to prom attendees. I do not limit myself as an artist and I strive to challenge others to challenge themselves. Most of my clients will probably advise you that at some point they wore a color, fit, accessory, or a style that they did not like initially, but they trusted my expertise and grew to like it. What sets me apart from other fashion stylists is that I am skilled at assessing the clients body type, lifestyle, and know what works for them as an individual. Some would classify my sense of style as classic with an edgy twist. I got to where I am today by being studious, interning, taking seminars, getting hands-on experience, and enlisting the resources of my mentors and support system. In order to be a successful fashion stylist you have to keep up with trends, colors, textures, fabric innovations, and manufacturing innovations. In order to be a successful makeup artist you have to learn the various techniques of blending, contouring, color theory, and complexion matching. Lessons i’ve learned along the way are to accept rejecting rendering services. Sometimes it is fine to say no to a client as not all money is good money. Another lesson I learned along the journey is to always have contracts and an attorney as this will save you time and money should certain circumstances arise.

One of my favorite quotes is “A lot of hard work is hidden behind nice things ” by Ralph Lauren. Divo Beaute and DivoUStyling were born out of a desire to enrich and fulfill the lives of others using beauty and fashion. Fashion is fun and therapeutic and so is beauty. Fashion heals & beauty heals. After all who doesn’t love to look and feel their best? We are here to help you heal from the outside to the inside. Our mission at Divo Beaute is enriching beauty. Transforming lives. Transforming lives is always at the forefront of everything that we do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As I don’t get to get out too often due to schedule constraints I would likely take them for brunch at Roy G’s or Snooze, an A.M Eatery on Oaklawn Avenue. For cocktails and dinner we would hit The Free Man or Ebbs & Flows in Deep Ellum. Also, close dinner and drinks runners up are Kiss Restaurant, Dahlia Bar & Bistro, and Felix Culpa. As art often inspires my crafts I would definitely take them to the DMA to view a fashion exhibit or go consignment shopping at Clotheshorse Anonymous, Luxury Consignment, or To Be Continued to see what we could find.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While I have a strong team and support system a few highlights would be my former college department coordinator, Marilyn Sullivan. She was my mentor in fashion marketing and always gave encouraging words and suggestions when I wanted to throw in the towel. I wouldn’t be the entrepreneur that I am today without her knowledge, realness, and checks and balances. My 2nd mentor is the Willie Johnson. I definitely show gratitude for him believing in me and allowing me to shadow and coordinate local fashion experiences with him. As far as the beauty industry goes my 3 mentors are Shanna Threlkeld, Melanie King, and Shannon Caldwell Dowling. These ladies rock at makeup artistry, beauty education, contracts, and overall knowing the business. There’s no denying that they have enhanced my business acumen and expertise. I dedicate my shout out to each of the aforementioned that have so graciously poured into me what I can only hope to pour into others someday.

 

Website: www.divobeaute.com

Instagram: @DivoBeaute @DivoUStyling

Twitter: @DivoBeaute

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DivoBeaute

Email: divounlimited@gmail.com

Phone: 832-968-6913 https://www.facebook.com/DivoUnlimitedWB

Image Credits
2 female models beaded gowns shot by Grace Hill Images

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