Daneka Howard shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Daneka, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day begins with devotion and journaling. It is a non-negotiable for me. I must first Thank God for waking me up, followed by giving gratitude for my blessings in prayer, bible time and journaling. Doing this sets the tone of my day. It keeps me encouraged and motivated for what my day may bring.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Depends when you’re asking.
Right now? I’m someone who’s wrestled with a lot of versions of myself—mother, fighter, creator, coach, believer—and none of them fully contain me. I am the thread running through them all.
I’ve learned how to turn pain into purpose, and I’ve been doing the hard work of making that visible—through beauty, through words, through healing.
I’m the proud owner of Nu Roots Beauty Studio, where beauty and wellness meet purpose. I’ve been a licensed hairstylist for over a decade, but my work goes beyond styling hair — it’s about restoring confidence, healing from the inside out, and helping others feel whole again. Nu Roots is built on transformation. I created it to be a space where people not only look good, but feel renewed — mind, body, and spirit.
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been powerful. From overcoming adversity to building a business grounded in faith and resilience, I’ve learned that true beauty grows from within. That’s what makes Nu Roots special — it’s not just a salon; it’s a movement for self-love, wellness, and new beginnings.
Right now, I’m expanding the brand to include wellness programs, life coaching, and motivational speaking — all centered around empowering others to reclaim their confidence and live with purpose.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t beautiful. I was teased for my weight and for not having long hair, and for a long time I let those words shape how I saw myself. But as I grew, I learned that beauty isn’t measured by anyone else’s standards — it’s reflected in how you treat people and how you carry yourself. My grandmother always told me, “Pretty is as pretty does,” and those words stuck. Now, that truth is part of everything I live and teach — that real beauty starts from within.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of failure — of not meeting the standards that society set for me. For a long time, I worried about being dismissed, overlooked, or not accepted for who I truly was. That fear made me play small and seek validation from the wrong places. But over time, I realized that failing isn’t the opposite of success — it’s part of the journey. Once I stopped chasing acceptance and started walking in authenticity, that fear began to lose its power.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people get it wrong by defining success through money and status. The world teaches that your worth is tied to your bank account, your title, or what you can show off. But true success has nothing to do with any of that. For me, success is how I show up for God’s kingdom each day — how I serve, how I love, and how I live out my purpose. That’s the kind of wealth that never fades.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who uplifted and inspired others — a woman who lived with purpose and faith. Someone who sought God’s kingdom above all else and walked in obedience to His word. I want my story to be that I shined my light boldly, even in dark places, and helped others find the courage to shine theirs too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/nurootsbeautystudio
- Instagram: Nurootsbeautystudio
- Facebook: Nu Roots Beauty Studio
