Meet Daniel Blaylock-Napolitan of |blāy•locks|

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Blaylock-Napolitan.

Daniel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in a small Oklahoma town where I discovered art at a young age. Luckily, I was surrounded by very creative people who, without judgment, allowed me to explore my passions. I would spend hours painting with my Dad to Bob Ross videos, crafting with my Grandma who turned everything into an art project, and acting in both school and community theatre.

Unbeknownst to me, learning color placement and color theory that early on gave me an advantage. Outside of theatre, I had never done makeup on anyone else in my life nor did I even consider a career in the beauty industry. During my sophomore year of college away from home, my life completely changed when I was offered to work for MAC Cosmetics. Remember when I said I had never done anyone else’s makeup?

Fortunately, the counter manager Samantha, whom I’m still friends with to this day, put that information on the back burner and stood firm with her offer. This is where my art background came into play full force because she saw something in me that I didn’t even know existed. I will never forget the day we finished my final interview and she turned to me simply stating with a big smile, “You’re a Makeup Artist now”. Understanding that opportunities like this rarely ever happen, she took a chance on me and I will be forever indebted.

Now, convincing my Mom that I was quitting college to become a Makeup Artist wasn’t the easiest conversation to have considering I had never shown signs of going in that direction with my career. However, the one quality of hers that I am SO grateful for, is that she always made it a point to never hold me back from happiness. That being said, starting my journey as a Makeup Artist with full love and support was exactly what I needed to succeed.

Flash forward… after 2 years working at the MAC counter in Oklahoma City, I was promoted to the MAC PRO store in Dallas at Northpark. This was my first taste of big city life and I was hooked! 3 years into Dallas, I realized how many people would ask me if I also did hair; whether it is at a photoshoot or doing bridal clients. So, I thought it would be a great addition to my business if I had the ability to do both Hair and Makeup. I was right! So my final 2 years in Dallas consisted of 14 hour days working full time at MAC and going to hair school at night.

I was flown to Beverly Hills for the first time a month before my graduation to do makeup for a Project Runway fashion show. That evening I was offered an opportunity that, yet again, changed the course of my life. The salon owner pulled me aside after the show with accolades galore, gave me her card, and said, “when you are ready to make a big move, call me”. You better believe I called her and the rest is history! I moved to LA in 2009 where I spent 8 years working to build a respectable name for myself, producing creative images for my portfolio, and making contacts with the right people in order to have a sustainable business.

I have had incredible experiences that add such volume to my resume and allow me to travel the world doing exactly what I LOVE to do! I have had the honor and privilege of working with talent like Carol Burnett, Katharine McPhee, Lacey Chabert, Lori Loughlin, Candace Cameron-Bure, Macy Gray, and now the Real Housewives of Dallas to humbly name a few. I am probably most known for curating DJ Tanner’s hairstyles all 3 seasons on the Netflix reboot FULLER HOUSE. All these powers combined, I have now moved forward to Dallas in hopes of “Bringing Hollywood Home”.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would definitely say that the biggest challenge was myself. Many years have been spent working on my craft but, most importantly, working on my self-worth thanks to my now husband, Jason. I had to learn that this is a very competitive industry but there is room for everyone! I also had to learn how to find my uniqueness, celebrate that uniqueness, and focus on the elements that brought me the purest joy. I truly believe that if you build your business with selfless intent, treat people with kindness, and wake up every day willing to work tirelessly for your passion…opportunities are inevitable!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with |blāy•locks| – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a freelance Hairstylist/Makeup Artist with my own concierge beauty brand, |blāy•locks|. Concierge beauty essentially means that I come to you… wherever you are! (have a passport, will travel lol) Marrying a luxury VIP experience with southern hospitality is ultimately what Bringing Hollywood Home means to me. I love nothing more than elevating your image to the next level in the comfort of your own environment. I would have to say that I am known for being extremely professional, punctual, and always in a good mood!

My hair/makeup “style” is what I like to call DALIFORNIA… which is the perfect union of Highland Park meets Malibu. I love to give a woman that signature Dallas glam, yet still look relaxed and effortless! Oh… and If you are ever stuck in a rut or have never been taught the proper way to do your makeup or style your hair…I also offer |blāy•locks| Beauty Bootcamps. Book a private lesson or gather your gal pals (don’t forget the champagne) and let me teach you the hottest tips and tricks of the season!!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is always a tricky thing to plan for considering the history of my career. Things always unfold as they will and doors will open accordingly, but I am beyond excited to share my LA life with Dallas!

I am mostly looking forward to collaborating with my clients (past, present, and future) to hopefully become a household name for all that is concierge beauty. Generous, kind, and genuine people have always seemed to find me. I will ALWAYS welcome more… I just hope you like hugs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blay-locks.com
• Email: daniel@blay-locks.com
• Instagram: @blay.locks

Image Credit:
Melissa Coulier, Manny Serratos, Randy Rosario

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.