Beauty x Brains: Danielle Spence
“Isn't she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful?” Cue the Stevie Wonder and call your dentist to check for cavities after reading this interview with Danielle because this girl is sweeter than SWEET and you may get hooked on the scrumptious treats she creates! Danielle and I met through the local IG community and I was instantly drawn to her radiance, her warmth, her delicious instagram feed, and her loyal support for small business. You may know her by the beautiful baking she does for one of YXE’s coolest new coffee spots, Sparrow, located on 2nd Ave N. You’ve never seen a cake so gorgeous as one whipped up by Danielle and topped with edible flowers!! She is also newly engaged (that ring!!) so I’m already anticipating all kinds of dreamy wedding inspo on her feed leading up to the big day. Read ahead for our COVID-responsible interview to hear more about this natural beauty’s passions, her holy grail products and the growth she’s seen within the beauty community.
Do you spend more time/money on makeup or skincare?
“Definitely make-up, I looooove the feeling of opening a brand new product whether it’s a restock or something I’ve eyed up online!”
What moment did you really admire within the beauty industry? Which trend(s) made you cringe?
“I’d say celebrities embracing the natural bare face (love the glowing skin). Most cringe-worthy? Definitely those 90’s pencil-thin eyebrows or the dreaded foundation on the lips in the 00’s — sometimes I wonder why I thought that was a good idea.”
What products do you always restock because you just can’t live without them?
“That’s a toss up between the Fenty Beauty foundation or the Fresh Lotus Youth moisturizer — I love both of those products so much!”
What inspires your beauty philosophy?
“Teenage me was inspired by magazines: getting a new one each time I’d get to go to the city and seeing the newest trends and beauty advice from the hottest and trendiest celebs; to now, 26 year old me: watching YouTube videos or scrolling through Instagram, listening to local and famous influencers give their opinion on new products or what their favourite product is at the moment, or the rare occasion of picking up a magazine to see what the newest trend of the season is. It’s really amazing how far the beauty community has come since I’ve been using makeup and beauty products.”
How has your definition of beauty changed since you were younger?
“Less is more and to embrace imperfections. As much as I love doing a full face [of makeup] every now and then, I am basically pretty bare, trying to embrace my natural beauty and features.”
What advice would you give to teenage Danielle?
“Honestly, to be yourself despite what others might think of you… and also, step away from the [Maybelline] Dream Matte Mousse haha!” {Mandy note: serious LOL moment from me! We all know!!}
What passions bring you the most joy?
“My career as a baker. When I create something so beautiful and absolutely delicious, the true happiness that comes from that makes me remember how much I truly love baking and creating fabulous desserts each and every day, despite the 5am wake up call some days.”
What, or who, inspires you to be your highest self?
“My highest self? Probably my fiancé. He makes me want to be the best version of myself and is my biggest cheerleader and supporter in life. The love and happiness he shows me daily makes me want to better myself. He truly believes in me on a whole other level.”
