At 22, Danyell Dilworth balances more than just selling beauty supplies. She’s a full-time Florida A&M student, an aspiring elementary school teacher with an internship, and the founder of Dany Dior Co. Dany Dior is a beauty business that’s become a go-to for females on and off campus.
Dilworth, originally from Atlanta, started her company three years ago during her freshman year, when juggling school and finding a job without a car left her feeling stuck. Living on campus, she noticed a recurring issue many students faced: limited access to beauty supplies.
“I didn’t have a car, and neither did many of the girls around me,” Dilworth said. “We all wanted to look good, especially for events or just to feel confident, but getting to a beauty supply store wasn’t easy.”
So, she built a solution.
Her brand, Dany Dior Co., sells lashes, press-on nails and Brazilian bundles — what she calls the “big three” of beauty essentials. She chose them strategically.
“Those are the main things girls love to get done, but not everyone has the money to pay for salon installs or nails every week,” she said. “My products are affordable, cute and easy to put on yourself.”
Dilworth sells at local events like Set Friday and Market Monday, targeting the FAMU and Florida State University crowds. Her vending tables are filled with gorgeous packaging and mirror displays. It draws in students looking for a quick beauty pick-me-up between classes.
But juggling it all isn’t easy. Between classes, teaching internships and managing her inventory, Dilworth often finds herself working late into the night.
“I’ll be in the middle of my internship, and girls are blowing up my phone needing lashes or a new hairstyle,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a lot, but I love it.”
Dilworth’s service is more than just convenient for students like Nadia Lloyd —it’s essential.
“I met her at Set Friday, and I’ve been shopping with her ever since,” said Lloyd, a FAMU student. “There’s a small beauty supply on campus, but it’s over-priced, never open when I need it, and barely has anything. Danyell changed the game.”
Lloyd said the convenience of Dilworth’s business makes all the difference, especially for students without transportation.
“She’ll meet you on campus; she’s always nice, and her products are what I use when I want to go out and feel pretty after a long week. She honestly takes a lot of stress off my shoulders,” Lloyd said.
For Amira Coleman, a close friend and roommate, Dilworth’s work ethic is unmatched.
“She’s up late every night doing homework and then restocking orders,” Coleman said. “But she loves it. I’ve never seen her so passionate about anything. She really lights up when she talks about her business.”
Though her career path is in education, Dilworth doesn’t plan to leave her brand behind.
“I want to open a boutique after I graduate but still offer shipping and delivery for the girls who need it,” she said. “I aim to take what I started here and make it bigger.”
What began out of necessity has turned into a movement. Danyell Dilworth’s business is more than lashes and bundles. Her brand represents confidence, accessibility and empowerment for young women like her.
“I just want girls to feel good about themselves,” she said. “Even if it’s just a pair of lashes, it makes a difference.”