Meet Dani Michael | Board Certified Nurse Practitioner & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Dani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was driven by a profound desire to craft a unique identity and present myself to the world on my own terms. I believed deeply in the power of self-determination and saw entrepreneurship as the perfect avenue to express my personal brand. By creating a business, I wasn’t just offering a product or service; I was sculpting a reflection of my values, vision, and aspirations. This venture allowed me to cultivate an image that resonated with my ideals and showcased my true self to the world. Believing in myself was the cornerstone of this journey. It empowered me to overcome challenges and stay authentic in my mission to bring my vision to life, demonstrating that with confidence and perseverance, one can shape both their destiny and the way they are perceived.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a former fashion and art student, my journey has always been driven by a passion for creativity and aesthetics. Merging a transition from the world of art to the realm of aesthetic beauty as a board-certified nurse practitioner allowed me to merge my artistic background with medicine, creating a unique niche where I could literally craft art on people and enhance their natural beauty. What sets my work apart is this fusion of artistry and medical expertise, enabling me to approach each client with an artist’s eye and a practitioner’s skill.

My path to where I am today was far from easy. Starting from the bottom in retail, I had to overcome numerous challenges and continuously prove myself. But I had a vision – a dream to create something extraordinary and share it with the world. This vision kept me motivated, even when the journey seemed daunting. Now working with A-list celebrities, it truly is testament to the heights I could reach with perseverance and dedication.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the importance of staying true to one’s vision. My brand stands as a testament to the belief that beauty comes in all different shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and ethnicities. I want the world to know that beauty is all around us and that everything is beautiful in the eyes of an individual. By celebrating diversity and embracing the unique beauty in everyone, I aim to inspire others to see and appreciate the art in everyday life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Orange County for a week, I would curate an itinerary that showcases the best of the region’s elegance and glamour. Here’s how we would spend an unforgettable week:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Stay: Check into the luxurious Montage Laguna Beach, a stunning oceanfront resort that epitomizes elegance and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Dinner: Start the week with a dinner at Studio, the Montage’s fine dining restaurant, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and ocean views.
Day 2: Explore Laguna Beach

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Zinc Cafe & Market, known for its delicious and healthy offerings.
Midday: Stroll through the Laguna Beach Art District, visiting galleries like the Laguna Art Museum and unique local boutiques.
Lunch: Have a seafood lunch at The Deck on Laguna Beach, with tables right on the sand.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach or hike the trails at Heisler Park, which offers stunning coastal views.
Dinner: End the day with dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern, an upscale steakhouse in a charming historic home.
Day 3: Newport Beach Extravaganza

Morning: Breakfast at Lido Bottle Works, a chic waterfront spot.
Midday: Rent a Duffy boat for a leisurely cruise around Newport Harbor, taking in the luxurious waterfront homes.
Lunch: Dine at Nobu Newport Beach, savoring world-class sushi with a view of the marina.
Afternoon: Visit Fashion Island for some high-end shopping.
Dinner: Enjoy an elegant dinner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, known for its extensive wine list and delectable dishes.
Evening: Sip cocktails at the sophisticated Lido House Rooftop Bar, overlooking the ocean and city lights.
Day 4: Huntington Beach Vibes

Morning: Breakfast at The Watertable in the Hyatt Regency, offering farm-to-table dishes with ocean views.
Midday: Spend the day at Huntington State Beach, enjoying sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching.
Lunch: Have a casual lunch at Duke’s Huntington Beach, a local favorite right on the pier.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant shops and cafes along Main Street and the Huntington Beach Pier.
Dinner: Dine at Bluegold, a restaurant that offers a modern take on classic Californian cuisine with panoramic ocean views.
Evening: Enjoy drinks at Pacific Hideaway, a trendy bar with a cool beach vibe.
Day 5: Cultural Day in Costa Mesa

Morning: Start with breakfast at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar, a creative eatery with a relaxed atmosphere.
Midday: Visit the South Coast Plaza for more high-end shopping and perhaps catch a performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Lunch: Have lunch at Water Grill South Coast Plaza, known for its fresh seafood.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Noguchi Garden, a tranquil and artistic outdoor space.
Dinner: Savor a fine dining experience at Mastro’s Steakhouse, renowned for its steaks and live entertainment.
Day 6: Day Trip to Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano

Morning: Breakfast at Harbor Grill in Dana Point, offering a relaxed start with harbor views.
Midday: Go whale watching from Dana Point Harbor, known as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
Lunch: Enjoy a waterfront lunch at Wind & Sea Restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, a beautiful historic landmark.
Dinner: Dine at Raya at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, with stunning coastal views and innovative Latin-inspired cuisine.
Day 7: Final Day of Relaxation and Farewell

Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach, offering incredible ocean views.
Midday: Spend the final afternoon relaxing at the resort spa or enjoying a final beach day.
Lunch: Lunch at The Cliff, with beautiful views of the coastline.
Dinner: End the week with a farewell dinner at Andrea at Pelican Hill, a refined Italian restaurant known for its luxurious ambiance and stunning sunset views.
Throughout this week, we’ll experience the best of Orange County’s elegance and glamour, enjoying a mix of fine dining, cultural experiences, and coastal relaxation. Each day will be filled with unforgettable moments, showcasing why this area is such a special place to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to the timeless seduction and elegance of old Hollywood beauty and glamour, which played a pivotal role in inspiring the foundation of my brand in the beauty industry. The classic icons like Zsa Zsa Gabor, Veronica Lake, Lauren Bacall, and Marlene Dietrich, with their impeccable style and captivating charm, have always been beacons of sophistication and grace. Their influence permeated my vision, guiding me to create a brand that celebrates and revives this golden era’s beauty standards. The glitz and glamour of old Hollywood not only shaped my aesthetic sensibilities but also reinforced the importance of creating a brand that exudes timeless elegance and captivates the world with its refined allure. Their legacy continues to inspire me, ensuring that the essence of classic beauty remains alive and cherished in today’s fast-paced world.

Website: https://refinedbydanimichael.com

Instagram: refinedbydanimichael