Your Name:
Dana B. Myers
How many children do you have?
1 boy, Rocky, 13 months old
Your Business Name:
Booty Parlor
Brief Description of Your Business:
Booty Parlor is America’s premier sexy beauty and lifestyle brand and the ultimate “beauty parlor for your love life.” The brand was conceived on the premise that confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. Launched in 2005 by myself and my husband Charlie, the brand was founded on the belief that every woman deserves to feel sexy, desirable, and satisfied. Our award winning products range from pheromone-infused skin creams and perfume, to aphrodisiac plumping lip glosses, kissable body toppings, and flirty bedroom accessories – all designed to boost a woman’s confidence and inspire her to create sexy experiences inside and outside the bedroom. Booty Parlor products can be found in many of the world’s leading retailers, boutiques and finest hotels.
What was your inspiration to start your business?
My mom is a make-up artist and I grew up watching her transform women in her chair – it became crystal clear how a little lip gloss and some girlfriend-to-girlfriend chatter could transform a woman’s day, and even, her life. I became a beauty product junkie, and in addition, I was also naturally the one my friends turned to for love & relationship advice. So, beauty & “sexy” became my calling cards. Yet, while I was always passionate about all things feminine & sexy, I soon discovered I wasn’t so passionate about the offering of “sexy” products on the market. They were tacky, the quality was poor, and they simply didn’t fit in with my lifestyle or in the way that I liked to shop. I wanted to create a line of sexy beauty & bedroom products that were actually sexy, that actually made me feel sexy and more confident. I knew that if I had a need for those products, then so would millions of other women!
When do you make time to run a business with your busy MOM schedule?
I’m still trying to figure out the best way to create a consistent work/Mom schedule, though since each week’s business needs are slightly different, I find that “going with the flow” is sort of the way to go! I carve out approximately 5 hours each day to work, but luckily, I have a lot of flexibility as to when those hours are. That allows me the freedom to take Rocky to music class, play dates, on grocery runs with me and more. My husband is also my business partner, and once the baby was born, he took on the lion’s share of the actual “running” of the business – and thank goodness for that! I had a serious (and long-lasting) case of baby brain my first year of mommyhood. That said, I still managed to release my first book, go on a book tour, appear on several TV shows, and land several new clients in that year! Now, my main priorities are PR, product development, and business development.
Any tips for balancing a business and motherhood?
The balancing act is hard, it just is! My best tips are:
- When you’re with your baby, really BE with your baby and put work stresses and email checks aside. When you’re working, really WORK and try to tie up your project’s loose ends before you leave for the day. This helps reduce the “mother’s guilt” you often feel when you’re working, because the time you’re spending with your baby is meaningful and completely present (instead of jumping up and down to check emails every half hour!)
- Find multiple moments each week to connect with yourself, as a woman, as an individual. It’s so important to nurture YOURSELF, the “YOU” outside the role of business owner, and outside the role of mother. I find that these moments of connection – things like driving with the windows down belting out my favorite tunes, taking a yoga class, having a glass of wine with girlfriends – these are the moments that fill up my tank and give me the mental & physical stamina to balance business & motherhood without any major meltdowns!
What is your favorite beauty product to bring along when you travel?
I bring my Clarisonic Classic Skin Brush with me on all my travels, along with a good facial scrub. I find that traveling can wreak havoc on my face with dryness and break-outs, and the Clarisonic just works it’s magic every time and keeps my skin consistently clear. That, and Perfekt Skin Perfection Gel – it gives the skin a clear, smooth look before you apply make-up, and just makes me feel like I look less tired!
Tell us about the outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
I’ve got two “go to” outfits that make me feel confident and beautiful. For business meetings, it’s any one of my 20+ Diane von Furstenberg dresses! I have 20+ for a reason… They’re always feminine, always forgiving, and they never go out of style! You can wear them to a business meeting and then straight out for cocktails.
For more casual outings? A pair of leggings, a tight tank dress that hits mid-thigh, a sexy/comfy sweater wrap, and a long necklace – I call this my Mom Uniform! Functional for running around with the baby, but cute & sassy enough for a lunch date with the husband.
What’s your favorite online site to shop for beauty or fashion?
I love to shop for clothes at the physical stores… but for beauty? Sephora.com is my playground!
What motivates you to look your best?
My mom always looked great and she made it seem effortless with her “5-minute face” routine that she’d do before school runs! I never understood why she had to put on make-up, but now I do… because a little gloss, mascara and blush went a long way to make her FEEL amazing. It changed her outlook and boosted her confidence – which, in turn, helped her have a great day! I feel the same way. When I take the time to spruce up, I feel better for it tenfold. With regard to fitness & my figure? I always say that exercise is my natural anti-depressant. A fit & sexy body is just the cherry on top!
As a mom, “Me Time” is limited… what are your time saving beauty tips?
My 5-minute face goes something like this! Perfekt Skin Perfecting Gel for a smooth “canvas.” Lancome Teint Miracle to cover any imperfections. YSL Touche Eclat to highlight & brighten dark circles. The right color blush for apples & contour (ask your make-up artist what color is best for you this season!). Latisse for long, natural, unbelievably gorgeous lashes (ok, this takes longer than 5 minutes to work!). Curl and apply mascara. Line the inner lids for a sexy, edgy look that catches people’s attention. Finish it up with a dab of MAC Lipstick and Booty Parlor’s Kissaholic Aphrodisiac Plumping Lip Gloss! DONE!
Heels or flats? Describe your favorite pair.
Despite the number of shoes in my closet, I’m not actually a shoe person! You’ll usually find me in flip-flops. I’m a California girl right now! Unless, I’m going out. Then, it’s heels (but they have to be comfortable! I rarely, if ever, torture my feet any longer!)
Lip gloss or Lip Stick? Do you have a favorite brand/color?
BOTH! Right now, my favorite combo it’s MAC Lipstick Satin in SNOB and a pop of Kissaholic in Throb (by Booty Parlor!)
You have such gorgeous curls! Please share how you care for it, which products you use and if you’ve always embraced their beauty!
Thank you very much! I always call my curls my best accessory! I didn’t always embrace them though– there were those early teenage years where I just wanted “wings and bangs” like the rest of the girls! That said, I never straightened or chemically processed my hair – it just wasn’t my thing. It was only when I found a stylist who truly understood curly hair that I fell madly in love with them and really learned to “rock my curls.” Right now, here is my curly hair regimen:
- Wash & Condition
- In the shower, generously apply one of the following and comb through with fingers or wide-toothed comb, then wrap up in towel to wring out water a) Yanai Van’s Strong Hold Gel. AMAZING STUFF! b) Miss Jessies Quick Curls
- Twist select curls around your fingers to define
- Diffuse! My new favorite hair dryer is the Volume Boost™ Infiniti Pro by Conair. It has the coolest attachment that lifts & separates my curls!
- Shake it out, back-comb/rat it up where need be, and smooth on a bit of hair oil for sheen!
Are you on Twitter or Facebook? If so, please include your links so we can follow you!
Yes! Please check me out at facebook.com/danabmyers and join Booty Parlor’s community at facebook.com/bootyparlor
Any additional comments on beauty and style you’d like to share:
Yes! I want to remind women that before they can love sharing themselves with their partners, they need to learn how to love themselves first! Confidence truly is the sexiest thing you can have, and creating seductive beauty rituals is one of the most powerful tools you have for buffing up your sexy self-confidence. Let go of the idea that your beauty routine is routine. Instead, transform your daily self-care activities into something more special – an experience that becomes meaningful to your Mojo, your femininity, confidence and creativity. Use your make-up to unlock your inner vixen! When you do your eyes, gaze into the mirror and imagine you’re staring into the eyes of your lusty lover (or the crush you’re lusting after!) When you apply your body butter each day, use it as an opportunity to say affirmations of self-love (like – wow! I love my thighs! Ooh, my waist is curvy!). It might feel silly at first, but you’ll be building yourself up instead of tearing yourself down (as we often do), and before you know it, you’ll start feeling more like the sexy, confident rock star you truly are!!
Editor’s Note: Dana!! I love your attitude (and your mom’s)! Such GREAT messages of empowerment! Thank you for all your great tips and product recommendations!
Some highlight products from Booty Parlor:
Booty Parlor’s Flirty Little Favorites Trio Holiday Set
Be your sexiest self with Flirty Little Favorites, a pamperlicious trio of seductive beauty boosters designed to trigger instant sexiness and inspire fearless flirtation. Formulated with our proprietary pheromone blend, these favorites will inspire body-to-body chemistry and get you all the attention! Kit includes: Pink Caviar Scrub with Pheromones – 60ml/2fl oz, Luminizing Body Butter with Pheromones – 60ml /2fl oz and Perfume Oil with Pheromones -10ml/0.33fl oz
Price: $36.00
Retailer: Frederick’s of Hollywood and online at www.bootyparlor.com
The Official Booty Parlor Mojo Makeover: Four Weeks To A Sexier You
Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have, both inside and outside of the bedroom. In just thirty days, The Official Booty Parlor Mojo Makeover will help women of any age identify their Mojo Model—Pleasure Virgin, Frustrated Fox, Adventure Seeker, Busy Mommy, or Late Bloomer—and lead them through a first-of-its-kind transformation. Its purpose: to light up your inner spark and increase sexy self-confidence! Filled with inspiring and practical advice, how-to tips, interactive exercises, and real-life anecdotes, this fun, four-week program leaves women feeling happier, sexier, and more fulfilled—whether they are in a relationship or not.
Online at www.bootyparlor.com
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