Nursing school in itself is no easy feat. But for University of Wisconsin Oshkosh junior Becca Dailey, it’s just one of the many things on her plate.
Dailey, of Omro, balances being a full-time student with owning her own business in Oshkosh. Her business, Divine Beauty LLC, provides beauty services to clients, including eyelash extensions and makeup application.
Although she had been doing freelance makeup jobs since high school, Dailey officially started Divine Beauty LLC in January 2019, after she became certified to do eyelash extensions.
“Ever since I was little I loved playing with my mom’s makeup and everything girly. In high school, my obsession grew. By the end of my senior year, I had begun doing makeup for special occasions, such as dances, senior pictures and weddings. As this grew, so did my interest in providing other services, such as eyelash extensions,” she said.
Dailey attributes much of the success in her business to her involvement with the Titan Accelerator Program through the UW Oshkosh College of Business. She came across the program after participating in the Culvers’ Business Competition in 2019, where she shared her business and future plan and subsequently won the People’s Choice Award.
“After the competition, I applied to be a part of the Titan accelerator program. Because I have no business background at all, this program allowed me to expand my knowledge. It also helped me get my own studio space here in Oshkosh and bring on two members to my team,” she said.
From left to right: Madigan Carlson, Becca Dailey and Amber VanOss
Dailey hired UWO first-year students Amber VanOss, a biology major from Winneconne, and Madigan Carlson, a nursing major from Ripon.
While beauty has always been her passion, Dailey wanted to find other ways to help people as well. She was inspired by her mother, a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
“I wanted to help those struggling with mental illness. After some research, I learned that many people that suffer from mental illness can benefit from services, such as Botox and other non-invasive aesthetic procedures. I genuinely believe that my love for beauty and helping people is what has brought me to this point today,” she said.
For Dailey, juggling college and work has been a difficult, yet rewarding experience.
“Although I would love to say it has been easy, I have had to grow and learn to balance everything in my life. Time management is one of the biggest things that I have had to improve on over time,” she said. “Luckily, I have an amazing family and group of friends who support and understand me. They have been here through every step of the way telling me how strong I am and that if I put my mind to it, I can achieve anything.”
After graduation, Dailey plans to get training and become certified to provide Botox. During that time, her coworkers will take over managing the business until she can return and expand her offerings.
“I am so appreciative to have two amazing and positive individuals to be a part of my team, she said. “When I return, I hope to have my very own beauty studio!”
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