Transforming young lives through the art of cosmetic chemistry and Stem in beauty, inspiring entrepreneurship while empowering the youth with creative skills and confidence to shape their futures.

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Our Mission

Diamond Beauty Academy’s mission is to empower youth through the creative arts of beauty, cosmetic chemistry, and entrepreneurship by providing hands-on education, mental wellness support, financial wellness training, workforce development pathways, and social impact leadership that build confidence, creativity, and economic opportunity for young people from all backgrounds..

DIAMOND BEAUTY 2024 STEM TO SKIN GRADUATION

Our Programs

  • A woman with curly black hair applying lip gloss.

    Beauty Builds Resilience

    A 12-week, trauma-informed initiative combining cosmetic science education, mental wellness, and conflict resolution. Youth engage in hands-on product formulation, mindfulness practices, peer circles, and life-skills workshops to strengthen self-regulation, reduce stress, and build nonviolent problem-solving skills.

  • Makeup palette, brushes, lip gloss, perfume, candles, and skincare items arranged on a white surface.

    STEM to Skin™ Program

    An educational pathway that introduces participants to cosmetic chemistry, ingredient literacy, lab safety, and product development. The program uses beauty as an accessible entry point into STEM learning and career exploration.

  • Young girl with a black hijab sitting on a sofa, holding makeup brushes in one hand and a small glass container in the other, wearing a black apron with a shield and diamond logo.

    Formula to Fame

    An entrepreneurship and workforce readiness program that supports youth in developing beauty-related business concepts, branding, budgeting, and pitch skills. Participants explore pathways in small business ownership, retail, and the beauty industry.

  • A young woman with braided hair wearing a black dress with embellishments on the straps, closing her eyes and raising her hand to her forehead, standing outdoors during sunset or sunrise.

    Financial Literacy & Life Skills Workshops

    Workshops focused on budgeting, saving, financial wellness, workplace professionalism, leadership, and goal setting. These sessions connect emotional well-being with long-term economic stability.

  • A girl sitting at a desk holding a tube of pink lipstick close to her face while smiling at the camera. There are papers and a phone on the desk, with torn tissue paper nearby. The background has a purple bulletin board with a sign that reads 'Until it's done'.

    Community Showcases & Beautification Activities

    Culminating events that highlight youth-created products, art installations, and community beautification projects. These activities build pride, visibility, and community connection while reinforcing leadership and teamwork.

Watch Our Students in Action

Unleash your creativity and shape your destiny. See how our students transform their passion for beauty into entrepreneurial skills, friendships, and confidence.

A woman in a pink headscarf and floral top embraces and looks at a woman in glasses and a pink jacket, both smiling warmly.
Three women, two in pink dresses and headscarves and one in a pink and brown outfit, smiling and holding a certificate and a bouquet of red roses, indoors in a room with gray walls and wooden floor.
Group of young adults attending a formal event, dressed in pink jackets, sitting in a conference room, holding documents.
A woman in pink holding a certificate of achievement during a celebration, with two other women in pink jackets standing in the background.

All students receive CPR certification, OSHA cosmetology safety certification, and a certificate of completion. Diamond Beauty Academy provides teens in Philadelphia with a well-rounded education that blends cosmetic science, STEM, financial literacy, social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed care to prepare them for real-world success.

Close-up of a woman's eyes with eye makeup and long eyelashes, with magazine title "Disruption" and the date December 2024.

Press

A woman with dark hair and makeup posing with her hand on her face, wearing pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and black lace gloves, with the word 'sheen' written over the image.
Logo of Women Presidents Organization with the acronym WPO and the organization's name written to the right.

Program Benefits

  • Black silhouette of a person doing a handstand against a wall with a person standing nearby.

    Hands-on cosmetology and makeup training

    Gain practical skills with expert-led workshops and real-world practice.

  • Black and white digital illustration of a cartoon astronaut floating in space, holding a flag with a heart symbol.

    Business and entrepreneurship skills

    Learn to turn your passion for beauty into a thriving business.

  • Silhouette of a person walking in the rain with an umbrella, with city skyline and falling rain in the background.

    Mentorship from industry experts

    Receive guidance and inspiration from seasoned professionals.

  • Black silhouette of a person sitting on a bench, looking out at a city skyline at night with bright stars overhead.

    Community-driven, supportive learning environment

    Connect with peers who share your passion and ambitions.

Our Founder.

Danielle McLane:

Celebrity Makeup Artist | Entrepreneur | Mentor

Cover of Disruption magazine, December 2024 issue featuring a woman with platinum blonde hair applying lipstick, wearing a black off-shoulder top, a silver watch, and jewelry. The headline reads 'Diamond Beauty Cosmetics' and the subtitle is 'A journey of resilience, empowerment, and purpose.'

With over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, Danielle McLane is a renowned celebrity makeup artist and the proud owner of Diamond Beauty Cosmetics.

A local native of Philadelphia, Danielle's talent and dedication have earned her features in prestigious publications like Vogue magazine.

As a teen mom, she has transformed her challenges into motivation, inspiring others with her journey as an entrepreneur.

Danielle is passionate about empowering young girls through makeup artistry, helping them unlock their creativity and pursue their dreams.

Group of women gathered around a table with nail polish bottles, receiving a demonstration from a woman in a white lab coat in a classroom setting.

Social Impact Overview

Diamond Beauty Academy addresses the intersection of mental health, workforce development, and violence prevention by offering healing-centered, culturally responsive programming. Through hands-on STEM-to-Skin™ cosmetic science labs and leadership development, participants gain practical skills, emotional regulation tools, and exposure to career and small business opportunities.

The Academy prioritizes:

  • Trauma recovery and resilience building

  • Positive alternatives to violence

  • Youth leadership and civic engagement

  • Economic mobility through entrepreneurship and workforce readiness

Programs primarily serve youth and young adults ages 14–24 from Philadelphia neighborhoods including North Philadelphia, West and Southwest Philadelphia, Sharswood, Strawberry Mansion, and Nicetown-Tioga.

Career Readiness

At Diamond Academy, we go beyond beauty skills to prepare our students for successful careers. Our programs include career readiness training, college preparation, and leadership development to equip young women with the confidence and skills needed to excel in both professional and academic environments.

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Close-up of a person's eye reflected in a small makeup mirror, showing well-groomed eyebrows and curly hair.

 

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