Danielle Close walked into the Dragons’ Den with a unique advantage – a feeling. Not just about her business, My Skin Feels, a skincare line crafted from rescued food by-products, but about the Dragons themselves. She possessed a gift, honed over years of training as a fifth-generation psychic medium, and a surprising premonition about who would champion her vision.
Long before stepping onto the set, Danielle had an uncanny sense about Gary Neville, the former Manchester United star and guest Dragon. “Years ago, when Gary was announced, I really thought if I ever go on the show, I want my Dragon to be him,” she revealed. It wasn’t a strategic calculation, but a deep-seated intuition that resonated within her.
Presenting her sensitive-skin-friendly formulas, Danielle navigated the intense scrutiny of the Dragons, fielding offers from multiple investors. But it wasn’t simply about the best financial terms. She was listening to something deeper, a subtle energy that guided her towards the right partnership. Deborah Meaden and Gary Neville, she felt, truly understood the heart of her brand.
Danielle’s journey wasn’t without its complexities. While initially accepting a £50,000 joint investment from Deborah and Gary, a surprising turn of events unfolded. Through connections made within her psychic network, private investors emerged with a more compelling offer, ultimately leading her to pursue a different path.
A humorous moment during the pitch saw her inadvertently overlooking an offer from Peter Jones, lost in her focus on Deborah and Gary. “It was a complete accident,” she explained, quickly apologizing for the oversight. The incident highlighted her clear connection with the Dragons who resonated most strongly with her vision.
Beyond the investment, Danielle believes her intuitive abilities are integral to her success. She sees intuition not as a separate skill, but as a fundamental aspect of daily life and business. “Intuition is your daily life… knowing what feels right, what is wrong,” she explained, suggesting that all successful leaders tap into this often-unrecognized power.
Since her appearance on the show, My Skin Feels has experienced remarkable growth, soaring 250% year-on-year. The brand has expanded its reach, launching into all 15 Credo Beauty stores across the US and securing early distribution with Whole Foods, proving that a unique vision, guided by intuition, can flourish.
Danielle’s story is a testament to the power of trusting one’s instincts, even – and perhaps especially – in the high-stakes world of business. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable insights come not from data and analysis, but from a deeper, more intuitive place.
