Exclusive: Lefty's Right Mind Founder Danielle Becker Still Pinches Herself As Company Continues To Grow: 'It's A Dream Come True'

Growing up, Danielle Becker looked up to her mother who had her own business for 30 years. "I realized I wanted that for myself, but I didn't realize how hard it would be. Since I graduated college, I've always had a full time job and side hustle, but I never really knew what I wanted to do," the entrepreneur exclusively tells Morning Honey.

But the one thing Becker was sure of was entering the creative world someway, somehow, as she went to art school. "That was important to me," she notes. "I knew what was going to set me apart was my natural craftsmanship, so I went to school and was a painting major. I realized I needed more interaction with people and slowly went into advertising design and then fell into graphic apparel design because I love fashion."

That's when Becker had a lightbulb moment: she realized graphics are fun to create. "I started to become interested and got inquiries to hand craft menus for restaurants," she recalls. "I started to see the value of the digital and handcrafted relationship. I would mock up everything on the computer and then hand paint it."

As a result, she was asked by a friend to paint some jean jackets for her bridesmaids, which became a hit. From there, some of her pals began asking her to personalize different things, including bags. Becker quickly learned that personalization is something that will never go away.

"I followed my intuition and saw a void in the market," she says. In 2017, Becker started Lefty's Right Mind, whose mission is "to create thoughtful artwork that inspires and uplifts others."

The fashion guru began the company in her pajamas, but she learned it was important to meet customers to get an idea of what they wanted. "We work with private clients, brands and agencies to create an intimate experience to the recipient," she says. "We elevate someone's brand with custom artwork or we create magic for an existing brand through hand painting, illustration, embroidery, etc."

Becker and her team customize jean jackets, liquor bottles, shoes, handbags, small leather goods and more. "We have the private client, so if you have a piece you want us to paint, then we work directly together or we have on-site events where we supply the product and personalize it. We also work with brands and agencies for gifting for the holidays or big launches," she explains.

As for why Lefty's Right Mind is unique, Becker says, "We're in the company of some of the best brands in the world, including Ralph Lauren, Honest Beauty, Lancôme, Salvatore Ferragamo and more. Our precision and accuracy of our artwork is top notch, and we're not going to rush through something. We're not going to offer something unless we know it's top tier. I believe everybody needs to stop and enjoy the details in life. What's amazing is that no two pieces look exactly the same."

"The best part of my job is that as an artist, I've worked very hard to teach other people what my value is and what I can create," she adds. "To be able to employ other creatives and really anybody who needs a little bit of inspiration. I pinch myself every day as I am surrounded by the best team. I love that I can enrich other people's lives, and I am blessed and honored to be able to do that."

Though there are always challenges when running a business — Becker says she now has to think bigger picture instead of saying yes to everything — she wants "to be an advocate for other people looking to live their dreams," she admits. "With hard work, it's as simple as that. We've all had moments where we feel undervalued or don't feel appreciated, and I want to create a community where people can come and feel appreciated. I love my job. It's difficult, but I love it."

Going forward, Becker would love to purchase a gorgeous studio in Manhattan, Long Island or Brooklyn, so everyone can collaborate together. "I also want to be the bespoke atelier for all brands," she states. "We want to be the go-to if people are looking for a custom moment. It's as simple as that."

Clearly, Lefty's Right Mind has taken off, as celebrities, including Malin Akerman and Jessica Alba, are now posting and gushing over Becker's creations. "I'm just a girl that wanted to go to art school, and I was fortunate enough to have parents that let me explore the path I needed to. I pinch myself every single day. It's a very humbling experience. It's a dream come true."

"It's so rewarding," she concludes. "This is what drives me."

For more on Lefty's Right Mind, click here.