“I was forced to stand on my feet and make it happen!”: Danielle Johannessen, 10X Pitch-Off Winner

After overcoming adversity, obstacles, and doubts, Danielle Johannessen is now a thriving 10X Pitch-Off winner!

On December 15, 2021, the Grant Cardone Foundation held its first-ever pitch-off competition for those enrolled in our 10X Hub program in South Africa.

The big prize was $35,000 in seed money for the aspiring entrepreneurs to grow their business.

Today, we are shining the spotlight on Danielle “Danni” Johannessen. The ambitious 19-year-old won the $35K to put towards Danni’s Braiding Hub. She started her hairstyling company in the face of intense hardship.

Danielle was forced to drop out shortly after enrolling in college to augment her family’s income.

I had to survive, I had to generate income, and I had to do something with my life. the time was then ripe to convert my hobby into a business. Then I was 17 years old, and so many people told me I won’t be able to make it. I was forced to stand on my feet and make it happen! —Danielle Johannessen on the period she was founding her business

Danielle plans on using the prize money from winning the 10X Pitch-Off to get a better space to work on her clients. She is currently running Danni’s Braiding Hub from her family’s living room.

All in all, her positivity and strength in the face of adversity are awe-inspiring. We are proud to select her as a winner.

Stay tuned for the incredible stories from the rest of the 10X Pitch-Off winners and more 10X Hub updates!