It’s usually in hindsight that we can see how the challenges in our lives have led us to exactly where we are meant to be. Not everyone can realize this or see that blessing for what it is. When we look at the opportunities in the obstacles, we just might understand we’ve arrived at a place from which we can uplift and inspire others.
Dani Wallace is a name synonymous with empowerment, resilience, and transformation. As a renowned speaker, mentor, and leader, “Queen Bee Dani” has built The Big Festoon into more than just an event—it’s a movement that uplifts and amplifies voices, particularly those of women who have faced adversity. Her journey, marked by personal triumph and an unwavering dedication to inspiring others, has solidified her position as one of the UK’s most influential changemakers.
From Adversity to Advocacy
Looking back, Wallace can see that her story is one of overcoming challenges to create opportunities for others. Growing up in the north of England in an environment where domestic abuse, financial struggle, and addiction were prevalent, she learned early on that survival often required adapting to difficult situations. Her natural talent for performance, particularly singing, became her refuge. “When I was singing or being funny, nobody was arguing,” she recalls. “It was a way to create peace in my world.”
As a teenager, she pursued a career in entertainment, working as a singer and host on cruise ships, holiday camps, and hotels. “I became an entertainer on cruise ships and in holiday camps,” she shares. For years, she performed in venues across the UK and beyond, honing her ability to captivate audiences. “I loved it, but it was never seen as a ‘proper job.’ People like us didn’t go on to become singers unless we were on The X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent,” she recalls. Despite her immense talent, the lack of validation from those around her led her to seek a more traditional career path.
Building a Following in an Unlikely Place
Wallace transitioned to a corporate career where she was highly successful, working with well-known brands as a learning development specialist. When Wallace returned to performing after leaving corporate life, she found herself in less-than-ideal dressing rooms before gigs. “Dressing rooms in the UK are awful—sometimes they’re literally a toilet or a cellar,” she explains. To avoid these unsafe spaces, she would sit in her car, lock the doors, and get ready before going on stage. “I started live-streaming while I was putting my makeup on in my car. At first, it was just to keep myself safe, but then people started tuning in, asking where I was performing and engaging with what I was talking about.”
Through these impromptu live sessions, she began sharing her thoughts on personal development, success, and resilience. “It was never planned—I didn’t start live-streaming to build a brand, but people kept coming back. They wanted to hear more,” she says. Over time, her audience grew into a large thriving community. “I realized that by sharing my own experiences, I was helping others. That’s when I knew I had something bigger to build.”
The Birth and Evolution of The Big Festoon
To understand how this came about, we need to understand something about bees. In the Bee Movie, Wallace says she had a realization, reading the quote at the beginning.
“According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyways. Because bees don’t care what humans think is impossible.” – Bee Movie
“It was a clutch my pearls moment, thinking ‘This is what I’m doing. I’m flying anyway!’” Wallace exclaims. As she pondered on this branding around bees, realizing how bees do these incredible things, it all fell into place. “They tell each other where the good patches of flowers are. They perform to each other to communicate, via the Waggle Dance.” Extending this metaphor further, she adds, “Everything that everybody does within that hive community is for the good of the hive. The Queen serves a purpose. She’s not the leader of the hive. She just has a role within that community.”
To Festoon is to Come Together
“Bees do this incredible thing when they’re building something new—they link arms when they’re building their hives and they show the other bees, like a measuring guide, to show the other bees where to build to.” Attaching to this concept, Wallace realized that humans could also come together to festoon, to help one another build.
All of this led to the creation of The Big Festoon. “I started thinking—what if I created a space where no topic was off the table? Within that, we can have conversations about success, about money, about wealth, about sex and relationships, about our different lenses of the world.” Wallace adds, “We’re not a melting pot, we’re a mosaic, where our differences are the things that unite us. That’s how The Big Festoon was born.”
The first event, then called Bee Inspired, was a small gathering of just 50 people. Although it began small, Wallace shares, “Those who came knew they had experienced something special.” The event quickly grew in popularity, doubling in size with each iteration. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Wallace pivoted to an online format, which expanded her reach even further. “We had thousands tuning in from around the world,” she says. “It proved that people were craving a space like this.”
Going International
When in-person events resumed, The Big Festoon returned stronger than ever, selling out venues with 800 attendees (whom they call delegates) and drawing people from across the globe. In May, the Big Festoon is coming to Hollywood, California. Looking to the future, Wallace says, “It’s just grown and grown—now we’re planning an arena event in 2026 with 5,000 people.”
The Big Festoon: A Safe and Inclusive Movement of Empowerment
Wallace emphasizes that inclusivity is at the heart of everything she does. The event actively sponsors members of marginalized communities, including the trans and Black communities, to join the stage and share their experiences. “We all do well when we all do well,” she says. “Success should feel safe for everyone, and The Big Festoon is a place where people can step into their power without fear.”
Wallace’s approach centers on connection and actionable insights. Each session at The Big Festoon is designed to not only inspire but also equip attendees with tangible tools for success. From overcoming money mindset struggles to fostering healthy relationships, the event encourages deep personal and professional transformation.
One of the key components is the “Call to Action” embedded in each session. Whether it’s learning how to set boundaries in relationships or taking control of financial literacy, every participant leaves with concrete steps to implement. “It’s not just about being inspired,” Wallace says. “It’s about taking action and making real changes.”
Beyond The Big Festoon: Dani Wallace’s Books and Advocacy
Wallace’s impact extends beyond the stage. She is the author of I Am The Queen Bee: How I Overcame Self-Sabotage and How You Can Too, which explores her personal journey and provides readers with strategies to break free from limiting beliefs. Her second book, Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed, serves as a guide for aspiring speakers to find and use their voices.
In addition, she co-founded the Fly Anyway Foundation with her sister, dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship. “I know what it feels like to have no options,” she says. “Building a business saved me, and I want to make sure others have access to the same opportunities.”
Why The Big Festoon Matters
More than just an event, The Big Festoon creates a lasting impact through edutainment. Attendees walk away with practical steps to better their lives, supported by a thriving community. Dani Wallace’s work is a testament to the power of resilience, storytelling, and community. Through The Big Festoon, she is not just inspiring change, she is building a legacy of empowerment. With the event coming to the US in May, Wallace is creating quite a buzz, signaling they are on a trajectory for continued expansion.
Find out more at about the US event: https://www.iatqb.com/tbfhollywood25usa
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