Happy first day of December fam! I LOVE the holidays and this month just makes me happy. I am so excited to introduce our girl of the month, Danie Gomez-Ortigoza, a nomadic story-teller with a chameleonic career, and an absolute passion for Latin America and for fashion as a reflection of the self.
Danie and I met at an "influencers" event in Miami a few years back, and we immediately hit it off. She's the definition of an influencer, as she's helped me pursue my passions and has been a huge supporter to De La Heart since day one. Her kind energy is contagious, beautiful inside and out (sounds cheesy but its true), talented writer, motivational speaker, mommy of 2, wife, and a true mover and shaker. Enjoy getting to know her, as much as I have through the years!
How did you stumble upon your career?
Creativity has been the only constant throughout my career. My first job was as a TV host for Disney Club in Mexico City when I was 15. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and did branding for different companies and agencies in Mexico, Canada and Sweden. Life turned me into a feminist while building the Mexican Delegation for the Women's Forum for Economy and Society, presided by Salma Hayek, in France, where I met the most spectacular women. Later, I had a love affair with writing, while being the Correspondent for Glamour Mexico and Latin America. I'm married to a French man, and have two children. You can recognize me by my "Floridian Frida" braid which I carry as a feminist manifesto whenever I'm on a mission. I share my journey through life on www.journeyofabraid.com and @journeyofabraid.
Describe a day in Danie's life.
I run from place to place all day long. My boys wake me up every day at 6.30am. No idea how they can be so precise... always 6.30. I prepare their morning smoothie, which is basically my daily magic potion, given that it's made with lucuma, acai, maca, ginger, etc. Once I'm done with that, I take care of the rest of their breakfast and lunch bags, stress myself as I prepare them for school, and rush to make it on time. I drive back home, or head over to meetings, depending on the day. My phone doesn't leave my hand one second as I answer emails and plan my weekly content, and agenda. In average, every two weeks I prepare a big photo-shoot with my superstar photographer, Celia D Luna, that helps me plan my content ahead and build stories. At 4 I pick up my boys and take them to the respective after-school activities, bathe then, prepare them for bed, and once they are sleeping, I head to events, 2 to 3 nights per week. If I don't go out, I usually work until I go to bed, or read. Writing is tricky... I don't decide when words come to me. It's all dependent on my emotional state.
Where does your passion for fashion come from?
I was never the well-dressed girl at school. On the contrary: I did weird combinations. I grew up with my dad, who didn't even notice what I was wearing, so I was free to decide. For me it was an absolute surprise to be featured by Elle USA as one of the style icons of Miami for their 'Style across America' series.
I'm reality, I've always been passionate for theater, and for the possibility that acting gives you of being someone else. Clothes always held that power for me. In the end, we are just silly souls hanging out inside a body. Fashion allows you to express, and often decide, whose inside.
Who's your favorite fashion designer? I'm passionate about the designs of Latin American indigenous communities. Their interpretation of color and texture is unique. They do clothes with love: they weave them the same way communities are bound to be weaved together. They are conscious about the environment and don't waste materials, because they run scarce.
What's the one thing you can't leave your house with? My house, and red lipstick! When I have a really bad day, it's the only thing that can make me feel better.
How do you find time to do it all--family, work, fun etc? I don't -- I fail at least in one area of my life every single day. But I make sure I don't fail too often on the same one, in order to keep balance. Being at peace with the fact that I can't do it all everyday, gives me peace.
What's your go-to fitness routine or regime? I do yoga once or twice a week, and try to walk as often as I can.
Where do you work out and why do you go there? I go to Om Movement, because it's close to my house, and there's a teacher that aligns me emotionally every time I practice with her. That's priceless.
What brand of workout gear do you wear when working out and why? I don't use any particular brand. For me it's important not to look too well when I do yoga. I usually don't wear makeup and do a mix match between American Apparel and whatever falls off my closet. You see, I spend my days having to look good, and as much as it's something I enjoy, it becomes overwhelming. So many people tell me all the time I look beautiful. First world problem, right? But it really becomes a burden at some point. I like knowing I'm more than what meets the eye. My Tuesdays are mostly unglamorous and off-duty.
What is your approach to nutrition? I can't tolerate dairy, I eat 5 times a day, and rarely eat meat. I love salads, veggies, and everything cut from the earth. My morning smoothie is my savior. You can tell when I was on vacation, and didn't take it because my skin goes dull. I often drink ginger tea, boiled directly from the root.
What are your lifestyle's "must-dos" and your absolute "no ways"?
Must sleep 7 hours
Must drink warm lime water before I start my day.
Must have coffee ever since my second choice is was born.
Must value my time, and who I spend it with.
Must trust my instincts.
No way's- Never drink too much, never eat if you feel full, never say yes if you don't want to do it.
What's the cheat treat you can't resist? Mexican chócale bunnies by a brand called Turin, and kinder surprise eggs (the ones that are forbidden in the USA)
What's the one beauty product you can't live without? My La Mer cream. I need it. 🙈
What's your beauty secret? Knowing that my time in this world is limited.
What's your favorite restaurant in Miami? Mandolin!
What's the last book you read? Women Who Run With Wolves. It's a must read.
Describe your "ideal" date-night outfit. I haven't been out on a date in 8 years! My husband doesn't like to go out. But my go to'event' outfit is a dress layered with a pleated or tulle skirt.
If you had to give one piece of advice to girls trying to start their own business, what would it be? Ask questions. Find mentors. Build a network. You can do it.
I meannnnn...how cool is she??? Thank you Danie for sharing a bit of your life with us. We love you!!
xx
