Meet Daniella Patino | Fashion Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniella Patino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniella, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The work life balance is very crucial being a new business owner still working under other companies. Although I am independently contracted by the jobs I work outside my modeling business, it does take time away from it. The time invested in both is highly important. I had to acknowledge that whatever jobs I work are temporary and I must use that income to invest in my own business aside from paying bills. If you are not using your current job to fund your business, you’ll find yourself in a never-ending cycle of just living and working to pay bills with no return on investments. It’s easy to get comfortable “as long as you’re making it” but just getting by is not enough. That’s why I had to make a conscious decision to build and invest in myself in every aspect.

As I mentioned in my previous Voyage interview, I always work multiple jobs, which takes more time from my modeling career. Balancing work life while following my dreams is tough. It takes preparation, organization, and dedication. I find myself staying more on track with my business when I write out things down. Planning is the key!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Modeling is my passion! I truly enjoy creating content, sporting fashionable outfits, and showing off my looks in photos or music videos. I bring class and feminism to the set. I carry myself like a woman with dignity and conduct professional business. The great part of being an independent model is that I get to work within my comfort. Meaning I approve or disapprove any project according to my standards. The journey is never easy but with trial and error, mistakes become lessons.

Some challenges I overcame while building my modeling career were having low confidence, lack of knowledge, and direction. One obstacle that really affected me was having a minor physical disability. I currently have post traumatic arthritis in my right ankle due to a car accident 8 years ago where I dislocated and shattered my ankle bone. I’ve had 2 surgeries ever since. That accident changed my life forever. Walking and even running is a challenge for me at times because I limp every single day. I never thought I could become a fashion model with a bad ankle. Maintaining it with exercise is what currently helps, but I don’t let it be an excuse to not follow my dreams. Nowadays, I model just fine in heels and strut through any set. I’ve learned to work within my physical limitations, not allowing it to set me back in my career.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person that definitely deserves recognition is recording artist Aktual (@aktual4ever). He is my consultant in the entertainment industry and has helped mold my modeling and marketing business. Even though I am not signed through an agency and I don’t have a manager, I have been able to received compensated opportunities with Aktual. Through his mentorship, I have gained many gems on how to operate in this field. From getting me paid gigs to showing me how to manage my social media account. He promotes my modeling services and consults me on how to organize professional projects. He also runs a digital marketing company aside from being a talented singer, which he has allowed me to be apart of. I couldn’t have done it without him!

Website: https://linktr.ee/dani_isdope?fbclid=PAAaZyqcdFyv1d0UjhkUnIlXuV3Zm5tNxDIgT9QdLGCPY0b28bsBsk4krCMmY

Instagram: @dani_isdope

Facebook: Daniella Patino

Image Credits
@thevisualsamurai