Dani Wilson

Meet Dani Wilson - A passion for being creative in anyway I can has been within me since I was a little girl. From sidewalk chalk to doodling on my homework, creativity has been an outlet for me. As I grew older, my artistic abilities took shape from painting, coloring, and drawing and transformed into sewing when my older sister gave me my first sewing machine at age nine. Something about turning an idea into a three dimensional product that someone can physically use fascinates me. From the beginning of my career I've had the privilege to build my knowledge of the fashion industry, product development, and packaging details through multiple work experiences, traveling, and even developing new skills outside of what my career is, that have given me an edge within the industry itself. - via Linkedin.com (SISS)  Hi Dani, where are you from and where are you currently spending your time?  (Dani)  I am from St. Louis, Missouri and I am currently an Accessory Designer for a wholesale company in the city, and a Contract Designer for Buffbunny Collection, which I do from home. I also do side work for an organic baby clothing company, Babysprouts & Co. I try to immerse myself in design as much as possible to stay in-tune with the industry.  (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle?  (Dani)  When I was in high school, I worked at a nursing home in the kitchen and served the same residents everyday.  I got to know them very well, and learned to love visiting nursing homes (something many have poor feelings about). One particular resident and I became best friends. As I changed jobs and grew up, we remained besties and vowed to have dinner together at least once a month. When she finally passed, I wasn’t contacted right away. Although I was very close with her, I was not with her family. Finding out news like this awhile after it has happened is a very weird feeling I can’t explain. A loss of a loved one is very hard, but the loss of a loved one and not knowing about it right when it happens is like you truly missed out on saying any sort of goodbye. I’ve been fortunate enough to not have experience in great losses.  I still have my parents, grandparents, and dear friends. So this was my first really close loss. I have to say at age 24 and having this be my first significant loss feels somewhat lucky, but at the same time, no exposure to this prior in life really took a toll on me when I did go through it.  To be honest I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way or has felt this way… it would be awesome if I could connect with them, as I am still healing from this. My best advise is time heals all wounds. Not the best advise, but I’m still learning as well. My heart feels way more now for people who go through losses in their lives then before this happened to me, and I’m slowly learning to cope with loss.  (SISS)  Who is Dani Wilson and what are you most proud of?  (Dani)  Dani Wilson is a kind, strong, yet giving person. I am most proud of making my ambitions my career.  (SISS)  How dedicated are you to fitness?  What is your fitness goal?  On your body, what is your favorite body part and what is your least favorite?  (Dani)  I try to workout at least 4 times a week. If more, I’m probably in a better mood! I don’t necessarily have a "fitness goal.” I strive to give my body what it needs on a daily basis and in doing so make for a better lifestyle.  Although maybe not my favorite parts of my body, it’s fun to see the changes occur in these areas as I progress in my fitness journey, making my favorite parts the negatives about myself... Does that make sense? Haha, I hold fat most in my arms and my love handles. Since I began my journey, they’ve transformed! These are my favorite areas to work now, not because I want to look a certain way, but because it’s rewarding to see the changes come forward as you push yourself harder.  (SISS)  What makes you the happiest? What is fun for you?  (Dani)  My fiancé, my family, and my dog make me happiest. Sharing moments with them warms my heart. Besides designing, which is always fun, I love to build furniture! (SISS)  How do you deal with disappointment? How do you Keep Going?  (Dani)  I deal with disappointment by keep on keepin’ on. Life will always throw you curve balls, and not everyone will like you. You have to learn to keep going, and improve on what isn’t working.   (SISS)  What is your superpower?  (Dani)  My theoretical superpower would be to read minds (this would help in designing FOR SURE). My actual superpower is my ability to give. Although it can be a negative at times, giving to others puts me on a high. I always say I am Triss from Divergent. Born into Abnegation (the selfless), but made to be Dauntless (the brave).  (SISS)  What is your weakness and what do you do to overcome it?  (Dani)  My weakness is my ability to give… like I said before, it can be negative at times. There are times I get to be a push over and taken advantage of. I have learned to over come this by learning to say no, and putting myself first when necessary.  (SISS)  Can you tell us four things people don’t know about you?  (Dani)  Four things people don’t know about me is: I have an older sister who is 10 years older then me and we are best friends. Sharks terrify me and I have no idea why. I almost decided to be a Chemical Engineer. Clearly I chose the more fun career. I really love building furniture.  (SISS)  Can you tell us where else can our readers follow your daily inspiration?  (Dani)  I am most active on Instagram @designxdani, but I also enjoy Tumblr Dani Wilson, and Pinterest  Deign X Dani  (SISS)  Plus your website is awesome, What’s your favorite quote?  (Dani)  “YOLO” :P No but really! You can’t let a diet, money, or events in your life keep you from doing what your heart is calling you to do. YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! DO IT!!  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about?  (Dani)  I am most passionate about my fashion design career. I live it everyday and my mind is constantly having creative out bursts. It’s exciting to see how the world is evolving and marketing and graphic design are taking a huge leap in this, as well as fashion. On top of this, I have a new passion for supporting St. Jude’s Research Hospital. My best friend has a family member there, and every since I did the charity walk for St. Jude’s I can’t help but feel impacted by the inspiration and motivation there was surrounded by the company. I try my hardest to donate as often as I can and attend as many charity events as possible. Buffbunny Collection also chooses a new charity every month to donate part of our proceeds to, and this month it was St. Jude’s : ) <3 (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life and why?  (Dani)  My dad has always been my guiding light. We’ve always seen eye to eye - I get my creativeness from him, and he always knows what to say and when to say it when I need it most. He’s been through a lot of tough losses in his life, but always has a positive smile and radiant attitude. He is definitely most influential for me.  However, I can’t go without mentioning my mom as well. I am fortunate enough to have parents together after 25 years. My mom has shaped me into the person I am today - giving, strong, ambitious; she is all of these and more. She is the kindest human on the planet and followed her calling, and she pushed me to follow mine.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self?  (Dani)  Five years ago I was a scared college student not knowing what I wanted to do in life or where I wanted to go. So many people told me I couldn’t live near my family and pursue my career. I was scared they were right and I was graduating with a degree I would do nothing with. I am proof you can still pursue your desired career and still live near family. It’s not easy, and fearful along the way, but if you work hard and put yourself out there, doors will open.  (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you?  (Dani)  A typical day for me is waking up a 6am, getting ready for my every day job; designing, conversing with manufacturers, creating mood boards for seasons, choosing colors, drawing, etc. Leaving work at 5pm, making dinner, working on Buffbunny Collection, then going to bed. Live, eat, breathe design! Although working two jobs isn’t ideal and definitely not easy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My ambitions are being fulfilled and design keeps my creative genes sane. It’s hard to fit the gym in there at times, but that is my safe place, so I make sure to get there at least 4 times during the week. (SISS)  What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite book and/or the latest one you’ve read?  What is your favorite song?  (Dani)  It’s a tie between grilled cheese and pizza. Almost the same thing minus the sauce <3 I’ve managed to create “healthy” versions of this, so I don’t live without out because I would most likely die. Exaggerated, but slightly true.  My favorite book is… *que judging* The Twilight Saga. My current favorite song is the song I will walk down the isle too…. : ) “You Are the Reason” By Calum Scott. (SISS)  When do you feel the sexiest?  (Dani)  I feel sexiest right after a workout! I feel so good and feel like I really gave my body what it needed.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow?  (Dani)  Of course @Buffbunny. She has inspired me not only in my career but my fitness journey as well. Other great follows are @jillchristinefit, @joellemason, @caytsmith, @weightsnshakes__. All great friends of mine that keep me going on the daily grind.  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?   (Dani)  Smart is so sexy means empowerment to me. Looks are never everything - without a positive attitude and happy soul a person is just ‘blah'. To empower one another and lift each other up... now that is SEXY!  (SISS)  Thank you so much, you are an inspiration! Please follow her on Instagram @designxdani