Daily Inspiration: Meet Donia Mannino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donia Mannino

Hi Donia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as an influencer began following the birth of my second child. My early years were humble, and due to a lack of resources, I often found myself enchanted by the world of fashion as depicted in shows and films like Clueless. As a mixed-race individual, I often felt out of place during my formative years. However, I discovered that fashion provided a medium through which I could express myself and feel seen.

My passion for fashion is profound, fuelling my creativity and shaping my personality. To me, fashion extends beyond mere clothing; it’s a non-verbal mode of communication. The opportunity to dress up has always been a source of joy for me. At social gatherings, I frequently received compliments about my outfits and inquiries about where I had procured them.

One day, while browsing Instagram, it occurred to me that I could join the ranks of the stylish women I admired. I had the style, knowledge, passion, and a wardrobe to match. Initially, I saw it as a hobby rather than a job, completely unaware of the potential financial gains from social media. My journey was a learning curve, filled with exhilarating highs and discouraging lows, especially when I fell into the comparison trap.

Through it all, I learned the importance of authenticity. Success doesn’t happen overnight – it requires hard work, patience, and passion. I continue to learn and grow, driven by the belief that I am inspiring someone, somewhere. Modern technology allows me to share my creativity on a whole new level, helping followers locate items and easily share product links.

I never dreamed of collaborating with brands, particularly when I started with little following or experience. However, securing my first job was a thrilling validation of my hard work and dedication. Initially, Instagram seemed daunting due to my shy nature, but I drew inspiration from America’s Next Top Model and learned about posing and angles. I invested in a tripod and honed my self-photography skills, gradually becoming more comfortable shooting in public spaces.

My interest in photography expanded, and I found myself eager to learn about the techniques used by professional photographers. I purchased my first Canon camera and began experimenting with different kinds of photography, using my children as my muses. This newfound passion led me to create a new Instagram page, mom_to_grapher.

I take immense pride in who I am and what I’ve achieved. I’m excited about the future and confident that this journey is just the beginning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has indeed been fraught with challenges and steep learning curves that have been quite overwhelming. The common adage of ‘spending money to make money’ often seems convoluted given the plethora of deceptive educational programs available. Despite numerous attempts to engage with these programs in order to gain a competitive edge, I found no success. My struggles were not limited to this but extended to establishing my presence on Instagram and expanding my follower base. As a result, I felt the need to redirect my focus. I found solace and assistance in embracing my authentic self and letting go of the frustration that had become common place. Confronting and overcoming these challenges has invariably shaped me into a stronger individual.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a dedicated fashion influencer and blogger, I manage and curate my own page, @everydaydonia, on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. I have a deep passion for everything related to fashion, and my specialization lies in empowering and guiding stay-at-home mothers to rediscover their own identities through the medium of fashion. I understand that the transition into family life can sometimes lead women to lose touch with their personal style, but I firmly believe that your wardrobe doesn’t have to be limited to messy buns, sweatpants, and leggings.

My mission is to inspire other mothers to transform their casual attire into stylish ensembles. I view fashion as an art form – a tangible expression of one’s emotions and feelings. Through my page, I aim to educate mothers on how to locate and secure excellent deals while still looking chic and fabulous, even in their sweatpants.

Personally, I take immense pride in my journey and growth in this field. There have been numerous instances where I’ve felt defeated, but those moments did not deter me from persisting. There have been times when progress seemed stagnant, and when others appeared to be outperforming me. However, my determination remains unyielding and stronger than ever.

What differentiates me from others is my authenticity. While it may appear rather self-centered, the reality is that audiences on social media crave genuineness. When they perceive your true personality, they can easily decide whether they find you intriguing enough to follow. Hence, my uniqueness lies in being unapologetically myself and allowing my audience to connect with the real me.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Perhaps a surprising facet of my personality is my propensity towards perfectionism, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Additionally, I have an extensive collection of brand-new shoes, still housed in their original boxes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifewithdonia.blogspot.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaydonia/
• Other: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/everydaydonia