Meet Our Muses: Danii Gallegos
We couldn't be more excited to unveil not only our latest muse but our first official Zart team member. And oh boy - is she a gem or what! Between being an uber-creative producer, writer and generally hilarious human (seriously her Twitter is a gift to all of us) she has carved out some time and brought her talents to Zart as our resident Head of Social Media. She also has a wicked sense of style. Let's get to know her better.
What is your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
My name is Danii Gallegos, based in Los Angeles, but proudly from New Jersey, I’m the newest little member of the Zart Global family.
I am also the co-creator, producer, and host of the live show and podcast called We Still Like You, a comedy storytelling showcase that focuses on moments of personal shame, what it means to us, and how we learn to accept and grow from this deeply human experience. The show started 8 years ago in an apartment in Chicago, and now has branches in Brooklyn, Denver, Louisville, and (soon to re-start!) LA.
What are three words that best describe you?
Loud, colourful and sassy
What are you most proud of?
Other than my involvement with Zart and We Still Like You, on a personal level, I think I’m most proud of my friends. To me, one of the biggest things that makes life worth living is human connection, and I love to love people, and make friends, and keep in touch. I think about the people that let me in to a little piece of their lives, and I’m honored that I get to know such cool people doing cool things.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about pursuing joy. Food, laughter, traveling, family, the perfect dive bar, a really pretty flower, karaoke nights, crying to a song pop song about love. The things that make life feel good. I don’t think I have ever really had a “dream job” as much as I have always tried to mold my life in such a way that I can try to enjoy things to the maximum capacity.
I’m also passionate about radical body acceptance. I struggled with disordered eating for most of my life. Learning to accept and appreciate what you have, learning to not be so hard on yourself. Unlearning terrible habits and ideas that have been forced on you because the standard of beauty was set in a way for companies to profit off of you feeling bad. I want to strive everyday to love myself a little more, and I want other people to be able to do so as well in whatever body they have. Everyone should be allowed to feel good.
Who would you say is your hero or person you look-up to and admire?
It’s a tie between my father and my sister.
My father worked as a psychologist for 40 years before finally retiring at age 78. Originally from Peru, he moved to the US when he was 26, and managed to get into a prestigious graduate program, beating out many other candidates, and all in his second language! He’s the most interesting man, an incredible sense of humor, stories for days, and has best taste in art. Then on top of all that he’s an incredible father to me and my siblings, and an even cooler grandfather.
My sister is a titan. When Covid hit, I had no money because I had been working in restaurants, and we had already been getting hit hard before things shut down, so my savings was basically nothing. She offered for me to come live with her and her family, and the time that I got to spend watching her be literally the best mom ever to her daughter was honestly life changing. She’s also an occupational therapist, and helps people who are differently abled gain or regain mobility so they can do things on their own. She’s strong, caring, open, and so funny.
What is your biggest fear?
Global warming and environmental collapse
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I’m a terrible procrastinator, would love to not do that anymore.
Sometimes I have a really mean sounding voice, and it hurts people’s feelings, and I don’t realise that it’s happening. A friend once said “your voice is like if an eye-roll had a sound” ouch! lmao
How would you describe your style?
Babydoll dresses and orthopaedic clogs.
What are your favourite fashion brands?
Fashion Brand Company, and Selkie. Independent brands, both do extended sizes. I’m obsessed. Fashion Brand Company does a lot of weird pieces that incorporate art and sexuality, and they do really abstract stuff like adding extra armholes, or putting teeth on sunglasses. Selkie makes extravagant, romantic puff sleeve dresses that make you look like a dream cloud. I want to get married and buried in a Selkie dress.
What's your favourite Zart piece?
The viper ring, the Larimar stone Chicago ring, terms of endearment pendants, the evil eye bracelet, the fan earrings, and also literally everything else.
What are you currently listening to?
Tyler, The Creator’s new album “Call Me If You Get Lost”, and Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak’s song “Leave The Door Open” on repeat.