We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donia Mannino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Donia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I embarked on this side hustle seven years ago, initially viewing it as a hobby. My aspiration has always been to become a stylist, as fashion has been a long-standing passion of mine. Inspired by my mother, who modeled in her teenage years, I would watch her on the runway, dreaming of following in her footsteps. As I transitioned into my teenage years, I discovered joy in expressing myself through fashion, a love that persists to this day.

Having grown up in modest circumstances, I vividly remember purchasing my first outfit with my own money, which ignited my passion for fashion. I worked diligently and saved to acquire items I loved, developing a particular fondness for high-quality shoes. I firmly believe that a great pair of shoes can elevate any outfit, old or new, prompting me to invest in them.

Eventually, I found my life partner, settled down, moved to the United States, and embraced family life. With the rise of social media, I joined Instagram and drew inspiration from the women I followed. I realized I had a wardrobe capable of making an impact, which led to the creation of EverydayDonia. I researched the process of starting a blog and committed myself to growing my following, ultimately joining the LTK app to earn commissions on sales generated through my personalized links—an opportunity I viewed as a significant step forward. I also became a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program, navigating this new terrain with enthusiasm.

In the early days, Instagram primarily served as a photography platform, so I invested time in learning about photography and how to work with angles which is inspired by America’s Next Top Model. I began taking self-portraits, initially relying on my husband as my “insta-husband,” who would assist in capturing my outfits during our outings. However, understanding that I couldn’t depend on him indefinitely, I invested in a tripod and Bluetooth remote.

The most significant challenge was stepping outside my comfort zone; I tend to be quite shy and often overthink situations. Photographing myself in public was a learning curve, but I believe I have mastered it over time. I genuinely enjoy dressing up; while many people played dress-up as children, I continue to embrace my “dress-up” era. My style has evolved over the years, and I have learned a great deal about myself in the process.

Launching my page has brought me immense joy and fulfillment. Today, I have transformed my passion into a side hustle that has enriched my family’s life in countless ways.

Donia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an aspiring content creator dedicated to sharing fashion tips for women and mothers seeking to rediscover their identities. Fashion is my passion; I embrace every aspect of it, from shopping to assembling outfits. This enthusiasm led to the establishment of my small business, where I produce creative videos and photography for companies to utilize on their social media platforms, websites, or advertisements.

I have had the privilege of being featured by several clothing brands, including Lulus, Target, and Kohl’s. What distinguishes me in this competitive space is my genuine passion and unique sense of style. I enjoy experimenting with new trends and am unafraid to explore diverse styles. If a particular look doesn’t suit me, I find ways to incorporate elements of it without compromising my overall aesthetic.

I take immense pride in my journey; I have bravely put myself out there and am continually learning the intricacies of this trade. Although the process has not been without its challenges, I strive to resist the temptation of comparison. While I may not have millions of followers, I believe that the smaller, loyal audience I have appreciates my authenticity, hard work, and commitment to being genuine. I present myself as I am, sharing fashion ideas that resonate with women of all ages.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My objective is to inspire as many women as possible through fashion on my social media platform. As a mother of three, I aspire to nurture my daughters’ creativity within this medium. While they possess an innate sense of creativity, I aim to foster their self-confidence through fashion, enhancing their academic endeavors. I vividly recall the empowerment I experienced when dressed appropriately for different occasions. This desire to empower and inspire others serves as the driving force behind my creative pursuits.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience proved to be a challenging endeavor. Initially, my following consisted primarily of friends and family. To expand my reach, I researched effective strategies for growing my audience and discovered that hosting giveaways can be an excellent starting point. This process involves collaborating with other content creators within your niche who have larger followings to offer a cash prize or a “gift basket” to one of your followers. Alternatively, you can also conduct smaller giveaways independently, should you prefer that approach.

While there are accounts dedicated solely to organizing giveaways, it is essential to exercise caution, as some may not be legitimate. Consistency is another critical factor in growing your audience; showing up for your followers and demonstrating genuine care for them fosters trust and engagement. Sharing valuable tips while maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere can greatly enhance your connection with your audience.

In my experience, joining groups was another method I employed to increase my following; however, I am uncertain if this remains effective today. When I started, I joined numerous groups, which proved to be time-consuming and stressful. I found myself constantly monitoring my phone to ensure compliance with group rules, as failure to do so could result in being removed. Therefore, I advise against pursuing this route extensively. A few giveaways can be beneficial, but the most crucial aspect is to share meaningful content, allow your followers to get to know you, and ultimately, enjoy the creative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lifewithdonia.blogspot.com
• Instagram: @everydaydonia
• Facebook: @everydaydonia
• Other: pintrest – @everydaydonia amazon store -https://www.amazon.com/shop/everydaydonia?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_TV2BJ7JC4Q20M09NBX25