Our Laner of the Week is a Colombian American originally from sunny Miami, FL. Daniella moved to Chicago when she was 18 and received a B.F.A. in Acting at Roosevelt University. She loves Chicago and is feeling really lucky to be growing her career in such an amazing city. You can find Daniella working on stage and camera, as well as her own personal creative endeavors. The current obsession? …Character work! Let the wigs and impressions fly! But that’s not all she’s up to…
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
So many things! I really love personal interactions. Meeting different people from all walks of life has always been really interesting to me. I also love that it’s a different event/ brand each time. I’m always learning something new on the job and that keeps things exciting! Mustard Lane always does such a great job at making sure we are all taken care of, etc. The level of professionalism and kindness goes a long way!
When you’re not on the Lane…what are you doing?!
Working on something creative, working my customer service job at the gym, pet-sitting, traveling, spending time outside with nature (if it’s not cold), trying a new recipe!
Favorite restaurant or food?
I LOVE me some Carne asada with arrozito blanco, frijoles negros and maduros! BUT I recently tried Green Street Smoked Meats and I have to say – the best BBQ i’ve ever had.
What is one of your goals for 2023?
To create more sketch comedy! I feel the most fulfilled when I’m creating my own work. I absolutely love writing a sketch, directing it, performing in it, editing, etc. and then saying – I did that!
Name a place you’d love to travel to. And why?!
Greece! The weather, the water, the food, the cats!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from the Lane?
Cleaning my apartment, haha! There is something really satisfying to me about cleaning up. I know that sounds crazy, but I love getting the house all clean/cozy, making a delicious meal, baking something sweet, lighting a candle, and putting on a good movie!
Do you prefer podcasts or books? Favorite one?
I really do love both and it depends on my mood, but I’ll forever be loyal to books. One of my favorites is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
What’s your hidden talent?!
I’m not sure I have one…But I can alter my voice in different ways and I think that surprises people sometimes!
If you could have your dream job tomorrow, what would it be?
Mmm probably working for a really funny sitcom. Or starring/producing in a mock-umentary, like Summer Heights High. In another life, I’d do what the Irwins do. I’ve always loved animals and have always wanted to be involved in wildlife conservation.
What’s an essential part of your daily Laner routine?
Drinking water! You can never have enough!!
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
I think working in the customer service industry has taught me to not take things too personally. You will always get the occasional person who is grumpy, angry, upset for no apparent reason at all and they will usually take it out on you. In the past, I would get really sad and worked up when people were moody or rude with me, etc. I would let it affect my whole day. However, I’ve now come to understand that the way people treat you is more of a reflection of them and usually has nothing to do with you. And I think that’s really helped me in the real world as well. We all have our battles, we all have our troubles. And while it is NO EXCUSE to treat people poorly, I’ve learned to brush it off and wish them well. I know that’s not easy and is not to be confused with not setting boundaries.
What is your favorite family/friend tradition?
Probably snuggling up with my husband on a Christmas morning and watching some favorites: Love Actually, The Grinch, Elf and a cheesy Hallmark movie.
What’s a brand or event that you would love to represent or work should the chance ever arise?
Any event with dogs. Any kind of animal, honestly. I’m a HUGE animal lover, so any event where I could promote a brand that gives back or just allows me to give out treats to pups, is a DREAM gig.
What inspires you to be your best Laner self?
People who are authentically themselves. I have found that you’re not always going to please people, and not everyone is going to like you; but I personally believe living your truth is the most beautiful thing you can do for yourself and others!
To learn more about Daniella, check out her instagram @Dmariepereira