Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle “Danni” Smith.
Hi Danielle “Danni”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Funny enough, I actually didn’t mean to start modeling – I consider it a very happy accident. It all started back at the end of Summer 2016 when my best friend’s brother asked me to be a stand-in for the girl who canceled on him last minute. I had just started PT from my ankle surgery and was relearning to walk without assistance (I had been in a cast, using a scooter and crutches to get around, then a walking boot for 3.5 months at that point). I took really great Instagram selfies and photos but nothing on a professional level. I’m also not that tall, so I was really surprised he even asked me. I wasn’t doing anything and wanted to get out of my post-surgery funk, so I just said why not, let’s do it – and the rest was history. Or herstory, as my friends like to say.
Since then I’ve gone to NYFW several times (I’ll be walking again this year too) and walked for other fashion show weeks, was featured in a gallery, published in magazines, and been in clothing, swimwear, skincare, beauty, and hair ads/campaigns both locally and out of state. I’ve recently stepped into modeling for music videos. My most popular videos are for Cordae, Foggieraw, and Wale – hopefully you’ll see me in a few Swim Weeks, billboards, and TV commercials soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Well for one, the fashion industry itself is not for the weak, and with a career like modeling that’s all about being judged and critiqued? Yeah, it can be very hard on your mental health. On top of that, like I said before, I’m not that tall – which apparently is a huge shocker to people who have seen my photos before meeting me in person. I’m what the industry calls a “petite model.” So being under 5’7″ in the industry is another challenge. We often get overlooked or passed on for the bigger opportunities and are usually cast for commercial modeling or things that are specifically created for shorter models.
I, however, have never let that stop me and have gone after every opportunity I want despite the height requirement. I never tell myself no, because I know I’m just as talented and capable as any 5’7″+ woman. Not to say it hasn’t been discouraging to have heard so many no’s throughout the years and still receive them, but God has brought me to positions where my yeses outweigh the no’s several times over.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a model who specializes in beauty and commercial modeling, specifically e-commerce. What I’m most proud of is not my own success, but how I’ve been able to open doors for so many talented people in my circle. Through my career and the opportunities I’ve gained, I’ve been able to connect and create opportunities for friends who are models, photographers, videographers, designers, beauticians, and so many other creatives. There’s something really special about lifting others up as you climb.
I’m also proud of proving that you don’t have to fit the traditional mold to succeed. Being a petite model – under 5’7″ – usually means getting overlooked for the big opportunities. People are always shocked when they meet me in person because I photograph taller. The fashion industry can be brutal on your mental health with all the judgment and critique, and I’ve heard my fair share of “no’s” over the years. I think what sets me apart is my resilience, my determination to keep pushing boundaries, and my commitment to bringing others along for the journey.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people know about me going to school for Fashion Merchandising, all the creative pursuits, and modeling. But a lot of people don’t know I’m also in the tech industry and have 14 tech certifications. I also watch anime, which I don’t think is a secret, but people seem shocked when I tell them or when I’m able to join in their conversations about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dogma.nyc/vivaladanni
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivaladanni/
