IN CONVERSATION WITH DANIELA WASHINGTON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Daniela Washington is an actress, international model, and digital creator building a strong presence in the US market through a seamless blend of entertainment, fashion, and beauty. With a rapidly growing audience of over 500K followers and standout engagement, she has established herself as a leading voice in the e-commerce and content space. Recently seen in the latest season of Machos Alfa, and currently filming a new Netflix project, Daniela continues to expand her acting career while collaborating with global brands like L’Oréal Paris and MAC Cosmetics, positioning herself at the intersection of performance, influence, and modern storytelling.

set LUCÍA VIAÑO
earrings LA PENDIENTERA at TENERIFEMODA

How are you navigating the transition between modeling, acting, and digital content creation?

For me, it hasn’t really been a transition but more of a natural evolution. All three areas complement each other. What one doesn’t have, the other does, and vice versa. Each one lets me tell my story in different ways, and each one gives me something unique. What I enjoy most is the freedom to do all three. No one should tell us to stick to just one thing. Life is about experimenting, trying different paths, and moving until you find what you love and what makes you happy. You never really know what you’ll be great at until you give it a try.

What drew you to acting, and how has that journey evolved over time?

What first drew me to acting was the idea of stepping into someone else’s world and telling stories from different perspectives. I’ve always been curious about people, emotions, and the way we connect through storytelling. Over time, that interest has only grown. The more I learn and the more experiences I have, the more I realise how much depth there is to acting. It constantly challenges me, pushes me out of my comfort zone, and allows me to explore parts of myself I might not otherwise discover. It’s a journey that keeps evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

coat PEPA SALAZAR
dress SUSMIES
necklace SWAROVSKI

What can you share about your upcoming Netflix series?

I can’t say much yet. What I can say though, is I’m really happy with what I’ve done. I’m still at the beginning, and I have a lot left to learn and share with the world. But for now, I’m proud of what I’ve done, and I hope everyone will enjoy it too.

How do you approach building such a strong and engaged online community?

I’ve never really approached it as “building a community.” For me, it’s always been about sharing the things I genuinely enjoy and being myself online. I think people can tell when something is authentic, and that’s what creates a real connection. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who follows and supports me because, in many ways, they’ve grown alongside me. The most important thing for me is making sure that no matter how much time passes, people still feel like they’re seeing the real me. They’re my online family and friends.

What do you think sets your content apart in the beauty and fashion space?

I think what sets my content apart is that I’ve never tried to fit into a specific box. I genuinely share the things I enjoy, whether that’s beauty, fashion, travel, acting, or simply moments from my everyday life. I think people connect more with personalities than with perfectly curated content. My goal has always been to create a space that feels real, where people can be inspire,d but also feel like they’re getting to know me as a person. That balance between creativity, authenticity, and not taking myself too seriously is probably what makes my content different. 

glasses POLICE by DE RIGO
shorts & bra BONET STUDIO
shirt JOHN GALLIANO ARCHIVE
heels KURT GEIGER
bracelets SWAROVSKI

How do you balance authenticity with brand collaborations?

For me, authenticity is what makes a collaboration work in the first place. I only like to work with brands that genuinely align with my interests, values, or lifestyle, because otherwise it wouldn’t feel natural to share them with my audience. My community trusts me, and I never want to take that trust for granted. At the end of the day, I want every collaboration to feel like an extension of who I am, rather than something that has been forced into my content.

How important is storytelling in your content and campaigns?

I think storytelling is one of the most important parts of content creation. We’re all constantly seeing images and videos every day, but what really stays with people is the story behind them and the emotions they make you feel. Whether it’s a campaign, a beauty look, or a simple everyday moment, I always try to give it some meaning and create a connection. For me, storytelling is what turns content into something memorable.

dress & pillow bag PEÑALVER
shoes ALMA EN PENA
earrings LUXENTER

Do you see yourself prioritizing acting or digital influence in the future, or both equally?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that life rarely goes exactly as planned. Right now, I feel very lucky to be able to explore both worlds, and I don’t feel the need to choose between them. Acting and digital content creation allow me to express different sides of myself, and I genuinely enjoy both. I’m someone who likes to stay open to opportunities, so rather than deciding now, I’d rather keep growing, learning, and see where each path takes me. Sometimes the best things happen when you don’t limit yourself to just one direction.

How do you maintain creativity and consistency across your platforms?

I think consistency comes naturally when you genuinely enjoy what you do. Of course, there are days when inspiration doesn’t come as easily, but I’ve learned that creativity isn’t something you can force. I find inspiration everywhere, through people, conversations, films, fashion, travel, and everyday experiences. I also try not to put too much pressure on myself to be constantly creating. Sometimes stepping back and living life is exactly what helps you come back with fresh ideas. For me, the key is staying curious and continuing to find inspiration in the world around me. Sometimes being bored helps.

necklace & bracelet VIGURI HARO
tee SUSMIES
skirt ALINEO STUDIO
shoes PULL&BEAR

What role does fashion play in your personal identity?

Fashion has always been a form of self expression for me. It’s much more than just clothes, it’s a way of communicating who you are, how you feel, and sometimes even who you want to become. What I love most about fashion is that it allows you to reinvent yourself while still staying true to who you are. Some days it gives me confidence, other days it lets me be creative, and sometimes it’s simply a way of having fun. It plays a big role in my identity because it gives me the freedom to express different sides of myself without saying a word.

necklace ABRA
dress BEZARES
shoes HUNE

What’s been a standout moment in your career so far?

There have been quite a few standout moments that I’m incredibly grateful for. Having three billboards in Los Angeles, making my first appearance in a Netflix series, and working on projects I could only dream of a few years ago are definitely among them. But more than any specific milestone, what means the most to me is being able to look back and see how much I’ve grown. I think the most exciting part is knowing that this is only the start.

How do you stay grounded while growing your public profile?

I think a big part of staying grounded comes from my family. My parents have always taught me to keep my feet on the ground, no matter what is happening around me. They’ve always reminded me that success is never a reason to stop being yourself or to forget where you come from. I’m incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had, but I also know there’s always more to learn and room to grow. Having people around me who are honest, supportive, and keep me grounded makes all the difference. At the end of the day, the things that matter most to me are still the same as they’ve always been.

dress BONET STUDIO
earrings stylist own

What’s next for you in the coming year?

There are some really exciting things coming up that I can’t tell you about just yet. But I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. I’m continuing to explore new opportunities, challenge myself creatively, and step outside my comfort zone. So all I can say for now is, stick with me, and you’ll find out soon.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent DANIELA WASHINGTON
photography and creative direction JAVIER ROMÁN
styling JESUS LAFUENTE
makeup and hair MIRIAM ROMÁN
photography assistant and video ISABELLE AROCENA
styling assistants GEMA GARCÍA AND NEREA SANTORUM
studio DAZZ CREATIVES STUDIOS
production ANGEL’S PROJECT - NOAH V COLLINS & DÉBORA ACEA
video ISABEL AROCENA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA