IN CONVERSATION WITH DANIELLA MONET
interview by JANA LETONJA
Daniella Monet first won over audiences as the unforgettable Trina Vega on Victorious, and now she’s stepping back into one of her most iconic roles in Hollywood Arts, the highly anticipated new Netflix spin-off arriving this fall. Beyond acting, Daniella has built a thriving lifestyle brand with more than 10 million followers, championing wellness, plant-based living, beauty, fashion, and intentional living through her platform, Daniella’s Digest. From revisiting a fan-favorite character to balancing family, entrepreneurship, and creativity, she’s joining us to talk about what’s next.
Hollywood Arts reunites fans with Trina Vega years later. What was your first reaction when you were asked to reprise the role?
I was shocked. I was actually on location in Vancouver, doing my first movie back since becoming a mom, when I got a call from Jake Farrow, sussing out my interest. It was surreal, I was beyond flattered and excited about the reality of it, but at this point, knowing what I know about being in development and green lighting a project, I wasn’t ready to hold my breath just yet. Almost felt too good to be true.
What can longtime Victorious fans expect from Trina this time around, without giving too much away?
The same Trina people know and hopefully love. I personally love broad comedy and I certainly didn’t want to lose that, so when developing Trina in this stage of life, her tone was nearly identical to what we remember, only subtle difference was some lived experiences woven in to back up why she may just be the support system this class didn’t know they needed.
Trina has always been such a memorable, over-the-top character. Has your relationship with her changed over the years?
My relationship with Trina has a new depth now. When we were filming Victorious, I don’t think I gave her backstory as much thought, and now I have the backstory, and filled in most of the blanks for myself so I can better understand where she’s coming from, which has been so much fun to explore.
Why do you think audiences have remained so attached to Victorious more than a decade later?
It’s got all the pieces. The cast and premise, wardrobe and sets were all incredibly aspirational. I remember growing up watching shows where all I wanted to do was emulate those characters' lives, i.e., Cher in Clueless, or Sabrina in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Who wouldn’t want to go to Hollywood Arts and chip away at their dream? It gives the audience permission to go for it, and I feel extra lucky to be part of that for a generation, and now multiple.
You’re introducing Trina to a whole new generation alongside a new cast. What has that experience been like?
A whirlwind of emotions. The experience has been nothing short of a dream. Casting this show meant everything to me, and we got our choices for each role, which set us up for success straight away. These are the people our audience is going to be connecting with and that matters. What we had on Victorious was special, and I know firsthand, so when I tell you there’s something magical about our Hollywood Arts cast, I mean it. This generation deserves their own Victorious and though nothing could ever replace the recipe for success, I think we can do a good job of honoring it and bringing something to the screen that kids and family will find fresh and yet familiar in all the right ways.
Plus, my kids are obsessed and I’ve seen firsthand how Hollywood Arts has inspired them in more ways than one. My kids are learning piano and singing, and my son was just in the stage crew at his school. If that’s what’s happening in my house after watching a few cuts, I can only imagine what will happen once the world gets this show to themselves.
You’ve built an incredible lifestyle community online. Did you ever imagine your platform would grow far beyond acting?
I’ve always been passionate about many different things. Living a healthy lifestyle is the foundation for being able to create and feel good while doing it. I’ve loved sharing parts of my life along the way.
Your content often focuses on wellness and living intentionally. What are a few non-negotiable habits that help you stay balanced?
Balance is a funny one. I recently discovered in a call with my life coach that balance can’t exist without opposing properties, which got me thinking. I often refer to myself doing my best to balance work with my personal life, but those are both equally important to me, so instead I’ve reframed my way of thinking. If feeling grounded is ever changing, these are the basic cornerstones I can rely on that create the best foundation for success. Without getting too granular, prioritizing sleep, eating a clean whole food diet, moving my body, hydrating and getting outside to walk or sit in the sun. After that, I’d add in community, which could look like a workout with friends, gathering as a family, or collaborating on projects. There's so much pride and purpose I find in a healthy dose of togetherness.
You’ve shared your love of home renovations and DIY projects. What’s your favorite project you’ve tackled recently?
Well, we’re kind of always embarking on some sort of real estate project. In the last year, my husband and I, but mostly my husband, renovated 3 investment properties. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little to build a portfolio of homes, and thankfully I have the perfect partner to dive into it with. We’re also currently wrapping up a project at our own home. We added two sets of 10ft sliding doors to our living space that open up to our pool and side yard with a new terracotta tile patio so we can have a better indoor/outdoor flow. Next, we’re tackling our coffee bar. We really love Spanish colonial revival style, so until we find our dream property, adding flares of that to our home now has been a lot of fun.
Your style always feels approachable and effortless. How would you describe your fashion philosophy?
I actually don’t have a major grip on style. I would say I feel most confident when I’m wearing something that’s giving tomboy chic, if that makes sense. I like to be comfortable, and I’m not afraid to take a chance here and there, but traditionally I’m kind of your good pair of jeans with a solid basic or comfy set.
Daniella’s Digest has become a trusted resource for wellness and clean living. What inspired you to create it?
So many different experiences throughout my life have brought me back to my tried and true, ever-evolving wellness habits. From family having cancer, to my IBS diagnosis, chronic bloating and indigestion, and so forth. I can’t show up as my best in all the different roles I play in my life, on screen and not, unless I show up for myself first, so Daniella’s Digest has become a place for me to pepper in digestible tips that feel approachable for people looking to live a little more consciously.
You’ve become a respected advocate for cruelty-free and plant-based living. What advice would you give someone who wants to make more mindful lifestyle choices without feeling overwhelmed?
I’d say simplify. Anytime anyone asks me how to live more ethically, I try to remind them that if we plant the seed in our consciousness to show up differently in our life, whatever that may mean, half the work is done. Then it just comes to awareness. Nowadays, we have the options and advocating for options that align with your lifestyle choices are for more readily available than they were when I went vegan 27 years ago. Now, it’s just about leaning into what intuitively feels right to you. We’re all consumers and every time we purchase something, we have a choice, so reading labels might become your new hobby. And if that’s too much, you can start by making products and food from scratch.
You’re balancing acting, entrepreneurship, content creation, and family life. Have you become better at saying “no” to protect your time?
Yes and no. For the first 5 years of motherhood, my focus wasn’t on acting. I didn’t know how to do both well. Now that I’ve made the choice to dive back in, I’m loving the opportunities that have manifested. There may come a time when I have to reel it in, but for the most part, everything has organically made sense so far, and thanks to my husband, we’ve been able to support each other throughout this unique new chapter.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography STORM SANTOS
styling ANNA SHILLING
