Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Galdi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents and am the youngest of four daughters. My family is my world and have supported me through all the good, great, bad, and low points, and everyday, I am so grateful for this. I currently reside in Philadelphia with my boyfriend (who has also been by my side for many years supporting me in my endeavors), our sweet cat, Jolene, and nearby to a great circle of friends I consider my family. At three years old, I started dance class and although I cried hysterically on stage my first year, I’ve never left the stage since! I’ve danced and performed in many styles (singing, acting, comedy improv, choreographing, producing live performance and video) — entertainment and arts is apart of me and fuels my fire. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance performance and education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and have been working on executing my own ideas ever since.
During the time of transitioning from college to “real life,” was also when my anxiety and depression hit hard — something I hadn’t realized I was suffering with. Flash forward, after receiving therapy, getting back to taking care of myself holistically, opening a Pilates and Fitness Center at 24 years old, closing it (by choice) by 28 to continue to pursue that fire inside me for entertainment, I began assessing where else I could turn to branch out into the industry and continue to be creative in my art and ideas. My love for meeting new people, hearing their story and messages, and helping them promote their message and ventures led me to begin training as an on-camera host/personality.
After years of training and hands-on experience with local digital networks, I received the opportunity to represent one of my most inspirational influencers and became Shark Tank investor, Lori Greiner’s Back-Up Host on the QVC home shopping channel. Although it seemed as though everything was working out, the uncertainty, insecurities, fears, doubts really hit hard and I found myself in a downward spiral of depression and anxiety; however, as they say “make your mess your message,” and from this dark time stemmed my organization, Still Standing Together, a support and empowerment organization for women to bring them mental health resources, therapies, and tools and connect them with social support through support groups, workshops, a motivational and education podcast, and much more to help them through struggling circumstances occurring in their lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were many, many personal struggles of insecurity, doubt, fear, outside influence and validation, constant rejection, perfectionist mentality, heightened anxiety and depression, panic attacks — my mind was constantly spiraling out of control. The lack of information I knew or understood about mental health in general, but also my personal mental state and stability, and how powerfully it can affect our lives, decisions, reactions, etc., held me back from fully living. While I still constantly work on managing peace of mind from morning to night everyday, the road has gotten smoother because I am aware of what I need to work on to approach the world, people, and situations in it.
Still Standing Together – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
There are many things I may be known for — I am a self-starter — and for many years, I felt very ashamed by this. What was wrong with me? Everyone is going to think I’m a flake. These were all constant thoughts that run through my head, but now I can say with pride and confidence — I am a self-starter. I am motivated, driven, I have many talents and capabilities, I intend on learning and taking on everything I want to in this one life I have to live, I believe possibilities are endless and I am finally proud of all of this and hope to encourage that for others. I think this is the wave of the future and I am so happy for upcoming generations that having many passions and purposes within careers is more acceptable. I LOVE finding solutions and problem solving, looking at every possible angle and perspective to make things happen (I credit this to my lifelong background in the arts). With that said, I specialize in many areas and industries — performance arts, live and video production, on-air talent, fitness and rehabilitation, holistic health and wellness, business development and media marketing.
Currently, I work on QVC home shopping channel as a Back-Up Host for Lori Greiner, investor from ABC’s Shark Tank. I also produce and host a digital lifestyle show called Around The Table, interviewing guests through interviews and how-tos on their expertise with the intention of creating resources for viewers to gather with others and spend time together in sharing their passions. My baby, Still Standing Together, is a support and empowerment organization for women providing mental health resources, tools, therapies, and social support.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Starting a business at 24 years old with very little experience in business.
Pricing:
- For anyone looking for mentorship in idea, business, or project development that include an emotional empowerment approach, they can schedule a one-on-one call with me at $85.
Contact Info:
- Website: danielagaldi.com stillstandingtogether.com
- Phone: 2677049703
- Email: hello@danielagaldi.com
- Instagram: @daniela_galdi @stillstandingtogether
- Facebook: facebook.com/danielagaldidotcom
- Twitter: @daniela_galdi
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCglXOIJIkzjbFemaoz63MCg
Image Credit:
Kelsey Stanger, Melissa Alam, Taylor Mancuso
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