Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Coulanges.
Hi Danielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Since childhood, two things have always been true for me: I have a deep passion for writing, and there’s a sage within me who loves offering advice and guiding others. Throughout my life, I’ve embraced both wholeheartedly.
Full disclosure, I haven’t always been the wise one. Especially when it came to relationships. As a young woman I was business savvy and creative; but raised as a sheltered “good girl,” I was totally inexperienced when it came to men. So, when I met a charismatic fashion photographer in my early twenties, I fell heads over hills despite flagrant signs that he was a self-absorbed ladies’ man, strongly focused on building a lucrative business.
Our tumultuous time together led to one of my most personal projects, my first book, Cads, Princes, and Best Friends, which began as a therapeutic journal after the breakup of our ten-year relationship. That book marked the start of my journey in formally sharing relationship and life advice. My testimony highlights how faith in God, coupled with the support of family and friends, can help anyone navigate life’s challenges—whether overcoming financial struggles or healing from heartbreak. I am proof that one can rebuild, find happiness, and even embrace love again.
Returning to college as an adult, I paired my Economics degree with a minor in English Literature, nurturing my dream of writing professionally. Every experience—whether joyful, challenging, or deeply reflective—becomes fuel for my writing, in the form of poems, essays, blogs, and most recently a vlog.
After decades working in finance in New York, and later teaching French at a high school in Houston – I am a native of the French and Creole speaking island of Haiti – I’m now devoted to coaching others and sharing life lessons through my writing. This lifelong calling continues to inspire and fulfill me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road for me? Far from it, my friend. If success were easy, the world would be full of bored people searching for their next thrill. My journey, just like that of the average man or woman, has been fraught with challenges that keep me growing. The truth is, nothing worthwhile comes without effort—you have to put in the work, invest the time, and channel your energy.
What I’ve learned through my various endeavors is that every new pursuit comes with a learning curve, and its own set of requirements, methods, and processes. Writing professionally and reaching an audience—whether through reading or social media—is no exception.
For Danielle, the creator, writing comes naturally, but the publishing process has been an entirely different challenge. Publishing is a business—one where enterprise often outweighs creativity. As an independent writer, you’re not just an author; you’re also your own editor, publisher, marketer, publicist, and speaker. Juggling all these diverse roles can be overwhelming and exhausting, but it’s part of the journey toward success.
Adding to the challenge, today’s authors are also expected to maintain an active social media presence, something unnatural to a boomer like me. The number of hats I wear are as numerous as my collection of wigs!
To navigate this ever-evolving landscape, this sixty-something auntie has become a student of the process, taking the time to learn and build my brand—one piece of writing and one post at a time. My goal is to grow my audience so that my message of hope and the possibility of finding true love reaches as many people as possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My professional journey has been anything but linear. For several years I was Dee La Cool, a New York City fashion designer. Then I spent a couple of decades as a Compliance Manager in the financial services industry, and later transitioned into Madame Coulanges, teacher, after moving to Houston.
My creative life similarly evolved through various phases, a testament to my diverse passions. In my early twenties, I aspired to a career in singing and acting—I still sing for fun. Then fashion design tapped into my love of beautiful clothes, but ultimately, the love of writing that had always been within me took center stage.
Several years ago, I launched my blog, One Aging Diva, where I share my reflections on life, faith, and relationships. Over time, I realized that I was often the one friends and family turned to for advice. This natural role of listening, guiding, and sharing my own experiences became the foundation of my mission—to inspire others.
My proudest moment this far, happened in October 2024, when my second book, Marry Your Best Friend, debuted as an Amazon #1 New Release. I wrote this practical guide to dating and relationships to help individuals in their journey of finding and building a lasting partnership—from dating to deep connection to marriage. Auntie combines juicy bits of her own personal experiences together with interviews with others, celebrity insights, and research from an online survey, to offer tips and strategies on how to successfully date and eventually connect with a potential partner for a life-long relationship.
My blog later evolved into a YouTube vlog, D’Auntie Speaks, inspired by the soul-nourishing relationships I share with my nieces, nephews, godchildren, and even former students. Having survived my own relationship foibles and learning through trial and error what makes a romantic partnership work, I call myself a “self-proclaimed relationship expert.” I am an observer of life who blends personal experiences with research to help others reach their full potential and find the love they deserve.
What sets me apart from traditional relationship experts is that this isn’t a business for me—it’s a ministry. I’m simply sharing the wisdom acquired and passing on the blessings I’ve been fortunate to receive.
I believe love is one of life’s greatest gifts. Everyone deserves the beautiful life, one that includes a deep connection with God, a strong relationship with self, and a fulfilling romantic partnership. Creating a good life or maintaining a healthy relationship is not a breeze, however. You work hard to maintain a lifestyle; you strive to grow in your career, you manage your finances to build wealth. Well, a relationship is no different. You must be willing to make the necessary investment in building partnership through communication, caring, honesty, dependability, among other things.
I’ve been successfully married for twenty-three years to a man who still inspires me to have a secret smile, and with whom I share continuous laughter daily. I’ve done the work. That is why I am not afraid to talk about my life and my challenges as well as publicly celebrate what works, sharing tips on how to build healthy, lasting relationships. I offer honest, heartfelt guidance—just like your favorite auntie would.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Anyone starting out as a professional writer or in any other field should be as prepared as possible by learning the business side of what you engage in, especially when working independently. Surround yourself with supportive people who genuinely care about your growth. Build a community by connecting with other creatives, authors, and industry professionals to learn and collaborate. Stay observant—life and people provide endless inspiration for relevant and engaging content. Hone your craft by writing consistently, and study the success of others, incorporating strategies that align with your style. Find your niche, that is where you will thrive.
Most importantly, patience is key; developing your craft and growing your brand takes time. While financial rewards can be a goal, the true fulfillment comes from doing what you love—using your skills to create, inspire, or help others. Success isn’t defined by numbers but by the depth of connection with those who resonate with your message.
I’m grateful to be in a place where, having learned these principles, I’ve fully embraced my role as D’Auntie. As an author, coach, teacher, sage, and encourager extraordinaire, I’m here to inspire and guide you—one step at a time—toward your best real life and a truly fabulous love life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellecoulanges.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dauntie1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellecoulangesmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ByFaithMusic
