We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniela Velez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniela below.
Hi Daniela, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
In many weird ways, my life so far has been a series of calculated risks, each one shaping my ability to embrace uncertainty and embrace new opportunities. From my teenage years as a model and a finalist in the Miss NY Teen Pageant to navigating the challenges of pursuing higher education after coming of age during a recession, I learned early in life the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone.
Despite initially pursuing a safe career path in accounting, I followed my passion for creative writing, a decision that required courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Transitioning from publishing to nonprofit fundraising after college was another leap of faith. Even more so after I decided to become a consultant after just a few years of working in safe, salaried positions.
My approach to life has been about calculated risk-taking, stepping beyond my comfort zone to find fulfillment. And while that means I need to take many things seriously, weighing all my options, I’ve never taken myself too seriously. That is what has made all of it really fun and exciting.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Certified Fund Raising Executive by day, helping nonprofits (mainly arts, civic engagement, and social justice organizations) secure the funding they need to make a real difference in the world. But I’m also an artist and the proud owner of Wild Hudson Studio, my small but mighty creative venture. What gets me fired up about both of these gigs is the opportunity to be creative and control my own schedule, for the most part.
As a fundraiser, I get to craft narratives that inspire people to support causes they care about, whether it’s through compelling grant proposals or engaging donor appeals. It’s all about connecting people with the impact they can make, and that’s pretty damn exciting.
Then there’s Wild Hudson Studio, where I get to unleash my creativity in a whole different way. From mixed-media art to home decor pieces, every thing I make tells a story—whether it’s about resilience, self-discovery, or simply finding beauty in the chaos.
What’s most special about what I do? It’s gotta be the freedom to express myself authentically and make a positive impact while doing it. Whether I’m helping organizations raise critical funds or creating art that sparks conversation and connection, it’s all about leaving a mark – and having a good time in the process.
As for what’s new, well, with Wild Hudson Studio I’m always working on strange new things. I’ve got some exciting new collections in the works, and I’ll be trying my hand at setting up in markets in the Hudson Valley for the first time ever this year. I’ve been a part of a local non-profit, ArtsMidHudson’s Dutchess Handmade pop-up shop twice, and it’s made me want put myself out there more. For the last four years, Wild Hudson Studio has mainly been selling virtually. Keep an eye on my socials for all the latest updates – trust me, you won’t want to miss out!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When reflecting on qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey, I’ve come to realize the importance of several key traits:
Emotional Detachment: Learning to step back and detach myself from my work and life circumstances during moments of frustration or stress has been invaluable. By not letting myself get too emotionally invested or worked up, I’ve been able to gain perspective and navigate challenges with a clearer mind. Sometimes you just got to let that shit rock and come back later when you’re feeling better.
Deconstructing Resilience and Advocating for Change: Beyond simply bouncing back from setbacks, I’ve come to realize the importance of deconstructing resilience – questioning why things need to be so hard in the first place. Through my experiences, I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for change and ensuring that others don’t have to endure the same challenges I faced. Whether it’s by sharing my own experiences, offering guidance, or actively working to dismantle barriers, I strive to empower others and pave a smoother path for those who follow.
Effective Communication: Honing my communication skills has been vital to my growth and development. Whether it’s conveying ideas clearly, listening actively, or navigating difficult conversations, strong communication has helped me build relationships, resolve conflicts, and advance in my career.
For those embarking on their own journey, I offer this advice: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Stay true to your passions and values, and never lose sight of your ability to make a difference. Success is rarely a straight line, and comparing your journey to others will only hold you back. Instead, focus on building a supportive community, seek inspiration from others, and embrace the unique path that lies ahead.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
This question brings to mind the often misquoted Shakespeare line, “A jack of all trades is a master of none,” It continues, “but often times better than a master of one.” To me, it’s all about embracing versatility and diversity in skills rather than just honing in on one thing.
Think about it—when you have a variety of skills under your belt, you become like this Swiss Army knife, ready for whatever life throws your way. Sure, you might not be the absolute best at one thing, but you can handle a whole bunch of stuff pretty darn well. And in today’s fast-paced world, being adaptable and flexible is key. For example, my design skills are pretty great and bringing that to my fundraising work has helped me really stand out when submitting applications with well-designed, highly visual materials. I also love woodburning. Handburning the designs for my Wild Hudson Studio candles has made them unique and popular in a super oversaturated market.
Being more well-rounded also helps with problem-solving. When you’ve got a bunch of different skills to draw from, you can tackle challenges from different angles and perspectives. It’s like having a whole arsenal of tools in your toolbox. Plus, being a jack of all trades opens up many doors for collaboration. I find it easy to connect the dots between different fields and collaborate with a whole spectrum of people from different backgrounds. That kind of interdisciplinary teamwork? It’s where the magic happens.
While some might say that specializing or niche-ing down is the way to go, I’m all about embracing the full range of my abilities and gaining new ones. Being a jack of all trades isn’t about settling—it’s about thriving in a constantly changing world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildhudsonstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhudsonstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieladvelez/
Image Credits
Christine Butler (for the 3-person image);
