We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Armstrong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I’ve learned that creativity is like a wildflower—it needs space to grow, not a rulebook telling it where to bloom. For me, that meant breaking free from everyone else’s opinions and finding what truly sparks me.
Recently, I heard Jay Shetty share that he listened to Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech every single day for nine months. Nine months! I thought, If it worked for him, it’s worth a shot. So now, every morning, I hit play on that speech like it’s my favorite song.
The line that always gets me? ‘Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.’ It’s my daily reminder that creativity suffocates under the weight of expectations.
So I’ve built little rituals to keep that spark alive—sometimes it’s sketching, sometimes journaling, and sometimes just creating without judgment. It’s like giving my brain recess every day. That’s how I keep creativity fun, fresh, and very much alive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I like to say I live at the intersection of art, whimsy, and buttercream. By day (and often by night), I’m the creator behind a brand that combines edible art—think couture-inspired floral cupcakes and over-the-top bouquets—with hand-painted illustrations that bring a little joy to everyday life.
What makes it special? Everything I create is about storytelling. A box of cupcakes isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration, a memory, a piece of art you can eat. And when I’m not piping roses, I’m painting them.
What’s new and exciting? So much! I’ve launched chic tote bags featuring my illustrations and luxe cupcake bouquet boxes that feel like opening a gift from a Parisian boutique. I’ve also started creating playful, fashion-forward illustrations for the International Diamond Center—which has been such a sparkling collaboration (pun intended!). And—this one makes me giddy—I’m bringing my artwork into local spaces and exploring more ways to partner with brands that share my love for design and creativity.
At the heart of it, I believe beauty should be experienced, not just observed. Whether it’s a hand-piped bloom or an illustration on your wall, my goal is to spark delight in the little moments. So yes, you could say I’m in the business of happiness—with a side of frosting.
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?
Curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.
For anyone early in their journey: don’t wait to feel ‘ready.’ Start now, stay curious, learn from the flops, and keep evolving.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I love collaborating with brands that share a passion for creativity, style, and storytelling. Recently, I’ve had so much fun creating custom illustrations for brands, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to bring ideas to life—whether that’s through art, product design, or unique marketing visuals.
If you’re a brand with a big imagination (and maybe a love for beautiful details), let’s make something amazing together! You can reach me at [email protected] or slide into my DMs on Instagram @decadentanddainty. Let’s dream big and create something unforgettable!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.decadentanddainty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decadentanddainty/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-armstrong-cf-apmp
- Other: https://www.decadentanddainty.com/portfolio
