Daina Das - Beauty Is Not a Single Image, but the Active Embodiment and Celebration of the Self (Influencer)

Instagram - @_d.a.i.n.a_

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am a 18 years old fashion blogger . I was born on October 25,2002. I am currently pursuing BSc. Chemistry honours 2nd year. I belong to a middle class family. My father is a banker and my mother is a housewife. I have a younger sister studying in class 11. She was my secret supporter when none of my family members knew that I was into blogging.

Journey 

I was in 12th when I used to post my makeup and fashion looks everyday on Instagram. So my sister and friends encouraged me to start blogging. But I was never serious about it. And then it was lockdown when I finally decided that this is it and now here I am!


2. How did you become a model and reach this stage?

I still don't consider myself as a model because I have never done any professional photoshoot. All my pictures are clicked by myself. I just tried the best to connect with my audience and I guess they really liked my work.

I got my first paid collaboration on Instagram when I had only 3k followers. It was a British beauty brand 'Tres Belle'. That day I realized that if your content is good enough then followers criteria doesn't matter much . And sooner people started appreciating my work. That inspired me to work even harder and take blogging on a serious note.


3. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?

Beauty is not a single image, but the active embodiment and celebration of the self . So as per me every body shape is a perfect body shape . It's important to be healthy and active from inside and there is no particularly shape which would justify that you are the acceptable or not.

Therefore I always try my best to pamper Myself with all the self love and be confidential of me.


4. How important is social media validation in your profession?

For me social media validation won't matter at all if someone is not self contented. If you yourself are not happy with what you are doing then you won't feel satisfied no matter how much other people appreciate your work. Social media validation is necessary but not a priority. Do what you love and let others admire you for that.


5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high pressure glamorous field?

There is cut-throat competition in the glamour field. And this has given rise to serious mental health issues which can't be ignored. But still I would say 'don't lose that competition spirit in you. 

Be your own competitor. Focus on improving yourself rather than being jealous of others success. Because at the end of the day mental peace is what matters. 


6. What are some of your upcoming projects?

I have already worked with several Indian brand like Mcaffeine, Mamaearth, Thedermacoindia, Giva co. etc. Currently I am in partnership with India's one of the most trusted lingerie and lounge brand, Clovia where I have got my own boutique and you can buy anything for 20% off putting my partner code - dainadas20. 

My upcoming projects are with two international brands from Korea and Dubai. Well I am not gonna reveal much about it for now so as to save you all from spoilers. Damn excited to be a part of International Brands.

https://dainadas.clovia.com/

- Interviewed by - Sanjana Jain