The changes ahead - life update

EEEEEEEEEK - I can barely contain my excitement. I know it's still a few months away but every time I think about the fact that I will be living in London again I could squeal!

It truly feels like a chance to grow, learn, and explore a city I’ve lived in before but not truly experienced. The first time I studied in London I was 21, and only there for a semester abroad. The second time was smack-middle of COVID, so everything was shut and we were all isolating - I actually completed 90% of that degree virtually, so I am THRILLED to be able to experience London at its full capacity. Especially now that I have adult money and savings - it's not a cheap city, that's for sure.

Getting to attend UCL's School of Management truly is the biggest cherry on top of the entire experience. I am equal parts excited and nervous to dive back into Academia, but it just feels right.

Why I’m Moving Early

Since a lot of things were closed or limited the last time i lived in London, and I didn’t get to explore the city or settle in properly - I'm heading over early! I want to give myself enough time to find the right apartment, get even more familiar with the neighborhoods, and settle in! It'll also be nice to adjust to the time difference and catch my breath before diving head in to my studies.

Saying Goodbye to My Talent Agency

Another big change is that I (as Dresswithdani) recently decided to move away from being managed by a talent agency. This shift is both exciting and a bit scary, but I believe it will help me grow professionally and personally - as well as make it much easier for me to stay authentic, which is extremely important to me.

Why did i get an agency to begin with?While I am pretty type A when it comes to business, and have 20+ years of work experience under my belt, I did not have the first clue when it came to the influencer world. I wasn't sure what my rates should be, what SOW standards were, how to read or red-line contracts of this nature, or - to be honest - how much freaking work this all took! 😵‍💫 Considering I found myself becoming a creator essentially overnight, management made sense - till it didn't. 1.5 years and the stark realization that I absolutely do not want to do influencing full time later, I feel ready to take back the reins and exhaleeeee ♥️

Also having my manager tell me "Danira, you could literally manage a roster of talent yourself!' was definitely a huge vote of confidence!

Upcoming Trip to Bosnia

I am also headed back to Bosnia soon with my family! My sister is coming this time too and I could not be more excited. We rarely all get to be in our motherland at the same time due to work schedules and varying PTO's, so I am insanely grateful to be getting this time together! 🥺

I am also absolutely planning on bribing my sister to be a pseudo-videographer for me this trip, so I can finally give you some real Bosna content!!! 😌

So far I have:

• Spend a day with me in Gorazde (my hometown)

• Eating our way around Sarajevo

• Outfits I wore in Bosna

• My top 5 things to do when I visit Bosna

If there are any other things you'd like to see, let me know! I'm always so happy to share my culture with you ♥️

Final Thoughts

This all feels like a lot in the coming months - and it is... but I’m ready to dive in. These are all parts of a bigger plan to grow and live more authentically while I have the opportunity to do so. Time is so insanely fleeting, and nothing is really promised to us... that is something I have had my eyes opened to over the last two years. Sorry to get a little morbid, but I do think it helps to put things in to perspective a little. Chase those dreams, and spend time with the people who make you feel alive.

With all that said... if you’re thinking about making a big change, whether it’s moving to a new city, going back to school, pivoting in your career, remember that it’s okay to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Taking risks is always a little terrifying - especially when there isn't a safety net... but I truly would rather live a life of "I can't believe I did that!" than one of "I wish I lived louder" 🫶🏻

Also very important to mention you haveee to get your money right first and have a security/backup fund! chasing dreams is important but often glamorized online - always be fiscally smart, girls! it took me 2 years to save up for this transition, and it was worth it. So if you have a goal, start saving what you can now. Yes, it will take time, but time flies anyway.

Right, that's all from me for today- dumped quite a bit out at once!😅 I missed chatting like this, and will do my absolute best to be more consistent. Here’s to new beginnings and the adventures that come with them! And above all - sharing them with YOU! 🥂