"As I grew to stop focusing on others and start focusing on myself and my goals I just felt more free and happier."
Tuesday 4 June 2024, Canterbury High Street, United Kingdom
Who are we talking to? Daniel
Who is the interviewer? Jolanda
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JOLANDA: Hello.
DANIEL: Hello, hello, hello.
JOLANDA: How are you today?
DANIEL: I’ve been chilling.
JOLANDA: Okay so we gave a few questions, but first things first- What are you passionate about? Why?
DANIEL: One thing I'm passionate about is fashion.
One thing I love about fashion, I love the way that it helps me to express myself and helps me to be more confident, because, knowing me, I have a lot of insecurities and dressing up and just dressing up in my own style, just helps me to be more confident.
I look at myself in the mirror. I'm like, yeah!! This outfit, this is what I like, this is what I like. It just helps me, like boost my confidence. So fashion, I'll say fashion… also like wanting to influence, hopefully to influence others to be more confident in what their own style and what they like to dress as.
JOLANDA: How did you discover that fashion could be that outlet for you?
DANIEL: “I think it was more like okay”…. He begins to explain, “So first of all it started like lockdown. So at first it was more like, on and off, so I just looked at it but didn't really think of much. But then when I came back to school, like Year 12, Year 13, that's when I started dressing up and trying out different things. Then Year 13 is when I properly started dressing up and then people started noticing it and I just thought like, “Oh, you know, I actually like this sh*t.” Like, because I got people even complimenting me saying that, “Oh, Daniel I want to dress like this.” I'm like I like this, you know. And then I think it's when I came to uni, that's when I started to like to take pictures and stuff like that. That's when I thought, “Okay this is what I like to do, this is what helps me feel more confident in myself.” Yeah, helping [me] to express myself. Like people know now that, okay, Daniel likes fashion, this is what Daniel likes to do. So, like, instead of me having to explain myself, that people can see what I like to do.
JOLANDA: I love that, okay so was there someone or something that happened that sparked your passion?
DANIEL: I feel like, for me, I've always been creative, so I've always been drawing, always doing art , I've always been writing like a bunch of stories and stuff. But I feel like it was hard for me to know exactly what I wanted to do later on, until I started exploring different things. Yeah, then I started looking, until I started exploring different things. So, when I started looking into fashion, I started selectively picking the clothes I wanted myself. That's when I started like, okay, I looked at artists, like Tyler, the Creator, and not even just Tyler, the Creator, but also like fashion shows and stuff like that. I'm just like I like this and I started to use that, but to make it my own style.
So it's like a mix, mix of different artists, mix of different just fashion shows and my own creativity, Because I've always been creative but then when I started going into fashion. I started picking, selectively picking like I'm very picky about what I want and how it can express me well. So when I pick that out, I'm just like, okay, this is what I want to wear, this is what I want to do. So, like I used, for example, Tyler, the Creator if you know he has a fashion brand Golf, I use like, for example, that and I use it to make my own unique style.
I didn't copy word for word, just like you said okay, this is what I like. This is the style I like. Let me make it to my own, different type and then you know, it speaks volumes for itself.
JOLANDA: Your fashion sense is lit.
DANIEL: Thank you thank you.
"My nickname was actually Danny Mash...don't ask how it started."
JOLANDA: How does it feel to think about your future?
DANIEL: I feel, I'm not going to lie. The right word to describe it is anxious. Like anxious is the right word. Because I have really bad anxiety, so anxious is the right word. But my God will provide though.
JOLANDA: Amen!!
DANIEL: My God will provide so I have faith. Amen!
JOLANDA: What's something you’re excited about that's happening in the near future?
DANIEL: I'm not gonna lie, graduating. I feel like not because, “Oh, I don't want to do any more assignments, I'm tired of it.” I think it's more like because I've been through a lot, even when I was young. So it's more of a pat on the back. Because a lot of times, not even just in uni, but in high school and primary school, where I should have just dropped out, because of mental health reasons.
And not just should I drop out, but like a lot of people, a lot of teachers, were concerned that maybe that you shouldn't, that you shouldn't do this, but then I still kept going and now look where I am now, amen! So that's why I'm just like if I graduate. It's like a massive pat on the back. I'll be so proud of myself. That's what I hope to achieve in the near future.
JOLANDA: Okay so these are some more personal questions, Average wake up time/bedtime
DANIEL: Honestly it depends, like if I'm on a night out it's gonna be like 5 AM, not because I come back at 5 AM. Mainly because I come back and then I like to listen to music a lot. So I just chill, just listen to music and then go to sleep or just come chill and then watch a bit of Netflix.
You know I always gotta watch my Netflix and make sure I need to catch up on the latest news. You know what I mean.
So maybe like 5 AM and a night out, but then usually 1 AM, 11 yeah 12. But if I want to go to gym then I wake up at like 5 and so go to sleep at like 10.
JOLANDA: What is your dream job as a child?
DANIEL: Dream job: pilot. I remember because I used to love, I used to be obsessed with planes.
JOLANDA: Yeah?
DANIEL: Because I used to live very close to the airport. So where I used to live, I used to see planes fly over me and I used to like, literally, pick out the planes. I know exactly what airlines is this. So this is Singapore, Qatar, and Emirates. I'd be like, okay, I'm going to fly around the world, travel around the world, so I always wanted to be when I was young.
JOLANDA: That's so cute. What is something you dreamed of doing for a long time, but haven't done already?
DANIEL: There's two things, so I can't say, but it's kind of similar in a way. So, one is I always want to go to fashion week. So like either Paris, Milan, but fashion week
JOLANDA: If you had to pick between like Paris, Milan or London, which one would you go to?
DANIEL: I feel like Milan OOO!!! because that's like the fashion capital. I love to see it for myself Because I've seen the pictures. I've seen the pictures of the Milan Fashion Week. Paris Fashion Week Ii lit too like the vibe is there. I feel like for after parties: Paris Fashion. I’d love to see and experience London Fashion Week. I’d loved it for the first time. I’d love to experience it myself.
But then Milan that's like the BIG fashing capital. I’d like to see it myself. If I had the chance, DAMN I'm there and then that kind of links with also the next thing, Fashion modelling as well. So I’d love to model for a brand and just like… because I just like express, a brand that fits with my style, fits with my aesthetic. I just want to express myself. I just love to just be myself, just be like dress up how I want to be.
JOLANDA: Are there any like High fashion brands that you think represent you, or like if you had the chance to work for them, you would do it in an instant?
DANIEL: 100. Oh my God. I feel like it's not. It depends on what exactly I feel like if a high fashion brand, let's say Louis Vuitton, I feel like that one matches my theme
JOLANDA: Especially, since I think Pharrell has been on it.
DANIEL: Yeah, I feel like Louis Vuitton yeah, Louis Vuitton matches my thing. But also I feel like more like streetwear brands like Carhartt, Golf, you know Tyler, the Creator’s brand. I feel like those were the ones I really liked, that really matched my vibe. So if I was asked to model for Golf, or even Urban Outfitters and ASOS, 100%, I'll be so happy.
JOLANDA: What are some songs you’ve been listening to lately?
DANIEL: So listen, I've been listening to West Side Gun and the Alchemist, you know them?
JOLANDA: Yeah
DANIEL: I have a whole obsession over it, like West Side Gun and the Alchemist at the moment. So right now I'm just playing them out fully and my favourite song is “Obsession” by the alchemist. That's my favourite, so, yeah, I've been listening to them recently.
JOLANDA: What's your proudest accomplishment?
DANIEL: My biggest accomplishment is overcoming my insecurities and finally being confident in myself. As I grew to stop focusing on others and start focusing on myself and my goals I just felt more free and happier.
Finally overcoming people pleasing, so finally putting boundaries and actually knowing my worth is what I feel is my proudest accomplishment, there's a lot of others but I feel like this one is my main one. Because this one is one I was struggling to stop doing, because I always like to put people's needs before me because I cared a lot.
I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulder like damn, that word no is powerful. When I start saying no, no, no, no, I said no, I don't like it like that, yeah, it just feels like, oh, finally, I'm in control of my thoughts, in control of how I want things I like. I like, I'm very like selected now about who can have access to my energy and stuff like that
JOLANDA: Was there any moment recently that made you feel that, or was there a moment you realised you stopped being a people pleaser?
DANIEL: It was hard to describe but it was like a switch, when I hit rock bottom that’s when I started to get back up and put me first. One of the old habits I had to get rid of was people pleasing Which was one of the hardest traits but through constant work and motivation from my friends like Sarah who helped me along the way I’d say I am extremely grateful for the friends I have and how they have also played a part of helping me to know my worth. I’d say I would thank God and my therapist for helping me.
JOLANDA: Describe yourself in three words.
DANIEL: I think a lot of my friends can agree extremely social butterfly, it's just a natural thing. I just like to talk and meet new people. Laid back. Even in school a lot of teachers would say, “Daniel you need to stop acting like you’re on vacation” like bro, I'm just chillin’ like literally. Creative I’d say. Optimistic as well.
JOLANDA: Do you have a nickname? What's the story behind it?
DANIEL: My nickname oh yeah, this is when I was at school. My nickname was actually Danny Mash, but Mash, this is actually so random. So basically…. it was so random. So basically it was Year 9. I remember this like rugby, yeah, so one of my sports coaches which is like still to this day, I think it's one of the best sports coaches I ever had. So basically it was like we're doing a rugby training session and I don't know how it started. Don't even ask how I started, but we started talking about mashed potatoes for some reason, right, and my second name, Mushonga, right, and he says “mash-onga” by mistake, like mash-onga, mashed potatoes, mashonga. That's when everyone said, “Oh, you know, I like that Mash.” And ever since then I don't remember, ever since Year 13, I don't remember the last time anyone's called me by my government name at school.
I know I find it quite cute though because it's kind of like people just call me Danny Mash or mash and it's good. It's like, damn, it's so awesome. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Yeah, and people do it, naturally, even people like, and I was like yeah, Mash Bro, but yeah.
JOLANDA: With everything going on in your life, what is something that has been on your mind recently?
DANIEL: Okay, there's two recent things I've said. One is a summer job. Gotta get my money. That's one thing. I need to get my money up. So looking for a job, that's been on my mind recently. But the second one is actually it hasn't been recently. I've actually had a few debates about this. I feel like just because you're older doesn't mean you're more mature or more wise.
I feel like a lot of people mistaken because you're older, let's say, I've met a lot of adults that are very immature and very like … a lot of narcissists adults, very immature, they handle things immaturely, yeah, and I remember I even had a whole argument with a whole adult like saying, “Oh, you shouldn't be doing this. This is how you should be doing this.” And it's me as a teen telling you how to do this.
It kind of feels like, yeah, that's what I realised. And, of course, childhood as well. Childhood experience I've just realised that there's a lot of just because you're older than someone doesn't mean you're more wise and doesn't mean you have to respect them. Respect is earned. If you don't respect me, I don't respect you. Don't expect me to call you when you don’t call me either.
JOLANDA: What’s your inspiration process or source?
DANIEL: My inspiration is more like um, there's not a specific. Like I said, it's not specific. It's more like I just go on different websites, clothing websites, look for what I like, picture in my head. A picture in my head like, “Okay, this is how I'm gonna style it.” And then when I say, okay, I'm gonna get now, so get the outfit, and then I plan it out. So it's more like looking at different streetwear brands that match with my type of vibe and what I like to express myself in so it's more like different streetwear brands.
"Just because you're older than someone doesn't mean you're more wise and doesn't mean you have to respect them. Respect is earned."
JOLANDA: Was there anyone who encouraged you to nurture your creativity?
DANIEL: I feel like, yeah, actually it's more like a mix. So either it's when I get complimented or when let's say, for example, someone says, “Oh, Daniel, I really want to dress more like you.” That kind of keeps me going like, okay, yeah, this is what I like to do. I like to inspire.
I want to inspire others just to help them feel more confident. So when someone says—I remember this one time, this kid from the year below, I've never spoken to him, this one in my school, he never spoke to him before he comes and messages me on snap. He's like, “Yo, are you the kid with the Air Jordan Ones, the green?” I'm like, “Yeah.” He's like, “I really f**k with your fit.” Like he said, “Your fit is fire” and I said, “Thank you.” He's like, “I'm really trying to dress more like you.” And it made me so happy.
Because I remember he used to send videos of his new outfits like “What do you think? I got this new thing.” I'm like, this is what I like. I like to help others feel more confident. So that fact that even became more confident now that you dressed more. So yeah, and also a lot of people have also been telling me that you should also go into fashion more. I'm like, yeah, so a mix some compliments and also inspire others
JOLANDA: That is so sweet. Okay describe the moment when you realised your passion?
DANIEL: Oh when I realised my passion. This was in my first year. I remember I was just taking pictures and editing them. I was like I really enjoyed this.
JOLANDA: I remember seeing your pictures. I was like okay alt boy.
DANIEL: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I remember when I was editing my pictures I was like, “I really like this. I like doing this.” And then when I post them and I just help others, some people just reply like “Daniel, like where'd you get this?” “I love this. I'm trying to dress like this.”
I'm like this is what I like. I like to inspire others, so this is fun. I like editing, I like dressing up, I like being myself. So I am doing something that I like to do, and I think I even spent hours Just editing and looking for clothes just to find out what's next. That's when I knew I started taking it seriously.
JOLANDA: So the next question, a bit of an odd one, Is there a specific food or drink you like to consume when you’re being creative?
DANIEL: There's no, there's actually. You know the funny thing, there's actually no food or drink. It's actually music. Listening to music helps me, like I always listen to music when I edit or when I like to pick out the pictures I want as my favourites, so I have to see this one.
JOLANDA: Is there a specific genre you gravitate towards?
DANIEL: Yeah, so it's like jazz lo-fi or, like I said, the Alchemist and West Side Gun.
JOLANDA: I don't know why I was expecting to like hip-hop.
DANIEL: It's hip-hop, yeah, but it's like, it's not like the, you know the—
JOLANDA: Not like your stereotypical.
DANIEL: Yeah, it's like the 90s, yeah it's a mix of that, like I put it on as soon as I play them. That's when I start editing it helps me to like okay, this is the vibe so yeah, I always play the music that matches the vibe of the outfit. So like, if I have an outfit that's like, let's say, sweater vest, then it's giving Tyler, the Creator. Then if I have, like let's say this yeah, I'm giving like 90 Hip Hop, then I choose which one.
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Photographers: Dante Richardson & Paolo
Photo editor: Dante Richardson
Photoshoot assistants: Hyla Etame, Vanessa Mbeko, & Jolanda Oruni
Interview editor: Hyla Etame
