We had the good fortune of connecting with Daisy De Anda and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Daisy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors throughout my entire professional career, and they’ve been instrumental in my growth. But something was missing. Most of my mentors, from high school to my early career, were of a particular age, race, and gender. They didn’t look like me, they didn’t sound like me, and I didn’t always feel like I belonged in their world. Don’t get me wrong—they were incredible. They taught me so much, took me under their wing, and helped ignite a passion in me and nurtured it and watered it with guidance, leadership and many resources.
However, as I advanced in my career, I couldn’t help but think about how different my journey might have been if I had seen myself in my mentors. What if a Latinx or a person of color had been guiding me? Would I have found my confidence sooner? Would I have felt more understood in spaces where diversity was often lacking?
That’s why I founded Dayz & Co.—to be that representation and support system for women of color, for the BIPOC community, and for anyone who feels unseen. I want to show up for them in a way that resonates, to be their ‘Professional Development Amiga,’ someone who truly understands their challenges and their potential. My goal is to empower my clients to gain clarity and seize opportunities as they navigate their careers, with our cultura in mind.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to help others gain clarity and realize their full potential. Whether they’re advancing in their current roles or pivoting to new opportunities, it’s incredibly rewarding to see their eyes light up when they realize they can achieve their goals. I take pride in being that guiding light, encouraging them to embrace their expertise and pursue new challenges with confidence.
My journey to where I am today in business wasn’t easy. I started as a pregnant teenager in the legal industry, taking a non-traditional path from an intern to a part-time role and eventually a full-time position. I spent 15 years with the same firm, growing from an intern to a manager. Transitioning into entrepreneurship came with its own set of challenges. The learning curve was steep, and building a business required a lot of perseverance and adaptability. I documented my journey and used those insights to help others navigate their own professional paths, which has been a key part of my success.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing a holistic view of one’s career. It’s not just about the 9-to-5 job but also about how we engage with our professional community, including volunteering, networking, and contributing to various boards or publications. This comprehensive approach to career development has been instrumental in helping my clients rediscover their professional selves.
What I want the world to know about my brand, Dayz & Co., is that it’s built on the foundation of authentic mentorship and empowerment. My story is one of transformation and growth—both my own and that of those I work with. I’m passionate about guiding people to see their full potential and helping them achieve it. My goal is to empower individuals to confidently navigate their careers and make a meaningful impact in their professional lives.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am from the IE (aka the Inland Empire) and my hometown is Riverside, a close 60 minute drive to the ocean, mountains or dessert in Socal. We are a city rich in history, known for our orange groves and orange packing houses back in the 1800’S. My parents moved here from OC in the 90’s because it offered a more affordable cost of living. Today Downtown Riverside is filled with art, museums, local eats and hiking trails too! It’s become more of a college town now. And we have festivals for everything from: Charles Dickens Festival (victorian era – where people dress up in victoria era dress), Dia De Los Muertos Fest (we honor our loved ones with altars and catrinas/catrines), a Lunar Festival and the Famous Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn during the Holidays.
For good drinks ProAbition’s cocktail menu (https://www.proabition.com/), for good mexican food and ambiente (latest latin music) Fired Up (https://www.fireupgrillca.com/) – both are off Main St. in downtown Riverside. I would definitely recommend hiking Mt. Rubidoux for a beautiful scenic view of the inland empire and visiting The Cheech, a museum center focused on the exhibition and study of Chicano art from across the United States.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been in the legal industry for 20 years, starting at just 18. I like to say, ‘I didn’t choose the law library life, it chose me.’ My journey began back in 2004 as an intern for the Southern California Association of Law Libraries (SCALL) Community Youth Internship Experience (CYIE), and the rest is history. My path was non-traditional—I began as an teen intern, and that role evolved into a part-time position. After my summer internship at a law firm ended, I started my first year of college as a first-generation student at UCR. After completing my first semester, I returned to the law firm to seek employment, and surprisingly, they hired me part-time. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I transitioned to a full-time role with the firm.
Now, 20 years later, I’ve grown from an intern to a legal researcher and now a manager at an Amlaw50 firm. In a full circle moment, I now sit on the CYIE Committee board and pay it forward to place the next generation of Daisies in the legal industry. This community embraced me, no questions asked and it’s been an incredible two-decade journey of learning and growth.
Instagram: @dayzandco
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisydeanda/
Other: Get to Know Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxfNvj619kY
Image Credits
Eddypanphotography