Meet the former competitive Hawaiian dancer, hair and make-up artist, model and savvy businesswoman on a mission to inspire others…
Quality photo shoot, Danielle, congrats. How do you feel?
Thank you very much! I feel pretty amazing. This photo shoot really means a lot to me, actually. It really symbolises my becoming the woman of my dreams – resilient, sexy and unstoppable.
You look gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?
Thank you, I really appreciate the compliment. Looks are what draw you in but beauty really comes from within. I love getting dressed up, but I feel most sexy when I’m in my own skin, no make-up and gym clothes or casual attire.
What is your best asset?
I feel like my best asset is my heart, I wear it on my sleeve, and also my smile.
Tell us a little more about yourself, your background and life story so far.
I grew up in Orange County, CA, U.S.A.; most of my family is either in Hawaii or sprinkled around in Southern California. I attended a performing art school where I majored in Visual Arts and after high school I started my career in the beauty industry doing hair and make-up. Shortly after I decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee to grow my clientele and expand my experience in the industry. While I was out there I was hired to work with a band and spent a year travelling on tour with them as their hair and make-up artist. I’ve worked all the Country Music Award shows, red carpet events and with various country artists. I loved living out there but I’m a true California girl! I’ve been back in California for the last five years now, where I run my beauty businesses and opened my online crystal shop.
You grew up as a professional and competitive Hawaiian dancer, studied art and now run multiple beauty businesses and an online crystal shop. How do you juggle all this and still find time to model?
We make time for what’s important to us, right? I’m at a stage in my life right now where I am focusing on my happiness and myself. For me, modelling has been a tool for me to shine and share my heart and my journey with the people who support and follow me. And yes, my parents grew up on the island of O’ahu; so naturally, my mum enrolled me in a local Hula Studio. I danced professionally and competitively growing up until I started my career in the beauty industry.
You also love to study quantum physics. Why is that?
Simply put, it’s the way the universe works. What I love most about it, is that the more you know, the more you realise there is much more to know. It’s mind bending.
When you’re not posing for MAXIM, running your businesses or keeping fit, what else would we find you doing?
I am a true homebody, I recharge when I’m alone so I really value my time to myself. I don’t have a television in my home so you’ll find me curled up with my journal, a book or listening to a podcast.
Where’s the best place you’ve travelled to date?
Oh that is a really tough one to answer. I am so blessed that I’ve been able to travel to so many places, both domestically and internationally, but I think I would have to say, so far, Vietnam was my favourite. The locals are amazing and I got to shoot a huge machine gun while I was there!
Where would you travel to next?
I really want to go to Tulum, Mexico. I’d love to do a shoot out there.
Have you ever been to Australia?
I haven’t but it is on my list!
Besides koalas and kangaroos, what else do you know about Australia?
Opposite seasons!
What’s one thing you’d change about the world?
Currently, the polarity we are experiencing. I’d like to inspire others to not live in fear of one another.
Besides the trolls and haters, what do you dislike about social media?
I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love how I can connect with so many people on one platform but it also puts a lot of false pressure to be “perfect”.
What do you look for in a man?
Qualities I look for is drive and confidence. I find that to be a really sexy combination. I love a man who has goals and goes after them and who also supports me wholeheartedly in all that I do and is confident in the woman I am.
How can a man win his way to your heart?
Quality time is my number one love language. Time is one of the most valuable things we have and we don’t know how much we have left of it. I’m also pretty traditional when it comes to our roles in a relationship. I go wild for a man who is chivalrous.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Well, I can’t speak for all women but for me, it’s the little things that I take notice of and that make a huge impact.
What’s next for you?
I do have a couple of new and exciting things that I’m working on but they are still very early to announce. The best way to find out is to keep in touch and to follow me on Instagram! ■
Status Update
NAME: Danielle Blaquera
BORN: June 21
HOME TOWN: Laguna Hills, California U.S.A.
CURRENTLY LIVES: Irvine, California U.S.A.
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Resilient, sexy, unstoppable, small and mighty.”
BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “The ability to nap – anywhere.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Tito’s and soda.”
LIFE MOTTO: “If it comes, let it. If it goes, let it.”
INSTAGRAM & TIKITOK: @danielleblaquera
TWITTER: @DanielleBlaque
Photographed by RYAN DWYER (IG: @LETSHOOT)
Interview by SANTI PINTADO (IG: @SPINTADO)
For the full article grab the January 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
