5×5 With The Hook: Daniel Reyes.

Daniel Reyes is a husband, brand ambassador, lifestyle blogger with his own site/empire, a travel aficionado, a world-class foodie, an avid tweeter and a lover of life with a more powerful positive charge than a magnet.

Daniel really is larger than life, isn’t he?

He even has his own hashtag, #DoTheDaniel. And before you begin to ponder just what that virtual tagline means, here’s the 411 in Reyes’ own words:

“It’s the enthusiasm and ability to love what we do while providing our audience with education, entertainment and the ability to join us on our adventures around the world.”

This young devil makes the Energizer Bunny look like a slacker. (Yes, I’m more than a little jealous of his youth and vitality; I pull muscles just getting out of bed these days.)

But seriously, I contacted the Bunny for a quote on Daniel’s world-renowned energy level and the furry bugger threatened to deposit his drumsticks in one of my body cavities.

I’d say more but litigation is pending so…

But back to Daniel; I’m in my Forties and I can’t even get my dog to listen to me, never mind run my own empire… so I respect the hell out of Daniel Reyes. For those of you who are murky on just what a brand ambassador is, listen/closely: A brand ambassador will receive compensation in the form of cash or swag in exchange for their honest, untainted opinion of products, services, websites and various other topics ranging from Geo-political situations to whether or not cats are truly evil.

What? You know me by now. Move on. 

One last thing before I turn this 5×5 over to Daniel: His site, Do The Daniel, is the lifestyle site for people who don’t visit lifestyle sites. Check it out and your day – and life – will be heightened exponentially. 

ONE)  How does someone so young become the head of their own Food and Lifestyle empire? (Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like you just emerged from the womb. As a forty-something human, I’m beside myself with envy, which has made my office very crowded.)

At 33-years-old, I never thought that I would be running a successful website with staff around the world. That being said, I have always had big dreams and a determination to achieve the impossible. I studied communications in university and once I met my husband I quickly fell in love with the world of blogging.

For two years I worked a full time job in marketing while building my business, and in 2015 I quit my job to do this full time. The goal is to have contributors in major cities around the world while I build my #DoTheDaniel empire!

(Honestly, this kid makes me want to up my game. And that’s about the best compliment I can pay him.)

TWO)  Your success can be traced back to your inspiring positivity. Does it take a concerted effort to be so happy or were you just born with DNA that wards off negative feelings like politicians ward off the truth?

I like to think that I’ve always been a positive person. There is no use in putting out negative energy into the world because I believe that the universe gives you back what you give it. Of course, I can’t deny that sometimes even I succumb to being brash and emotional.

I think life and business require a certain balance and respect, so I try every day to do just that. 

 

THREE)  You seem like a man after my own heart; in other words, a big kid. What was your favorite toy as a wee lad?

My favourite toy growing up was my Jem and The Holograms Barbie. It’s that one toy that I have the fondest memories of playing with and it to this day makes me laugh. I was breaking all the rules and being myself at such a young age!

Hey, I still collect comics, so I’m not saying anything…

FOUR)  As a highly-successful brand ambassador do you have certain criteria when choosing partners or do you just follow the offers/cash/swag?

People are always surprised to know that I say no more than I say yes.

The brands and partners that we align ourselves with on the blog have to make sense to who we are as people. I would never endorse something I don’t personally love and use, no matter how big the paycheck. That would destroy any and all credibility, and in my opinion, it’s very obvious when people are just chasing paychecks. 

(Told he was cool.)

FIVE)  In your informed opinion, Daniel, what’s the simplest, quickest way for someone to improve their lifestyle journey?

My best friend and business partner Catherine Sugrue says it best: “Find ways to be grateful in every moment.”

Sometimes the biggest change you can make in your life is your perspective. For example, if all you see if the negative in life and people, chances are your life will appear to be quite negative. 

It’s official: Daniel Reyes is the type of guy you want to rescue your dull party, to motivate your staff, and to be your best bud. I want to thank him for taking time from his ever-expanding media empire to be here today. As always, I appreciate your time as well. And with that, I release you, fly free my gentle doves!

(Yeah, I over-medicated today. Can you tell?)

See you in the lobby, kids…