Find Your Why
❁ Interview with Dayna Hunt ❁
I turned twenty-five this year and was faced with the typical existential crisis that occurs with aging timed in conjunction with a pandemic. I was given the time (quite literally) to sit with myself, to reflect on a multitude of levels, and to step into that which makes me feel purposeful.
There is so much STUFF centered around wellness. Products for this, herbal blends for that (and I do believe there is a time and a place for these things). But what I have realized for myself, is that the foundation of being “well” is feeling aligned with an overarching connection to purpose.
I was lucky enough to find Dayna Hunt on social media. I invested in Dayna’s Well + Aware course and my life completely shifted. Throughout the course, I felt supported and encouraged to think critically of myself and what I want to bring to the world. The time that Dayna spent with me was invaluable!
Dayna offers a plethora of courses, learning materials, and insightful content for women looking to dive deeper into their own wellness, mindfulness, and growth on all fronts.
I had the privilege of speaking with Dayna about the value of discovering individual motivation, as well as her passions and goals as she lives in her own purpose.
Who are you?
I'm Dayna, a multifaceted wellness coach with a drive to help women feel more aligned with their purposes. I create digital content that talks about being more mindful and aware of how we as content creators, maneuver in the wellness space. Building community is what brings me the most joy. I love the idea of bringing like-minded people into a shared space to connect, feel safe and understood.
Can you explain the significance of finding your purpose (in both the general and specific sense) and what that journey has looked like for you?
It's the larger question we often think about in our 20’s. What are we actually here to do? That will of course vary for everyone, but the big idea around the human purpose is to be of service to others. Community is innate to our genetic makeup and it's why I place so much emphasis on the idea in everything I do.
I’ve always craved community, as a child I was raised to be independent: to cook on my own, clean, make mistakes, self-heal and soothe. There were pros and cons to this upbringing but it inevitably made me feel like I was missing out on others. I would often feel overly independent or overly dependent, while struggling through each phase my life to find that balance. The balance is most clear in this moment because I've realized that I should experience both spectrums simultaneously. The concept of not needing a person, but accepting help and learning to need myself gave me autonomy. That balance gives me the space to set my own boundaries for my energy and also share space and love with the people around me. Being aware of what I need first and foremost has given me the opportunity to be most present in this path.
What prompted your passion to help women to build their brands? And how has this passion evolved since you began coaching?
Coaching taught me that your best client is your past self. I often look to her for what she needed to then see those solutions helping other women like myself. I naturally knew that in marketing (my educational background) that people more than anything just needed someone to hear them out and help them process their branding. I genuinely wish I had someone to help me break down my concepts to the core of their structure so I could build from the beginning.
As I evolve, my offerings evolve. I am a vegan home cook with lots of knowledge on the vegan lifestyle and how to best advocate for what your body needs when it comes to eating more plant-based. I spent 2 years as a vegetarian and it has taught me so much about ethics and sustainability behind veganism and how that plays a role into what we eat. I want more women to be aware of what they consume and teach people about veganism. So I will be in the process of creating coursework surrounding conscious consumption.
How do you manage the qualms that come with living and working in your passion?
It's a day to day process for sure. Oftentimes it's not easy at all to manage. On the days that do function best, I like to break down the largest tasks into smaller ones and really give my energy to them. I try to remember that more often than not, if it's not done today, it can be finished tomorrow:). Extensions on project collaborations are your best friend!
Do you have any advice for someone looking and possibly struggling to find their “why”?
My biggest suggestion is to dabble into EVERYTHING. Anything you ever wanted to try, give your fullest energy to and embrace the passion for as long as it lasts! Once you find something you stick to, modify it and nurture it as you evolve. Share your story and process. It can help you keep track of how far you've come and give you instant humility when times are tough (because that's a part of life). Be okay with fucking up a few or hundred times, it's a part of the process and you'll thank yourself for being open to falling. Failures create your best opportunities.
Where can we find you?
You can find me by subscribing to my weekly Newsletter! You’ll get a free plant-based beginner guide and access to my upcoming community on Mighty Networks! I am always available by email (wellnmind@gmail.com) in case you want to chat about personal branding, wellness or anything really. I'd love to meet you!
