Daniella Monet & Her Next Act
Actress and lifestyle creator Daniella Monet is stepping back into one of her most beloved roles as Trina Vega inHollywood Arts, the Netflix follow-up to Nickelodeon’sVictorious, which premiered on October 15 and has already landed among Netflix’s Top 10 series worldwide. But while Trina remains one of the characters that first made Daniella a familiar face to audiences around the world, she has since created a much broader creative life spanning acting, hosting, beauty, fashion, home, food and wellness. With more than 10 million followers, she is also the founder ofDaniella’s Digest, a digital platform offering recipes, wellness tips and guidance for living a clean, non-toxic lifestyle. Now, as she reunites with a character and cast that helped shape an important chapter of her career, we caught up with Daniella to talk about returning to Trina, the life she has built sinceVictorious, and the many passions that make her world uniquely her own.
Miami Living (ML): You first became so widely known as Trina Vega on Victorious, and now you’re stepping back into that character for Hollywood Arts. When you walked onto set and became Trina again, was there any particular little detail – a line, a mannerism, a costume, something completely unexpected – that instantly brought the character back to you?
Daniella: Her shoes. I don’t wear too many heels in my real life, so when we were in our first fitting, I remember noticing all the shoes first and thinking, YEP, we’re back. Even if I personally don’t love an uncomfortable shoe, Trina doesn’t care. When I’m in her wardrobe, I feel my body language change right away. Most of the physical humor is emphasized by her shoes.
ML: You’ve stayed close with many of your former Victorious castmates over the years, so returning to the world of the show must have carried a different kind of meaning than simply stepping back into a role. Did having those friendships still intact change the way you experienced coming back as Trina?
Daniella: The relationship I have with the Victorious classmates feels rare, for sure. We lived through a season of life that catapulted so many of our careers. I wanted to make sure I talked to them first and had their support; that meant a lot to me.
ML: When people first knew you primarily as an actress, they probably didn’t imagine that you would eventually be sharing recipes, home projects, beauty, fashion and wellness with an audience of more than 10 million. Looking back, which part of the life you’ve built since then feels the most unexpected to you?
Daniella: The most unexpected would have to be the early days of new motherhood. I always wanted to have kids, but I don’t think I ever thought it would entail such a learning curve. I remember being in the thick of postpartum with my first baby and crying on my story, wondering if I’d ever sleep again. Didn’t see that coming… and spoiler alert, I did! Such a beautiful and raw chapter of life I shared in real time. I don’t think I could’ve predicted feeling like I needed the support system of the internet as much as I did.
ML: You’ve said that you’re drawn to warm, lived-in spaces and have developed a real love for home renovation. When you walk into a space that you’re going to make your own, what is the first thing you tend to notice or want to change?
Daniella: I’m someone who cares a lot about layout and functionality. I try on scenarios. For example, I picture where the kids will be playing while I’m in the kitchen or if there’s space to host Thanksgiving. I love playing with floor plans. Outside of that, my husband is actually the one I trust for most design choices. He has a really good eye, so I think together we make a good a team.
ML: I love the idea of “intentional style,” especially because it suggests that getting dressed is about knowing what feels right. Has your relationship with fashion changed as you’ve gotten older and your life has evolved?
Daniella: It’s actually changing in real time. If I’m being honest, I’ve just “made it work” or “wung my looks”, but for the first time in my career, I started working with a stylist named Payton Wojtkowski and she has opened my eyes up to an entirely new vibe. I really like a more tomgirl/chic style, and so far she has nailed it. I think I’ve just never put too much weight on putting myself together, most of the time that happens for me on set or various jobs, but I’m really enjoying the idea of getting ready for life a little more.
ML: Your digital platform Daniella’s Digest brings together recipes, wellness and your approach to a clean, non-toxic lifestyle. Was there a particular recipe, DIY project, or everyday discovery that first made you think, “I have to share this with people”?
Daniella: I’ve been plant-based for over 30 years, and I’ve loved eating a whole food diet. I wanted to share digestible pieces of content that embodied what I feel like is a more holistic approach at wellness. Daniella’s Digest is a place where people can get a quick and easy recipe or non-toxic swap idea and not feel like it’s all or nothing. I aim to always have an intuitive approach and want to encourage others to come from that place themselves because I believe if we don’t, we’re just sitting ducks for consumerism, and in my opinion, consumerism isn’t wellness. Having good habits and prioritizing the fundamentals of good habits is true wellness.
ML: You’ve become a respected voice in the cruelty-free and plant-based communities. What’s something you’ve discovered through that world that genuinely changed the way you think about food, beauty or everyday living?
Daniella: I learned that you don’t have to test on animals. You can eat a primarily plant-based diet and live a healthy life. When I first went vegetarian at 5, I had no idea I’d eventually go vegan 5 years later and stick to it for 3-plus decades. Now, I think about almost everything through the lens of big business. If the motive doesn’t feel pure, I skip it. I value myself and am empathetic to others and I just don’t care to be duped.
ML: You co-hosted the podcast Adulting Like a Mother Father with your husband, Andrew Gardner, where you talked about “adulting and everything in between”. Was there a moment when a conversation between the two of you made you think, “Okay, this is exactly why we should be doing this”?
Daniella: Several. And several where we thought, “Wait, should we be sharing all this?” Podcasting came at a time when we were in the thick of Adulting Like a Mother/Father, and with that comes a slew of new emotions, experiences, highs and lows. We learned a lot together through that experience, and I’m really grateful to have been so transparent at the time, there’s such a need for moms and dads to feel a sense of camaraderie amongst other parents.
Follow Daniella on:
Instagram | TikTok | Daniella's Digest IG | YouTube
Image Credits:
Photographer Storm Santos / Stylist Anna Shilling