Welcome to my very first post, From The Desk of Dara! I have been thinking for quite some time around the thought of how exactly to get back to my roots of sharing. I was continuously wrestling with the format, for my long time friends on the internet, you know my journey started with a blog and then transformed into a you-tube channel. None of those felt exactly right for me as I kept coming back to the idea of wanting to move forward, not backwards. I don't want to go where I’ve been before. I didn’t want to resurrect an old blog or channel, the whole substack thing didn’t feel right either, I wanted it to feel fresh and connected to me. I very simply just wanted a place where I can easily share what I am loving, what I am inspired by and things I feel that you all may love to know about as well. I want to be able to share in a longer format than haphazardly and quickly on Instagram and I landed on this, a new blog of shorts but really more of a journal entry from my desk… what do you think?
I promise— I will keep things meaningful, interesting, and never annoying.
Oh, and I also am launching a newsletter that will go out only once a month (really, I promise, it will not be annoying). The newsletter will be just that, an email to share brand updates, sneak peeks and other inspiration. If you are interested, please do sign up as our first newsletter is going out tomomorrow, February 2nd. This blog will be more personal with things I am loving, doing and wearing, so keep checking back here if this is something you are interested in.
So shall we get started? I think so!
As we step into the Year of the Snake, I’m reminded of its symbolism: transformation, intuition, and rebirth. These qualities inspire not just our designs but also the journey of our brand. The snake has long been a muse, embodying elegance and strength—a perfect reflection of the women we create for and my own constant rebirth.
I’m thrilled to share a milestone moment for me that happened this year: my official launch at Big Bang Faena, nestled in the heart of the iconic Faena Hotel Miami Beach. This space feels like a natural home for the line— vibrant, luxurious, and unapologetically bold. If you’re in Miami, stop by to see some of our most cherished pieces in a setting that’s nothing short of magical, and some exclusives that can not be found anywhere else, hint hint: rubies!!
Now, let's get into some notes I want to share and things I am loving:
1. This year, I turned 40, and instead of throwing a big party or diving into a whirlwind celebration, I chose to embrace something quieter yet profoundly meaningful. I packed my bags and headed to the Four Seasons Costa Rica with my Husband, a place where nature and beauty come together in the most extraordinary way. I found myself reconnecting with the essence of life’s simplicity and wonder. Monkeys swinging through the canopy, iguanas basking in the sun, and birds with colors so vivid that they felt otherworldly. The trip truly reminded me of how vital it is to slow down and tap in to yourself and your intuition, which seems to be a theme of mine right now, I will come back to this later. This milestone was less about the number and more about gratitude—for the beauty of nature and the gift of time. If you are looking for beauty, quiet and nature, I highly recommend Costa Rica.
2. I found this new clean perfume brand that I am utterly obsessed with, it is called Lumira and the scent is Sun Soaked. I first found it at the new Beauty Bar at Big Bang in the Faena Hotel. It's a small niche brand from Australia. I was smelling all the scents and immedialty fell in love with one in particular. Sun soaked is inspired by Mallorca’s coastline it captures the essence of endless summer. This scent mirrors that feeling with crisp green pear, tangy blackcurrant, and luscious grapes, softened by honeysuckle, peony, and rose for a sun-soaked effect.
3. What I am reading: I picked up this book expecting a few tips, but what I found was a treasure trove of science-backed insights and inspiring ideas that have made walking feel fresh and meaningful. Each weekly suggestion encourages new way to look at and experience the joy of walking, like exploring new places, trying different times of day, or walking with new companions. This book doesn’t just teach you to walk; it opens your eyes to how walking can enhance creativity, health, happiness, and even relationships. It’s a reminder that something as ordinary as putting one foot in front of the other can lead to extraordinary benefits.
I also want to take a quick min to thank you for being part of my story. Your support is what keeps my passion alive and our creations meaningful. Here’s to a year of transformation, beauty, and love.
With gratitude,
From the Desk of Dara xx
PS: And speaking of rubies, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love is in the air! Check out our Ruby Heart Pendant in this month’s Haute Living San Francisco for this year’s must-have gifts for Valentine’s Day.
