August 27, 2025 • 59 mins
This week on GRAFIK CONTENT, I chat with Darlene Espinosa as she shares her journey of storytelling, motherhood, and the creation of the Daisy Club, an adaptive fitness community for women. We talk about the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and authenticity in building connections and fostering a supportive environment, differentiating between observing and absorbing when going through the motions, and why we are both happy to have gotten our eyebrows back.
🎧 Tune in for :
✔️ Navigating sensitivity and empathy as an adult
✔️ How personal identity shifts in motherhood
✔️ How to work with your human design label
✔️ Shaping your community by fostering it authentically
✔️ Building a brand on feelings and emotions
✔️ The importance of storytelling in this podcast
✔️ Accessibility should be a priority in all spaces
✔️ Inclusivity in fitness is essential for all women
🔗 Connect with Darlene Espinosa:
🔹 The Daisy Club Instagram
🔹 The Daisy Club Website
🎧 Connect with GRAFIK CONTENT:
🔸 Website
🔸 Instagram
🔸 TikTok
🔸 YouTube
🎧 Connect with Gio/GIOGRAFIK:
🔸 Website
🔸 Instagram
🔸 Newsletter
🔸 YouTube
Enjoyed the episode?
👍 Like this video & subscribe for more!
💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts or questions!
🎵 Music: Nicholas Nothing
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I don't know what I'm doing because none of us do.
No, yes, I'm learning that everyone excuse for reminding me
like Darlene or that I'm like you're.
Right. No one knows what they're doing.
That is the thing that because like you see so many people
like, you know, these are the, Ialways say this, I'm like, these
are the like the 10 tips on how to blah, blah, blah.
Like in business, I'm like, Oh my God, like we not everybody is
(00:22):
templated. Like we don't live that way.
It's not a thing. Yes, yeah, it might work for one
person, but not the next. So yeah, I think, I think it's
hard to like in terms of seeing those 10 like the top ten or the
the must haves or yadda yadda. It's like, am I feeling like I'm
not doing the right thing? It's like, no, no, you need to
cut the noise. Even with parenting too.
(00:46):
You just have to cut the noise. Like we are inundated with so
much. It's like, what are you feeling?
What's because like we all have that like GPS, the internal GPS
system. And it's like we ignore a lot of
us ignore it, right? And so I, I am finally getting
to the point. I'm like, what feels right, What
feels good? I'm going to go towards that.
What doesn't feel right? I'm going to stop giving that
energy. Stop and say no too.
(01:31):
Welcome to Graphic Content, the podcast where we talk all things
who, why, and the what the fuck moments along the way.
Today's guest is the inspiring founder and heart behind The
Daisy Club. With over 15 years of experience
supporting individuals in hospitals, community programs,
private practice, and adaptive fitness settings, she has
dedicated her career to empowering women of all
abilities through movement and connection.
(01:53):
As a certified fitness instructor and adaptive movement
advocate, she's built a vibrant,inclusive space, both virtual
and in person, where women can explore dance, Wellness, and
friendship no matter their mobility.
Welcome to Graphic Content Darlene Espinoza.
Thank you so much. My heart is smiling and that's
something very often when I really felt that.
(02:16):
So yeah, thank you. Thank you for having me, Gio.
Oh my God, you're so welcome. Like I was saying before we
started recording I was like thank you for being my no one
fan because I I feel the love from you online.
So I very much appreciate your support and I knew that I had to
have you once you started posting about your new venture.
Thank you. No, and I honestly love what's
(02:37):
going on with your stuff too. Just I have to you know, the
likes goes a long way and it keeps us going.
So thanks. Thanks again and let's do it.
Yeah, we met in university. Yeah.
So we're talking back early 20s.Yeah, No, almost, almost 20
(02:57):
years. Almost. 20 years.
Yeah, almost 20 years and met through a dear friend of yours
and and mine. And since then, I'm just
thinking back to those days and it was TMU, Toronto Metropolitan
University, about Ryerson at thetime, and it was a different
life then. But we still look the fucking
(03:19):
same. Like not for anything, but we
look the same. I think my eyebrows, I think my
eyebrows were thinner though, soI'm glad.
Luckily, luckily I was. Yeah, I was able to gain my
eyebrows back. You didn't go through that like
the like Gen. X where they over plucked and
now they're kind of. No, they yeah, my both of my
(03:42):
kids have my eyebrows and I'm like, you are.
She should be happy because we could do a lot with them.
Honestly I feel the same. I was.
I look back and I'm like my eyebrows sometimes we're like.
Super. Yes, yeah.
I was like thinking like, I don't know.
What? Was what was I remember going to
trade secrets at Eden Center andlike it was just like basement
(04:03):
down there and just like just RIP it off of me, you know, and
it just felt felt like the rightthing to do, but no no longer.
You're you're literally always looking surprised.
Oh my God. So how have you been?
Like, how's, how's your life been now?
You're a mother that. Is wild to me.
I like to say to many people that I am permanently tired and
(04:29):
happy but like. Relatable.
Yeah, just tired, but it's just energetically tired, just like
lack of sleep tired. It definitely takes a lot out of
you. And they're quite young.
So I have a 18 month old, so just a year and a half year old
boy and a 3 1/2 year old little girl at home with me.
(04:49):
It's non-stop. However, I'm happy 'cause this
is something that I've always want, always wanted.
So definitely motherhood and theDaisy Club, amongst other stuff
in between of course. I will say, I feel like a lot of
moms will preface the, you know,I'm tired, but I am happy.
I love it. And I, I, I want to say like
(05:11):
those two things can exist simultaneously.
And I want to say to women, I'm like, you can, you can also like
not be 100% in love with your day-to-day.
Like it's OK to say that. Yes.
And I feel like in this generation, we're feeling more
empowered, too, and not show up and be like, everything's great.
We're doing awesome, Yeah, sleeping through the night and
(05:34):
always lovely questions you get asked all the time and just just
don't ask, don't ask. Are they sleeping through the
night? Don't ask those questions cuz
like chances are the little onesare not sleeping throughout the
night and it's a bit triggering cuz the next person that might
be happening, which is good for them.
But yeah, all those things, all the emotions could coincide and
(05:56):
teaching Inside Out, the movie Inside Out.
I think it's like a really cool representation of that, of we
are feeling all the feels all the time, and so are they.
Oh yeah, and I find myself and you listen, like I'm not a
woman. I come from a different
perspective. But yeah, for me, when I
especially cause our a lot of our friends, a lot of people our
(06:17):
age, they're they're moms like the yeah, the women are moms.
And I always tend to just ask like, how are you?
Yeah, like, like, sure, the kidsare great.
I see they're you've, you've kept them alive, like, you know
what I mean? But like, when it comes to I'm
like, how are you, lady? Like, what's going on with you?
Like, I'm more interested in like your journey throughout
this whole thing versus like thekids clearly they're fine.
(06:37):
They're running around. Like, you know what?
I. Mean no, I appreciate that too
because it I'm sure when you're asking that they're kind of
like, wait, wait, how am I like you kind of forget to even ask
yourself, how are you doing? I'm trying to be as president as
possible to continue to check inwith myself.
I'm like, OK, I'm feeling overwhelmed like something's out
(06:58):
of alignment here. What do I need to do?
How do I communicate with my partner?
How do I communicate with my kids to like mommy needs some
space right now and as blunt as that is then they're they're
giving me the opportunity to by saying mommy, I need my space.
I'm like, cool, you go have yourspace because you.
Got it. It's all good.
It's all good. We don't have to, you know,
(07:19):
being each others or all the time, even though it is, we are
always together. I mean, yeah, like, what are you
gonna do? Right?
Like that's especially in those early formative years.
You are always getting flu to those kids.
They're not gonna leave your side.
We're in it and that zero to 3 is so pivotal.
And even they say 0 to 3, then adolescence and in terms of
(07:41):
brain changes and that neuroplasticity within your
brain and when you become a parent, so everyone's like, oh,
mommy brain. And they laugh it off.
It's like, no, like daddy brain and mommy brain, that is a thing
because now you have these beings that you have survival,
right? So you're not, you're not
thinking about what you ate the day before or what's to do or 20
(08:05):
minutes ago. You're thinking about like, is
this kids gonna survive? So no matter what, like that's
why you're so foggy and whatnot.So yeah, I'm not the same person
I was 20 years ago, but there's still me there, you know?
He's still there. Don't.
Worry. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sam and I, Sam Walker, who is our mutual friend, yes, of the
art lab. We talk about this like she's I
(08:26):
said to her. I love the fact that you have
still maintained who you are. You know what I mean?
Like you are still that same. Yes, you're a mother and you
have other priorities like that is normal and expected, but you
are still at the court. You haven't just become like I'm
a mommy. You know what I mean?
Like that like I'm still like even you like I saw your you're
like posting about pride and andI'm like you're still out there
(08:49):
doing you, which I. Think I have.
So much respect for because that's tough that.
Is very tough. To have children, devote your
life to them, but then also like, say I have to carve out
space for me because I'm also a human underneath this title of
mom, you know? Totally, totally.
And I, and I think even before once I got pregnant, I knew in
(09:12):
terms of wanting to have that village, right, knowing that I'm
not supposed to be here doing itby myself, right?
And that was like in terms of myupbringing too.
It's like we all need to be doing it together.
And I it's, it's a service to mykids as well.
Like you go hang out with your Omi and your grandpa or you're a
way low and Bobby and I are gonna go to pride.
(09:36):
Yeah, I love it. We're gonna go see our chosen,
our family that we haven't seen.So yeah, can't be partying every
weekend anymore. But the most pivotal moments of
like, okay, it's coming up then.They mean so much more now these
days, yeah. You're talking about the early
stages of your family and upbringing of your children.
(09:58):
So I wanna go a little bit back to your upbringing.
Absolutely. And I want you to talk a little
bit about how being in tune to people's energy because you
mentioning even just saying being present.
I noticed that even in like the intake form, like you're how you
write, even though brief you speak how I speak.
And so I'm like, OK, you know, Ilove that even 20 years later,
we're still on the same page even though we've kind of gone
(10:20):
our separate ways. Yeah.
But I would love to you to talk a little bit about your
upbringing and, you know, tuninginto people's energy as a child
and how that shaped you to who you are today.
It's always nice to be able to like step back and go back in
time. I wish I wish I had more
memories though, like I feel like like I you know, our our
(10:41):
also mutual friend Nina too, like her, her memory when it
comes shout out to Nina and her memory impeccable.
But one thing a bunch of things.So I'm first generation
Canadian. So my both of my yes, yes, yes,
both of my parents are from the lovely, beautiful island of Cuba
(11:01):
and they actually met here in Toronto.
So they didn't cut like leave escape Cuba and then come
together. So that was like, people are
like really all the Cuban like that's strange because there's
not many Cubans here to begin with.
They're all, they're all in Miami.
I was gonna say they're all in Miami.
They're all in Miami. So yeah, had my my grandmother,
(11:22):
had my aunts present, had everybody present in terms of my
upbringing. So really just knowing that
everyone taking care of each other was a really huge piece of
my upbringing. So very fond memories.
It's funny, I had some craft dinner before hopping on with
you and I'm like, I remember, I think grandmother might we call
(11:44):
her Beta, would be making Kraft dinner with hot dogs and like
coming home from school and I felt well taken care of.
Right. I love it.
But also like energetically, I always, I always felt very
happily, like empathetic, not knowing, like what was this
feeling? And then also be, you know,
(12:05):
raised and hearing like, oh, you're so sensitive, you're too
sensitive. And that was seen as a bad
thing. My like, my whole life, I always
felt like your sensitivity needsto be just shun away.
And I feel like sometimes I probably, yeah, I shut it down,
which I really shouldn't have. But no matter what, I always, I
(12:27):
could see things a bit differently.
And I feel like I still can. And I can see through people in
the sense of how much more support they might have need and
without even them saying it out loud to me.
But yeah, I would say like just having everybody, the playing
fields, the family together really supported, like where I
am now with my family, but also just everything that I've built
(12:50):
in a building with the Daisy Club.
I was like a sensitive child. I really felt a lot.
I still feel to this day, I feelthat a lot.
How did you get through the to where you are today, where you
can kind of own it more than youdid as a younger person, Even
with the external voices saying like, like you're like, you're
fine. Like you're too you're.
(13:11):
You're too sensitive. I think, I think just the aha
moments of like, oh, what, what was the sensitivity?
You know, I like, I think growing up it was the
sensitivity of, you know, you'reoh, you're crying, you're doing
this. What is it again seen as a bad
thing? And really tapping in of like,
Oh, my sensitivity is because I could feel the other person.
(13:35):
I know something seems a bit offor seems really good too.
So when I was able to like really empower that and then
just through my own journeys of like, you know, like my
meditation, really getting into like, I remember just like
getting to Jay Shetty and understanding like, Oh my gosh,
is this just this other worlds that we've been?
I've just decided not to really like I blocked out for the
(13:57):
longest time and like getting into deeper, deeper.
Darlene allowed me to be like, not I'm learning to not to
observe it, but not absorb it. That's the biggest thing,
especially as a projector, humandesign, A projector.
We absorb, absorb, absorb. But I need to learn to observe
(14:19):
and not absorb, which is so hard.
But the more I talk about it, the more, you know, you just
really want to start it back. Yeah, yeah.
Girl it is. Tattooed across my no maybe on
my arm so then I can see it if Iwas not before that maybe across
my arm yeah I. Feel you 100,000 million percent
(14:41):
because I am very much I don't know how this podcast is not
about my personal life, but I will say that, you know, we go
through things we go through things and I'm at a stage now
where I feel like I'm I'm evolving like, you know, we're
37 like we're Yep we're not children anymore Yep, Yep.
(15:02):
And so wait, let's go. And honestly, it's actually
crazy. Like you look the same, like I'm
I'm started like bring it back. But like you literally haven't
aged a bit. It's wild.
I need your secrets. There's not much.
But you're lucky then. But.
We just keep moving, right? But we'll get into that.
(15:23):
Yeah, it's 100%. But, but no, like, you know, I
feel like I'm evolving in, in a,in a, I'm in a phase in my life
where I feel like a lot of the things that I have picked up
over the years, like the, you know, these realizations this
like new way of thinking. I'm going through something
where I feel like it's being putto the test.
(15:43):
Where it's like. Like the world or the universe
is saying like, OK, you talked abig game or you talk a big game
about like having learned so much, now it's the time to like
apply it. Applying it, My God, it is
difficult, Yes, very difficult. Yep.
Cuz you have to show up for yourself.
And yeah, it's not the easiest thing.
That's true. It's, it's, it's a lot of
learning is even with my partnerand I, you know, we could be
(16:03):
like listening to to podcasts with our audio books.
OK, now we need to apply it likethe that that's really what it
is. And that's just essentially the
school of life, right? And no one's really like holding
your hand. That's the thing.
It's like, if you want to, you know, it's, I always say this to
like to sum it up, it's like I got, I was tired of my own
(16:25):
bullshit. Like you're like, like I'm sick
and tired of feeling sick and tired.
And so like, what am I going to do about it versus just
complaining and saying like, my life, you know?
And yeah, so like solution focusand that's like, OK, I'm hearing
it now. What are we going to do about
it? Yeah, I agree.
And it's hard when you're aroundpeople who don't wanna do it,
but that's a whole other story. I'll hop on the podcast.
(16:47):
Another podcast we can talk about that.
Let's we'll do a sidecar podcast.
So I want to go back a little bit again.
So you've been working now for over 15 years within the, the
disability community. You're working with people in
that world, Yes. So you started out, when I met
you, you were in early childhoodeducation.
Yes. And you've also done roles as
(17:08):
like a therapy assistant, physical physiotherapy
assistant. Yeah.
And now you're a fitness instructor.
Yes. Like what first drew you to
helping others and what's kept you so passionate for all these
years? It's funny to hear.
It's just, you know, you just wear so many hats.
But in the end, I'm I'm Darlene,but I so many ventures and I
feel like everything is just plays a role.
(17:30):
All right, Like I think everything's very relatable.
Even though I was like, Oh, I didn't go did go this route, but
this route. So just just really sum it up.
As a child, I was always known and what I could even remember
just being in elementary school and just really noticing, like I
mentioned, who needed a little bit more extra support.
I feel like back then in the 90s, you know, talking about
(17:51):
diagnosis, talking about, well, depending where you're at,
special needs or disability diagnosis, whatnot was not
talked about. I feel like more in elementary
schools now and children in general, like when they're
owning their diagnosis, if they might have a diagnosis of
autism. Yes, I, I'm autistic or I'm a
(18:14):
person with autism, things like that.
But growing up we didn't hear any of that.
You know, we, you know, you, youmight be able to see like an
obvious like physical disability, but not necessarily
like a cognitive disability or alearning disability.
However, I again, I was very in tuned with like, OK, somebody
needs a little bit more extra support.
I'll, I'll help out, not in the sense of control, but more so
(18:38):
like, Hey, you good? Like how can I help you open up
your lunch bag or something likethat.
And I had an amazing, amazing teacher, elementary school
teacher, shout out to Frank Amato.
He is still a dear friend of mine.
And he, yes, super, super nice, made a pivotal, pivotal like
(19:00):
moments of my life. And he saw me for who I was.
And I was like, oh, there's like, there's some cool stuff
about me. And I wasn't like a lot of
perceived limitations, right? So I was like, I want to be a
teacher. So decide to go through the ECE
early child education route thinking I wanted to teach.
(19:23):
Cool thing is about those schoolings is that you get to be
put in some placements and really like touch in and see is
this something that I want to do?
And I was in a daycare setting and I was like no, this is not
what I want to do. Somebody else can do and do a
really good job, but this is notthe setting I want.
But I got introduced to occupational therapy.
(19:43):
So occupational therapy really is therapists who support people
with activities of daily living.So that could be like supporting
somebody learn how to brush their teeth, pay their bills,
tie their shoes, make their bed.It's a huge umbrella.
And I was like, this is cool. Give me more.
So fourth year, I think we had to find our own placement.
(20:06):
So I found a placement at Hull and Blue Review Kids
Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada's largest rehabilitation
hospital for children. And I was like, this is my gym.
This is where I want to be. This is where I want to support.
This is where who the type of people I want to learn from and
it's those children's and children and those families.
(20:28):
And to this day, it's been such a pivotal point in my life that
that I yeah, it's over 15 years of it in one way or another,
supporting families with disabilities.
Hearing you speak about this, itmakes so much sense that that
would be something that somebodywith your background would want
to actually impact people's lives.
Because to me, something that wedon't even when you think about
(20:51):
rehabilitation, you think like sports injury first thing, you
don't think about the fundamentals of getting ready in
the morning. Like we take it for granted so
much that even hearing you say that, I'm like, how are there
not more people in this field orit's not spoken about?
Yeah, and I always like to put Holland Blue Review on the map
(21:12):
because everyone's like, never heard of it.
It's like in a way it's like cool, cuz I'll teach you about
it. And I always like to explain as
if, cuz a lot of people know sick kids hospital in, in
Toronto, you know, acute care there.
You're, you're taking your kids for emergencies there.
You're taking your children if, if they're, they have surgery
(21:34):
again, anything. And where do they have, where do
they go for rehab, right? They're not if they're they're
ready for rehab, they're not in acute care anymore.
They're moving on. So they come to Holland Blue
review. Or if you were born with a
disability, right? So something like cerebral
palsy, something like autism, where are you getting to that,
(21:55):
that type of therapy? And that's that's the place, at
least in Toronto. You started there, When were
you? You said in fourth year.
Oh my goodness. Yeah.
So I was a volunteer 4th year. That's was 20/20/10.
Started there 2010 and then started working there at the
nursery schools because they hadlike specialized nursery schools
(22:16):
which is super cool. And so how was that experience
like, especially where I'm assuming you were interacting
with the parents? Oh my goodness.
First, how old was I? I was like 22.
Who was I? Like again, I was like, I'm
telling these parents how to do things with their kids.
I had to get over that. And I and I did quickly, right?
(22:37):
Because I had the privilege of being with these kids for a few
hours without their parents and learn about them, try different
strategies, try different games,do circle time, sing to them.
And then being able to go to their parents and tell them all
these amazing things that their children's doing, like try this
(23:00):
out, throw that out. But at first it was like, yeah,
WTF? Like moment, Like, what am I
doing? Why are they going to listen to
this 22 year old? But they did.
They truly did. I never felt less than because
of my age. Yeah, and that's the thing,
especially if you're you're bringing forward a sense of
(23:22):
progress in their life for theirchild, Like how, why would they
ever look at you and say like, no, like you're you're bringing
like hope and positivity and andof course they're going to even
regardless of age, it's like, look at this person is helping
my child is helping me. Such a dope thing and that's
what still to this day what I'm doing.
I get to support and be there for someone in their journey.
(23:47):
Again, those perceived limitations because you may be
in a wheelchair, you may be using a Walker, you know, just
in terms of your, your fine motor skills, you're like
holding a weight. But then we can do all these
things and it's like, oh, it's like, yes, that's what keeps me
going for sure. There was a moment at Hall and
(24:07):
Bloor View when a parent encouraged you to do something
you had said, like, how did thatconversation spark the idea that
eventually became the Daisy Club?
Yeah, OK, so let's let's talk about it at home.
Bloor View. I got to run basically a fitness
group. It was every Saturday morning
and it was for for youth and teenagers with neuromotor
(24:31):
disorder. So generally like cerebral
palsy, so they might, you know, have lower balance, might be
using a rear face Walker, not forward facing, but think rear
facing. It's not something that you see
very often or canes. And we would work out, we would
move our bodies, we'd work out. And I would get to know these
family members and kids for years, right?
(24:53):
And see them grow up when you grow up eventually you have to
leave the pediatric system, right.
You are no longer you're turning1819 somewhere that you felt so
comfortable, a place that you felt so comfortable to be
yourself and know that you're well supported is no longer have
access to you because that's just how the system works.
(25:15):
And a father, there was, I thinkabout maybe 3 young women that
were aging out of the system. And that was also kind of new to
me too. It's like now I was in a
different world too. So I was part of this transition
team knowing that I'm like, whatis else out there now for these
young adults and what happens? And he said, Darlene, you need
(25:37):
to do something. And I was like, again, now that
I think back to you, my strategyis invitation as a projector.
That was the most epic invitation ever.
Because now I am here talking about what the Daisy Club is.
I love that. And I was pregnant also with my
first. So it was during like COVID
(25:57):
time, 2021. I'm like, what can be done?
So I started after I went on matleave, knowing that I wanted to
like create something and knowing that I had to leave Blue
Review in order to create it. I started Move with DAR.
That was what it was called. And similar concept with Daisy
(26:17):
Club is now, but meeting up weekly, moving our bodies,
seated dance, choreography, things like that, meeting up in
person just to hang out. And that's where really the seed
was planted at that program. But now we have rebranded, we're
doing all the things. And that's where the Daisy Club
(26:40):
has come to fruition. An adaptive fitness community
for women. You're in the early stages still
like you're only a couple years in.
So to go through a rebrand, it'sfine.
You know what I mean? Like it's like I, I think about
like I started Geographic. I was a clothing company.
Yeah. Am I doing that now?
(27:02):
No, absolutely not. But you know, we start
somewhere, but at least it's like the beginning free.
Although I will say with what you, what you're doing, you've
been on track. It's it didn't jump around too
much with offering. No, no, no, it's not Yes, yes.
It wasn't a clothing brand report.
No, absolutely. Yeah.
I just, it was one of those likeknowing it was, I like to
(27:24):
consider it my first baby and itwas just waiting for me to just
continue to like nourish it there.
It was just like sitting there like the group of the girls that
were still with me. We're waiting.
They're like, OK, she's on maternity leave.
She's on maternity leave again. I'm like, we're going to stay
connected. It's coming back and we're going
to go bigger and better and we have.
(27:48):
So we've been talking about the Daisy Club.
So let's discuss like what you are doing.
So now that you are you've established yourself like what?
Talk to me about the Daisy Club.Adaptive fitness compete.
Everyone's like, what does that mean?
Adaptive? With my background in, you know,
physiotherapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting
and now as a fitness instructor,I'm able to support people in
(28:11):
adapting exercise. So does that mean I have some of
my daisies, as I like to call them the Daisy?
I love it. They're doing most of their
exercises in a seated position, right?
So like, think about the core exercises you're doing when
you're laying down or when you're standing up or even just
like strength based using weights, adapting it in a chair,
(28:33):
which is to talk about creativity.
Like it's been a lot of fun. Like how can we really engage
your core? How can we really, you know, use
weights like bands, resistant bands and dance choreography to
move your body? Because no matter what, you're
getting a workout, even if you're sitting and sitting in a
chair. So in those moments, we work out
(28:56):
weekly virtually live as as a group.
We we chit chat, we do 2 dance choreographies to warm up our
bodies. And then we do a circuit and we
go through it all. We're throwing those weights in
and ending off with a nice stretch at the end just to to
calm our nervous system. And it's a safe space.
(29:17):
You know, it's female only to beable to do really dive into
certain topics that only US women will really understand and
it makes sense to us. Also our club calls where we tap
into women that are doing cool shit and are here to teach us
(29:37):
and there's a learning capacity to it.
So we had Doctor Margo come in, talk everything menstruation and
go through a whole hour of talking the insurance and outs
about it. Even at 37, I'm still learning
so much about the whole cycle wego through.
And our big thing also so is ourclub hangs.
So we find accessible places within the city, mainly in the
(30:01):
city just in terms of accessibility because there's
something called the TTC wheel trans, so a lot of my daisies
use that. So in terms of getting some
free, free travel around the city.
So yeah, we go to different restaurants, we go to different
events and have fun together. You're a woman who's doing cool
(30:22):
shit because just hearing you talk about this and having known
you now for like, like I said, almost 2 decades, it's, it makes
so much sense for the energy that you bring to the table to
go towards helping others in this way, especially because the
impact that you're making, like you're creating community.
And that's one of the things that, you know, people talk
(30:44):
about so much now like, oh, you know, fostering community,
community, community. But it's like, what are we
actually doing versus just saying it?
And so, and you're actually doing it, you're in the
community. I'm in it and you know what a
big thing I came across and it'slike, and they're shaping it
with me, you know what I mean? Like this is it's our club where
(31:06):
here I am, I could all the behind the scene things, but
it's like, what do you want to do?
Where do you want to go? How do you want to move your
body? And let's let's shape this
together. So I think that's a big
component too, because I feel like, yeah, the community word
is thrown around quite often andit's like, are we really showing
up for it and doing it the not the right way, but are we doing
(31:29):
it together and not just this one person telling you how to do
things? Well, it's from a it's like
grassroots is your approach. It's not necessarily like, oh,
hey, we're, you know, throwing money at A cause and then we're
going to say we did something versus like, let me actually
exactly right. Yeah.
So what have what have you had as feedback?
Like how has the reception been so far?
(31:51):
It depends if it's from the daisies and even, like, of a
potential new Daisy to hearing that, like, letting her know,
you know, coming in to do a couple of free demos.
And she's like, oh, my goodness.There's a space for me that is
adaptive. I feel safe.
I feel seen. And she's like, you reach out to
places to see if it's accessible, like, because
(32:13):
sometimes, you know, I'll just not go because it might not be
for me. And I'm like, so you just stay
home. Yeah.
I'm like, OK, we're going to do something about that.
Like you're coming out with us, like we're doing this thing, you
know, just to see such bright eyes of like, I can do this and
(32:35):
it feels good. And also the lived experience
piece between the girls, they got that.
I'm sitting back and I'm learning.
I'm learning, I'm learning of how we could change the world's
and in terms of accessibility and they, the relatability to
each other is like, I could see it in their eyes and then their
(32:58):
breath of like, like I'm being seen and these people are
experiencing the same, same, same, but different things that
I'm going through. And then I have outside people
that I'm like connecting with. Everyone's like, wow, like this
is haven't heard of anything like this, right?
I'm like, yeah, this. I don't know what, I'm just
(33:18):
creating something. Yeah, you having launched this
and seeing it online, I was like, this is so aligned back to
that alignment piece with how I want to live my life and the
people I want to talk to and whoare doing cool shit.
Like that's literally what the premise of this whole thing is.
And so I, I just love hearing itwhen people are like, I had this
(33:41):
idea. I don't know what I'm doing
because none of us do. No one.
Yes, I'm. Learning that everyone's keeps
reminding me like Darlene, right?
No one knows what they're doing.That is the thing that because
like you see so many people like, you know, these, I always
say this, I'm like, these are the like the 10 tips on how to
blah, blah, blah. Like in business, I'm like, Oh
(34:02):
my God, look, we not everybody is templated.
Like we don't live that way. It's not a thing.
Yes, yeah, it might work for oneperson, but not the next.
So yeah, I think, I think it's hard to like in terms of seeing
those 10 like the top ten or thethe must haves or yadda yadda.
It's like, am I feeling like I'mnot doing the right thing?
(34:23):
Like no, no, you need to cut thenoise even with parenting too.
You just have to cut the noise. Like we are inundated with so
much. It's like, what are you feeling?
What's because like we all have that like GPS, the internal GPS
system. And it's like we ignore a lot of
us ignore it, right? And so I, I am finally getting
to the point and like what feelsright, what feels good, I'm
(34:44):
going to go towards that. What doesn't feel right?
I'm going to stop giving that energy.
Stop and say no too, right? Like I think we're so quick of
like giving, giving in just because.
But it's like, is it? Yeah.
Is it connecting? It's like, probably not, yeah.
I think setting boundaries is one of the hardest things to do.
(35:04):
I'm going back to what I said earlier.
Work in progress. Whip, Whip.
So I, I've been curious like where did the name come from?
Like the Daisy Club? How did that come to be?
It's. Cute.
I I know, I know. It's so cute.
I love it. It's so cute.
And the logo is quite cute too. I love it.
(35:24):
Yeah. So where our best, you know,
ideas come is when we're in the washroom, right?
100 I agree. We're not.
I know we're not reading the back of our shampoo bottles
anymore like we used to. You remember doing that?
(35:45):
Oh my God, literally I like needed something to.
Look at we couldn't, we couldn'tread them though, because what
toxic stuff was in that? I think.
Oh. Fully.
That Pantene prophy. Anyways, TMI, but all good.
It was my daughter's towel. Had a bunch of daisies on it.
(36:05):
Yeah, with smiley faces. And I'm like, there it is.
It was just like literally in front of me.
And I was like the Daisy Club, like a club.
Like who doesn't want to be partof a club that just keeps you
going? You know, you have a crew just
in terms of like what daisies like represent like that
(36:26):
cheerfulness, that joy, like rebirth, new beginnings.
It was just like so fitting. And when you see a garden of
daisies, just they're standing strong, you know, deep rooted in
the earth, all so different. But yeah, like holding each
(36:47):
other up. It just stuck.
And the fact that like now, likewe're daisies just adds such an
element. And like, I'm not saying my
participants or clients, like, you're here, you're a Daisy and
we're all daisies together. It was T Media, this young
company that made the logo and such awesome, like such an
(37:11):
awesome crew. So it's the Daisy Club and it
has those like 1970 vibes, whichis like I'm very drawn to
definitely. I love that stuff.
And then it's half of a Daisy, and that half of a Daisy
represents the wheels and the spindles of a wheelchair and
Walker. And then the inside is like a
sunburst because like those daisies need the sun too and
(37:34):
like the growth and whatnot. So that's basically it in a
nutshell. And I love it really vibing with
it. It has.
And then like obviously now you just see daisies everywhere.
As soon as it's like you see that one car, you're thinking
about buying that car. You see it all the time now.
That's how I feel about daisies cuz.
Yeah. Blooming.
(37:54):
We're blooming. I love it.
And even the metaphor, the visual of a bunch of flowers in
a field, like I think of like ina Meadow or something.
And, and if like the wind picks up, all of them are kind of
going like they're moving in their own way.
They're all dancing in a different way.
And so to me, it makes a lot of sense for what you're doing
because everyone's path is so different.
(38:16):
Everyone is going through life in a different way.
And so it kind of lends itself well to that.
Like I see some sort of an ad inthe future, some sort.
Of totally yeah, give me. All.
The ideas there too. Patent pending.
Patent pending. Right now click I'm just
kidding. I follow Jenna Zoe.
(38:39):
I feel like she's for our time is like the guru with human
design too. And she always starts off with
her podcast saying we are all sodifferent.
So why are we thinking that if there's only one way to do life
A? 100%.
Every time I hear that, it's called a line.
Right now it's Jenna, Zoe. Is she British?
(39:02):
She's British. I do.
I have listened to that podcast.Yeah, yeah.
She's deep. Like she's deep.
So it's like when you're you can't just just listen.
Like you have to listen. So yes, it starts off every
podcast like that and I it just always that aha, like we don't
need to be doing things the sameway.
(39:23):
Like come on. This is, yeah.
When did you get into human design?
Like what brought you to that? So IA few years ago it was
introduced to me and then I was like, oh, this is too much for
me to take on. I was really like confused in
the terminology and what not. It is a lot, you know.
(39:46):
And then coming from my mom is when it comes to astrology, she
could read birth charts. She knows like what time are you
born? And she's one of those, like,
growing up, it was like dating aguy.
And she'd be like. What time was he when?
I'm like, I'm not telling you because you're going to say that
we're not going to make it. And she's like, well, you're
probably not and wouldn't let mefeel the heartbreak.
(40:10):
Stop getting involved. Stop like you're right all the
time. I know actually, though, like
more deeply the oh, just over the past year, my my neighbor,
who is also my energy healer, She we went for a walk and she's
like human design. I'm like, I'm pretty sure I'm a
projector. She's like, so am I.
And then now she has gone deep into it too and has she's been
(40:36):
schooling me, which is great because at what, what time do I
have to school myself as much asI want to?
It's just like another element. So ever since then it's she's
been like teaching me, you know,like good old podcasts and
whatnot. And really it was for me to
support child rearing. I'm like, I can't like core my
little I got a little manifesterand a manifester generator and
(41:01):
yeah, and they're they're fresh,right?
They're not like we're all socially conditioned.
I got a socially conditioned manifester partner.
But I'm like, I need to look at my son and be like, no, you're
So what are you're saying? What are you?
What are you? What was?
I'm a I'm a manifester. Your manifest.
Oh, emotional, emotional. Emotional.
Yeah, same with all three of them in my house.
(41:23):
I got, I got. They're all emotional.
I'm a non unemotional, so I'm like taking it all and even more
my manifesters. Yeah.
So really just understanding my kids, right?
Like really understanding them and how to to guide them as a
projector, but not overly like this is what you're supposed to
(41:46):
do. Like to really try to step back
again and tie my hands behind myback a bit.
And it's been pretty cool, even just from like the snippets that
I know. So how have you used that?
Because I know we're kind of going off, but I, I, I'm
genuinely curious because this is something that is starting to
pop up more and more. Yes, it is.
People's in conversation where Iheard about this like a couple
(42:06):
years ago or maybe last year andjust looked into it and was
like, OK, like there's a lot of information, whatever.
But then as I'm going through life, I'm like, oh, there's
there are more people who are discussing this and
understanding that there's specifics to you, the individual
on how to live your life. And so how have you found, you
(42:27):
know, understanding that you're OK, I'm a projector.
Like, what does that mean to you?
And how do you apply that to, you know, your career?
I know exactly what time everyone was born.
Every day I was like, what time,what city?
I need specifics. Ask your mother that has helped
(42:48):
me even in terms of like how I'mcommunicating with each of them,
the best ways to communicate still like a obviously progress
and trying to figure that out, but also just for myself and
with the Daisy club, it it was another aha moment like, oh, I'm
here as a projector to like guide and lead and I see things
(43:11):
differently and no shit wipe somebody's not doing what I'm
doing. Same, same, but different
because I'm seeing things differently when it comes down
to adaptive fitness and accessibility.
And that piece it lit more, it'slighting more fire under my bum
of like I'm doing the right thing.
(43:33):
Also learning to step back in those boundaries because I
absorb, I have this open sake girl.
Like I can just go into a room and really feel it's like, OK,
got to shut it down as well. And I don't need to, I don't
have to overdo it. I'm not here to produce,
(43:54):
produce, produce, produce. We got the generators for that
and they do phenomenal. They're the ones that are
probably doing all those amazingreels, doing all the social
media stuff that I'm just like, so they do that.
So that's where it's kind of like hard for me because I'm
like, I, it's not that I can't, it's just, it's not, doesn't
(44:18):
come as natural and doesn't, it doesn't have to because it's
not, it's not my thing. Yeah.
You're allowed to have things that you're like, yeah, I, I I
understand that this is something that I can do.
Yeah. But.
Yeah. I have my energy can be much
better focused in other avenues.Exactly, exactly.
(44:38):
So, yeah, that's how I've been really tapping into it with,
yeah, just like business wise and it's more to come, right?
I got the full document and it'slike 200 plus pages.
I have not dug into it as much as I should, but I know that
over the next, you know, little while, I'm like, I really need
to start reading it a bit more because there's so much.
(45:01):
Even like not this so much, justtry even just you know what
your, your authority and strategy.
I think those type of things, really even your profiles like
those numbers and just like justthe blank, cuz if you go too
deep, then it's like, well, but if you just have this overall,
like you really just tap into it.
It'll really, really support you.
(45:22):
I'm going to text you after thisand be like help me.
I'm learning about the manifesters.
Yeah, exactly. You have a better understanding
than I do, probably. I don't manifesters are hard to
read but anyways that's. Yeah, that's a whole other
thing. But so you did mention, you just
mentioned accessibility. Yes.
(45:43):
And I want to touch on that a little bit because the Daisy
Club is built around like adaptive fitness and
inclusivity. So like for you, what does true
accessibility mean and why is itso central to building real
community? The disability community as a
whole in the world is the largest minority group in the
world, and it's a population that you and I or the next
(46:08):
person could be a part of in ourlifetime. 100%.
We all ourselves or we know the next person that maybe has been
born with a disability or hasn'thad an accident or has gotten
sick and everyone's like, oh, now I get it.
So before we even get to that point, just knowing that
(46:30):
accessibility means everybody inthe terms, even the next person
beside me is able to have fun inlife and to do that.
And I think that's something that I just like embody, like
that joy and fun. That person can go to that
concert and not think twice about their seat to get on that
airplane and to go to wherever they want.
(46:54):
There's the realities of what that looks like as a society.
Let's just continue and me too, right?
Like continue learning, continueto be open and always ask, is
this accessible? Right?
So even with my my daisies and what is accessible through like
(47:16):
our, our club hangs for the Daisy community is not
accessible for the next person, right?
So it's such a, you know, a spectrum and my a ramp might
work for one person, but the next person needs a push button,
you know, so just always trying to keep that question in the
back of your like that, your back pocket when you're
(47:38):
creating, when you're producing things, when you're like
creating a community, like housing, you know, things like
that to keep that in mind. Playgrounds, like all of it,
just have somebody with lived experience come in and tell you
(47:59):
what's up and pay them. So I came across there was a lot
of that. I went to Toronto tech week and
that's what they were saying. I was like, and it blank.
It's it's like, it's true. So that's like just a circle
back with the Daisy community, you know, talking to them about
their needs and what, what they're hoping for and how they
want support and just we just have to ask each other, you
(48:22):
know, and stop assuming and stopturning a blind eye because we
just literally need to to ask and not, not as soon.
We need more people like you. We need more people.
Up there. Like legit, I'm not trying to
blow smoke up your ass. Like, yeah, yeah, no, it's, it's
and it doesn't take much learning, learning, learning.
(48:46):
Just be open to it. And I love that.
Hire people. Part of the premise of this
podcast is I love to talk to people about, you know, like
these like what the fuck momentsin our course, We all have them,
every one of us. As an entrepreneur, creative, we
always go through these moments where we're like, what am I
doing? Like what's happening?
Just because, you know, like we said earlier, we don't know what
(49:07):
we're doing. We're all kind of figuring out
on our own. So was there ever like a what
the fuck moment along your path where something that changed or
challenged or reshaped how you see yourself or your work?
I feel like it's like every day.What it's every day because
(49:28):
we're working from home. Like the Daisy Club is literally
like I right where I'm at. I have my chair, the camera's in
front of me and I'm doing the thing in my bedroom and the kids
are on the other side, you know,or it's for me.
I think the what the fuck right now is having to figure out how
(49:51):
to manage all of that, when to not respond to the emails when
you're at home, but you're at home.
So that's where you're working. And it just this spiral, you
know, and where where am I really putting all of that
energy? But a true what the fuck moment
(50:14):
that really ties in with that was I went to the reunion dance
party as one of our club hangs and it's all female alcohol free
dance party. It was a daytime dance party
too. And it was so awesome and we had
an amazing time and myself and one other Daisy ended up staying
(50:34):
till the end, which was 8:30 PM.Like it was great.
I love birthday parties. Such a good time.
Got to bed by 10. It was amazing.
Yes, they did a opening circle and then we danced our butts off
and then they did a closing circle and they had a Hannah and
she is a Somatic coach and she walked us through a meditation
(51:00):
and I just got all sitting on the floor and just got so deep
into it. And it was this aha moment of
all this like dualities that have been going on.
I was like, OK, we talked about it like mom, fitness instructor,
Daisy club founder, all these things.
Oh my God, they all can be. And I could live all of it.
(51:22):
And these this, this part of Darlene of this like the
dancing. I was in this like cool outfit
that my brother sent me from Columbia.
And I'm like, I can be this withthe daisies and feel my true
self and do all the other thingstoo.
And I don't have to not, not that I was hiding it, but not
that I was showcasing it as muchas I feel like I should and
(51:46):
continue to do because it's it is me and I'm not trying to like
this is what you get, you know, if you wanna, yeah, if you wanna
wanna be part of the Daisy Club.I love to hear that.
I I genuinely feel as much as there's this, you know, last
ditch effort to control people like that's this that's
happening right now in the world.
I also feel simultaneously, which is I think the reason for
(52:09):
it is that there is this movement where more and more
people that I'm speaking to are really owning who they are in
really authentic ways and not just like bullshit, like, you
know, talk, speak. Not the not the authentic talk,
all everything authenticity. Yeah, I.
Know yeah, it's like they're actually doing it.
And to me I'm like, I love to hear this because it's so funny
(52:33):
because at the beginning of the year I.
I said to myself, like, you know, my goal for 2025 was I
really want to live in alignment, whether it comes to
my personal life, my professional life, like who I
work with, the things I'm doing.Like I wanna go for stuff that
like is, you know, in my heart that I wanna create.
And. And it seems to be attracting so
(52:53):
much of that energy to me just based on, on me putting it out
there. And I'd love to hear that there
are other people who are like, you know what, like it's time
like, it's time for me to just like be me no matter what.
And I, I love to hear especiallyin in a venture that is
basically helping people to authentically be themselves as.
(53:15):
Well, yes, that's exactly it. The thing is too, with my I've
known them for so long. I have this this relationship
with them and their families. So now that I'm venturing and
adding more to the garden, somebody has to get to know me
and I have to get to know them. And it's been very exciting
because it's like, oh, this is brand new because the other
(53:37):
daisies know me. We've been blooming throughout
the years, but now these other daisies that are coming in, it's
like this is me and I get excited.
You know, I get excited to like meet new people and see what
what's driving them to movement and what why they're showing up.
Why did they reach out to me andthings like that?
(53:57):
And I'm I'm I'm here for it. I'm here to just.
And I feel like that's the thing.
Once we opened up just like whatyou said for 2025, then like the
good things are like, oh, OK, yeah, yeah.
And it's been happening here we are right.
This is. I love it.
I honestly love it. And even just what you created,
the name, the members and how you've named them that even the
(54:20):
terminology around blooming likeyou're, you're creating a very
solid brand. Oh, thank you.
I. Like genuinely like you.
Know I don't. I don't know what I'm doing.
But you don't know what you're doing, but you know exactly what
you're doing because it's what feels right.
And so that's what you're bringing forward.
And you're like, this just makessense.
Kudos. This is what I'm trying to say.
(54:41):
Thank you. Now it's it's true.
And it's once these these littlemoments, you know, I even with
like when I got the the earringsat a reunion.
And the owner, her name's Cass. Slow day, Slow Day studio.
She's like, I have other colors.I'm like, no, this is the Daisy
(55:01):
Club. He's this purple.
It's the Daisy Club color. So I was just like, no, this is
what? And she's like, oh, OK, great.
So it's been, it's been a lot offun.
Where do you see the Daisy Club going?
Like what's your vision or your,you know, your dream for the
next few years? Like where this is going to go?
Literally, I want my own garden of daisies in my backyard and
more daisies in in the club. For sure, I want to be able to
(55:26):
have a solid big group of 20 plus women just when picking in
the brain, right, like we're here, it's time to take over the
world. Like and just like showing up at
events, doing the things, partnerships, collaborations,
because I've, I've figured I'm like, Oh my goodness, I've been
(55:48):
working in a system for so long and having Co workers that I
could just turn to and I'm like,oh, I'm doing this on my own
now, like who am I turning to? So I think in terms of those
like sponsorship and collaborations is like huge.
And I've figured that out and I I love it.
I love meeting new people and what not to make this grow, but
just really, yeah, the growth because I want everyone to feel
(56:13):
joy, do the cool shit, move yourbodies right.
All the things that I feel like I've learnt at the tender age of
37, what brings me joy and to yeah, other people to join along
with us on this journey. I'm so happy that you came to
(56:33):
chat with me, honestly, it meansso much.
Thank you for having me. It's it talking about it makes
it just like that much more realand really just putting, yeah,
adaptive fitness and accessibility on the map and get
everyone thinking a little bit outside the box.
I love it. So I've been I ask every one of
my guests, what is the most on brand thing about you?
(56:55):
Aside from the Daisy earrings I'm wearing right now, OK, I
would say honestly, the fact that everybody can move.
I'm a huge advocate for just movement in general, whatever
that looks like in terms of dance fitness.
(57:17):
But everybody can. So let's not limit ourselves.
Let's throw away those limiting,perceive limiting limitations
and let's take over the world. I love it, honestly, very
inspiring. I'm so happy that you are
feeling very much in alignment with where you're at and you're
(57:38):
passionate about something because you know, it's very
difficult in these days to feel passion and drive.
I feel like there's a lot of things that are meant to stop us
from, you know, like going for it.
And I just love to hear. It's really energizing for me.
So I thank you so much for beinghere today.
Thank you, Gio. So if anyone listening wants to
(58:00):
connect with you, inquire about the Daisy Club, get to know you,
become a member of Become a Daisy.
Like how can they reach out to you?
I love that. Yeah, definitely on Instagram,
it's the under score Daisy Club.You can slide into my DMS and
follow along if you want to see some fun, uplifting dance
(58:20):
choreo. You might know somebody, right?
It's always one of those things that you might know somebody
that might be a good fit to become a Daisy.
And yeah, the daisyclub.com. And if you'd like to connect
with me, you can reach out to methrough my website,
geographic.com, follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple
podcast, I'm on iHeartRadio, TikTok, I'm back up on TikTok,
(58:44):
Instagram, etcetera. Leave a comment or review,
subscribe. It would help me with the
algorithm. Thank you again, Darlene.
I appreciate your time so much and I can't wait to see where
the Daisy Club goes. Thanks Geo.
OK, bye. Bye.
I don't know what I'm doing because none of us do.
No, yes, I'm learning that everyone excuse for reminding me
like Darlene or that I'm like you're.
Right. No one knows what they're doing.
That is the thing that because like you see so many people
like, you know, these are the, Ialways say this, I'm like, these
are the like the 10 tips on how to blah, blah, blah.
Like in business, I'm like, Oh my God, like we not everybody is
(00:22):
templated. Like we don't live that way.
It's not a thing. Yes, yeah, it might work for one
person, but not the next. So yeah, I think, I think it's
hard to like in terms of seeing those 10 like the top ten or the
the must haves or yadda yadda. It's like, am I feeling like I'm
not doing the right thing? It's like, no, no, you need to
cut the noise. Even with parenting too.
(00:46):
You just have to cut the noise. Like we are inundated with so
much. It's like, what are you feeling?
What's because like we all have that like GPS, the internal GPS
system. And it's like we ignore a lot of
us ignore it, right? And so I, I am finally getting
to the point. I'm like, what feels right, What
feels good? I'm going to go towards that.
What doesn't feel right? I'm going to stop giving that
energy. Stop and say no too.
(01:31):
Welcome to Graphic Content, the podcast where we talk all things
who, why, and the what the fuck moments along the way.
Today's guest is the inspiring founder and heart behind The
Daisy Club. With over 15 years of experience
supporting individuals in hospitals, community programs,
private practice, and adaptive fitness settings, she has
dedicated her career to empowering women of all
abilities through movement and connection.
(01:53):
As a certified fitness instructor and adaptive movement
advocate, she's built a vibrant,inclusive space, both virtual
and in person, where women can explore dance, Wellness, and
friendship no matter their mobility.
Welcome to Graphic Content Darlene Espinoza.
Thank you so much. My heart is smiling and that's
something very often when I really felt that.
(02:16):
So yeah, thank you. Thank you for having me, Gio.
Oh my God, you're so welcome. Like I was saying before we
started recording I was like thank you for being my no one
fan because I I feel the love from you online.
So I very much appreciate your support and I knew that I had to
have you once you started posting about your new venture.
Thank you. No, and I honestly love what's
(02:37):
going on with your stuff too. Just I have to you know, the
likes goes a long way and it keeps us going.
So thanks. Thanks again and let's do it.
Yeah, we met in university. Yeah.
So we're talking back early 20s.Yeah, No, almost, almost 20
(02:57):
years. Almost. 20 years.
Yeah, almost 20 years and met through a dear friend of yours
and and mine. And since then, I'm just
thinking back to those days and it was TMU, Toronto Metropolitan
University, about Ryerson at thetime, and it was a different
life then. But we still look the fucking
(03:19):
same. Like not for anything, but we
look the same. I think my eyebrows, I think my
eyebrows were thinner though, soI'm glad.
Luckily, luckily I was. Yeah, I was able to gain my
eyebrows back. You didn't go through that like
the like Gen. X where they over plucked and
now they're kind of. No, they yeah, my both of my
(03:42):
kids have my eyebrows and I'm like, you are.
She should be happy because we could do a lot with them.
Honestly I feel the same. I was.
I look back and I'm like my eyebrows sometimes we're like.
Super. Yes, yeah.
I was like thinking like, I don't know.
What? Was what was I remember going to
trade secrets at Eden Center andlike it was just like basement
(04:03):
down there and just like just RIP it off of me, you know, and
it just felt felt like the rightthing to do, but no no longer.
You're you're literally always looking surprised.
Oh my God. So how have you been?
Like, how's, how's your life been now?
You're a mother that. Is wild to me.
I like to say to many people that I am permanently tired and
(04:29):
happy but like. Relatable.
Yeah, just tired, but it's just energetically tired, just like
lack of sleep tired. It definitely takes a lot out of
you. And they're quite young.
So I have a 18 month old, so just a year and a half year old
boy and a 3 1/2 year old little girl at home with me.
(04:49):
It's non-stop. However, I'm happy 'cause this
is something that I've always want, always wanted.
So definitely motherhood and theDaisy Club, amongst other stuff
in between of course. I will say, I feel like a lot of
moms will preface the, you know,I'm tired, but I am happy.
I love it. And I, I, I want to say like
(05:11):
those two things can exist simultaneously.
And I want to say to women, I'm like, you can, you can also like
not be 100% in love with your day-to-day.
Like it's OK to say that. Yes.
And I feel like in this generation, we're feeling more
empowered, too, and not show up and be like, everything's great.
We're doing awesome, Yeah, sleeping through the night and
(05:34):
always lovely questions you get asked all the time and just just
don't ask, don't ask. Are they sleeping through the
night? Don't ask those questions cuz
like chances are the little onesare not sleeping throughout the
night and it's a bit triggering cuz the next person that might
be happening, which is good for them.
But yeah, all those things, all the emotions could coincide and
(05:56):
teaching Inside Out, the movie Inside Out.
I think it's like a really cool representation of that, of we
are feeling all the feels all the time, and so are they.
Oh yeah, and I find myself and you listen, like I'm not a
woman. I come from a different
perspective. But yeah, for me, when I
especially cause our a lot of our friends, a lot of people our
(06:17):
age, they're they're moms like the yeah, the women are moms.
And I always tend to just ask like, how are you?
Yeah, like, like, sure, the kidsare great.
I see they're you've, you've kept them alive, like, you know
what I mean? But like, when it comes to I'm
like, how are you, lady? Like, what's going on with you?
Like, I'm more interested in like your journey throughout
this whole thing versus like thekids clearly they're fine.
(06:37):
They're running around. Like, you know what?
I. Mean no, I appreciate that too
because it I'm sure when you're asking that they're kind of
like, wait, wait, how am I like you kind of forget to even ask
yourself, how are you doing? I'm trying to be as president as
possible to continue to check inwith myself.
I'm like, OK, I'm feeling overwhelmed like something's out
(06:58):
of alignment here. What do I need to do?
How do I communicate with my partner?
How do I communicate with my kids to like mommy needs some
space right now and as blunt as that is then they're they're
giving me the opportunity to by saying mommy, I need my space.
I'm like, cool, you go have yourspace because you.
Got it. It's all good.
It's all good. We don't have to, you know,
(07:19):
being each others or all the time, even though it is, we are
always together. I mean, yeah, like, what are you
gonna do? Right?
Like that's especially in those early formative years.
You are always getting flu to those kids.
They're not gonna leave your side.
We're in it and that zero to 3 is so pivotal.
And even they say 0 to 3, then adolescence and in terms of
(07:41):
brain changes and that neuroplasticity within your
brain and when you become a parent, so everyone's like, oh,
mommy brain. And they laugh it off.
It's like, no, like daddy brain and mommy brain, that is a thing
because now you have these beings that you have survival,
right? So you're not, you're not
thinking about what you ate the day before or what's to do or 20
(08:05):
minutes ago. You're thinking about like, is
this kids gonna survive? So no matter what, like that's
why you're so foggy and whatnot.So yeah, I'm not the same person
I was 20 years ago, but there's still me there, you know?
He's still there. Don't.
Worry. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Sam and I, Sam Walker, who is our mutual friend, yes, of the
art lab. We talk about this like she's I
(08:26):
said to her. I love the fact that you have
still maintained who you are. You know what I mean?
Like you are still that same. Yes, you're a mother and you
have other priorities like that is normal and expected, but you
are still at the court. You haven't just become like I'm
a mommy. You know what I mean?
Like that like I'm still like even you like I saw your you're
like posting about pride and andI'm like you're still out there
(08:49):
doing you, which I. Think I have.
So much respect for because that's tough that.
Is very tough. To have children, devote your
life to them, but then also like, say I have to carve out
space for me because I'm also a human underneath this title of
mom, you know? Totally, totally.
And I, and I think even before once I got pregnant, I knew in
(09:12):
terms of wanting to have that village, right, knowing that I'm
not supposed to be here doing itby myself, right?
And that was like in terms of myupbringing too.
It's like we all need to be doing it together.
And I it's, it's a service to mykids as well.
Like you go hang out with your Omi and your grandpa or you're a
way low and Bobby and I are gonna go to pride.
(09:36):
Yeah, I love it. We're gonna go see our chosen,
our family that we haven't seen.So yeah, can't be partying every
weekend anymore. But the most pivotal moments of
like, okay, it's coming up then.They mean so much more now these
days, yeah. You're talking about the early
stages of your family and upbringing of your children.
(09:58):
So I wanna go a little bit back to your upbringing.
Absolutely. And I want you to talk a little
bit about how being in tune to people's energy because you
mentioning even just saying being present.
I noticed that even in like the intake form, like you're how you
write, even though brief you speak how I speak.
And so I'm like, OK, you know, Ilove that even 20 years later,
we're still on the same page even though we've kind of gone
(10:20):
our separate ways. Yeah.
But I would love to you to talk a little bit about your
upbringing and, you know, tuninginto people's energy as a child
and how that shaped you to who you are today.
It's always nice to be able to like step back and go back in
time. I wish I wish I had more
memories though, like I feel like like I you know, our our
(10:41):
also mutual friend Nina too, like her, her memory when it
comes shout out to Nina and her memory impeccable.
But one thing a bunch of things.So I'm first generation
Canadian. So my both of my yes, yes, yes,
both of my parents are from the lovely, beautiful island of Cuba
(11:01):
and they actually met here in Toronto.
So they didn't cut like leave escape Cuba and then come
together. So that was like, people are
like really all the Cuban like that's strange because there's
not many Cubans here to begin with.
They're all, they're all in Miami.
I was gonna say they're all in Miami.
They're all in Miami. So yeah, had my my grandmother,
(11:22):
had my aunts present, had everybody present in terms of my
upbringing. So really just knowing that
everyone taking care of each other was a really huge piece of
my upbringing. So very fond memories.
It's funny, I had some craft dinner before hopping on with
you and I'm like, I remember, I think grandmother might we call
(11:44):
her Beta, would be making Kraft dinner with hot dogs and like
coming home from school and I felt well taken care of.
Right. I love it.
But also like energetically, I always, I always felt very
happily, like empathetic, not knowing, like what was this
feeling? And then also be, you know,
(12:05):
raised and hearing like, oh, you're so sensitive, you're too
sensitive. And that was seen as a bad
thing. My like, my whole life, I always
felt like your sensitivity needsto be just shun away.
And I feel like sometimes I probably, yeah, I shut it down,
which I really shouldn't have. But no matter what, I always, I
(12:27):
could see things a bit differently.
And I feel like I still can. And I can see through people in
the sense of how much more support they might have need and
without even them saying it out loud to me.
But yeah, I would say like just having everybody, the playing
fields, the family together really supported, like where I
am now with my family, but also just everything that I've built
(12:50):
in a building with the Daisy Club.
I was like a sensitive child. I really felt a lot.
I still feel to this day, I feelthat a lot.
How did you get through the to where you are today, where you
can kind of own it more than youdid as a younger person, Even
with the external voices saying like, like you're like, you're
fine. Like you're too you're.
(13:11):
You're too sensitive. I think, I think just the aha
moments of like, oh, what, what was the sensitivity?
You know, I like, I think growing up it was the
sensitivity of, you know, you'reoh, you're crying, you're doing
this. What is it again seen as a bad
thing? And really tapping in of like,
Oh, my sensitivity is because I could feel the other person.
(13:35):
I know something seems a bit offor seems really good too.
So when I was able to like really empower that and then
just through my own journeys of like, you know, like my
meditation, really getting into like, I remember just like
getting to Jay Shetty and understanding like, Oh my gosh,
is this just this other worlds that we've been?
I've just decided not to really like I blocked out for the
(13:57):
longest time and like getting into deeper, deeper.
Darlene allowed me to be like, not I'm learning to not to
observe it, but not absorb it. That's the biggest thing,
especially as a projector, humandesign, A projector.
We absorb, absorb, absorb. But I need to learn to observe
(14:19):
and not absorb, which is so hard.
But the more I talk about it, the more, you know, you just
really want to start it back. Yeah, yeah.
Girl it is. Tattooed across my no maybe on
my arm so then I can see it if Iwas not before that maybe across
my arm yeah I. Feel you 100,000 million percent
(14:41):
because I am very much I don't know how this podcast is not
about my personal life, but I will say that, you know, we go
through things we go through things and I'm at a stage now
where I feel like I'm I'm evolving like, you know, we're
37 like we're Yep we're not children anymore Yep, Yep.
(15:02):
And so wait, let's go. And honestly, it's actually
crazy. Like you look the same, like I'm
I'm started like bring it back. But like you literally haven't
aged a bit. It's wild.
I need your secrets. There's not much.
But you're lucky then. But.
We just keep moving, right? But we'll get into that.
(15:23):
Yeah, it's 100%. But, but no, like, you know, I
feel like I'm evolving in, in a,in a, I'm in a phase in my life
where I feel like a lot of the things that I have picked up
over the years, like the, you know, these realizations this
like new way of thinking. I'm going through something
where I feel like it's being putto the test.
(15:43):
Where it's like. Like the world or the universe
is saying like, OK, you talked abig game or you talk a big game
about like having learned so much, now it's the time to like
apply it. Applying it, My God, it is
difficult, Yes, very difficult. Yep.
Cuz you have to show up for yourself.
And yeah, it's not the easiest thing.
That's true. It's, it's, it's a lot of
learning is even with my partnerand I, you know, we could be
(16:03):
like listening to to podcasts with our audio books.
OK, now we need to apply it likethe that that's really what it
is. And that's just essentially the
school of life, right? And no one's really like holding
your hand. That's the thing.
It's like, if you want to, you know, it's, I always say this to
like to sum it up, it's like I got, I was tired of my own
(16:25):
bullshit. Like you're like, like I'm sick
and tired of feeling sick and tired.
And so like, what am I going to do about it versus just
complaining and saying like, my life, you know?
And yeah, so like solution focusand that's like, OK, I'm hearing
it now. What are we going to do about
it? Yeah, I agree.
And it's hard when you're aroundpeople who don't wanna do it,
but that's a whole other story. I'll hop on the podcast.
(16:47):
Another podcast we can talk about that.
Let's we'll do a sidecar podcast.
So I want to go back a little bit again.
So you've been working now for over 15 years within the, the
disability community. You're working with people in
that world, Yes. So you started out, when I met
you, you were in early childhoodeducation.
Yes. And you've also done roles as
(17:08):
like a therapy assistant, physical physiotherapy
assistant. Yeah.
And now you're a fitness instructor.
Yes. Like what first drew you to
helping others and what's kept you so passionate for all these
years? It's funny to hear.
It's just, you know, you just wear so many hats.
But in the end, I'm I'm Darlene,but I so many ventures and I
feel like everything is just plays a role.
(17:30):
All right, Like I think everything's very relatable.
Even though I was like, Oh, I didn't go did go this route, but
this route. So just just really sum it up.
As a child, I was always known and what I could even remember
just being in elementary school and just really noticing, like I
mentioned, who needed a little bit more extra support.
I feel like back then in the 90s, you know, talking about
(17:51):
diagnosis, talking about, well, depending where you're at,
special needs or disability diagnosis, whatnot was not
talked about. I feel like more in elementary
schools now and children in general, like when they're
owning their diagnosis, if they might have a diagnosis of
autism. Yes, I, I'm autistic or I'm a
(18:14):
person with autism, things like that.
But growing up we didn't hear any of that.
You know, we, you know, you, youmight be able to see like an
obvious like physical disability, but not necessarily
like a cognitive disability or alearning disability.
However, I again, I was very in tuned with like, OK, somebody
needs a little bit more extra support.
I'll, I'll help out, not in the sense of control, but more so
(18:38):
like, Hey, you good? Like how can I help you open up
your lunch bag or something likethat.
And I had an amazing, amazing teacher, elementary school
teacher, shout out to Frank Amato.
He is still a dear friend of mine.
And he, yes, super, super nice, made a pivotal, pivotal like
(19:00):
moments of my life. And he saw me for who I was.
And I was like, oh, there's like, there's some cool stuff
about me. And I wasn't like a lot of
perceived limitations, right? So I was like, I want to be a
teacher. So decide to go through the ECE
early child education route thinking I wanted to teach.
(19:23):
Cool thing is about those schoolings is that you get to be
put in some placements and really like touch in and see is
this something that I want to do?
And I was in a daycare setting and I was like no, this is not
what I want to do. Somebody else can do and do a
really good job, but this is notthe setting I want.
But I got introduced to occupational therapy.
(19:43):
So occupational therapy really is therapists who support people
with activities of daily living.So that could be like supporting
somebody learn how to brush their teeth, pay their bills,
tie their shoes, make their bed.It's a huge umbrella.
And I was like, this is cool. Give me more.
So fourth year, I think we had to find our own placement.
(20:06):
So I found a placement at Hull and Blue Review Kids
Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada's largest rehabilitation
hospital for children. And I was like, this is my gym.
This is where I want to be. This is where I want to support.
This is where who the type of people I want to learn from and
it's those children's and children and those families.
(20:28):
And to this day, it's been such a pivotal point in my life that
that I yeah, it's over 15 years of it in one way or another,
supporting families with disabilities.
Hearing you speak about this, itmakes so much sense that that
would be something that somebodywith your background would want
to actually impact people's lives.
Because to me, something that wedon't even when you think about
(20:51):
rehabilitation, you think like sports injury first thing, you
don't think about the fundamentals of getting ready in
the morning. Like we take it for granted so
much that even hearing you say that, I'm like, how are there
not more people in this field orit's not spoken about?
Yeah, and I always like to put Holland Blue Review on the map
(21:12):
because everyone's like, never heard of it.
It's like in a way it's like cool, cuz I'll teach you about
it. And I always like to explain as
if, cuz a lot of people know sick kids hospital in, in
Toronto, you know, acute care there.
You're, you're taking your kids for emergencies there.
You're taking your children if, if they're, they have surgery
(21:34):
again, anything. And where do they have, where do
they go for rehab, right? They're not if they're they're
ready for rehab, they're not in acute care anymore.
They're moving on. So they come to Holland Blue
review. Or if you were born with a
disability, right? So something like cerebral
palsy, something like autism, where are you getting to that,
(21:55):
that type of therapy? And that's that's the place, at
least in Toronto. You started there, When were
you? You said in fourth year.
Oh my goodness. Yeah.
So I was a volunteer 4th year. That's was 20/20/10.
Started there 2010 and then started working there at the
nursery schools because they hadlike specialized nursery schools
(22:16):
which is super cool. And so how was that experience
like, especially where I'm assuming you were interacting
with the parents? Oh my goodness.
First, how old was I? I was like 22.
Who was I? Like again, I was like, I'm
telling these parents how to do things with their kids.
I had to get over that. And I and I did quickly, right?
(22:37):
Because I had the privilege of being with these kids for a few
hours without their parents and learn about them, try different
strategies, try different games,do circle time, sing to them.
And then being able to go to their parents and tell them all
these amazing things that their children's doing, like try this
(23:00):
out, throw that out. But at first it was like, yeah,
WTF? Like moment, Like, what am I
doing? Why are they going to listen to
this 22 year old? But they did.
They truly did. I never felt less than because
of my age. Yeah, and that's the thing,
especially if you're you're bringing forward a sense of
(23:22):
progress in their life for theirchild, Like how, why would they
ever look at you and say like, no, like you're you're bringing
like hope and positivity and andof course they're going to even
regardless of age, it's like, look at this person is helping
my child is helping me. Such a dope thing and that's
what still to this day what I'm doing.
I get to support and be there for someone in their journey.
(23:47):
Again, those perceived limitations because you may be
in a wheelchair, you may be using a Walker, you know, just
in terms of your, your fine motor skills, you're like
holding a weight. But then we can do all these
things and it's like, oh, it's like, yes, that's what keeps me
going for sure. There was a moment at Hall and
(24:07):
Bloor View when a parent encouraged you to do something
you had said, like, how did thatconversation spark the idea that
eventually became the Daisy Club?
Yeah, OK, so let's let's talk about it at home.
Bloor View. I got to run basically a fitness
group. It was every Saturday morning
and it was for for youth and teenagers with neuromotor
(24:31):
disorder. So generally like cerebral
palsy, so they might, you know, have lower balance, might be
using a rear face Walker, not forward facing, but think rear
facing. It's not something that you see
very often or canes. And we would work out, we would
move our bodies, we'd work out. And I would get to know these
family members and kids for years, right?
(24:53):
And see them grow up when you grow up eventually you have to
leave the pediatric system, right.
You are no longer you're turning1819 somewhere that you felt so
comfortable, a place that you felt so comfortable to be
yourself and know that you're well supported is no longer have
access to you because that's just how the system works.
(25:15):
And a father, there was, I thinkabout maybe 3 young women that
were aging out of the system. And that was also kind of new to
me too. It's like now I was in a
different world too. So I was part of this transition
team knowing that I'm like, whatis else out there now for these
young adults and what happens? And he said, Darlene, you need
(25:37):
to do something. And I was like, again, now that
I think back to you, my strategyis invitation as a projector.
That was the most epic invitation ever.
Because now I am here talking about what the Daisy Club is.
I love that. And I was pregnant also with my
first. So it was during like COVID
(25:57):
time, 2021. I'm like, what can be done?
So I started after I went on matleave, knowing that I wanted to
like create something and knowing that I had to leave Blue
Review in order to create it. I started Move with DAR.
That was what it was called. And similar concept with Daisy
(26:17):
Club is now, but meeting up weekly, moving our bodies,
seated dance, choreography, things like that, meeting up in
person just to hang out. And that's where really the seed
was planted at that program. But now we have rebranded, we're
doing all the things. And that's where the Daisy Club
(26:40):
has come to fruition. An adaptive fitness community
for women. You're in the early stages still
like you're only a couple years in.
So to go through a rebrand, it'sfine.
You know what I mean? Like it's like I, I think about
like I started Geographic. I was a clothing company.
Yeah. Am I doing that now?
(27:02):
No, absolutely not. But you know, we start
somewhere, but at least it's like the beginning free.
Although I will say with what you, what you're doing, you've
been on track. It's it didn't jump around too
much with offering. No, no, no, it's not Yes, yes.
It wasn't a clothing brand report.
No, absolutely. Yeah.
I just, it was one of those likeknowing it was, I like to
(27:24):
consider it my first baby and itwas just waiting for me to just
continue to like nourish it there.
It was just like sitting there like the group of the girls that
were still with me. We're waiting.
They're like, OK, she's on maternity leave.
She's on maternity leave again. I'm like, we're going to stay
connected. It's coming back and we're going
to go bigger and better and we have.
(27:48):
So we've been talking about the Daisy Club.
So let's discuss like what you are doing.
So now that you are you've established yourself like what?
Talk to me about the Daisy Club.Adaptive fitness compete.
Everyone's like, what does that mean?
Adaptive? With my background in, you know,
physiotherapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting
and now as a fitness instructor,I'm able to support people in
(28:11):
adapting exercise. So does that mean I have some of
my daisies, as I like to call them the Daisy?
I love it. They're doing most of their
exercises in a seated position, right?
So like, think about the core exercises you're doing when
you're laying down or when you're standing up or even just
like strength based using weights, adapting it in a chair,
(28:33):
which is to talk about creativity.
Like it's been a lot of fun. Like how can we really engage
your core? How can we really, you know, use
weights like bands, resistant bands and dance choreography to
move your body? Because no matter what, you're
getting a workout, even if you're sitting and sitting in a
chair. So in those moments, we work out
(28:56):
weekly virtually live as as a group.
We we chit chat, we do 2 dance choreographies to warm up our
bodies. And then we do a circuit and we
go through it all. We're throwing those weights in
and ending off with a nice stretch at the end just to to
calm our nervous system. And it's a safe space.
(29:17):
You know, it's female only to beable to do really dive into
certain topics that only US women will really understand and
it makes sense to us. Also our club calls where we tap
into women that are doing cool shit and are here to teach us
(29:37):
and there's a learning capacity to it.
So we had Doctor Margo come in, talk everything menstruation and
go through a whole hour of talking the insurance and outs
about it. Even at 37, I'm still learning
so much about the whole cycle wego through.
And our big thing also so is ourclub hangs.
So we find accessible places within the city, mainly in the
(30:01):
city just in terms of accessibility because there's
something called the TTC wheel trans, so a lot of my daisies
use that. So in terms of getting some
free, free travel around the city.
So yeah, we go to different restaurants, we go to different
events and have fun together. You're a woman who's doing cool
(30:22):
shit because just hearing you talk about this and having known
you now for like, like I said, almost 2 decades, it's, it makes
so much sense for the energy that you bring to the table to
go towards helping others in this way, especially because the
impact that you're making, like you're creating community.
And that's one of the things that, you know, people talk
(30:44):
about so much now like, oh, you know, fostering community,
community, community. But it's like, what are we
actually doing versus just saying it?
And so, and you're actually doing it, you're in the
community. I'm in it and you know what a
big thing I came across and it'slike, and they're shaping it
with me, you know what I mean? Like this is it's our club where
(31:06):
here I am, I could all the behind the scene things, but
it's like, what do you want to do?
Where do you want to go? How do you want to move your
body? And let's let's shape this
together. So I think that's a big
component too, because I feel like, yeah, the community word
is thrown around quite often andit's like, are we really showing
up for it and doing it the not the right way, but are we doing
(31:29):
it together and not just this one person telling you how to do
things? Well, it's from a it's like
grassroots is your approach. It's not necessarily like, oh,
hey, we're, you know, throwing money at A cause and then we're
going to say we did something versus like, let me actually
exactly right. Yeah.
So what have what have you had as feedback?
Like how has the reception been so far?
(31:51):
It depends if it's from the daisies and even, like, of a
potential new Daisy to hearing that, like, letting her know,
you know, coming in to do a couple of free demos.
And she's like, oh, my goodness.There's a space for me that is
adaptive. I feel safe.
I feel seen. And she's like, you reach out to
places to see if it's accessible, like, because
(32:13):
sometimes, you know, I'll just not go because it might not be
for me. And I'm like, so you just stay
home. Yeah.
I'm like, OK, we're going to do something about that.
Like you're coming out with us, like we're doing this thing, you
know, just to see such bright eyes of like, I can do this and
(32:35):
it feels good. And also the lived experience
piece between the girls, they got that.
I'm sitting back and I'm learning.
I'm learning, I'm learning of how we could change the world's
and in terms of accessibility and they, the relatability to
each other is like, I could see it in their eyes and then their
(32:58):
breath of like, like I'm being seen and these people are
experiencing the same, same, same, but different things that
I'm going through. And then I have outside people
that I'm like connecting with. Everyone's like, wow, like this
is haven't heard of anything like this, right?
I'm like, yeah, this. I don't know what, I'm just
(33:18):
creating something. Yeah, you having launched this
and seeing it online, I was like, this is so aligned back to
that alignment piece with how I want to live my life and the
people I want to talk to and whoare doing cool shit.
Like that's literally what the premise of this whole thing is.
And so I, I just love hearing itwhen people are like, I had this
(33:41):
idea. I don't know what I'm doing
because none of us do. No one.
Yes, I'm. Learning that everyone's keeps
reminding me like Darlene, right?
No one knows what they're doing.That is the thing that because
like you see so many people like, you know, these, I always
say this, I'm like, these are the like the 10 tips on how to
blah, blah, blah. Like in business, I'm like, Oh
(34:02):
my God, look, we not everybody is templated.
Like we don't live that way. It's not a thing.
Yes, yeah, it might work for oneperson, but not the next.
So yeah, I think, I think it's hard to like in terms of seeing
those 10 like the top ten or thethe must haves or yadda yadda.
It's like, am I feeling like I'mnot doing the right thing?
(34:23):
Like no, no, you need to cut thenoise even with parenting too.
You just have to cut the noise. Like we are inundated with so
much. It's like, what are you feeling?
What's because like we all have that like GPS, the internal GPS
system. And it's like we ignore a lot of
us ignore it, right? And so I, I am finally getting
to the point and like what feelsright, what feels good, I'm
(34:44):
going to go towards that. What doesn't feel right?
I'm going to stop giving that energy.
Stop and say no too, right? Like I think we're so quick of
like giving, giving in just because.
But it's like, is it? Yeah.
Is it connecting? It's like, probably not, yeah.
I think setting boundaries is one of the hardest things to do.
(35:04):
I'm going back to what I said earlier.
Work in progress. Whip, Whip.
So I, I've been curious like where did the name come from?
Like the Daisy Club? How did that come to be?
It's. Cute.
I I know, I know. It's so cute.
I love it. It's so cute.
And the logo is quite cute too. I love it.
(35:24):
Yeah. So where our best, you know,
ideas come is when we're in the washroom, right?
100 I agree. We're not.
I know we're not reading the back of our shampoo bottles
anymore like we used to. You remember doing that?
(35:45):
Oh my God, literally I like needed something to.
Look at we couldn't, we couldn'tread them though, because what
toxic stuff was in that? I think.
Oh. Fully.
That Pantene prophy. Anyways, TMI, but all good.
It was my daughter's towel. Had a bunch of daisies on it.
(36:05):
Yeah, with smiley faces. And I'm like, there it is.
It was just like literally in front of me.
And I was like the Daisy Club, like a club.
Like who doesn't want to be partof a club that just keeps you
going? You know, you have a crew just
in terms of like what daisies like represent like that
(36:26):
cheerfulness, that joy, like rebirth, new beginnings.
It was just like so fitting. And when you see a garden of
daisies, just they're standing strong, you know, deep rooted in
the earth, all so different. But yeah, like holding each
(36:47):
other up. It just stuck.
And the fact that like now, likewe're daisies just adds such an
element. And like, I'm not saying my
participants or clients, like, you're here, you're a Daisy and
we're all daisies together. It was T Media, this young
company that made the logo and such awesome, like such an
(37:11):
awesome crew. So it's the Daisy Club and it
has those like 1970 vibes, whichis like I'm very drawn to
definitely. I love that stuff.
And then it's half of a Daisy, and that half of a Daisy
represents the wheels and the spindles of a wheelchair and
Walker. And then the inside is like a
sunburst because like those daisies need the sun too and
(37:34):
like the growth and whatnot. So that's basically it in a
nutshell. And I love it really vibing with
it. It has.
And then like obviously now you just see daisies everywhere.
As soon as it's like you see that one car, you're thinking
about buying that car. You see it all the time now.
That's how I feel about daisies cuz.
Yeah. Blooming.
(37:54):
We're blooming. I love it.
And even the metaphor, the visual of a bunch of flowers in
a field, like I think of like ina Meadow or something.
And, and if like the wind picks up, all of them are kind of
going like they're moving in their own way.
They're all dancing in a different way.
And so to me, it makes a lot of sense for what you're doing
because everyone's path is so different.
(38:16):
Everyone is going through life in a different way.
And so it kind of lends itself well to that.
Like I see some sort of an ad inthe future, some sort.
Of totally yeah, give me. All.
The ideas there too. Patent pending.
Patent pending. Right now click I'm just
kidding. I follow Jenna Zoe.
(38:39):
I feel like she's for our time is like the guru with human
design too. And she always starts off with
her podcast saying we are all sodifferent.
So why are we thinking that if there's only one way to do life
A? 100%.
Every time I hear that, it's called a line.
Right now it's Jenna, Zoe. Is she British?
(39:02):
She's British. I do.
I have listened to that podcast.Yeah, yeah.
She's deep. Like she's deep.
So it's like when you're you can't just just listen.
Like you have to listen. So yes, it starts off every
podcast like that and I it just always that aha, like we don't
need to be doing things the sameway.
(39:23):
Like come on. This is, yeah.
When did you get into human design?
Like what brought you to that? So IA few years ago it was
introduced to me and then I was like, oh, this is too much for
me to take on. I was really like confused in
the terminology and what not. It is a lot, you know.
(39:46):
And then coming from my mom is when it comes to astrology, she
could read birth charts. She knows like what time are you
born? And she's one of those, like,
growing up, it was like dating aguy.
And she'd be like. What time was he when?
I'm like, I'm not telling you because you're going to say that
we're not going to make it. And she's like, well, you're
probably not and wouldn't let mefeel the heartbreak.
(40:10):
Stop getting involved. Stop like you're right all the
time. I know actually, though, like
more deeply the oh, just over the past year, my my neighbor,
who is also my energy healer, She we went for a walk and she's
like human design. I'm like, I'm pretty sure I'm a
projector. She's like, so am I.
And then now she has gone deep into it too and has she's been
(40:36):
schooling me, which is great because at what, what time do I
have to school myself as much asI want to?
It's just like another element. So ever since then it's she's
been like teaching me, you know,like good old podcasts and
whatnot. And really it was for me to
support child rearing. I'm like, I can't like core my
little I got a little manifesterand a manifester generator and
(41:01):
yeah, and they're they're fresh,right?
They're not like we're all socially conditioned.
I got a socially conditioned manifester partner.
But I'm like, I need to look at my son and be like, no, you're
So what are you're saying? What are you?
What are you? What was?
I'm a I'm a manifester. Your manifest.
Oh, emotional, emotional. Emotional.
Yeah, same with all three of them in my house.
(41:23):
I got, I got. They're all emotional.
I'm a non unemotional, so I'm like taking it all and even more
my manifesters. Yeah.
So really just understanding my kids, right?
Like really understanding them and how to to guide them as a
projector, but not overly like this is what you're supposed to
(41:46):
do. Like to really try to step back
again and tie my hands behind myback a bit.
And it's been pretty cool, even just from like the snippets that
I know. So how have you used that?
Because I know we're kind of going off, but I, I, I'm
genuinely curious because this is something that is starting to
pop up more and more. Yes, it is.
People's in conversation where Iheard about this like a couple
(42:06):
years ago or maybe last year andjust looked into it and was
like, OK, like there's a lot of information, whatever.
But then as I'm going through life, I'm like, oh, there's
there are more people who are discussing this and
understanding that there's specifics to you, the individual
on how to live your life. And so how have you found, you
(42:27):
know, understanding that you're OK, I'm a projector.
Like, what does that mean to you?
And how do you apply that to, you know, your career?
I know exactly what time everyone was born.
Every day I was like, what time,what city?
I need specifics. Ask your mother that has helped
(42:48):
me even in terms of like how I'mcommunicating with each of them,
the best ways to communicate still like a obviously progress
and trying to figure that out, but also just for myself and
with the Daisy club, it it was another aha moment like, oh, I'm
here as a projector to like guide and lead and I see things
(43:11):
differently and no shit wipe somebody's not doing what I'm
doing. Same, same, but different
because I'm seeing things differently when it comes down
to adaptive fitness and accessibility.
And that piece it lit more, it'slighting more fire under my bum
of like I'm doing the right thing.
(43:33):
Also learning to step back in those boundaries because I
absorb, I have this open sake girl.
Like I can just go into a room and really feel it's like, OK,
got to shut it down as well. And I don't need to, I don't
have to overdo it. I'm not here to produce,
(43:54):
produce, produce, produce. We got the generators for that
and they do phenomenal. They're the ones that are
probably doing all those amazingreels, doing all the social
media stuff that I'm just like, so they do that.
So that's where it's kind of like hard for me because I'm
like, I, it's not that I can't, it's just, it's not, doesn't
(44:18):
come as natural and doesn't, it doesn't have to because it's
not, it's not my thing. Yeah.
You're allowed to have things that you're like, yeah, I, I I
understand that this is something that I can do.
Yeah. But.
Yeah. I have my energy can be much
better focused in other avenues.Exactly, exactly.
(44:38):
So, yeah, that's how I've been really tapping into it with,
yeah, just like business wise and it's more to come, right?
I got the full document and it'slike 200 plus pages.
I have not dug into it as much as I should, but I know that
over the next, you know, little while, I'm like, I really need
to start reading it a bit more because there's so much.
(45:01):
Even like not this so much, justtry even just you know what
your, your authority and strategy.
I think those type of things, really even your profiles like
those numbers and just like justthe blank, cuz if you go too
deep, then it's like, well, but if you just have this overall,
like you really just tap into it.
It'll really, really support you.
(45:22):
I'm going to text you after thisand be like help me.
I'm learning about the manifesters.
Yeah, exactly. You have a better understanding
than I do, probably. I don't manifesters are hard to
read but anyways that's. Yeah, that's a whole other
thing. But so you did mention, you just
mentioned accessibility. Yes.
(45:43):
And I want to touch on that a little bit because the Daisy
Club is built around like adaptive fitness and
inclusivity. So like for you, what does true
accessibility mean and why is itso central to building real
community? The disability community as a
whole in the world is the largest minority group in the
world, and it's a population that you and I or the next
(46:08):
person could be a part of in ourlifetime. 100%.
We all ourselves or we know the next person that maybe has been
born with a disability or hasn'thad an accident or has gotten
sick and everyone's like, oh, now I get it.
So before we even get to that point, just knowing that
(46:30):
accessibility means everybody inthe terms, even the next person
beside me is able to have fun inlife and to do that.
And I think that's something that I just like embody, like
that joy and fun. That person can go to that
concert and not think twice about their seat to get on that
airplane and to go to wherever they want.
(46:54):
There's the realities of what that looks like as a society.
Let's just continue and me too, right?
Like continue learning, continueto be open and always ask, is
this accessible? Right?
So even with my my daisies and what is accessible through like
(47:16):
our, our club hangs for the Daisy community is not
accessible for the next person, right?
So it's such a, you know, a spectrum and my a ramp might
work for one person, but the next person needs a push button,
you know, so just always trying to keep that question in the
back of your like that, your back pocket when you're
(47:38):
creating, when you're producing things, when you're like
creating a community, like housing, you know, things like
that to keep that in mind. Playgrounds, like all of it,
just have somebody with lived experience come in and tell you
(47:59):
what's up and pay them. So I came across there was a lot
of that. I went to Toronto tech week and
that's what they were saying. I was like, and it blank.
It's it's like, it's true. So that's like just a circle
back with the Daisy community, you know, talking to them about
their needs and what, what they're hoping for and how they
want support and just we just have to ask each other, you
(48:22):
know, and stop assuming and stopturning a blind eye because we
just literally need to to ask and not, not as soon.
We need more people like you. We need more people.
Up there. Like legit, I'm not trying to
blow smoke up your ass. Like, yeah, yeah, no, it's, it's
and it doesn't take much learning, learning, learning.
(48:46):
Just be open to it. And I love that.
Hire people. Part of the premise of this
podcast is I love to talk to people about, you know, like
these like what the fuck momentsin our course, We all have them,
every one of us. As an entrepreneur, creative, we
always go through these moments where we're like, what am I
doing? Like what's happening?
Just because, you know, like we said earlier, we don't know what
(49:07):
we're doing. We're all kind of figuring out
on our own. So was there ever like a what
the fuck moment along your path where something that changed or
challenged or reshaped how you see yourself or your work?
I feel like it's like every day.What it's every day because
(49:28):
we're working from home. Like the Daisy Club is literally
like I right where I'm at. I have my chair, the camera's in
front of me and I'm doing the thing in my bedroom and the kids
are on the other side, you know,or it's for me.
I think the what the fuck right now is having to figure out how
(49:51):
to manage all of that, when to not respond to the emails when
you're at home, but you're at home.
So that's where you're working. And it just this spiral, you
know, and where where am I really putting all of that
energy? But a true what the fuck moment
(50:14):
that really ties in with that was I went to the reunion dance
party as one of our club hangs and it's all female alcohol free
dance party. It was a daytime dance party
too. And it was so awesome and we had
an amazing time and myself and one other Daisy ended up staying
(50:34):
till the end, which was 8:30 PM.Like it was great.
I love birthday parties. Such a good time.
Got to bed by 10. It was amazing.
Yes, they did a opening circle and then we danced our butts off
and then they did a closing circle and they had a Hannah and
she is a Somatic coach and she walked us through a meditation
(51:00):
and I just got all sitting on the floor and just got so deep
into it. And it was this aha moment of
all this like dualities that have been going on.
I was like, OK, we talked about it like mom, fitness instructor,
Daisy club founder, all these things.
Oh my God, they all can be. And I could live all of it.
(51:22):
And these this, this part of Darlene of this like the
dancing. I was in this like cool outfit
that my brother sent me from Columbia.
And I'm like, I can be this withthe daisies and feel my true
self and do all the other thingstoo.
And I don't have to not, not that I was hiding it, but not
that I was showcasing it as muchas I feel like I should and
(51:46):
continue to do because it's it is me and I'm not trying to like
this is what you get, you know, if you wanna, yeah, if you wanna
wanna be part of the Daisy Club.I love to hear that.
I I genuinely feel as much as there's this, you know, last
ditch effort to control people like that's this that's
happening right now in the world.
I also feel simultaneously, which is I think the reason for
(52:09):
it is that there is this movement where more and more
people that I'm speaking to are really owning who they are in
really authentic ways and not just like bullshit, like, you
know, talk, speak. Not the not the authentic talk,
all everything authenticity. Yeah, I.
Know yeah, it's like they're actually doing it.
And to me I'm like, I love to hear this because it's so funny
(52:33):
because at the beginning of the year I.
I said to myself, like, you know, my goal for 2025 was I
really want to live in alignment, whether it comes to
my personal life, my professional life, like who I
work with, the things I'm doing.Like I wanna go for stuff that
like is, you know, in my heart that I wanna create.
And. And it seems to be attracting so
(52:53):
much of that energy to me just based on, on me putting it out
there. And I'd love to hear that there
are other people who are like, you know what, like it's time
like, it's time for me to just like be me no matter what.
And I, I love to hear especiallyin in a venture that is
basically helping people to authentically be themselves as.
(53:15):
Well, yes, that's exactly it. The thing is too, with my I've
known them for so long. I have this this relationship
with them and their families. So now that I'm venturing and
adding more to the garden, somebody has to get to know me
and I have to get to know them. And it's been very exciting
because it's like, oh, this is brand new because the other
(53:37):
daisies know me. We've been blooming throughout
the years, but now these other daisies that are coming in, it's
like this is me and I get excited.
You know, I get excited to like meet new people and see what
what's driving them to movement and what why they're showing up.
Why did they reach out to me andthings like that?
(53:57):
And I'm I'm I'm here for it. I'm here to just.
And I feel like that's the thing.
Once we opened up just like whatyou said for 2025, then like the
good things are like, oh, OK, yeah, yeah.
And it's been happening here we are right.
This is. I love it.
I honestly love it. And even just what you created,
the name, the members and how you've named them that even the
(54:20):
terminology around blooming likeyou're, you're creating a very
solid brand. Oh, thank you.
I. Like genuinely like you.
Know I don't. I don't know what I'm doing.
But you don't know what you're doing, but you know exactly what
you're doing because it's what feels right.
And so that's what you're bringing forward.
And you're like, this just makessense.
Kudos. This is what I'm trying to say.
(54:41):
Thank you. Now it's it's true.
And it's once these these littlemoments, you know, I even with
like when I got the the earringsat a reunion.
And the owner, her name's Cass. Slow day, Slow Day studio.
She's like, I have other colors.I'm like, no, this is the Daisy
(55:01):
Club. He's this purple.
It's the Daisy Club color. So I was just like, no, this is
what? And she's like, oh, OK, great.
So it's been, it's been a lot offun.
Where do you see the Daisy Club going?
Like what's your vision or your,you know, your dream for the
next few years? Like where this is going to go?
Literally, I want my own garden of daisies in my backyard and
more daisies in in the club. For sure, I want to be able to
(55:26):
have a solid big group of 20 plus women just when picking in
the brain, right, like we're here, it's time to take over the
world. Like and just like showing up at
events, doing the things, partnerships, collaborations,
because I've, I've figured I'm like, Oh my goodness, I've been
(55:48):
working in a system for so long and having Co workers that I
could just turn to and I'm like,oh, I'm doing this on my own
now, like who am I turning to? So I think in terms of those
like sponsorship and collaborations is like huge.
And I've figured that out and I I love it.
I love meeting new people and what not to make this grow, but
just really, yeah, the growth because I want everyone to feel
(56:13):
joy, do the cool shit, move yourbodies right.
All the things that I feel like I've learnt at the tender age of
37, what brings me joy and to yeah, other people to join along
with us on this journey. I'm so happy that you came to
(56:33):
chat with me, honestly, it meansso much.
Thank you for having me. It's it talking about it makes
it just like that much more realand really just putting, yeah,
adaptive fitness and accessibility on the map and get
everyone thinking a little bit outside the box.
I love it. So I've been I ask every one of
my guests, what is the most on brand thing about you?
(56:55):
Aside from the Daisy earrings I'm wearing right now, OK, I
would say honestly, the fact that everybody can move.
I'm a huge advocate for just movement in general, whatever
that looks like in terms of dance fitness.
(57:17):
But everybody can. So let's not limit ourselves.
Let's throw away those limiting,perceive limiting limitations
and let's take over the world. I love it, honestly, very
inspiring. I'm so happy that you are
feeling very much in alignment with where you're at and you're
(57:38):
passionate about something because you know, it's very
difficult in these days to feel passion and drive.
I feel like there's a lot of things that are meant to stop us
from, you know, like going for it.
And I just love to hear. It's really energizing for me.
So I thank you so much for beinghere today.
Thank you, Gio. So if anyone listening wants to
(58:00):
connect with you, inquire about the Daisy Club, get to know you,
become a member of Become a Daisy.
Like how can they reach out to you?
I love that. Yeah, definitely on Instagram,
it's the under score Daisy Club.You can slide into my DMS and
follow along if you want to see some fun, uplifting dance
(58:20):
choreo. You might know somebody, right?
It's always one of those things that you might know somebody
that might be a good fit to become a Daisy.
And yeah, the daisyclub.com. And if you'd like to connect
with me, you can reach out to methrough my website,
geographic.com, follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple
podcast, I'm on iHeartRadio, TikTok, I'm back up on TikTok,
(58:44):
Instagram, etcetera. Leave a comment or review,
subscribe. It would help me with the
algorithm. Thank you again, Darlene.
I appreciate your time so much and I can't wait to see where
the Daisy Club goes. Thanks Geo.
OK, bye. Bye.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com