Check out our interview with Los Angeles based YouTuber and amateur woodworker Daralyn Kelleher.
With the onset of Coronavirus’ cultural and global restructuring, Daralyn found herself with the spare time to begin a new chapter in her life. Making the best of her newfound spare time during the mandated quarantine, Daralyn decided to try her hand at the art of creating furniture. It wasn’t long before she fell in love with the independence she felt instilled in her through the hobby, and she was happy to showcase each new attempt—some unsuccessful, but always humorous—on her DIY YouTube series “All By Myself.”
Follow Daralyn @daralynthegreat
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Hi Daralyn, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I am a furniture-making cat-loving YouTuber, navigating the world of woodworking through a public and often comedic trial and error process.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, playful, and honest.
How did you get started into the woodworking field?
Basically, at the start of the pandemic, I, like many others, was let go from my job, and in an attempt to remain calm, I began compulsively cleaning my apartment every week on my YouTube channel. It was a series that I entitled “Productivity Tuesday”, and helped me remain connected during a frightening time of isolation. After a certain point, I realized my apartment couldn’t get any cleaner, and the only way to continue improving my space was to attempt to….make furniture!
How has this changed your life?
This experience has caused me to realize I am capable of so much than I originally thought. There’s a stigma around being a person who builds things. In my mind, I had thought one had to wear overalls and speak in a gruff voice to be worthy of such creation. Now that I’ve begun learning this craft, I’ve realized that was all in my head, and as the cliche says, you can do anything you put your mind to.
Now what about your new YouTube series “All By Myself?”
“All By Myself” is the series I established to showcase the pieces of furniture I’ve been able to build, which so far have been an ottoman and a nightstand.
How often do you upload new content?
Since I began “All By Myself”, I realized how much my uploads have been slowed down because I’m putting so much time and attention into the work. My schedule has been about 1-2 videos per month, but soon, I’ll be uploading weekly.
What is the series about?
Originally, I thought this series was about making furniture, but as I’ve been creating it, I now know that it’s about the trial and error process of making the furniture. I’m not some expert giving tutorials, I’m a regular person venturing into an unknown world, learning one step at a time.
Why did you decide to create this?
When I’m making things, I feel a sense of purpose, and when I had lost my job, I needed that more than ever. In essence, I did it in order to grow as an individual.
What do you think is the secret to having a popular YouTube channel?
Well, my channel is still blossoming and coming into her own. From what I’ve learned so far, I believe it’s about authenticity. The more I share, the more I seem to be rewarded.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is definitely the sense of accomplishment that comes along with creating something, especially the nightstand I made. I spent months on it, and went through several versions of what I wanted it to be. When I finally found a way to create exactly what I wanted, my self-esteem sky rocketed.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friends would describe me as playful and cat-obsessed.
What’s next for Daralyn Kelleher in 2021?
In 2021, I want to invest even more time (and metaphorical blood and sweat) into my channel. Using my voice to share my point of view is a dream come true.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is simply put: balance. I just want to be myself and give everything I have to offer to the world. It is then that I will feel truly fulfilled. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some fortune cookie fortunes to write.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love pasta, and sushi, and burritos, and basically all food. Oh sorry- did you say healthy? What’s that.
And your favorite cheat food?
See above. lol.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d feel uncomfortable meeting a dead person, so I choose living.
Hah hah, I joke. In all sincerity, I think Zach Galifianakis is a comedic genius, and while I’ve stood next to him creepily before, I’ve not had the chance to speak to him.
Best advice ever given?
I’m not sure if you’re asking the best advice I’ve given or the best advice I’ve been given, but regardless, it’s the same. It’s something my mom taught me, and something I’d like to tell as many people as possible –– trust your gut, especially when your gut keeps repeating itself.
Do you support any charity?
I volunteer with Luxe Paws, a neighborhood trap neuter return group that rescues cats.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself creating. I might still be making furniture, or I might be focusing more on video-making. Perhaps I’ll return to focusing on stand-up comedy, which is where I first began to develop my voice years ago.
Favorite song? Why?
“Crazy in Love” by Beyonce because it’s currently playing right now.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is an excellent way to remain connected. Of course, there are dangers of people indulging in it too much, but like I said before, it’s all about balance.
Where we can follow you?
Hopefully not down a dark alley, but certainly please subscribe to my YouTube channel “Daralyn Kelleher“, or enjoy my updates on twitter @deekizzle and Instagram @daralynthegreat.
