Check out our exclusive interview with British entrepreneur, singer, social media sensation, model and YouTube star Daisey O’Donnell who gained popularity appearing on The X Factor in 2014 as well as for contesting for Miss England 2015 title. Now Daisey alongside her sister Ellie own a clothing brad called ODolls Collection and a fitness app.
Follow Daisey IG @daiseyodonnell & TikTok @theodolls
Hi Daisey, please tell us a little about you?
I am a 23 year old self made entrepreneur. I have multiple businesses including my clothing brand ODolls Collection stocked in stores worldwide such as Selfridges, Flannels, Tessuti, ASOS, Frasers and Namshi. I also have a fitness app Fitness With Daisey. I am also now a DJ and did my first set last month in a Dubai. I am also a singer and was on XFactor age 15. I plan to take my music career further this year. I have a sister called Ellie and everyone thinks we are twins but in fact she is 25. We branded ourselves The ODolls.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
My nickname is Crazy Daisey.. I would definitely describe myself in three words as Spontaneous, Family oriented and Fun.
Name one your strengths?
My natural talent in music is definitely one of my strengths. Singing is my passion.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mother she is the most amazing person I know. The way she carries herself, she is so selfless and giving. She has the biggest heart I know and is super talented she has her own cake business called OCake Then. Her cakes are next level. I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without my mum.
Tell us about your brand Dolls Collection?
My brand was established in 2020. It is owned by me and my sister (The ODolls) this name came from our surname ODonnell. We launched with luxury lounge wear and expanded on to Swimwear, nightwear, intimates, jewellery, accessories and sports wear. Our first shoot was shot in LA and we have many other collections which have been shot worldwide.
My brand is all about luxury and quality but an affordable price.
What are the challenges you face as a designer?
Being a designer there are many challenges such as meeting deadlines, planning collections years in advance, sampling, getting the fabrics correct for each garment, sizing.. the list goes on! It’s not an easy job but I love every part of it.
What inspired your latest collection?
Our latest collection is called Spotlight. This was shot with me and my sister in law Roxana Rosu. This is a Spring collection and we did the Photoshoot very stripped back ecom style with one big spot light so it really made the designs the centre of attention. We wanted to make this collection casual and neutral but we also added in pops of colour. Our inspiration comes to us from our own ideas/personalities combined.
Favorite look from your collection and why?
My favourite look from ODolls Collection has to be our luxury lounge wear which the brand is famous for. We design comfortable tracksuits which still look luxury through detail such as the gold zips, logo and small details. When we started the brand we wanted the perfect airport outfit and I really feel we brought the vision to life.
How often do you create new collections?
We are creating collections every single day! Always sharing ideas and planning. We have collections ready 2 years in advance.
What comes to mind when you think of the next collection?
We always think of what would look cute for the particular time of year the collection is being released. For example if it’s for summer we would bring out bright colours and materials that are light and suitable for the weather. Our ideas always come together nicely as my sister and I have similar but a different taste so we always add in a little of each other’s and they come together perfectly.
What would you say a color that resonates with you the most and why?
My colour is yellow. From a child this has been my colour. Yellow is the colour of happiness and warmth. It is the colour of the sun and I love the sun. It is also the colour of the centre of a Daisey flower. I also had a psychic reading and was told yellow is my colour.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
The greatest lesson was to take our time. We was actually supposed to launch our brand a year earlier but postponed it another full year as we was not 100% happy with it and you only get one first impression. So I would say never rush anything. Good things take time.
What is different from Dolls Collection to other brands?
What makes ODolls collection different to other brands is the fact it is luxury and quality but at a affordable price.
Where we can buy them?
You can buy ODolls directly through our website or at Selfridges (online or in store in Manchester) , ASOS, Flannels, Tessuti, Frasers and Namshi.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
My advice is to stay consistent. If you are passionate about your idea it will work. Manifesting is key and to never give up.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I would definitely say The secret.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started modeling age 15. I have always been free lance. I got jobs through my Instagram and it took off through that. I was asked to sign to agencies but it wasn’t for me.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
I absolutely love modeling especially with my sister for our brand as we work in sync together. Every photographer says how well we shoot together. it just comes natural. I love how we travel the world with it and get to meet so many amazing people. Some of my friends I have met through it.
It is hard work for example we could be shooting 30 outfits in the hot sun which is very tiring or we could have to change outfits in a car.. it’s always unpredictable but that’s all part of it!
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
The most important thing is to be yourself and be confident. The camera is your best friend. Don’t be shy to show your personality!
What mindsets helped making you so successful and popular?
The biggest thing is to not care what anybody thinks. You have to be so tunnel vision when you have a dream/goal. Don’t let anyone/anything stop you or hold you back. Go for it. We only get one life.
When you started your Social Media accounts, did you expected such a success?
I started Instagram for fun I just enjoyed posting pictures. This was 8 years ago now. I was at school and I never expected it to take me to where I am today. Instagram was not what it is now back then. There was very few influencers. Social media has opened me up to so many incredible opportunities.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
I think it’s just important to be yourself. I love to post pictures that make my feed look pretty but I also show my personality through my stories. I like to keep a balance. Be relatable and interact with your followers.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I learnt that without the storm there would be no rainbow.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
It would have to be “The Life of Crazy Daisey” this is because for a 23 year old my life so far has been crazy and I would just love to share some stories of my experiences and memories.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To follow my dreams and never ever give up or listen to anybody who doubted me. Believe in myself and I will be rewarded.
Quote: Life is too short. Book the flight.
Favorite Singer/Artist: Justin Bieber
Movie: Crossroads
Travel Destination: LA
Tv Show: Keeping up with the Kardashians
Cover Photo Credit: @taliawhitephotography
