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Each week we’re checking in with friends to see how they’re finding balance, working from home, and generally evolving and advancing their careers. This week we chatted with Danielle Corona, founder and designer behind our current favorite leather brand, Hunting Season. Read below on how she’s maintaining her motivation, all while eight months pregnant, tucked away in the mountains of Bogota, Colombia.
How do you start your days?
“My day starts around 6:30 AM. I try to have coffee on my own before the kids and the rest of the house wake up—I like the stillness and silence of the mornings.”
Are you incorporating movement or exercise into your routine?
“Walking outdoors is what I have been doing most—I hate cardio, so it is a rare occasion for me to get outside. I have a trainer that comes over a few times a week; these days it’s been virtual, but if I have to go to a gym or studio I probably won’t make it.”
Talk to us a little bit about your work environment right now.
“I am spending a lot of time at home—that can be a challenge with two kids. I find I have taken a lot of calls and (virtual) meetings outdoors. It is very pleasant and I keep wondering why I did not do this as often before.”
Are you back in the office, or working remotely from home?
“I am finally back in Colombia and still working mainly from home. Our design and development studio is based here, and I go in to meet with the team a few times a week. We are a smaller team these days, but otherwise I am home.”
What are the most critical things needed for creativity and to survive a workday?
“For me, it is definitely alone time—this also means no phone. The day starts, and once I open my phone, it can become nonstop until evening—the day passes before I know it.”
How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day?
“I love what I do for work; being excited and passionate about what I am doing and building makes it easy to stay motivated, even in these most challenging times for our industry and business.”
Any tricks you can share?
“Find a way to do what you love.”
“My day starts around 6:30 AM. I try to have coffee on my own before the kids and the rest of the house wake up—I like the stillness and silence of the mornings.”
Are you incorporating movement or exercise into your routine?
“Walking outdoors is what I have been doing most—I hate cardio, so it is a rare occasion for me to get outside. I have a trainer that comes over a few times a week; these days it’s been virtual, but if I have to go to a gym or studio I probably won’t make it.”
Talk to us a little bit about your work environment right now.
“I am spending a lot of time at home—that can be a challenge with two kids. I find I have taken a lot of calls and (virtual) meetings outdoors. It is very pleasant and I keep wondering why I did not do this as often before.”
Are you back in the office, or working remotely from home?
“I am finally back in Colombia and still working mainly from home. Our design and development studio is based here, and I go in to meet with the team a few times a week. We are a smaller team these days, but otherwise I am home.”
What are the most critical things needed for creativity and to survive a workday?
“For me, it is definitely alone time—this also means no phone. The day starts, and once I open my phone, it can become nonstop until evening—the day passes before I know it.”
How do you stay focused and motivated throughout the day?
“I love what I do for work; being excited and passionate about what I am doing and building makes it easy to stay motivated, even in these most challenging times for our industry and business.”
Any tricks you can share?
“Find a way to do what you love.”
Economically speaking, it’s unclear what the future holds. How do you foresee this time impacting your industry?
“While it is heartbreaking to see the hardships being suffered and so many people out of work, I think there is a silver lining for our industry: We are becoming more responsible in everything we do. We are all reimagining the way we impact others, from thoughtful designs to a more conscious effort to contribute to the well-being of others. This new approach to design is essential for sustainability.”
From a creative standpoint, who or what has been your biggest influence?
“Products that stand the test of time—humble materials feel more elegant to me now.”
Tell us a little bit about your style right now.
“I’m eight months pregnant—it is all about comfort for me. Great fabrics, flattering styles, and comfort!”
What’s your go-to uniform?
“A dress and flat sandals in warm weather. Jeans, boots, and a big sweater in the cooler weather now that I am back in the mountains of Bogota.”
Are there any style essentials you rely on for your summer wardrobe?
“L.G.R Orchid sunglasses.”
Let’s switch gears for a minute: Are there any beauty products essential to your day-to-day?
“Olio E Osso Balm—it’s nourishing and gives a tint of color on the lips and cheeks.”
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
“Normally I would say wine, but being eight months pregnant, I skip the wine for the most part and read.”
“While it is heartbreaking to see the hardships being suffered and so many people out of work, I think there is a silver lining for our industry: We are becoming more responsible in everything we do. We are all reimagining the way we impact others, from thoughtful designs to a more conscious effort to contribute to the well-being of others. This new approach to design is essential for sustainability.”
From a creative standpoint, who or what has been your biggest influence?
“Products that stand the test of time—humble materials feel more elegant to me now.”
Tell us a little bit about your style right now.
“I’m eight months pregnant—it is all about comfort for me. Great fabrics, flattering styles, and comfort!”
What’s your go-to uniform?
“A dress and flat sandals in warm weather. Jeans, boots, and a big sweater in the cooler weather now that I am back in the mountains of Bogota.”
Are there any style essentials you rely on for your summer wardrobe?
“L.G.R Orchid sunglasses.”
Let’s switch gears for a minute: Are there any beauty products essential to your day-to-day?
“Olio E Osso Balm—it’s nourishing and gives a tint of color on the lips and cheeks.”
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
“Normally I would say wine, but being eight months pregnant, I skip the wine for the most part and read.”
Photos: Courtesy of Danielle Corona
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Want more stories like this?
SET Active Founder Lindsey Carter on “Brain Breaks” & Building a Business from Your Dining Room
Designer Rebecca Minkoff on Staying Creative and What’s Next for Her Business
How Hunter McGrady Became So Much More Than a Body