Check Out Daniela Ichiyanagui’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Ichiyanagui.

Hi Daniela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Lima, Peru, to a family of Peruvian, Japanese, and Spanish roots — a mix that’s shaped how I see the world and myself. Growing up, I often felt in-between cultures, never quite fitting into one box. But it was through art — especially acting — that I found a place where all those pieces could exist at once. It gave me the freedom to explore different identities, live other lives, and, at the same time, understand my own more deeply.

My journey led me to New York City, where I trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and furthered my craft through programs at RADA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Stella Adler. Since graduating, I’ve worked on a mix of theater, short films, and campaigns — including a commercial for Tiffany & Co., which was submitted to the Cannes Lions Festival. Each project has been a step toward building a career rooted in storytelling, emotion, and representation.

Acting, for me, is more than just a craft — it’s something that constantly humbles and moves me. I’m in awe of how it allows us to step into someone else’s world, feel what they feel, and maybe walk away seeing things differently. That’s the magic of it — it can make people feel less alone, more understood, or even inspired to think or act differently. I’ve always believed that stories have the power to shift hearts, and sometimes even shake the world a little. Being part of that — even in a small way — feels incredibly meaningful. It’s what keeps me in love with this work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Pursuing a creative career comes with constant uncertainty — emotionally and personally. There have been moments when I questioned everything: whether I was good enough, whether it was realistic to keep going, or whether people would ever truly see me for who I am as an artist.

Being far from my family and starting over in a new country has taught me resilience in ways I never expected. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the rejection — it’s the silence. The waiting. Wondering if your voice is reaching anyone at all.

But every obstacle has shaped me. They’ve made me more grounded, more patient, and more connected to why I do this work. Each challenge has deepened my love for the craft, and reminded me that even in the quiet, something meaningful is unfolding.
I’ve realized the struggle is part of what makes the journey real — and worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress and model based in New York City. I specialize in character-driven storytelling — whether it’s through theater, film, or commercial work. I’m particularly drawn to roles that explore identity, emotion, and the in-between spaces where people often feel most vulnerable and real.

What sets me apart is my sensitivity and curiosity. I approach every role with the intention of understanding, not just performing. I love finding the small, human details that make a character feel alive — and then using those details to connect with an audience in an honest way.

Some of the projects I’m most proud of include a commercial campaign for Tiffany & Co., which was submitted to the Cannes Lions Festival, and a sold-out Off-Off-Broadway production of A Sketch of New York. I’ve also worked on various short films and creative collaborations that have allowed me to keep growing and exploring as an artist.

At the heart of it all, my work is about connection — creating space for people to feel something true, even if just for a moment.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One of the biggest lessons I learned during the Covid-19 crisis was the importance of stillness. I’ve always been someone who’s constantly moving, creating, reaching for the next thing — so being forced to stop felt unsettling at first. But in that quiet, I started hearing parts of myself I had ignored for a long time. I realized how often I measured my worth by my doing, not by my being.

The truth is, it was a very hard season. I struggled with my mental health and went through a period of depression. For the first time, I couldn’t just “push through” — I had to sit with myself, to feel everything fully, and to learn a different kind of strength.
I learned how essential kindness is — not just toward others, but toward ourselves. I started understanding that mental health isn’t something we can put aside for later; it’s what allows everything else to exist.

Little by little, I began finding new rhythms of care: giving myself permission to rest, setting boundaries, being gentle when things felt heavy. And even now, that’s something I work on every day.

That experience also reconnected me to why I fell in love with storytelling. In the middle of isolation, art reminded us we weren’t alone. Stories — even the simplest ones — became a way to hold each other across distance.
It reminded me that creating isn’t about chasing noise; it’s about offering presence, honesty, and connection — especially when the world feels uncertain.

Now, I try to carry that with me: trusting that even in the quietest seasons, healing, meaning, and beauty are still unfolding — often quietly, beneath the surface.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danielaichiyanagui.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielaichiyanagui
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-ichiyanagui
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielaichiyanagui