Lana Danielyan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lana , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are about grounding myself and setting the tone. I start with coffee and a walk with my miniature schnauzer, Francis. That ritual gives me a moment to breathe before the world speeds up. Back home, I spend a few minutes in front of the mirror – less about affirmations, more about seeing where I am at that day. From there, I head to Rumble Boxing, which has become my moving meditation. Most mornings, I’ll do two classes back-to-back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actor based in Los Angeles, but my path here wasn’t linear. I began as an attorney before realizing that the courtroom wasn’t where my creative spirit thrived. Acting became the space where I could merge discipline with imagination – a craft that keeps me endlessly curious about the world and about myself. Beyond the work, fitness and boxing have become daily anchors, not just physically but as a way to center my energy. What makes my journey unique is that I’m constantly balancing reinvention with authenticity – I’ve lived many versions of myself, and each informs the perspective I bring to my art. Right now, I’m focusing on growing as an artist, which for me also means knowing myself more deeply and always striving to get to the core of who I am.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Since the age of four, I’ve been moving from country to country, so survival mode was ingrained in me early on. That instinct to hustle and stay on guard shaped me, and in many ways it kept me safe. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized survival isn’t the same as living. Recently through my plant medicine journey, I finally was able to see how much of my identity was still tied to that old wiring. It had served its purpose, but it was also keeping me from fully trusting myself and my path. What I’m letting go of now is the constant need to survive. Instead, I’m choosing to move from a place of wholeness.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The thought of giving up crosses my mind almost daily – but it’s usually just a passing cloud. The real moment I almost gave up was before I even started. I was working as an attorney, taking acting classes on the side, and wresting with the idea of leaving a stable career for something as uncertain as acting. It felt crazy – who walks away from a law degree and a clear path to securiy? For a while, I almost convinced myself to stay safe. But something in me knew that if I didn’t leap, I’d always wonder “what if.” Letting that “what if” become a “yes” was liberating. That was the moment I stopped almost giving up – and truly began.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in this industry is that you have to have it all figured out. The truth is, no one does – everything is messy, nonlinear, and always in motion. Not have it all figured out is where the authenticity actually lives.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I’ve come to understand deeply is the value of genuine connection. If I feel a spark with someone – whether in friendship, collaboration, or something deeper – I want to explore it fully. Life is too short for avoidance or half-presence. But often people are guarded, afraid, or distracted, and they miss those moments. For me, leaning into connection is where the real richness of life comes from.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lanadanielyan
Image Credits
Moshe Brakha, Kasey Orthmann, Andrew Grace, Margot Judge, Mazda USA
