Meet Dani Fusaro | Chronic Illness Mindset Coach, Photographer, and Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Fusaro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my chronic illness mindset and lifestyle coaching business came to me slowly over time. Six or seven years ago, I became Disabled by a severe chronic illness. I went from being very active and running up to 5 miles, to barely being able to stand up. The adjustment was extremely hard. I lost my identity to my illness because my life solely consisted of taking medications, doing treatments, and doctor visits. I was miserable and didn’t see a way out. I eventually got to a breaking point and slowly had to figure out how to function on a daily basis alongside my illness. The process of changing my mindset, re-establishing my identity, overhauling my habits, and cultivating confidence took a few years. As I was making these changes, I was frustrated by the fact that no one was out there to help me learn how to live with illness. Everyone says “just be positive!” or other unhelpful platitudes. There was no tangible help or guidance. This saddened me because I thought about all of the other members of my community that could use help like that. Once I got to a more stable place physically, I began starting to work on my business. I was incredibly motivated to become the person that I needed a few years prior. I’m now a chronic illness mindset coach offering 1:1 private coaching as well as a group coaching program. As everything continued to grow, I added content creation to my business. I utilize creative lifestyle content to show other patients that they can still find joy and fulfillment in their lives. It’s how I embody the person that they’re hoping to become.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a creative lifestyle photographer, content creator, and chronic illness mindset coach. In my photography, my dynamic posing due to my modeling background sets me apart from others. I rarely use the same pose and I’m always changing up facial expressions. It makes my art more engaging and interesting to others. My coaching business is set apart from others because I’m empowering chronically ill individuals to live fulfilled lives. I’m providing them with guidance, tools, and strategies for coping and thriving with a chronic illness that they can’t find anywhere else.

For my art, I’m most proud of booking my biggest Instagram collaboration! I work hard as heck trying to build my portfolio and work with more brands. I’m really excited to working with even bigger brands in the future! For my coaching business, I’m most proud of launching my group coaching program! It took me about a year to build it and I’m so proud of how it turned out. I’m excited to be able to help even more people with this program!

I got to where I am today thanks to my initiative. I’m a self-taught photographer, everything I know I’ve learned on youtube or by trial and error. I also hired my own coach to help me provide the best services possible for my clients before I started working with anyone. My journey to get where I am now has not been easy in the slightest. Trying to balance creating high quality content and my coaching clients with managing my chronic illness is extremely challenging and a constant work in progress. I’ve had to unlearn hustle culture and realize that my health is more important than putting in extra hours. I can’t keep up with other creators and that’s okay. I make it a priority to set aside time to rest and recuperate. I’ve had to redefine what success looks like for me.

I want others to realize that they are in charge of their future. You don’t have to work a 9-5 corporate job if you hate it. The workforce isn’t accessible for me and my symptoms, so I created a business that works alongside of them. You can follow your dreams and pursue your passions. It’s okay to break the mold, even when (especially when) it’s scary. Get out of your comfort zone, and do things afraid!

I’m hoping that others are inspired by my story to live their own lives more fully. If you’re chronically ill or Disabled, you can have a wonderful life. You’re not doomed to be miserable forever. Our lives have unique hardships, yes, but they can still be beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
How fun! I’m local to New York City as well as Hoboken, NJ and Jersey City, NJ so there’s TONS to do. I’d definitely spend a day visiting a local farm to do a corn maze, eat cider donuts, and go apple picking. Another day, I’d go to High Point State Park in NJ because it has the best views of the foliage. I’d spend the day looking over the treetops, wandering all of the hiking trails, and taking photos. Speaking of photos, I’d get up at sunrise one day to have a photoshoot at the Brooklyn Bridge when hardly anyone is awake. One of the days we’d go to Jersey City for brunch and then browse the shops on Grove Street. We’d make a stop in one of the many coffee shops there. I’d also take her to the Edge NYC which is a glass overhang with incredible views of the skyline. Then, we’d go to Soho to do some shopping. Another day we would visit Pier 17 to see the arch of pumpkins they constructed. After that, we’d hang out in a coffee shop and spend some time in Central Park. That’s the bulk of what I’d do with her!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents! They’ve supported me in this since day 1 and help to guide me when I need it. Their love and encouragement helps me keep going when things get tough.

x

Website: https://www.dayswithdaninicole.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_fusaro/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dani-fusaro-pt-dpt-3695956a/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dani_fusaro_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dayswithdaninicole

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dani_fusaro?lang=en