Meet Danielle Bear | Content Creator, Recipe Developer

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

Hi Danielle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

Balance is one of those words that gets thrown out all the time. It’s something that I have always strived for in my life but it’s also ever-changing. As we grow and change, we fall in and out of balance. We must constantly evaluate what we are doing and how we are feeling.

I tend to be someone who takes things to the extreme. This all-or-nothing mindset has positive and negative implications. I started devoting my focus to being healthy about 8 years ago. At first, my approach was not balanced. It was restrictive, obsessive and in turn, not healthy at all! As I have become more versed in the wellness community, I have shifted my focus to a more holistic approach. There is a time and place for being rigid and serious, but there also needs to be periods of play, fun, relaxation and simply living.

I have also come to realize there is no such thing as perfect balance. External circumstances are constantly shifting and this so-called “balance” is really just how we respond to what is going on around us. I am working on responding with grace, self-compassion and love, no matter what is thrown my way, Our mindset is a very powerful thing!

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 have always always loved food and photography. When the pandemic started, I decided to put my free time to use and follow my passion. I coupled food and photography and began sharing what I loved with the world. At first, it was scary putting myself out there. I quickly learned that the community on Instagram was one of the most like-minded and supportive communities I have ever known. I have connected with some of the most driven and creative people. I remember the first Instagram friend I met up with and how it seemed so weird. Fast forward two years and I have met some of my closest friends through our health/wellness accounts.

I am drawn to people who put themselves out there and are vulnerable. I strive to continue to be 100% genuine and inspire others who resonate with my message. I want to be more than just a food page. I want to foster a community and create meaningful relationships. I hope my journey in food, exercise, mental health, etc. can inspire others.

I see my account as something that will follow me through different stages of my life. My content will evolve to be relevant to what I am going through. Hopefully I can continue to attract and connect with others along the way.

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?

oooh this is fun.

They would stay with me in Santa Monica. Friday would be a great day to take a walk on the boardwalk and end by walking up Montana Ave to either Lalaland or Breadblok. I would make breakfast at home – either avocado toast or smoothie bowls.

We would head to Den Mother for hot/cold therapy and then enjoy some tea in the tea garden. For lunch, we would make our way to Erewhon on Abbot Kinney and I would suggest my favorite hot bar items. We would probably get some yummy desserts to share as well.

We would walk and shop around Abbot Kinney. I would make sure to show them Goodies, Gjusta and Burro! I would take them to the Venice canals to walk around as well. We would head home to relax and get ready before dinner at Great White.

Saturday morning would begin with a pilates class at Studio (MDR). We would grab breakfast at Blueys and then head to a new area. I would suggest Silverlake, Echo Park or Larchmont. Depending on where we were, we would get lunch in that area. We would probably be out and about until dinner time. Dinner would be at Gracias Madre or Crossroads Kitchen. We would head back to Santa Monica and get dessert at Frozen Fruit Co.

On Sunday morning, we may go for a long walk or hike Los Leones. I would make a small breakfast for us at home before the Brentwood Farmers Market because we would find some goodies there. We would head into Malibu and walk around Cross Creek. We may do some shopping! We would wrap up the weekend with lunch at Malibu Farm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all my friends who have supported this passion project. Your love and encouragement means the world to me. I also want to shoutout all the companies I have had the pleasure of working with and who have believed in me and pushed me to try new things!

Website: www.cacaoforcoconuts.com

Instagram: @cacaoforcoconuts_