Meet Danielle Shira | Oracle Deck Creator & Photographer

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

Hi Danielle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to be able to have full expression and authority in my creative process. It was important to me to be able to create something meaningful and impactful through my creative expression, without others’ input that may be clouded by a dollar sign bottom line over the message and imagery that I wanted to put out. So my thought process was ‘do it yourself, with integrity, and the business side will progress once the creation has been developed and created with the most pure of intentions to reach people on a deep level.’

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.
In the year 2020, a very impactful year for many, I was laid off from my corporate job that I was not so fond of, and found myself with lots of time on my hands. For me, this time was a real gift to explore my passions and desires. And it was in 2020 that I finally, full-heartedly, was able to declare myself an artist. I had known for many years that I was a visual and creative person, but it was time to declare myself an ARTIST and step into that role with love, compassion, and a unique eye of how I view the world, and how I see others. My true gift as an artist is using my photography to tap into people’s truest, embodied selves. So, how it all came about was that I started created ‘manifestation art’ for people. Essentially, this was an elevated, multimedia vision board I was creating for others. I would do consultations with them to find out what it was they were desiring to call into their lives. I would also ask them what their favorite music was and created a playlist based off of it, and would listen to it while creating their manifestation art piece. It was a fun way to channel their energy and understand them better. But I would pick a song from the playlist and use it to create an ‘eyes wide open’ customized meditation for them, encouraging them to use their manifestation art piece to visualize what their bright future will soon be. And an important element to this art piece was doing Embodiment Photoshoots with my clients, asking them to show up exactly how they want to be viewed by the rest of the world. The best photo from the photoshoot would go front and center on their manifestation art piece. All of this to bring the dream alive! The Embodiment Photoshoots have now evolved over time, and they became two photographic series that I developed, SuperPower Goddesses and The Mystic Masculine. Honoring the divine feminine and divine masculine, these photoshoots transformed into male and female archetypes, which then developed into Oracle Decks! There are 55 archetypes in each deck, each telling a story, offering guidance and wisdom, as well as imparting words to inspire and activate those who use the cards. I also wrote all the descriptions of the cards, channeling deep and meaningful messages that wanted to come through. I see my art as a tool. I create not just for visual appeal, but to allow visualization to help and guide others in their pursuits and lead a passionate and fulfilling life.

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?
One of my favorite places to walk around and be inspired by creative architecture and outdoor design spaces is going to The Venice Canals. It’s a magical place with such a diverse array of unique homes and outdoor gardens. I would also take a friend to go kayaking in Marina del Rey. Then, we would get lunch at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice. Followed by a tour of the Mosaic Tile House in Venice. We would have to get a hike in too! Temescal Canyon is a favorite (although I haven’t been since the fires earlier this year and not sure what is left of it). Griffith Park also has great hikes with wonderful city views. We would get sunset cocktails at High Bar, a rooftop lounge. Then, dinner at Gjelina. I’d also want to take a friend to some fun events that friends of mine host. Among them would be The Unjam on Mondays, Harmonize which is a once a month event, my friend has a house in Canoga Park and has a guest house they use as a ceremony space for all sorts of events, along with a fire pit outside to do fire ceremonies. I have another friend in Northridge that lives on a beautiful, magical property with an event space as well and she hosts a lot of sound baths and dance parties. And we would go to Ecstatic Dance LA in Venice beach on Sunday!

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 have recently connected and have been mentored by the wonderful Kelly Sullivan Walden. She is an author, oracle deck creator, and spiritual counselor, among many many other things. She is also known as ‘Dr. Dream,’ helping people interpret their dreams and give meaning and relevance to what’s going on in their lives. She has taught me so much, and encourages me and believes in me and my creative pursuits. I want to thank her for being in my corner and giving me more confidence and drive to keep going, always keep creating.

Website: https://www.dashiradesigns.com

Instagram: @dashira.designs

Other: Spotify: my single is on there: ‘What You Need’ by Dashira, featuring Colin Martin

Image Credits
All the photography was done by me! Danielle Shira