With her signature braid adorned with a ribbon paired with her charming smile, Danié Gomez Ortigoza makes an entrance wherever she goes. The Miami based writer recently just launched her personal blog Journey of a Braid, giving the world a window into her thoughts. We sat down with the mother of two and spoke about balancing family life, her love for traveling and how a little bit of magic can go a long way.

What is your creative process? How do you get in the zone to begin writing?
It depends on the article. When it's about reviewing beauty products and that kind of thing, I just do it in a mechanical way. When it is about one of my core themes, such as Latin American design or women empowerment, I need music (Sigur Ross is at the top on my list), time, and a mirror. I like to look straight at my myself while I think.

Can you tell us a bit about your new blog "Journey of a Braid"?
Being a Correspondent for Glamour magazine was an eye-opening experience. I had no idea I liked to write previous to this job. Most people don't know that my background is in marketing, not journalism. 'Journey of a Braid' is a window into my thoughts. I've lived many experiences in the last couple of years. For the first time I feel like I have something to say to other people that can be of use.

Where are some of your favorite places to travel to?
I spend my summers in the South of France, which is a very special place. I used to live in Stockholm, and find the Nordic extremely interesting as well. Iceland has been one of the best trips I've ever had in my life. I simply enjoy discovering different ways of interpreting life.

We love your signature braid. When did you begin experimenting with that style?
It all started when a friend of mine asked me to help him put together a group that included the top 50 women in my native Mexico. We took them to Deauville to be part of the Women's Forum for Economy and Society, representing Mexico. It was a life changing experience for me. At the time I braided my hair in a different manner, and the last day he gave me a beautiful Hermès scarf, that I decided to incorporate into the braid. I turned that into my Manifesto Feminista. Every day as I do the final knot, I think of a woman I can help rise in some way. It has changed my outlook in life to have a physical reminder.

As a mother of two and a wife, what do you think is key for finding a successful work/life balance?
The key for me, is to know that there is no balance. Some days I'm a great friend, and a so-so mom. Others I'm an amazing mom and a so-so wife. I just try to balance it out as much as I can so I can be the best I can in most areas of my life.

What words of wisdom did your mother/grandmothers/aunts share with you?
In Latin America we are taught to believe in magic. Our Day of the Death celebration says a lot about our culture. That simple teaching has molded my outlook in life. When you believe in magic, you get to see it...

Photos by Omar Francis

#DAMAGIRL: Danié Gomez Ortigoza