Mode Around The Globe: Dashley Lopez
Mode Around The Globe: Grande Velas Riviera Maya
Dashley Lopez
@_dashlopez
Photography by Hannah Rozelle @hannahrozelle_
Videographed by Estevão Mendes @stevotake
Location: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
@grandvelasmaya
You’ve had such an incredible journey so far — what’s one defining moment that shaped who you are today?
Without a doubt – shaving my head! It’s deeply impacted my perspective of what femininity is and what it means to me. I feel more confident and self-assured than I ever have with hair and that energy permeates other facets of my life in a very positive way.
Fans love your confidence and presence. What’s something about your personality that people may not know but you wish they did?
People see humor and my bold choices but they don’t see how much I actually sit with myself and reflect, on everything. I’m very introspective and I’m constantly taking a mental inventory on how I feel about my habits, my relationships, and patterns, the good ones and the not so good ones. I try really hard to operate in a way that feels aligned and intentional.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the past year, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I’ve had to learn to differentiate what feels right & healthy for me vs. what looks and sounds good on paper. When something isn’t aligned it will create discomfort and I think this also translates professionally because that thought process is what helps me not just say “yes” to opportunities but really weigh if something actually reflects who I am and where I’m going.
You’re constantly evolving and reinventing yourself. What inspires your creativity and drive the most right now?
Music, art, and film will always be the main source of inspiration for everything that I do. Every piece of content, every sound is chosen very intentionally. Every voiceover is meant to create a feeling, a mood. I want you to feel what I feel when I listen to my favorite song or when I’m sharing something I’m passionate about.
When you think about your dream life, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I see myself even more immersed in community. I see bigger projects that allow the space for deeper connections across broader audiences. I really look forward to building a name for myself as a thought leader in the creator space.
What’s one project or passion you’re currently working on that you’re most excited for fans to see?
I just wrapped a very cool project with KISS Lashes! There are some exciting things to look forward to this year with my Ulta Beauty Collective peers and with that will come more beauty, scalpcare, and travel content.
Your travel schedule is amazing — what destination has inspired you the most recently and why?
My recent trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico was wonderful and so inspiring because it was the first time I got to shoot for a magazine! This was such a personal milestone for me and it really reinforced the notion that only you can truly limit yourself. We fully have the capacity to step out of our comfort zones and seize opportunities even if they feel out of reach!
What does a perfect, slow, restful day look like for you?
A slow, restful day definitely looks sunny and warm with a walk to my favorite breakfast spot and then definitely a massage.
Fashion-wise, how would you describe your style in three words?
Classic. Timeless. Balanced.
What’s one beauty or self-care ritual you never skip, no matter how busy life gets?
Scalp & body care!!! On my saddest day, nothing cheers me up more than an everything shower.
Fans love your authenticity — how do you stay grounded amidst such a fast-paced career?
I allow myself the time and space to decompress and spend time with loved ones. I check in with myself constantly to make sure my head and heart are in the right place. I’ve learned that it’s all about balance.
What’s a misconception you think people have about you, and what’s the truth?
That I’m intimidating. Get to know me and you’ll find that I’m far from it. I’m firm on my boundaries, confident, and driven but also very aware of not giving off the kind of energy that could ever make anyone feel small. I don’t walk around with this air of self-importance, I’m just genuinely happy to be here.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Relax! Everything will be okay, trust yourself a little more.
You’ve become such an inspiration to many. Who inspires you the most?
The women in my life. My mother, grandmothers, my aunts, they have always put in perspective the importance of independence as a woman and they encourage me to build and water my own garden. I realize that in many ways I’m living their dreams and being cautioned in the most uplifting way, to not fold on my standards or lose sight of my goals.
What’s your current go-to outfit when you want to feel confident and empowered?
A good power suit will always do it for me. In any color!
If you could only bring three items in your handbag for a day, what would they be?
Lip Balm, finishing powder, and my Canon G7X
What’s something your fans would be totally surprised to learn about you?
I struggle with imposter syndrome and body dysmorphia. Commercial modeling really altered my perception of myself and I’m still doing the work to unlearn some of the criticisms & rejection that I’ve internalized.
What’s a personal mantra or quote you live by?
My favorite quote is “Your best teacher is your last mistake.” - Ralph Nader
What did you love most about your stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya?
How zen the environment was! The food was also spectacular. It was the perfect place to unwind, but also get work done. The staff was so incredibly nurturing and kind. It was another level of hospitality that I had never experienced before and I’ll never forget.
What exciting projects or career moments do you have coming up that you’d love to share?
Coming up is Ulta Beauty World which is incredibly exciting and I’m heading to Europe this spring with a brand that I love. I feel so honored and privileged to be in these spaces.
