Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren And Tahnia Mcdaniel
Hi Loren And Tahnia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Loren McDaniel, founder of DYWork, a movement centered on “personal work.” My journey began during a period of deep personal crisis: I was in a toxic relationship, lost my friends, my job, my apartment, and my sense of self-worth. At my lowest point, I reached out to my aunt, who simply told me to “do your work.” This advice motivated me to heal from past trauma, rediscover myself, seek feedback from others, and take steps to grow intentionally toward a more fulfilling life.
My journey also inspired my sister, Tahnia McDaniel. Tahnia became a teen mom at 18, facing the stigma of young motherhood while balancing college athletics, school, and parenting. Along with her responsibilities, she dealt with her own pain, trauma, and insecurities. It was often lonely and isolating, but her commitment to her daughter kept her moving forward. When I introduced her to the idea of personal work, she felt encouraged to make changes that helped her grow, which ultimately impacted her life as a parent and individual.
Today, we are working together to raise awareness of personal work. I (Loren) started a product line to inspire others on their personal work journeys, while I (Tahnia) am launching Ready 2 Change Podcast, where people can share their unique stories. We plan to collaborate with mental health professionals and minority-owned wellness brands to host events and promote conversations about healing, growth, and self-development.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The personal work and wellness industry is a $40 billion market with new competitors entering every day, especially after COVID when many people began focusing on personal transformation. Instead of seeing the competition as a setback, we focus on using it to our advantage. We are committed to collaborating with others who share our mission, including individuals who are Ready 2 Change, wellness business owners who organize events, and therapists and counselors who work with individual clients. By collaborating, we believe we can build a stronger community and support each other’s entrepreneurial growth.
Another challenge has been securing capital. Founders often have big ideas, but turning them into reality requires funding. Raising capital has been a key part of our journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of DYWork LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are DYWork, a movement and lifestyle brand founded by sisters Loren and Tahnia McDaniel. We believe in the power of “personal work”—practices like self-reflection, healing, and intentional growth. With 67 million Americans (20%) dissatisfied with their lives and mental health challenges on the rise, we believe these practices are more important than ever.
Our mission goes beyond selling dope merchandise with powerful messages. We are building a supportive community through our Ready 2 Change podcast and in-person events, where people can connect and support each other on their healing journeys.
What sets us apart is our commitment to social impact. Inspired by our family’s experience with schizophrenia, we donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that support individuals with severe mental health conditions.
By combining retail, community, and social good, we aim to empower individuals to embrace personal growth and create a more fulfilling life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Neither of our parents is perfect, but each of them has done their own personal work in ways that have left a lasting impact on us. Our dad, a first-generation college graduate, found both business and professional success. He taught us the importance of hard work and creating the life we want, a lesson that became a guiding principle for our family.
Our mom is also a major inspiration. At 64, she is working toward her PhD in Data Science while being the primary caretaker for our brother. She manages all of this while navigating her own personal challenges, showing us the power of resilience and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dyworkofficial.com
- Instagram: dyworkofficial | ready2changepodcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556790276010
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ready2ChangePodcast
Image Credits
@wbjordanphotos
