International Women’s Day Portrait Series: Dayna Winter

Maximalist, multi-passionate, creative. Comms writer at Shopify by day, vintage reseller and film-themed Airbnb Host by night (plus many more projects).

Tell us about yourself

I’m a writer at Shopify, where I tell the powerful stories of brave and bold entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world.

Outside my 9-to-5, I have more hobbies, side hustles, and half baked business ideas than I have time. I sell vintage on Etsy, run a film-themed Airbnb, and spend the rest of my time renovating and redecorating our home. I share a life with my partner, three stepkids, and two dogs.

Success to me means doing your life's work. It means being excited to get up and create. And it includes building a life that’s fulfilling, challenging, and open to adventure.

HOW DO YOU EMBRACE AND CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS?

I realized when I was younger that I couldn't help but stand out—but I was uncomfortable with the attention I attracted. One day, I decided to own it. If I'm a little weird, a little different, those things can be assets. It's taken time to learn to dress for me, do projects for me, design my home for me, and not to meet any social standard. This is truly how to be free and happy!

As women, we're very good at balancing our multiple roles. But it doesn't mean we should be doing that constantly. The invisible labour—to-do lists, grocery lists, calendars—doesn’t stop, even in rest. "Having it all" can come at a cost.

I'm working full time and running businesses on the side while raising a family. This means I can test out business ideas with a safety net, but it also means I'm always on the go. I have to remind myself: get enough sleep, stop feeling guilty about downtime, and learn to delegate!