From Building a Responsible Fashion Brand to Building Up the Next Gen of Brands in the Space with Danielle Salinas of Maison de Papillion and Project Gaia

Spirit of 608: Fashion, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability + Tech

Our lives are not lived in linear paths. The zigs and the zags are often what allows the most magical, unexpected and impactful moments to bubble up and become a reality. Such is the case with this week’s guest, Danielle Salinas, co-founder of popular sustainable fashion brand Maison de Papillon and, most recently, New York-based retail store and — as you’ll hear — a whole lot more: Project Gaia.

Starting out in advertising and moving on to build a thriving dental practice with her then-husband, Danielle eventually followed her instincts toward her true calling and landed at Parson’s School of Design. That’s where she met co-founder Shriya Mistra. The two launched Maison de Papillon in 2013 and have become known for elevated, luxurious basics that fit in just as well during a day of meetings as they might lazing around with an afternoon tea. During the pandemic, Project Gaia became the co-founders’ somewhat unlikely bet on the power of retail during an unprecedented time. More than just a store, the Manhattan space is evolving into an incubator and accelerator for the next generation of sustainable and ethical brands.

Listen in for Danielle’s story, get inspired by how she lives her life and runs her businesses on her own terms and learn why taking the unexpected route to open a retail space at a time when so many businesses were closing was ultimately the right move.

Learn more below:

Meet Danielle:

Danielle Salinas is the Co-Founder and Co-Designer of Maison de Papillon, a luxury ready-to-wear clothing brand for women. Maison de Papillon’s collection of elevated essentials is designed for the modern woman who desires chicness without sacrificing ease and versatility.

Raised in South Texas, Danielle’s career path was certainly unconventional. Her strong entrepreneurial spirit motivated her from a young, single mother of humble beginnings and served as the catalyst for her first career step into the world of advertising. As she launched herself into this industry, she found her passion for business in working with entrepreneurs. Soon, she gained the confidence that allowed her to build a successful dental practice with her then-husband.

As a woman on-the-go who craves simplicity and ease, Danielle noticed a void in the loungewear, ready-to-wear segment of the fashion industry. Ambitiously, she applied to Parson School of Design where Danielle met her now business partner Shriya Misra. Sharing a passion for luxury and versatility, these two women created Maison De Papillon. Today, you can find Maison de Papillon in over 200 of the best hotels and luxury boutiques in the world.

You can learn more about Danielle and her company at www.maisondepapillon.com.

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Linkage — Connect with Maison de Papillon

Instagram: @maisondepapillon

Facebook: @MaisonDePapillon

Website: www.maisondepapillon.com

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Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.