For me “the Art of Self” is trusting that voice inside before the rest of the world catches up. What does it mean for you?
Five years ago, The Donas Project began as a space for those embracing reinvention and carving out their path when the map didn’t exist. Fast forward to 2025, and as the anniversary of the project approached, I found myself running on creative fumes. That’s when fate stepped in— she does this from time to time. I attended a pop-up dinner in a stranger's Bowery Loft (purchased as a last-minute gift for my husband’s birthday) and, as I sat there, an overwhelming wave of inspiration hit me. That feeling in my chest, like a flower blooming, returned. And in that moment, I knew I had to "take it back." But how?
It was clear: The project, my journey, and my audience had all evolved. It was time for me to evolve, too. But this time, I was nervous about talking to people again [ post-pandemic social awkwardness, anyone?]. I wanted something different— not like a traditional podcast interview. A "magazine article you can watch"—that’s what I wrote down on a giant post-it stuck to my bedroom wall. And of course, the little voice in my head asked, "How the hell are you going to pull that off?" But this time I didn’t let it de-rail my vision.
What I was craving was conversation. Real conversation—like the ones you have over coffee with someone you haven’t seen in forever, where you don’t even know where it’s going, but it’s exactly what you need.
That’s when I decided [aka finally got the courage] to start texting people I wanted to sit down with.
And I couldn’t have asked for a better first guest: Comedian Katie Boyle (@katieboylecomic ).
In our conversation, we dive into comedy, confidence, laughing at your own life, and choosing yourself when it makes sense to no one else. Her story is full of honesty, humor, and personal growth. It’s everything I wanted these conversations to be and also everything I needed to hear.
I truly hope you enjoy this first sit-down in what will become a regular feature of The Art of Self series. After all, these conversations are what inspired this substack.
You can read my version of our chat here and check out some of the portraits I shot during our session.
As always, I’m excited for what’s next and thrilled to share this journey with you.
<3 Donna
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