MARY DANIELS, CEO, LUPUS WARRIOR AND CHAMPION OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS WORLDWIDE
Mary Daniels is the CEO and Founder of the luxury ChokeHerSkins brand and a fearless champion of women in business worldwide. Following early retirement due to a chronic health condition, this Lupus warrior and leather artist's vision was to create a range of skin-to-skin products that inspire positive energy while challenging conventional notions of femininity and strength.
The ChokeHerSkins brand is not just about adornment—it's about claiming space, telling stories, and daring to be seen in all your colours and complexities. Each creation is an intimate reflection of the wearer, designed to evoke a sense of empowerment that is as personal as it is unapologetic. It's safe to say that we have been a huge fan of Mary and her work for a long time here at The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, and I am beyond thrilled to share her journey with you.
SO, MARY, WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
My story is definitely no lie (LOL). It's real as can be, and I've accepted the seconds and minutes that keep me asking for more time. I insist on spreading positive energy and self-acceptance of who we are and defining our uniqueness through art and creativity. My brand, ChokeHerSkins, a leather jewellery and fashion accessory business, was officially established in 2019. My leather art is defined as one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces that are never duplicated by colour or design. Just as we were created with our own and only DNA, my passion is to provide the same feeling for each client.
WHY CHOKEHER SKINS? WHERE DID THAT NAME COME FROM?
I created the name ChokeHerSkins for my brand because of the fit—each word as a whole defined my mindset as a designer of leather art. I wanted the puzzling factors of fit acceptance, connection and beauty to come together. Some ask, others speculate. I welcome both inquisitions. Let me share HER meaning.
CHOKE - anything that wraps around the neck, which is my chokers or, as I call them, ChokeHers.
HER - obviously the female gender but men also, no discrimination.
SKINS - our natural skin or the art I create using leather fabric (skin).
Skin-to-skin handcrafted leather art creates a beautiful burst of positive energy while celebrating how we should feel about our individuality. My designs also use vegan fabric if desired.
WHAT KEY LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES (GOOD AND NOT SO GOOD) IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Many lessons come with running a business; we need the lessons to learn or benefit from what's being taught. In the beginning, I had to really sit down and ask myself if this was what I wanted to spend my free time doing, especially since I was in retirement because of my chronic health condition.
Being honest about my reason for sharing my art and realising that structure and COMMITMENT would have to be part of my journey as a businesswoman. Time wasn't always available, so I had to discipline my mindset not just to design my leather art—of course, that was the easy part—but also to remain organised and dedicate time to marketing and sales to raise awareness of my product and maintain my professional standard in the business world. Easy, yet not always attainable, but with discipline and conviction, it is definitely possible.
WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU CHECK IN YOUR BUSINESS DAILY?
My sanity, LOL! I also check emails and other forms of communication for my business inquiries. It's essential that I make the time to reply to posted content from those who support ChokeHerSkins and Brand Ambassador Shandera Dawson, the face of my brand, with thankfulness and uplifting words.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE CRITICISM?
Criticism is welcome if done so respectfully with the intent of building up without tearing down or misplaced judgment.
TAKING CARE OF OUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH AS BUSINESS OWNERS, ESPECIALLY AS A LUPUS WARRIOR, IS IMPORTANT. HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH AND HANDLE FLARE-UPS WHEN YOU HAVE A DEADLINE?
Thank you for acknowledging me as a Lupus Warrior amongst all our warriors fighting in different ways to stand strong daily. My health, of course, is essential, so it can never be secondary to being a designer and an entrepreneur. Taking my medications on schedule, resting, and remaining stress-free are critical factors for regulating my Lupus flare-ups and Interstitial Lung Disease. Unfortunately, we can't control unforeseen occurrences in our daily lives. Still, with prayer and attentiveness, I can do my best to stay on schedule and be apologetic to any client affected by a setback.
WHICH MOTIVATIONAL SONG WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO ADD TO CEO RADIO SPOTIFY PLAYLIST FOR YOU?
Square Biz - Teena Marie
YOU ARE A NOTORIOUS CHAMPION OF OTHER WOMEN IN BUSINESS (OUR FAVOURITE!) WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND WOMAN?
I graciously accept acting champion for my fellow women in business.
The business world can be notoriously unaccepting, overwhelming, judgemental and competitive. Why? Many times, especially in my observation, for no reason that can be justified when both entrepreneurs intend to succeed. It could be down to someone's confidence radar or the inability to share their platform due to feeling defeated in a world where the same service and product are offered. Therefore, I stand firm in my beliefs to be kind, treat others as I wish to be treated, and show compassion when necessary. The energy I get from this is often an interchangeable moment between two hardworking, dedicated CEOs.
Catch me on the frontline, even if I am sitting, rooting for my women in business! You GO GIRL!!!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
The feeling that surfaces when my leather art is laid upon my client's skin. That's the skin-to-skin reaction, knowing my design was produced with inspiring thoughts and creative sights coming to life.
I love seeing and hearing how my art is changing some of the world's views of what defines individual beauty. Looking in the mirror and feeling sexy and different from how others may see you, along with the ability to be confident wearing one of my one-of-a-kind designs, is very satisfying, and I'm proud to be ChokeHerSkins. I also love the opportunity to share my story globally using notable magazines like The Female CEO! What a privilege and accomplishment indeed!
WHERE WOULD YOU GO IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TOMORROW?
Simple! The mountains with a carpet of dancing lavender. Snow caps that never melt and a porch that wraps continuously around for an endless view of God's creation.
WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Do It! By Natasha Lee CEO of ThatGirl INC.
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?
I laugh at myself all the time because of the conversations I carry on with myself.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE BOOK OR PODCAST RECOMMENDATION FOR OUR READERS?
Besides the Bible, which has proven beneficial in my everyday life. I listen and read quickly and apply what is applicable, which is a good source of encouragement. Honestly, I can't add anything solid. But, I do enjoy listening to Peace of Mind Wellness CEO Natalie Poole.
IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN FOR DINNER WITH ANY THREE WOMEN IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD YOU INVITE AND WHY?
Joyce, my mom, who raised me with her best care and continues to show me unconditional love. My favourite professor and dear friend, Jean Payne, whose knowledge of truths and facts that connect relationships and the earth's dynamics is mind-blowing! The third seat would be filled by any woman who felt unaccepted by society's standards of beauty and importance or unfairly treated because of a disability.
WHAT'S THE MOST EXCITING PROJECT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
I've humbly shared in various projects. Public speaking before others, the joy I experience when creating and not allowing my disability and its limitations immobilise me. Also, I collaborate with leather suppliers who kindly send me leather and skins to use while designing my chokers and other accessories, which introduces their business to different audiences.
Last but not least, the projects involving our young and impressive community are important for them to excel and confidently prove that they can be successful entrepreneurs on any level of the business world.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE?
When someone asks me if I'm sure, I reply no, I'm Mary!
WHAT MAKES YOU TRULY HAPPY?
My supportive, loving family and their admiration of my sincere endeavours as forever Mom. Business wise, designing my leather art uniquely and so being able to witness the joy on the other side of my machine.
If you would like to know more about Mary and her stunning designs you can read more here.
