Conversations with Daphne Mannino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Mannino.

Daphne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up on the east side of Michigan in a quiet suburban area, where I always dreamed of building something creative and meaningful. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I packed my bags for San Diego to start my first “big girl” job and live out my goal of living next to the beach. It was exciting but also eye-opening—I quickly realized I wanted more freedom and fulfillment in my work.

Then came one of those spur-of-the-moment life changes: during the tail end of COVID, I decided to move to Denver with a friend in search of a fresh start. I quit my job, moved into a spot in RiNo, and began piecing things together, working three part-time gigs in digital marketing and web design. It was chaotic, but I loved it. I knew I had found the field I wanted to grow in. Eventually, one of those part-time roles turned into a full-time opportunity, which led me to my current position in Content Marketing for a kitchen appliance company. Working in a small, startup-style team taught me how to wear many hats and truly understand what it takes to build a brand from the ground up.

After two years in Colorado, I moved back home to Michigan to save money and travel. I’ve always had a fascination with different cultures (especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe). Around that same time, my partner’s mom traveled to Dubai (a dream destination of mine) and came home with a rhinestone pashmina as a gift. The moment I saw it, I was hooked. As someone who loves festivals and the EDM scene, I couldn’t believe how this elegant, cultural piece was also making its way into festival fashion. It felt like two worlds colliding in the best way.

That gift became the spark for Lumina Pash Co. My partner and I reached out to her friend in Dubai (the owner of the souk where the pashmina came from) and started dreaming up what a business could look like. Thanks to my marketing background, I knew exactly how to get started: I registered an LLC, built a website, sourced inventory, and began growing the brand organically through social media and influencer marketing.

What started as a small side project has turned into a true passion. Lumina Pash Co. has allowed me to connect with people I never would have met otherwise, collaborate with other small businesses, and explore the intersection of culture, fashion, and self-expression. While I don’t handmake the pashminas myself, I’ve used our fabrics to create one-of-a-kind pieces and build relationships with artisans who share the same love for craftsmanship. At the same time, this venture has allowed me to also support my now dear friend in Dubai and expand to supporting small vendors in nearby countries.

This brand represents more than just accessories—it’s about individuality, creativity, and the beauty of connection. Every step of the journey has taught me something new, and I’m so proud of how far it’s come from that single spark of inspiration.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. Like most small business owners, I’ve had my fair share of challenges. Since I rely mostly on organic marketing, my sales can fluctuate depending on whether a video takes off or not. It keeps things exciting, but it also means I’ve had to learn to roll with the ups and downs and celebrate the small wins along the way. I aim to begin marketing with sponsored/paid ads and through other shopping channels to overcome this.

Balancing my 9–5 job with running Lumina can also be a juggling act. There are plenty of late nights and weekends spent packing orders or editing content, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every extra hour I put in feels like an investment in something I truly believe in.

The biggest hurdle has been managing inventory. I currently work with suppliers in China and Dubai, and I’m adding one in India soon. With long shipping times and unpredictable sales trends, keeping items in stock is a constant challenge. At one point, two entire boxes of inventory were lost in transit which was definitely a setback but I managed to get replacements and learned a lot about patience, planning, and resilience in the process.

Every obstacle has made me stronger and more adaptable. I’ve learned to stay positive, get creative with solutions, and trust that with consistency and passion, everything eventually falls into place.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Content Marketing Associate for a small kitchen appliance company. My role covers a little bit of everything: email marketing, influencer partnerships, website and product copywriting, and even physical marketing materials. It’s the kind of position where no two days look the same, and that’s exactly what I love about it.

Working for a small, fast-growing company has allowed me to wear many hats and really see the impact of my work in real time. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to help shape the brand’s voice, strengthen our online presence, and build meaningful connections with our customers. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that the words I write or the campaigns I build directly contribute to the company’s growth and success.

What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown alongside the company. Being part of a small, close-knit team means collaboration is everything. We move in sync, support each other’s ideas, and celebrate every win together. It’s rare to find a work environment where your values align so naturally with the mission, and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.

What does success mean to you?
Success is practice made perfect. It is the achievement of many milestones and the experience of several failures before reaching the overall end goal.

Pricing:

• 65.49
• 35.49

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luminapashco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminapashco/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@luminapashco