Mount Juliet City Lifestyle sits down with Danielle Landry to learn more about her life as a mom, a wife, and the owner of a custom NFL apparel business.
Danielle! We are blessed to have you and your sweet family in Mount Juliet. Tell us about your roots, Where did you grow up and how long have you and your family lived here?
I am originally from Connecticut; I was born in Stamford but primarily grew up in a smaller town called Cheshire. I went to a private school in my town for middle and high school and then moved to Boston for college. I met my husband in college, and when he was drafted to the Titans we moved to Mount Juliet. We instantly fell in love with this city, and I couldn’t imagine living elsewhere. We have lived here for a little over six years – which is so crazy because it feels like just yesterday we started this whole journey!
We are obsessed with the beautiful designs you have. Tell us what got you started in this business /industry.
When Harold started playing for the Titans, I knew I wanted to represent him with some game-day gear. Unfortunately, I discovered there wasn’t a ton of options to choose from – and the options that did exist were so expensive. I knew there was a way for me to create my own unique items without the hefty price tag. Once I started creating my own designs, I was hooked. I have always been creative, and I realized this was the perfect outlet for that creativity – especially as a stay-at-home mom. In the beginning, I was just making gear for me and my family, but some friends from the Titans began asking for gear as well. Honestly, it was really fun to work with them to find new, unique projects; a lot of my initial inspiration came from conversations with friends who had their own ideas on how they wanted to represent their significant other. Eventually, I needed a way to mainstream all of my orders. I spent many hours building a customer-friendly website so that I could ditch my hand-written orders in my trusty notebook, and legitimize my business.
You are no stranger to modeling, are you still active in that pursuit? What has been your favorite adventure in modeling?
I have done some smaller-scale modeling jobs, but never took it past that. It was always something my mom wanted me to pursue further, but I didn’t take it seriously. I probably should have though; maybe it could have paid for my college education! I honestly enjoy just getting in front of the camera for my own business now. It’s fun to play around with the reels and create new content.
It's no secret that you are Mr. Landry's better half (kidding)- we loved featuring him a few years ago. What is it like behind the scenes as a wife of a professional Football player? What are some of your favorite memories you have shared as a family?
Oh gosh, this is such a loaded question. I feel like now that we are going into our seventh season in the NFL, I have learned so much and feel quite wise when it comes to this subject. I think everyone has a different system that works for their home, but Harold’s job is extremely demanding – physically, mentally, emotionally… all of it. It is also a 24/7 365-day job, and I think people miss that aspect. They see the benefits of his career, but not the behind-the-scenes of how he got to this place, and how he continues to thrive here. He is consistently working to improve his skills, and that takes a lot of time and dedication. I am extremely proud to be his wife, but it can take its toll if we don’t actively prioritize each other, and our time as a family with our kids. We find a system that works for us in the off-season where Harold can be more present, and then a different system during the season, where I take a majority of the load so that he can focus on football. We really are so grateful, and God has blessed our family abundantly. We know this is just a chapter of our lives, and we try to be as present as possible and enjoy every bit of it.
I think some of my favorite memories recently have been watching our oldest son fall in love with football. He eats, sleeps, breathes football. He was always the Mama’s boy, but has very quickly become obsessed with his Dad. Watching Harold and Greyson run drills in the backyard, go on runs at the high school track, or analyze film together is really sweet. Both of our boys admire Harold so much, and I know how proud they are to tell all their friends –and even strangers– about him!
Tell us how we can get our hands on some custom pieces and what that process looks like.
My business model is definitely unique, and not always preferred by my customers. Customers cannot just shop my website at all times. I only open my website during a “drop” where I will accept a certain number of orders and then close my site again. I know it kind of sounds crazy, but here’s why I do it this way: I don’t run this business full-time. Between my kid's schedules, my husband’s schedule, my teaching schedule, and just my sanity, I cannot allow a constant stream of orders. Also, I don’t keep stock of any material. After a “drop” is closed, I order the necessary material from my distributors to complete my orders. This helps keep costs down, and keeps my office from turning into chaos. Once everything arrives, I work on assembling all of my customers’ pieces. It usually takes three to four weeks of turnaround time because every item is 100% unique to that customer and their wishes. I always encourage people to follow my Instagram page so that they can stay up-to-date on when the next “drop” will be. I post in advance and post on the day the “drop” opens so people can shop the site. I recommend to my customers that they brainstorm prior to the “drop,” and get online early, because I will close my site as soon as I get the number of orders I am striving for in that drop.
Five Quick Questions:
- Favorite Place to dine in Nashville?
Sixty Vines, Noko, and Bourbon Steakhouse
-Favorite Drink (mocktail or cocktail)?
Lemon Drop Martini… or a nice, crisp Coke
Favorite Family adventure since living in Tennessee?
Pigeon Forge; there’s just so much for our kids to do!
Favorite place to shop locally?
Magpies, Lizard Thicket, and The Village Forager
Favorite piece you have ever made?
I love making Denim Jackets; these are my priciest items but they are such special pieces that have endless opportunities.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Trust that God will lead you and don’t be afraid to step out into the unknown. If you have a passion, go for it; God gave you your gifts, so go and use them.
Follow Danielle Landry’s custom apparel on Instagram @mydanidesign and on her website, www.mydanidesign.com.
"I think some of my favorite memories recently have been watching our oldest son fall in love with football."
"Trust that God will lead you and don’t be afraid to step out into the unknown. If you have a passion, go for it; God gave you your gifts, so go and use them."