Hi, I'm Dani! 👋🏾
Photographer, marketer, solo traveler, and creative storyteller. Welcome to my little corner of the internet!
A little about me: I grew up in Indiana with parents who loved to travel and always encouraged my creative side. Whether it was photography, writing, or a DIY project, I've always enjoyed finding new ways to bring ideas to life. That creativity eventually led me to Purdue University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications in 2020. A few years later, I decided to return for my Master of Science in Marketing, which I completed in August 2026.
And because I wanted to make the most of my time back on campus, I got involved in a few organizations! I served as VP of Events for the Krannert Graduate Marketing Association (KGMA), participated as a speaker and Banquet Committee member for the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), and worked as a photographer for the Purdue Fashion and Retail Organization (FRO). These experiences gave me the chance to lead projects, connect with other students and professionals, and contribute to a community I loved being part of.
These days, I'm based in Seattle, Washington, after spending five years building my career in PR and marketing at Zeno Group. I started in new business development, helping coordinate pitches, develop proposals, and report on business performance. Eventually, I moved into creator marketing as an Account Executive, where I worked with brands and content creators on everything from sourcing and vetting influencers to negotiating contracts, coordinating campaigns, and developing content for clients like ALDI, Ulta Beauty, and Citibank.
But as much as I've enjoyed the agency world, I've always wanted to stay hands-on with the creative process. Enter Illume Lab!
What started as a passion project has grown into a space where I can bring together my interests in photography, videography, and content creation. I collaborate with influencers, businesses, and brands around Seattle while also creating content for my own social platforms. Along the way, I've had the opportunity to work with brands like Hyatt, Four Seasons, RYZE, Adobe, and Amazon. It's given me the freedom to apply what I've learned professionally, try new ideas, and continue developing my creative skills.
And then there's my love for travel, which has played a huge role in shaping both my photography and the stories I want to tell.
I've explored 11 countries and counting, and I've even had the chance to combine work and travel by shooting campaign content in Bali, Indonesia. As a Black woman who frequently travels solo, I know how helpful it can be to hear from someone who's already been somewhere you're thinking about visiting. That's why I enjoy sharing my experiences, destination guides, photography tips, and editing advice. I hope my work encourages others to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and feel more confident traveling on their own.
So, what's Illume Lab? Think of it as a collection of everything I've learned, created, and experienced along the way. It's where my professional background meets my personal interests, and where I get to share both the finished work and the stories behind it.
Whether you're here to explore my portfolio, learn more about my work, or connect on a potential collaboration, I'm glad you stopped by. I hope you find something that inspires you, and maybe we'll get the chance to create something together!
Thanks for getting to know me! ✨
