Along with an insatiable appetite for all things aesthetic Claire Olshan has been equally absorbed by her passion for health and wellness. In 2012, Claire founded Fivestory, the go-to shop to find emerging designers with a whimsical approach to dressing up. In a sense, Claire has always supported those that think out of the box and weave a sense of play into their work. Inspired by the Dada and Surrealist movements, Olshan aspired to create a world of limitless, joyful and delicious food that disobeys the traditional perception of eating healthy. Merging her love for art, fashion, and food: DADA Daily was born.
The Dada and Surrealist movements aimed to liberate the human imagination and bring playfulness and humor back into the rule stricken art world. With DADA Daily, eating is no longer guilt ridden snacking is fun and life is play. This is a more joyful and imaginative world of food and wellness. DADA Daily is about liberty and freedom; the delight of getting away with something, and the humor of knowing that it’s good for you too. DADA Daily’s philosophy ignites the senses and arouses a powerful snacking movement.
DADA Daily’s collection of products are meant to elevate one’s snacking rituals and to be indulged anywhere, anytime. DADA Daily creates an unexpected and magical twist on snacking from delicious foods you’ll indulge into artfully considered packaging that you’ll want to gift to your friends.
We sat down with Claire to discuss her inspiration and booming business.
What was the inspiration behind DADA Daily?
CLAIRE OLSHAN: Two things that have always guided my eye, my heart, and my stomach are aesthetics and health food. What always perplexed me though was that anti-integration of the two. I was seeing all these industries adopt beauty and design into all their touch points and for me, the health food industry was slower to catch on. I also couldn’t find really truly clean snacks without junk in them!
What's been the most exciting part about launching a brand?
CO: This brand is really a culmination of so many dreams and visions. When I actually decided to go out and do it (that was probably the most exciting part, taking a risk on yourself and just jumping in) I realized I had been building this company in my mind for decades. Also, it’s really nice to have your own brand and connect to the customer directly. With Fivestory, I love our customers but I was always selling them other people’s designs - now it’s really nice to take ownership of the relationship.
It's an exciting time to be a female entrepreneur! What do you love about it?
CO: How much love and support woman have for each other. The number of emails and texts I get that are being signed off “how can I support you?” Is amazing and inspiring.
What are some of your favorite spots in New York?
CO: The library and the garden at the Greenwich hotel. The new grill at the standard hotel. Atelier Courbet, Carbone. Fivestory, obviously.
What are you looking forward to this year for your brand?
CO: I cannot wait to launch our new very kid friendly product (no nuts!) as well as roll out some fun and unexpected partnerships.
Photography by: Photography Courtesy of DADA Daily
