Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniella.
Hi Daniella, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been creating since I was very young. Art has always been a major passion for me. I first started out as a sketch artist and painter. I started selling some of my paintings sometime around 2006. To coincide with art, I’ve always had so much love for nature. My family has always laughed at my need to make friends with any animal I encounter. I started collecting naturally passed insects around 2012. I also raised butterflies, such as Monarchs and Painted Ladies. I would create little art pieces with them for myself at that time. Friends, family, and others that I met from word of mouth, eventually started to ask me to create shadow frames and terrariums for them. That was when I created my Facebook business page. It wasn’t until June of 2022 that I decided to create my Instagram account to share my pieces with a broader audience. My vision, care, and love for what I do has come a long way as my passion for my creations has deepened with time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My story on how I came to create insect art didn’t start out as a glamorous one. While pregnant with my son in 2021 I developed blood clots through my right leg along with a fluke knee injury. This caused a bit of a chain reaction in my leg causing me to lose my ability to walk and also develop a condition called CRPS. I was on bedrest through the duration of my pregnancy and longed for creating again. After I had my son I took the opportunity to craft during some of my free-time. After 6 months I taught myself how to walk again and continued creating. I’ve been able to walk again for the last 3.5 years and manage my chronic pain condition holistically. In a way, I’m thankful for the struggles I went through because it brought the world of oddities art into my life and helped me pursue my passion.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Monarch Manor Oddities is where dark whimsy meets natural wonder. Daniella Hernandez, the artist behind the brand, transforms ethically sourced insects, hand dried botanicals, and antique treasures into romantic, macabre art pieces. Think beautiful butterflies under glass, bone-adorned hair accessories, and vintage frames blooming with preserved life.
Known for her ethereal yet gothic aesthetic, Daniella blends entomology, taxidermy, and vintage charm into heirloom-quality creations that feel like relics from a forgotten fairytale. Each piece is sustainably made with no harm to creatures, no mass-produced materials—just timeless curiosity, revived with intention and care.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I prefer to stay true to my vision and only perfect what is my own unique style and signature details. I have shifted more from just being online to more in-person large expos, art installations, and teaching crafting classes all over the central Florida area.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monarchmanoroddities.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchmanoroddities
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15w2wSoYcL/
Image Credits
Daniella Hernandez – Monarch Manor Oddities
