Rooted in Realness: Dayna’s Unfiltered Journey Through Canadian Fashion
In an industry often seen through a filtered lens, Dayna stands out as a rare force of clarity, compassion, and conviction. As the founder of HOUS Management and a veteran of the Canadian fashion scene, her story is one of grit over glamour, truth over trend, and mentorship over momentary fame.
From the wide-eyed girl watching Fashion Television to the seasoned agent sitting front row beside her idol, Dayna’s path wasn’t paved with shortcuts, it was built on relentless hustle, honest relationships, and a belief that authenticity is the new currency. Now, after 17 years of navigating the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-earned wins of the modeling world, she’s using her platform to reimagine what Canadian fashion could be…diverse, inclusive, collaborative, and above all, real.
In this exclusive conversation with Models of Canada, Dayna opens up about the unspoken truths behind the runway lights, the long road behind every so-called “overnight” success, and the deep-rooted values that shape her work with every model she mentors. Her insights are a powerful reminder that while fashion may evolve, integrity, vulnerability, and human connection will always be in style.
Welcome to the world of Dayna! Raw, radical and refreshingly real.
Models of Canada: Dayna, can you take us back to the moment you decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry? What was that defining moment for you?
Dayna: As a child, I grew up watching Fashion Television it was my favourite show growing up - watching Jeanne Becker was a huge inspiration & from that moment I knew that I wanted to work in fashion. The full circle moment was sitting front row at fashion week next to her my 17-year-old younger self was living her best life.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry has seen a lot of changes over the years. From your perspective, how has the landscape of modeling and fashion shifted, especially in Canada?
Dayna: The internet and the rise of social media transformed the fashion landscape - how we watch, buy, and consume it. The challenge? Everyone thinks it's accessible, but models aren’t everyday people. We've forgotten the long, demanding journey behind every breakout star…each one a 5-10 years in the making.
Models of Canada: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your journey within the fashion world, and how have those lessons shaped your approach to working with models today?
Dayna: Three things…
Trust the timing of your life.
The only currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you are uncool.
Vulnerability is a strength not a weakness.
I could go on and I do, in my founder’s diary @weshouldbebetteratthis There are no shortcuts to self-love, mastering your measurements, or building your book. It’s a marathon, and you need to be all in, starting with a real relationship with your agent. Everyone wants to model, but few want to do the work. I take a holistic approach to development and mentorship, digging deep to draw out the best version of you, so you can show up fully, beautifully, as yourself.
Models of Canada: As a leading agent, what motivates you every day to keep pushing forward, even when facing challenges or setbacks in the industry?
Dayna: My why? When others succeed, so do I. We’ve got to reframe setbacks. They’re not failures, just intel. Clues pointing you toward what’s meant for you. Always show up as yourself. When a client drops off, it’s not a loss. It clears space for the right ones to find you. Trust the timing of your life.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry can sometimes be seen as cutthroat and highly competitive. How do you maintain a balance between ambition and compassion when managing your models and your team?
Dayna: I’ve got one rule: never lie to me. This agency runs on trust and mutual respect. I live by radical honesty - real talk, even when it’s tough. But when you’re part of the HOUS fam, you’re never alone. We’re stronger together. Life’s hard so choose your hard. And know this: the beautiful humans at HOUS have your back.
Models of Canada: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your career, and how have you overcome them while still staying true to your values and vision for Canadian fashion?
Dayna: It was realizing that some people don’t want to see you succeed and may not share your same values - but they are not your people and that is ok. The more you show up as you - your people will come. My mentor told me you don’t have to work with “everyone” you need to work with your people- that is what makes the collaboration so special - Your win is my win and vice versa.
Models of Canada: What role do you believe diversity and inclusivity should play in the future of fashion, and how are you actively fostering that change within the models you represent and the industry as a whole?
Dayna: When I started HOUS Management, I wanted a space where individuality is celebrated! Where you can look at my board and see yourself. The world isn’t one-size-fits-all, and modelling boards shouldn’t be either. My founder’s diary, @weshouldbebetterathis lives by the mantra: may you have the courage to be vulnerable and live your authentic truth. My job is to make sure we never lose sight of what makes you you and bring that to life. The world needs more realness, less performance.
Models of Canada: Behind every successful individual is a supportive team. Can you share who is on your team and what qualities you look for in the people you work with?
Dayna: If you talked to anyone on my team they would tell you anyone who speaks Dayna fluently - HOUS has its own culture and we lead with honesty and transparency. I look for a strong work ethic, someone who thinks outside of the box, and is open to learning. I am learning new things constantly from my models - they are my greatest gift. I am beyond grateful for my mentor he is always pushing sociality norms - and challenging me in ways I never thought possible.
Models of Canada: If there’s one change you could make to improve the fashion industry in Canada, what would it be and why? How do you believe it would shape the future of the industry?
Dayna: Pay for play - People need to stop exploiting the hopes and dreams of young kids. You need to make an investment into yourself but can’t buy your way into modelling and not do the work. Modelling is no different than wanting to play hockey and go to the NHL - there are standards, hard work and many years of development that no one sees. Every overnight success is 5 -10 years in the making.
Models of Canada: In your opinion, where do you see the Canadian fashion industry heading in the next 5 to 10 years? What trends do you think will define its evolution, and how will models and agents be adapting to that shift?
Dayna: Technology is coming for us; however, the power of human connection and collaboration is what drives the arts and creatives, we can’t forget about the Canadian talent that is here. We need to celebrate our talent and give them environments where they will thrive and create community where it is equitable and profitable.
Models of Canada: Has there ever been something you’ve wanted to share with the public about your role in fashion, your models, or the industry itself that you feel has been misunderstood or under appreciated?
Dayna: No one sees the years of grind…the no’s, the ghosting, the car cries, the doubt, the hustle to get back up. No overnight success here. This took 17 years and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Models of Canada: For those aspiring to follow in your footsteps, whether they want to become a top model, agent, or industry professional… What advice would you give them that goes beyond just technical skills, but rather focuses on their mindset and personal growth?
Dayna: Show up as your future self - always learning, always showing up.
Rejection? Just re-direction. This isn’t a 9-to-5 gig; it’s 24/7 hustle. Find mentors, build your tribe, and ask yourself: what’s the worst that happens - no? Then, just keep going!
Written by: Models of Canada
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