Hollyway Japan A conversation with Danesha D Smith on Style, Leadership, and Calm Confidence
There is an unmistakable balance to Danesha Smith. She carries herself with polish, yet nothing about her feels forced. As a business owner, organizational leader and mother of two teenage athletes, Smith navigates high-pressure environments with a calm that feels intentional rather than accidental. Then we sat down to talk, the conversation quickly revealed that her approach to fashion mirrors her approach to leadership. Purposeful, adaptable, and grounded in self-awareness.
Your presence feels both polished and grounded. How do you use personal style as a form of self-expression while leading businesses and organizations at scale?
Comfort is non-negotiable for me because I’m always on the go, balancing family life, businesses, and work in restaurants. I need clothes that transition seamlessly, but style has always been paIt of my DNA. My fashion roots come from my time in New York working with retailers and designer brands. I gravitate toward labels like Theory because they feel elevated but work in almost any environment. My personal style is what I call feminine spotty chic. I was never a suit girl and resisted them for years. Today, it’s about fit, quality fabrics, and effortless pieces. l love a great tennis shoe. Adidas is my everyday go-to. For formal events, I lean into fitted, elegant glam. My style icons are Tracee Ellis Ross, Blake Lively, Zendaya, and Lori Harvey. They are always a vibe, no matter the setting.
As a woman balancing ownership, leadership, and family, how has your relationship with style evolved over time?
Comfort and confidence go hand in hand for me. It’s less about the clothes and more about fit, especially for my nearly six-foot frame. For business meetings, I like a well-defined pant with a polo and a sweater around the shoulders. Everyday looks are usually a high-quality fitted shirt, golf pants, and Sambas. When it’s time to dress up, I lean into color. A jewel-tone dress gets me every time.
You speak openly about sustainable success and life balance. How do routine and discipline shape your wardrobe and leadership?
I don’t fuss over my wardrobe. I buy transitional pieces. My closet is about 60 percent black, 15 percent brown, 15 percent neutral hues, and the rest are accents. Beige, gray, and black are my foundation. Skims has done an incredible job with nudes and neutrals, and I wear many of those pieces underneath. I do have bold prints, but they’re one and- done moments. And I love a good kimono. That’s my version of a suit.
What docs elegance mean to you in moments of challenge and responsibility?
Life is hectic, which is why I don’t overthink clothes. Elegance for me is the opposite of frantic energy. As a leader my team needs to feel confident that there’s a plan. Elegance looks like being even-keeled, calm, observant, and reflective, especially under pressure.
For women in.Japan and around the world who aspire to lead with confidence and grace, what mindset keeps you grounded?
Japanese women are some of the most stylish in the world. That keeps me calm is practice and preparation. Confidence comes from knowing yourself and accepting that it’s okay not to be everyone’s taste. Once I realized there would always be supporters and naysayers, I understood that honesty mattered more than approval. Freedom is unlocking the mental constraints we place on ourselves. Feeling prepared helps me feel calm, and knowing that I am enough allows me to move forward with confidence.
