Photography : Sarah Krick @sarahkrickphotography
Makeup: Stephanie Amaro
Styling: Danielle Premone
You’ve built a strong global following through your work in the yachting world and on-screen—What do you think it is about your personality or approach that people connect with so strongly?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure! It’s still a pinch-me moment, even five years later, to still be asked back. I like to think people recognize that I try really hard, I’m vulnerable, authentic, and, most importantly, I like to have a good time! At least that’s what I hope they see.
From yachting to your recent trek across Mont Blanc, you seem to thrive on adventure.What drew you to that 5-day journey, and what did you take away from the experience?
A friend of mine had invited me on the trip, and I was definitely interested, but as the date drew nearer, I nearly pulled out! I was nervous — I knew physically it was going to be really challenging, but also the mental side of being with 11 strangers for five days. But when I reflected, I knew ultimately I would love the experience, and I wasn’t wrong. I loved every minute of it — meeting a whole new group of people and hearing about their professions and outlook on life, being out in the Alps with all the beautiful scenery, and pushing myself physically.The whole experience was out of my comfort zone and reminded me that’s actually where I am most comfortable and the best version of myself.
You have a brand-new podcast called Yacht Mess that you’re co-hosting with Marc MacNamara. Can you share what inspired the collaboration and what kind of energy the two of you bring together?
Marc was a charter guest on BDSY season 5. We instantly connected and knew we had the same energy. Fast forward a few years later, and Marc saw in a Q&A on Instagram that I was interested in doing a podcast. He reached out to me and pitched “Yacht Mess.” I loved the idea! It was exactly what I had wanted to do. It’s a really fun energy — we laugh so much and find each other so funny. Marc is such a positive person; it’s so great to be around him.
You’re known for being unfiltered and real on social media. How important is that transparency to you, especially as your platform continues to grow?
Being unfiltered and transparent has honestly been so important to me throughout my whole life. I have had difficult times, as anyone else has, and the honesty people have shown me showed me that’s what I value most, and this is something I strive to do every day. I’m proud of who I am and proud of the choices I make, and I want that to follow me throughout my social media. My biggest fear is someone knowing me in the “real world” and seeing my online persona and saying, “That’s not Daisy!”
You’ve opened up about your journey with egg freezing and fertility—how have your fans responded, and why was it important to you to speak publicly about it?
The fans’ response was amazing and confirmed I made the right decision to share my journey. The support was overwhelming. When I decided to freeze my eggs and started to share my decision with my inner circle, I realized how much curiosity there was around the subject, and I felt I had a responsibility, with a public platform, to not only be honest but to share if my journey helped even one person. Social media can have so many negative outcomes; it’s important, in my opinion, to reinforce the positives that can come from it.
Deck fans are thrilled to hear you’re joining Below Deck Down Under in 2026. How is this experience different, especially stepping into your biggest super yacht yet?
It was really exciting for me to move to Below Deck Down Under, and I think the viewers will be excited too! It’s fun to see my dynamics with a whole new crew and on a totally different style of yacht. I think a lot of viewers will be intrigued to see if I sink or swim, and I think that will make for a really exciting season!
After years in the spotlight, how do you keep your leadership style grounded and your relationships with crew authentic—especially under the pressure of reality TV?
I think at the core of everything, I love my job, and I love being a chief stew. I have been doing it for over 10 years now, and I take a lot of pride in it. I think that allows me to put everything else aside and concentrate on the task at hand.
The Below Deck franchise has seen a lot of cast turnover, yet you’ve remained one of its staples. What do you think has contributed to your longevity on the show?
I really don’t know! Every time I get asked back, I’m so grateful to be there again and just don’t ask too many questions, lol. I think the viewers love that I have found a balance between leading my team but also being able to let my hair down. I don’t have many skills, but this is one of them, and I think the viewers really enjoy it!
With your Instagram exploding recently—5,000 new followers in just a couple of weeks!—how are you approaching this next phase of your public persona?
I’m hoping it will continue to grow. My followers are so amazing . I experience very little negativity, and I love the community I have built. I’m so lucky to be able to provide support to my followers, but I’m also so grateful for the support they give me! Whenever I’m having a tough day, they are right there to pick me up. It really is an incredible community. I hope it continues to grow, and the podcast will bring in some new people to follow the journey.
As someone who’s constantly evolving—professionally and personally—what’s one thing you hope people take away from watching or following your journey right now?
I hope people learn what I have learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. These moments don’t define me, even if at the time they seem like the end of the world, whether it be a bad charter or a bad breakup. There were times during filming when I didn’t think I would make it, and five years later I’ve learned these moments have shaped me, not defined me. I hope the viewers can see that and know that no matter what mistakes they make, it only adds to them. I hope they see a strong, independent woman and that they are inspired by it!
