Spirit Of 608: Fashion, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability + Tech

Our lives are not lived in linear paths. The zigs and the zags are often what allows the most magical, unexpected and impactful moments to bubble up and become a reality. Such is the case with this week’s guest, Danielle Salinas, co-founder of popular sustainable fashion brand Maison de Papillon and, most recently, New York-based retail store and — as you’ll hear — a whole lot more: Project Gaia. Starting out in advertising and moving on to build a thriving dental practice with her then-husband, Danielle eventually followed her instincts toward her true calling and landed at Parson’s School of Design. That’s where she met co-founder Shriya Mistra. The two launched Maison de Papillon in 2013 and have become known for elevated, luxurious basics that fit in just as well during a day of meetings as they might lazing around with an afternoon tea. During the pandemic, Project Gaia became the co-founders’ somewhat unlikely bet on the power of retail during an unprecedented time. More than just a store, the Manhattan