welcome!
Wow… as I initially started writing this, I was instantly transported back to LiveJournal….. or for the emo kids, melodramatic.com (RIP). Both were open forums (paging my elder millennials!) where users would write about their day, their feelings, their drama, their hopes and dreams. And people (often strangers) would just casually read it. Welp, I think we’re gonna take things back to that time. The name “Dahvi’s LiveJournal” came to me naturally, literally as I wrote this. It’s kind of a description of the content I’ll be sharing, and an ode to the AIM days (#IYKYK) that I miss so very deeply.
I’ve contemplated making a Substack for a year and a half, but I was so hellbent on a theme. First it was child exploitation on the internet, then it was a weekly recap of TikTok’s most viral moments, then it was a weekly breakdown of yes and no songs from brides and grooms at their wedding (super niche, but I'll explain in person). Then I thought, ok, sticking to a theme is way too intense if I’m actually going to write articles for my job on top of this. I decided I’ll just make things a little open diary of sorts. Anyone who cares enough to follow me can get the scoop on my life.
I post a LOT on the internet. Like all the time. But if you notice, it’s mostly work stuff and fun, playful, light and airy content. The day I post a ~mysterious~ quote or some nonsense like that, please call my parents and tell them you’re concerned. My public IG isn’t the place to lament about my mental health or friend drama. Although once a year you will get a dramatic video of me breaking down over the summer heatwave. That’s about the extent of my emotional expression on the internet. And yes, my annual heatwave meltdown is enough drama to make up for the rest of the year. If you’ve seen it, you know.
But, as a professional storyteller, I think sharing deeper parts of my life and feelings belongs in, well, a live journal! I’m ready to share, I’m ready to start a conversation with anyone who wants to chatter. I want this to be a place of community—a safe space where I can open up about my good days, bad days, funny moments, curiosities, complaints and everything in between. And I want people to feel like they can connect and relate.
who am i?
Off the bat, I think most people reading this know who I am, but obviously the goal is to attract fresh faces, too. With that, my name is Dahvi Shira, and I’m a West Hollywood millennial who honestly feels not a particular age. In fact, I’m identifying as non-numeral. Everyone’s had so much work done these days that what even does a 20, 30, 40, 50-year-old look like anyway? That aside, I feel eternally 26. I’m fortunate to have my health and a social and professional life that keeps me busy and youthful. I’ve lived in LA for 17 (!) years. My birth certificate is in Orange County, CA, but my heart is on the LIRR (Long Island Railroad for the CA folks *wink*). I began my career as a celebrity gossip reporter at a time when it was pretty iconic. Now I interview beauty founders and warn people about the dangers of overdoing it with injectables (but yes, I’ve gradually tried them—and with the exception of this time last year, I’ve been consistently happy with my results).
I don’t watch movies or TV, but I’m always on TikTok, so if I need to know it or see it, I can find it in a summarized clip. Even so, three TV shows define me. 90210, Melrose Place and The Hills impacted my life so much. I honestly get teary-eyed when I see some of the clips, because they make me feel a certain way and take me to a certain time. I also love The OC. And yes, I’ve seen every single episode of whatever Kardashian show is running at the time. Speaking of 90210, there will be a special Shannen Doherty post to come. Brenda was my everything, and I will share more on that soon.
I used to be super into music, and I still love it of course—but I’m not passionate it about it the way I was for most of my life. I used to be that aux cord girl, but I’ve retired that side of me. I love TikTok with all my heart, but it ruined music as we once knew it. It sucks. Everything is a trend or an attempt to viral. Everything is so mainstream. Nothing feels sacred anymore. Other than all that, I love to write. That’s my number one hobby. I also love creating videos on TikTok. It’s so creative and fun. And when I’m in my zone, I love nutrition and wellness. I can cook a paleo feast for the books. Or I can eat pasta and burgers. There’s really no in-between for me—lol.
sooo… why now?
This is a long explanation, but I’m a storyteller so bear with me. I promise it’ll all make sense…
We’re at the tail end of July, which happens to be my birth month (I was born on the 9th to be specific!). I had a full circle reflective moment on this year’s big day. A year ago I celebrated a milestone birthday in Miami with approximately 20 people. My biggest regret wasn’t the age, but rather how I approached the day. I was so focused on who wasn’t there, who didn’t wish me the right amount of happy birthday, who didn’t do the IG post, who didn’t do this and that. It wasn’t an uplifting predicament. While my feelings were of course valid, I wish I’d directed them differently. I immediately looked back with regret, hating how I harped so deeply on the negative—especially in such a fun, lively environment like Miami with a lot of fun people who came out to celebrate me. It was still a great time filled with laughter and memories, but I wish I’d appreciated more of what was in front of me, versus what I was missing.
So, when the birthday came around this year, I felt completely different. I didn’t even share it was my birthday on social media. I didn’t want the focus to be who did this, who said that. And also, I was in a different mindset this year. I really didn’t care as much about the outside noise. I left my phone on the charger, drank champagne and celebrated quietly at the absolutely stunning Casa Del Mar hotel in Santa Monica. Two of my besties spent the day with me and then I went to Palm Springs that weekend with a tiny group. There was no pressure from any end. And you know what? Once I let that go, the love came pouring in. It ended up being so special because I focused on all the right things. I got so much bday appreciation and so many wonderful people reached out, celebrated me in some way, made an effort to catch up, sent meaningful messages. It all meant something to me.
I harp on birthdays because it’s the one thing every person on the planet has in common—it’s the one day we all have to honor us. It’s a day when people have a chance to reconnect or simply say they’re thinking of you. It’s a day when people can show how much they appreciate and love you. It’s a special day and should be treated as such, so yes, I think birthdays are important.
All of that said, the journey from my last birthday to this one has been one of the most notable in my life so far. It’s crazy to think at this time last year, there were special people in my life now who were complete strangers or just friendly acquaintances then. My life has changed in so many ways since my last birthday, and it’s something I want to document. My career and resources have elevated, my network of close friends has evolved. Many things are still the same, but many things are different. I’m filled with so much gratitude, and I will ensure it continues.
I want to focus on the people and opportunities that want to be in my life. Not everything is going to be that, and that’s ok. It’s ok to outgrow things or not be on the same page as everyone else. I’ve been focused these past 12 months on the people who meet me where I am today, not where I was years ago. I feel very blessed and appreciative to be surrounded by such supportive, uplifting, creative, successful, thoughtful people—and I’ve worked very hard to establish that network of individuals.
I decided now felt right to launch this Substack. I don’t believe in doing anything when the energy isn’t totally behind it. And up to this point, the energy wasn’t where it needed to be. Right now, today, July 30, my energy is present and I’m ready to go! So that’s kind of where we’re at. To everyone who made me feel special on my birthday (and beyond), you’ve helped bring out this excitable fire in me. I’m genuinely so grateful. We can’t change the past, we have to just learn for the future.
what can you expect from my livejournal?
Much like its name implies, this will be an open journal of sorts. I’ll share my happy moments, I’ll share my sad ones. I’ll open up about mental health a bit. I’ll share any personal journeys. I’ll talk about work (past and present). As a storyteller, things will just come in the moment, but I’ll do my best to keep you interested. If there’s a song I’m loving or a TikTok I can’t stop watching, you’ll probably see a bit of that, too. I hope to update once a week, but life happens, so no promises. But I want to keep you engaged and informed. I want this to be fun and I’m so grateful to anyone reading this right now. I value every single reader. We all live very busy lives, so anyone who takes the time (for whatever unique reason you choose!), I appreciate you.
With that, enjoy digging through my diary! And please share your thoughts as you go.
4. plz subscribe
ily <3