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Some of the best ideas come in unexpected ways, and for Daniela Vitali, Founder & Chief Acorns Officer of The Acorns Project™, inspiration struck in a dream. What started as a deeply personal symbol of hope, strength, and new beginnings has now transformed into a unique gift brand with a mission to uplift, inspire, and spread love.
At 53 years old, after a career filled with entrepreneurial success, Daniela launched The Acorns Project™—a collection of intentionally designed gifts, including hand-painted acorns, created to provide a sense of joy and reassurance during life’s most meaningful moments. From the Mystique Box—where no two acorns are alike—to the Paint Kit for kids and the Mini Gift Box, each item carries a message of resilience and transformation.
Ahead, Daniela shares how her journey led her to create a brand with heart, why age should never be a barrier to launching something new, and what’s next for The Acorns Project™.
From Dream to Reality: The Moment That Sparked The Acorns Project™
The idea for The Acorns Project™ was born from a powerful dream at a difficult time in Daniela’s life.
“Right before COVID hit in March 2020, I had a dream of a shower of acorns falling over me,” she recalls. “When I woke up, I felt light and hopeful. After researching the symbolism of the acorn—hope, prosperity, growth, strength, and new beginnings—I realized it was more than just a dream. It was a message.”
That message became a guiding force for her family during uncertain times. “We even started saying, ‘Acorns all the way!’ whenever something positive happened,” she shares.
Fast forward to early 2024, Daniela decided to turn that message into a brand that could inspire others, officially launching The Acorns Project™ in January. “We’re fresh out of the gate, but the response has been incredible.”
A Serial Entrepreneur’s Full-Circle Moment
Launching a brand at 53 is just another chapter in Daniela’s entrepreneurial journey. She started with a high-end stationery brand in her 30s, followed by a career as a PR consultant for startups. Now, The Acorns Project™ feels like the culmination of everything she’s learned.
“I’ve always believed every experience sets us up for the next,” Daniela explains. “I took the discipline and organization skills from my early career, the design and messaging expertise from my stationery brand, and the branding and storytelling knowledge from PR. Now, I’ve brought all of that into The Acorns Project™.”
The brand’s signature product, the Mystique Box, is a testament to Daniela’s attention to detail and deep-rooted passion for storytelling.
“From the wax seal to the wooden box, the engraved message, the letterpress card, and the white moss cradling each painted acorn—it’s all about creating an emotional and sensory experience.”
Perfectly Imperfect: The Art of Hand-Painted Acorns
Each acorn in the Mystique Box is painted by hand, making every single one one-of-a-kind.
“They’re perfectly imperfect—just like we all are,” Daniela says. “I personally collect, wash, and paint each acorn without a set design in mind. I let creativity flow naturally.”
Beyond the craftsmanship, it’s the emotional impact that truly matters.
“We’ve received incredible feedback. One person told me they were having a terrible week, but opening the Mystique Box gave them a sense of calm. Another said, ‘It’s hard to imagine that hope, like a prayer, can arrive in an artisan package. But you’ve done it brilliantly.’ That’s why I do this.”
Why Passion Has No Expiration Date
For women hesitant to start something new later in life, Daniela has one message:
It’s never too late.
“The only thing ‘too late’ is regret,” she says. “I don’t see age as a barrier—I see it as an asset. Every decade is a transformation, peeling away the noise and focusing on what truly matters.”
She believes that fear and doubt hold many people back, but if you’re passionate about something, you have to go for it.
“It just takes one person to believe in you—one person to say ‘I love your idea’ or ‘I’ll invest’ or ‘I’ll sell this in my store.’ Find that one person and keep going.”
What’s Next for The Acorns Project™?
Though the brand is still in its early days, big things are on the horizon.
“We’re launching an Artist Collaboration Series, where different artists will put their own spin on what the acorn means to them,” Daniela reveals. “From tees to home decor to journals, this is just the beginning.”
Her ultimate goal? Expanding beyond direct-to-consumer sales and getting The Acorns Project™ into retailers nationwide.
“We’re just getting started, and I’d love for your readers to follow our journey on Instagram to see what’s next.”
💫 Acorns all the way!
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