Talent: Daniella Monet
Photos: Bing Putney
Stylist: Branden Ruiz
Hair: TerraRose Puncerelli from Tracey Mattingly Agency
Make-Up: Chelsea Sule from Anomalous Agency
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Executive Editor: Evan Xiong
Words + EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Photo Assistant: Adam Hendershott
Production: Kinetic Media Group
Location: Apex Photo Studios
PR: Marque PR
Cover Fashion Credits: Dress by Roses Lace | Bra by Victoria’s Secret | Shoes by Cosy Island
For Daniella Monet, evolution has never meant leaving the past behind—it means embracing every version of herself while making room for who she is becoming. From her breakout role as Trina Vega in Nickelodeon’s beloved Victorious to her journey as an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, wife, and mother, Monet has built a life and career guided by creativity, intention, and a deeper understanding of what success truly means.
Now, she’s returning to the role that made her a fan favorite in Netflix’s highly anticipated Hollywood Arts, premiering October 15. The Victorious spin-off brings audiences back to the iconic performing arts school, where Trina returns as an unqualified substitute teacher, navigating a new generation of aspiring performers while unexpectedly discovering her own capacity to inspire. For Monet, stepping back into Trina’s world was more than a nostalgic reunion—it was a dream come true. Walking onto the familiar soundstage for the first time, she found herself overwhelmed by emotions she hadn’t anticipated, suddenly feeling the magic of that universe come alive again. This time, however, she returns with a renewed perspective, greater confidence, and the life experience to explore a more mature, empathetic side of the character.
Beyond the screen, Monet’s definition of fulfillment has evolved just as meaningfully. Entrepreneurship has sharpened her business instincts, while motherhood has transformed the way she values her time and chooses the projects she pursues. Whether she’s building businesses, exploring new creative opportunities, or embracing the everyday rituals of family life, she has learned to trust the process rather than chase a predetermined timeline. Her approach is rooted in the belief that a meaningful career and a fulfilling personal life need not compete with one another.
As she enters this exciting new era, Monet is looking toward opportunities that reflect the woman she has become, from leading roles in romantic comedies to future ventures that align with her sense of purpose. For now, she is embracing the beautiful dance between work and home, ambition and gratitude, trusting that the right opportunities will come.
In this feature cover story, Daniella Monet reflects on growing up in Hollywood, returning to an iconic role, and discovering that sometimes the most rewarding next chapter begins by coming home to where it all started.
Sweater: Tanya Taylor | Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim | Heels: Casadei | Earrings: Jennifer Fisher
You began your career as a young actress and became a household name through Victorious. Looking back, how would you describe the evolution from the young Daniella audiences first knew to the woman and creative you are today?
In a lot of ways, I'm still very much her, I'd say, especially in regard to my drive and passion for what I do, but I think the biggest difference would be my approach. I feel a lot more self-aware, and strive to have a more logical outlook. I trust the process a bit more and lean into the idea that what's meant to be will be. I'm also in such a special stage of life, full of so much gratitude and purpose. I'm proud of who I am today and look forward to continuing to evolve into whom I'm meant to be in the future.
Your career has expanded beyond acting into entrepreneurship and wellness. What inspired you to build businesses and ventures of your own, and what has entrepreneurship taught you that acting never could?
I love creating. I love offering a solution, or a better one. Building businesses helped me feel like I had more control over the outcome, and in a way I was right, but more than anything, diving all into entrepreneurship taught me how to better understand the general landscape and fundamentals of business, it helped me to actually see entertainment as a real business. For so many years, acting was just "acting" to me, a job that paid, but I never really thought too hard about how it all came together and how it made sense, and now I care so much more about the health of whatever I'm involved. I look at things much more at a high level, I consider optics and play the long game.
Motherhood has brought another transformative chapter to your life. How has becoming a mother changed your perspective on ambition, success, and the kind of life you want to create for yourself and your family?
Motherhood has certainly changed the way I value my time. At one time, I may have been okay with "spreading myself thin" or doing something simply for the fun of it, and now I'm far more focused on what makes sense for my family. Since diving back into acting, the balance of it has been almost perfect. I feel really lucky to be working with studios I have a great relationship with and am excited about. Aside from being on a family friendly sitcom on Netflix like Hollywood Arts, I'm simultaneously growing my relationship with Hallmark and its audience, and that feels so aligned.
You've experienced Hollywood from a very young age while also navigating the transition into adulthood in the public eye. What have been some of the most important lessons you've learned about staying grounded and defining success on your own terms?
I may have a little extra upper hand because I actually grew up in Los Angeles, so my family and life were always here. Not that that made acting any less important to me, but at times it took a little of the bubble of it away, which I think has had an impact on how I perceive the business and avoid being sucked into it. I love what I do, and always have but I think a big part of me would have felt a bit empty if my life was primarily weighted on my work and that world. I learned early on that this business is a constant rollercoaster, full of highs and lows, and if you don't decide on your terms that you can get off and find purpose elsewhere, I could see how that could start to wear on you, so I did that multiple times. Had very normal jobs along the way, got my personal training certification, and then my real estate license, dabbled in investing and building businesses — all of which helped me recognize that if all of this went away, I could bet on myself.
Sweater: Tanya Taylor | Skirt: Simon Miller | Heels: Casadei | Earrings: Jennifer Behr
Today, you're balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, acting, and your own personal identity. How do you make space for Daniella beyond all of the roles you carry?
Balancing is a tricky word, I'd say I'm doing the best I can. One thing that keeps me most sane is working out and cooking. Those two hobbies of mine bring me back to myself and make me feel whole again.
Fans are incredibly excited about Hollywood Arts coming to Netflix. What went through your mind when you learned that you would be returning to the world of Victorious?
I think I was almost too shocked to believe it. Playing Trina again felt too good to be true. I had to really process the idea of this whole new world coming to fruition and me being the one to help steward the storyline initially. Over time, as it became more real, I was thrilled. This has all been a dream come true.
Trina Vega became such an iconic character. What was it like stepping back into Trina's shoes after all these years, and how has she evolved since we last saw her?
Stepping into Trina's shoes literally feels a bit OUCHIE, but that's because Trina even today loves a shoe moment. In all seriousness, it was an absolute blast because Trina is, in so many words, my ideal character, could be partially because over the years I've influenced that a bit, and fortunately for me, there's an audience that gets her, and has grown to rally behind her which is still so cool to me. Trina has evolved and I think in the way that not only makes sense, but honors who she was and will always be. The only real main difference is she has a subtle layer of maturity and empathy that comes out as she finds her way as a teacher and these kids find their way into her heart. A layer I have thoroughly loved to explore and play.
The original Victorious holds such a special place in an entire generation's childhood. What do you think made the series so enduring, and what do you believe Hollywood Arts will bring to longtime fans and a new generation?
I think Victorious had that "it factor". Cool, funny, talented cast in a vibrant art school world — it was aspirational and a bit edgy. There's so much that just worked, and I think the familiarity of all that exists in Hollywood Arts too. Our showrunners and EP's, we all had so much time to be intentional with Hollywood Arts, and I think our efforts will ensure that this show will land with the audiences that will love it, and hopefully that will include the support of OG Victorious fans.
Dress: Delphine | Heels: Casadei | Earrings: Jennifer Behr
Did returning to the Victorious universe bring back any unexpected memories or emotions from your younger years? Was there a particular moment on set when you realized, "We're really back"?
Walking onto the stage for the first time caught me by surprise. I was flooded with emotions I didn't anticipate to have. One because they were so reminiscent of the original sets, but also because I was the only one back, and I distinctly remember turning around and seeing the new cast of students behind me in awe because, wildly enough, this was their childhood too, just in a different way. It was a surreal moment, and from that point on something came over me and I locked in. I was back, and the universe felt real again.
After everything you've experienced since Victorious, how has the perspective of the adult Daniella influenced the way you approach Trina and this new chapter of the franchise?
Approaching this new era as an adult has felt so settling. I feel more confident having lived more life. I think becoming a wife and mom can have a huge effect on a woman's confidence. It taught me a lot about my ability to show up, do hard things, and manage taking care of more responsibilities while also managing my own. Those skills trickle right into life on set and almost anything I do.
After more than two decades in entertainment, are there still roles or creative projects that you dream of taking on —perhaps something audiences wouldn't necessarily expect from you?
Of course there are! Believe it or not, it feels like I just started playing adults through the lens of a real grown up, I don't know if Trina really counts in terms of "real grown-up, " but she's emerging! That being said, I recently had the opportunity to do my very first holiday romcom as the lead, and I thoroughly loved telling that story. I have more life experience and perspective than I ever have, and I want to pepper that into any role I take on at this point. So to answer your question, I'd love more opportunities to showcase my work as a leading lady, especially in the romcom scene.
You've built a life that extends well beyond Hollywood. What kinds of businesses, creative ventures, or causes would you love to explore next?
My husband and I love real estate projects, and we're actively looking, so could be that! Aside from that, I feel confident that the right opportunities and causes will present themselves. I've said from the beginning that everything feels aligned right now, and I choose to feel that in all aspects of my life. So I remain open and ready to embrace whatever feels right and gives me that feeling of purpose.
Top + Short: Maje | Cardigan: Tanya Taylor | Shoes: Cosy Island | Hair Pin: Jennifer Behr
As your children grow and your career continues to evolve, what does your ideal next chapter look like —both personally and professionally?
I love this beautiful dance I'm doing now. I love home, creating a home, being with my family, and doing everyday things together like taking my kids to school, gymnastics and karate, or watching them practice piano or simply just play together. Right now I'm able to do just that, and then when I work, my kids get to be part of that in a way too. The projects I've taken on thus far and the ones I hope to take on in the future feel family-friendly, and therefore it's easy to be proud of the work I've done and share it with them.
If you could give your younger self —the Daniella who was just beginning her journey in Hollywood —one piece of advice today, what would you tell her?
Woof. I would tell her to stay the course and know that even if your journey is different or seems slower than others, staying true to the work that feels right to you will manifest into the career that's right for you. Be ok with breaks and trust the process.
Finally, when you think about the future, what does "living a GR8T life" mean to you now, and what are you most excited to create, experience, and discover in this next era?
Living a GR8T life means continuing to find ways to feel inspired. I want to travel more as a family, and continue to make special memories together in our home or where we are. Work will be there, I know it. I just look forward to whatever is in store for myself and my family and hope it's full of peace and joy. GR8T
Dress: Zimmermann | Kitten Heels: Maje | Earrings: Jennifer Fisher
Leopard Dress: Alice + Olivia | Lace Bra: Scarlett Bra | Heels: Cosy Island | Earrings: LuvAJ
Dress: Roses Lace | Bra: Victoria Secrets | Heels: Cosy Island
Follow Daniella Monet: Instagram