As a continuation of our “Meet the Team” series, I would now like to introduce…myself. Awkward, I know, but I did have my husband come up with a list of questions to make it less weird. Although the bulk of my work can be found in our sister publications, my main contributions to Main & Broad include online pieces for the e-newsletter and the occasional feature. It’s nice to “meet” you!
Introduce yourself!
My name is Dena Daw, and as the staff writer I contribute to all three publications: Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad. I freelanced for years after graduating from journalism school at the University of South Carolina, and I’m the proud mom of two teenagers (but I’m 25, so I don’t know how that works). I also have a British husband who can’t pronounce “garage.”
Dena, pictured with her British husband who can’t say “garage”
Favorite vacation spot?
I love going to new places, but as far as where I’ve already been — the Soggy Dollar Bar at Jost Van Dyke, BVI, home of the original Painkiller cocktail. I could lay in that hammock forever.
What was your favorite subject in school?
I feel like I’m supposed to say English, since I was good at it, but it wasn’t my favorite. I did like history, mainly because my history teacher was the GOAT. In college, my favorite class by far was creative writing, and my least favorite classes were copyediting and PR Law.
Is cereal soup? Why or why not?
I would say no, because you’re adding the cereal to the milk — it’s not like it was all blended together. Don’t be crazy.
What is your dream job?
Comedy writer for anyone who will hire me. Please pay me to be funny.
Most embarrassing moment?
I ripped my shirt off in front of an entire group of parents while standing outside of the school, waiting for my kid, after getting attacked by a swarm of yellowjackets. Worst day of my life, best day of theirs (just kidding, they’re probably blind).
Earliest memory?
Moving into the house I grew up in. I was probably 3 years old, and super salty about not getting the master bedroom.
If you were transported 400 years into the past with no clothes or anything else, how would you prove that you were from the future?
As a woman, I’d probably just speak my mind.
What’s a random fact about yourself?
I name everything, including cars and the squirrel who likes to make window appearances at the office. I call him Shane.
Shane, the office squirrel. Photo credit to Lauren Morris.
What do you love about your job?
Honestly, I just love writing. I was the weird kid that sat in my bedroom and wrote “books” in my bedroom on lined notebook paper, completely in cursive. I will write whatever is needed, but my favorite thing to write are features. I love meeting people and telling their unique stories, even though interviewing people gives me “low-key anxiety” (I told you, I have teenagers). Also, the people I work with keep me constantly entertained.
