How Daniella Monet Balances Motherhood, Advocacy, and a Return to Hollywood

Daniella Monet is redefining what it means to be a modern Hollywood star. Skyrocketing to fame on the hit Nickelodeon show Victorious, the actor, entrepreneur, and passionate vegan is making waves far beyond the screen. With more than 4 million followers on Instagram, Monet has built a platform that blends Hollywood glamour with a mission rooted in compassion, wellness, and sustainability. From her early days as a child actor to her current roles as a mother, advocate, and content creator she’s crafted a life of purpose—one that prioritizes family values and ethical living while navigating the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Monet’s activism is not limited to her personal choices—she actively works to inspire her followers, especially young families, to lead compassionate, plant-based lives in a way that feels accessible and relatable. VegNews editor Jasmin Singer sits down with Monet to discuss her return to acting, raising eco-conscious kids, and how she manages to stay positive in an increasingly complex world.

Daniella Monet

JASMIN SINGER: Between acting, running a business, and raising your kids, you’ve been juggling so much. How are you doing it all?

DANIELLA MONET: I’ve been so good. Life is good. It’s been busy in all the right ways. Obviously, motherhood and family always keep me on my toes, but I kind of relit the fire when it comes to acting. And so, at the end of last year, I signed with this awesome manager after interviewing with a few of them, and I just knew he was the one. And then early this year, things just started to hit the ground running, and it’s been so much fun. So it feels good.

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JS: You were a child actor. How does it feel to come back to the industry now as an adult?

DM: There was a part of me that needed a break. When I had my first child, everything stopped. For five years, I focused on being a mom, and it was the most fulfilling experience. But I knew if I went back to acting, it would be on my own terms. I didn’t want to chase fame—I love sitcoms and fun, family-friendly TV, and that’s what I’m excited to see making a comeback.

Daniella Monet / Instagram

JS: What’s it like returning to the industry as a mother, after taking time off?

DM: It’s been an adjustment. I’ve found that I approach acting differently now, with more purpose. When I was younger, I was just going with the flow. Now, I’m more selective, not only with the roles I take on but with the energy I bring into my work. Being a mom gives me this deeper understanding of storytelling—because I know the importance of creating something that my kids might one day see and feel proud of. I think I’m more grounded, and I know I want to be part of projects that feel aligned with my values. There’s a certain peace that comes with having that clarity.

JS: What’s the appeal of those types of shows for you?

DM: In a world full of heavy, dark headlines, I feel like we need more light and levity. There’s something beautiful about creating a space where people can escape for a while and feel joy. I’ve always aimed to build a compassionate, joyful world in my own life, and I hope to bring that into my work, too.

Daniella Monet / Instagram

JS: You’re a mom to two young kids now. How do you balance motherhood with acting and activism?

DM: It’s a constant learning curve. I thought I could easily extend my values—plant-based living, clean products, cruelty-free choices—to my kids. But I’ve realized they’re individuals with their own preferences. It’s about respecting their autonomy while instilling the values that matter most to me, like knowing where their food comes from and making compassionate choices.

JS: How do you see your own childhood shaping the way you raise your kids?

DM: Growing up in the spotlight made me hyper-aware of how much we internalize from our surroundings, and I want my kids to grow up with a strong sense of self. When you’re young and in the entertainment industry, it’s easy to get swept up in what other people expect from you—whether it’s how you look or how you behave. That’s why I’m so intentional about creating an environment at home where my kids feel free to explore who they are without external pressures. I think one of the greatest gifts I can give them is the ability to make choices that reflect their own values and needs. It’s not always easy, but I see them starting to develop their own voices, and that’s powerful.

Daniella Monet / Instagram

JS: You’ve been a strong advocate for veganism for over 25 years. How do you introduce these values to your kids?

DM: I’m very open with them. They know where their food comes from, which I think is crucial. My son will say things like, “I don’t want to eat animals,” and I support that. It’s about giving them information in a kind way so they feel empowered to make compassionate choices as they grow up.

JS: You’ve been really open about the importance of self-care, especially as someone who balances so many roles—actor, entrepreneur, mother, and advocate. What does self-care look like for you in such a busy life?

DM: Self-care is essential for me to show up fully in all aspects of my life, but I’ve had to redefine what it means over the years. It’s not always about having a perfect wellness routine; some days, self-care just means taking a breath and allowing myself the space not to have it all together. For me, it’s about checking in with myself daily and asking, “What do I need today?” That could be something as simple as hydration or nourishing foods, but it could also be time to step away from social media or a workout to help me reset. I used to think self-care had to be this elaborate ritual, but now I know it’s about listening to my body and mind. Especially as a mom, I want to model for my kids that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s how you stay balanced and grounded in everything else you do.

Daniella’s Digest / Instagram

JS: You bring a lot of that authenticity in sharing your life, especially on social media. How did that parlay into the community you built, “Daniella’s Digest”?

DM: I wanted a space to connect with people more deeply about plant-based living, wellness, and simplifying life. Daniella’s Digest offers meal planning, recipes, and even one-on-one coaching. My goal is to help people live vibrant, healthy lives in the most approachable, digestible way possible.

JS: You’ve been open about moving away from consumerism, especially when it comes to wellness products. How has that shift been for you?

DM: I realized I didn’t need all the products and extras to feel my best. I stopped using things like injectables, hair extensions, and eyelash extensions. It’s been freeing to embrace a more natural, minimal approach to wellness—hydration, nourishing food, and simplicity have been key.

JS: What does a typical day look like for you in terms of self-care?

DM: I start my day with a matcha latte made with homemade cashew milk, and I add magnesium to keep me balanced. Then, I make breakfast and lunches for the family. After school drop-off, I try to fit in a workout or content creation, and later in the day, we spend time outdoors as a family. It’s busy, but I feel so balanced now.

Daniella Monet / Instagram

JS: Speaking of food, what are some go-to meals and snacks for your family?

DM: For snacks, the kids love seaweed snacks, GoMacro bars, and fresh fruit. I keep everything within their reach so they can grab what they want. For meals, we love tofu scramble, lentil pasta, and I always have a jar of homemade marinara sauce in the fridge to top on anything!

JS: After so many years, how does veganism fit into your life?

DM: Veganism is just who I am. It started from a place of compassion for animals, and over time, it’s become second nature. I wake up feeling energized and alive every day, and I think a lot of that is due to my plant-based lifestyle. For me, it’s not a trend—it’s how I was always meant to live.