Some people are born to shine, but Dai Time? She was born to lead. From the moment she first captured hearts at just six years old with her hit song My TuTu, it was clear she wasn’t just another young talent—she was a force.
Fast forward to today, and Dai has seamlessly evolved into a powerhouse: a celebrated talk show host, celebrity correspondent, full-time college student, and digital media sensation with over 1.5 million followers.
Known as "The Voice of Gen Z" for her unfiltered takes on culture, mental health, and society, Dai isn’t just reporting on the world—she’s shaping it.
As the creator, executive producer, and host of It’s Dai Time, now in its sixth season, she has carved out a space where diverse voices thrive, thanks to her partnership with Snapchat’s 523 Accelerator Program. But her journey isn’t just about headlines and viral moments—it’s about purpose.
A trailblazer from the start, Dai turned her early success into a movement, inspiring thousands of young readers through her bestselling children's book and nationwide literary tour. She founded Dai Time Magazine to uplift the next generation, and now, as she covers red carpets from the NAACP Image Awards to Disney’s Inside Out 2 premiere, she’s proving that authenticity and ambition can change the game.
And when President Joe Biden personally invites you to the Black Excellence Brunch at the White House? That’s when you know you’re not just making waves—you’re making history.
At just 18, Dai Time is balancing college life with a career most only dream of, all while being a devoted dog lover to her Morkie and Miniature Poodle. With every step, she’s redefining what it means to be a Gen Z powerhouse—bold, brilliant, and unapologetically Dai Time.
Dai Time caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about her dogs, work, and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs you've loved in your life. (This is your chance to tell us everything about your dogs, past or present. Names, ages, breeds - we want to know everything!)
OMG!! For as long as I can remember, I have shared a love for animals, specifically dogs.
When I moved to California, we drove by a local veterinarian just to see if I’d have any luck, and to my surprise, I found the cutest Maltese Yorkie puppy ever, who’s now my son, Daiko.
I knew Daiko was the puppy for me because he was the oldest at 6 months, the smallest, weighing barely 2 pounds yet he was the LOUDEST with his bark. That was 5 years ago when I found Daiko, and now we’re the best mother and son duo.
Dolce is the dog my mom spontaneously brought home one day, and boy, does he keep us all on our feet. He’s a poodle mix, and his favorite thing to do is play with Daiko and EATTTT.
Even though Dolce is technically my mom’s dog, he and Daiko share the cutest brotherly bond. Dolce also definitely loves to participate in dress-up or playtime with Daiko and me.
You're obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn't ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
I grew up with two small dogs; one shih-tzu named Gucci and one maltese named Fendi, and they were my besties pretty much throughout my entire early childhood. Growing up as an only child, I’ve always felt dogs were like built in besties, and just provided some great energy in my childhood home.
Now as I reach towards young-adulthood, I’ve realized the energy animals bring into the home is something I always want. There’s never a dull moment because of the boys; we cheer each other on and provide so much emotional support for each other… I couldn’t imagine my life without dogs, especially mine.
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
My boys LOVE to go to the mall, which I find absolutely hilarious because so do I. The mall is comparable to visiting the doggy park for my boys because Dolce loves to walk around, and Daiko loves meeting new people who will give him kisses.
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You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who want to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
I love my career field because it allows me to connect with hundreds and thousands of people who are just like me and inspire them to make change. For advice, I’d say to believe in yourself and stay true to your dreams.
Working in the entertainment industry, in any field, requires lots of patience, drive, and passion; believing in yourself and your mission is the key to these things.
You’re currently working on the sixth season of your hit Snapchat series, “It’s Dai Time”. What can you tell us about this current season?
This season is another thriving and engaging season of bringing a Gen Z perspective to all the current trends and news in pop culture. I think my show is perfect for all my Gen Z’ers who just need their daily dose of what’s happening in pop culture.
Here are our quick-fire questions. Are you ready?
OMG I love these!!! I’m so ready.
Which do you prefer and why?
Big dogs or little dogs?
STOPPP, I can’t choose!! I love the little dogs, because they've got such big personalities!! BUTTT the big dogs are such good cuddle buddies, they’re like much friendlier humans LOL.
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
Given the personality of my dogs, I have to say the dogs that live at 100mph.
Dogs who do as they're asked most of the time, or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Honestly, my dogs just do whatever they want but I WISH they would listen lol. Daiko especially just takes my commands as light suggestions.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
Dogs who walk by your side!!! Even though my dog is just 3 pounds, he walks by my side almost all the time because he’s my little protector.
Days off or days at work?
Honestly, I love a good off day for some self-care and quality time with my sweet boys…
The fastest route or the scenic route?
The scenic route always makes room for great photos!! I’ll always choose the longer route if I can just to allow myself more time to breathe and smell the flowers.
Nighttime or early morning?
Neither!! I’m not an early bird, and I’m not a night owl… I kind of just exist? TBD.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
I saw a video on TikTok of this sweet goldendoodle standing on both 2 legs, reaching over the kitchen counter to get a bowl of treats, and I was crying laughing because why do goldendoodles literally look like humans in costumes.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Spending time with my dogs is always a must, but I also love taking naps and playing The Sims 4.
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
Not a lot of people know that I can sing and play piano!! I took lessons for several years growing up, and even pursued making music at age 5.
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
While Grey’s Anatomy is my all-time favorite… I’m living for All American: Homecoming currently.
Album?
Views by Drake.
Film?
I love romcoms and recently watched Kinda Pregnant, which was HILARIOUS… but no all-time favorite.
Website?
Pinterest!!
Animal charity(s)?
PETA. There’s actually one close by to my house and I’ve been looking forward to working with them soon.
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life, do you think, and why? (can be technology, beauty, food, pet-related, book, anything)
My new planner from Target… I’ve never been a planner girlie, as I am a tech QUEEN… but this new “Everygirl” planner is a chef’s kiss and has made me so much more efficient these past couple of months.
https://www.tiktok.com/@officiallydaitime/video/7395285955537669418
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
I was recently invited by Former President Joe Biden to attend the White House for a brunch honoring young creatives in entertainment making a mark.
It was such a surreal moment and I’m so grateful to say that I’ve attended the White House for such an amazing reason. Since then, I’ve definitely been inspired to continue my journey online and as a host to continue inspiring my Generation Z peers.
Finish the following sentence, "Dogs are..."
SO FRICKING CUTE!
And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak, and you could ask your dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them, and what do you think that they'd say?
For starters, I’ve already established that Daiko has a British accent, and Dolce has an Australian accent because that just makes sense. I’d ask Daiko, what wears out all his energy in the day, because he is always ready for bed by 8 pm LOL.
And for Dolce, I’d ask him what haircut he feels his best in because he hates to get his hair brushed, so maybe if his outcome was a different hairstyle, he’d enjoy it a bit more.
Thanks, Dai Time!
Dai Time's socials:
www.tiktok.com/@officiallydaitime
www.instagram.com/officiallydaitime/
www.snapchat.com/add/daidai4life
Photo Credits: Bailey Holiver
