Julia Zabrorowski Casper
Founder of Danrie, Mother of Two
Julia Zaborowski-Casper is the Founder & CEO of Danrie, a luxury children’s lifestyle destination dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful curation, and the beauty of everyday moments. Inspired by her own journey as a mother, Julia created Danrie to bring a refined, globally sourced edit of apparel, toys, and accessories to modern families seeking pieces that feel as special as the childhoods they’re part of.
With a discerning eye for design and a passion for discovering emerging international brands, Julia has shaped Danrie into a trusted space known for its elevated point of view and dedication to quality. Her approach blends sophistication with a deep appreciation for the magic of raising children—ensuring every piece selected is both beautifully made and intentionally chosen.
Originally from Chicago, Julia now lives there with her husband and two children.
What was the inspiration behind launching Danrie?
I’ve always loved the hunt for something special, finding those pieces or gifts that feel just right for the people I love. When I became a mom, that passion only grew stronger.
After spending more than four years as a full-time parent, I felt ready to step back into the workforce, but I knew I wanted to build something my kids could be part of too.
In 2020, as the world shifted, many of my favorite children’s boutiques closed their doors. Meanwhile, my own kids were growing out of everything and in constant need of new toys to keep them engaged. I found myself searching for a place that didn’t exist, an online destination that thoughtfully curated the very best in children’s apparel, toys, and accessories.
Danrie was born from that vision: a modern, curated destination for children’s apparel, toys, and accessories rooted in quality, guided by intentionality, and inspired by the joy of raising kids.
Every brand we carry, every product we select, is chosen with care, so families can shop confidently and discover pieces that feel meaningful, playful, and lasting.
Danrie isn’t just a shop, it’s a point of view. A belief that childhood deserves beautiful things. And a reminder that thoughtful design can make everyday moments feel extraordinary.
What excites you most about raising your children right now?
We went to London for Thanksgiving and one of my absolute favorite things is traveling with my kids! As they get older it only gets better.
I love watching them take in new places, try unfamiliar foods, meet people with different backgrounds, and begin to understand the world beyond their life at home. Sharing these experiences and guiding them through these formative years is something I will never take for granted.
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has changed me in ways that feel both grounding and expansive, and even nine years in, I’m still evolving. Losing my dad when I was eight and my mom when I was 34 left a kind of heartbreak that felt permanent. But becoming a parent has gently softened some of those edges. Raising my own children has given me the chance to rediscover joy, create new memories, and heal parts of myself I didn’t realize could feel better.
Motherhood brings everything into focus. It forces you to get clear on what matters, your values, your intentions, and the way you move through the world.
You quickly realize that children absorb far more from how you live than what you say. That awareness makes every choice feel more meaningful: how you show kindness, how you handle stress, how you celebrate small moments, how you honor what’s important.
It’s an ongoing transformation, one that keeps evolving with time and I’m grateful for the way it continues to shape me into someone my kids can look to, learn from, and feel loved by.
Danrie is a curated space for beautiful and beautifully made items for children, including apparel, toys, gear and gifts. Any recent favorite products we should know about?
Thank you for your kind words but this question of always so hard because I love everything on the site! Here are a few of my kid’s favorites at the moment!
Dorie’s Faves:
Jordan’s Favs:
What helps you find (or get closer to) work-life balance?
For me, finding work–life balance has meant accepting that true “balance” doesn’t really exist and releasing the pressure to chase something that isn’t realistic.
Some weeks I’m thriving at work and feel completely energized by what we’re building, and those are usually the same weeks I’m convinced I’m dropping the ball (or several) at home. And the opposite is just as true. It’s a constant ebb and flow, and I’m very much still learning to make peace with that rhythm.
What does make it possible is the support system around me. I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing team both at home and at work. My husband, our nanny, and my colleagues at Danrie make it possible for me to show up fully where I’m needed. I could never do any of this alone, and I don’t pretend to.
So instead of balance, I try and focus on presence. Being where my feet are. Giving myself grace in the messy seasons and celebrating the moments when things feel aligned. That’s the version of “balance” that I’ve been trying to embrace.
How do you fight imposter syndrome?
Ha! If you have any tips, I’m all ears. Imposter syndrome is something I navigate regularly, and I’m not sure it ever fully goes away. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned this: I can only be me. There will always be someone smarter, further along, more experienced, or more talented but none of them are on my path. My journey is unfolding exactly the way it’s meant to…missteps, lessons, and all.
A meditation guide I once worked with told me something I’ll never forget: “If the idea is in your heart, it’s meant for you to bring to life.” She’d joke, “You don’t dream of being an opera singer because that’s not your path—but building Danrie is. That dream chose you.” And considering I’m a terrible singer, that example really stuck with me.
The truth is, I still question myself. I still have moments where I wonder if I’m capable or equipped.
But I’m learning to move through those moments more quickly, to not let them linger, and to trust the quiet knowing that if the vision is mine, I’m meant to follow it no matter what the outcome.
Tell us something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now.
Recently, the holidays have brought me so much joy. Not long ago, we moved from NYC back to Chicago, where I grew up, and it feels really special to be creating new traditions surrounded by family. We did so many fun things for both Hanukkah and Christmas this year.
Putting up our tree is one of my favorite moments of the season. I love unpacking the ornaments, remembering where we bought them, sharing stories about the ones that belonged to my mom, and adding the Hanukkah-inspired ornaments we’ve been collecting since I met my husband 15 years ago!
What are your morning routines like?
If there’s one thing I’m not flexible about it’s my mourning routine! As an only child I need to be the first one up in the house and have a little alone time before the day starts and I feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions.
5:15am-I get up to journal and meditate in effort to take care of myself before I do anything else!
6:00am-Coffee (the pinnacle of my morning) and prep breakfast.
6:30am-Get the kids up and ready for school.
7:45am-Uber the kids to school (after 20+ years living in NYC I avoid driving whenever I can!).
8:00am-Walk back home from school and catch up with my husband Phil.
8:30-Do a quick scan of emails and slacks.
8:45am- Some type of workout. Some days it’s a class at Sweat Sessions (my new obsession since I’ve moved!), others it’s a session with my trainer and when I’m strapped for time it’s a 20 minute Melissa Wood Heath video.
9:30am-10:00am- I’m at my desk!
