top of page

Meet Shana And Dan Benchetrit



We recently connected with Shana And Dan Benchetrit and have shared our conversation below.


Hi Shana and Dan, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

We created Dasha with the goal of making art accessible and uplifting through the symbols we offer. With this project, we also aimed to bring protection, joy, and hope to those who own one or more of our sculptures.

One of the most meaningful project closest to our hearts was donating some of our sculptures to charitable organizations we deeply care about. This allowed us to help raise funds for these causes while spreading hope and positive energy to everyone attending these galas.




Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Dasha means “gift from God” in Greek and is also a combination of two names, Shana and Dan. Married for several years, Shana and Dan decided to launch Dasha after working together for many years in the art buisness as art dealers.

Shana has been immersed in the art world since her youth, as her father owns galleries where she worked for many years. Dan, on the other hand, pursued studies in interior architecture and design at a prestigious school in Paris before joining Shana in the family gallery. Together, they embarked on a new project: moving to Miami.


Once in Miami, Shana found it increasingly difficult to balance her professional and family life due to demanding office hours. Together, they began reflecting on how they could create something that would bring them both personal and professional fulfillment.

Having worked in the art world for years and with Shana’s lifelong fascination with the symbol of the eye—a deep connection rooted in their shared North African heritage, where the eye is a prevalent symbol of protection—they decided to combine their passion for art, design, and their cultural background to create Dasha.

The journey began a year ago with four meaningful symbols:• The Eye: A universal symbol of protection in many cultures.• The Hamsa: Another protective emblem widely recognized in Middle Eastern and North African traditions.• The Chai: A Hebrew letter meaning “life,” symbolizing core values of Judaism.• The Four-Leaf Clover: A good luck symbol in Western culture.


These universal and meaningful symbols serve as talismans of protection, peace, and comfort, resonating with people across the globe. To bring them to life, they chose vibrant colored resin, which enhances the sculptures with its rich, lively hues and distinctive character.


“We are incredibly proud to have taken the risk of launching Dasha, a deeply personal project that means so much to us.”Shana shares her thoughts:“I have always loved working in my father’s gallery and learned so much from the experience. However, Dasha represented my chance to grow professionally, to leave the nest, and create something of my own. Being able to do this alongside my husband has made it a double dream come true.”

Now, almost a year later, Shana and Dan are thrilled to see the success of their sculptures. Their clients are delighted to own beautiful works of art filled with meaningful symbols, bringing not only beauty into their homes but also a sense of protection and positivity.






Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

We launched Dasha with the goal of bringing a sense of freshness and optimism to the art world through powerful, meaningful symbols. Our hope is that when people—whether they are clients, art enthusiasts, or collectors—look at our creations, they feel inspired with hope for a brighter future. We want our art to serve as a symbol of peace and unity, highlighting that the true purpose of art is to bring people together, not divide them.

Seeing a Chai displayed alongside a Hamsa in one of our clients’ homes perfectly embodies the message we aim to convey: harmony among different cultures and communities.



Have you ever had to pivot?

As previously mentioned, the transition from Paris to Miami was a significant challenge for us. We had worked together for years in a prestigious gallery, but Shana found it increasingly difficult to balance her demanding career as an art dealer with her role as a young mother of three small children. It became clear that it was time to find an alternative for her.

Leaving the art world was never truly an option for us, as it has always been a deep passion for both of us. Embarking on this new venture was a major turning point in our lives, requiring us to take risks and embrace a complete professional transformation. Transitioning from being art dealers to becoming artists ourselves is a rare and bold step.

Looking back, we have absolutely no regrets about creating Dasha. Today, we are thriving both professionally and personally, and we are incredibly proud of the path we’ve chosen.



Contact Info:


Image Credits

David HohebGabriel Volpi



Comments


bottom of page