Danielle Fishel is not waiting for December. As QVC’s newly minted Co-Chief Cheer Officer alongside fellow honoree Lance Bass, the actor, director and Be Free by Danielle Fishel founder is spending July fully immersed in holiday mode—curating gift lists, expanding her hair-care line with new styling products and gearing up for QVC’s 40th anniversary Christmas in July celebration.
We caught up with Fishel to talk holiday shopping strategy, her own hair routine and why getting a head start on the holidays is the secret to actually enjoying them.
You and Lance have been friends for years, but this is your first time working as Co-Chief Cheer Officers together. What’s it actually like working side by side with him on something like this, and did anything surprise you about how he approaches the holidays?
“Lance and I have been sharing our love of the holidays, our friendship and being huge fans of QVC’s beloved annual Christmas in July celebration for years. What surprised me is how much Lance is in holiday mode at all times. While I try to ease my way into Christmas in July throughout the month, he’s fully crossed off multiple items on his décor and gifting to-do list on day one. The mindset is honestly contagious!”
Your line, Be Free, is launching new styling products right in the middle of Christmas in July. What made this the right moment to expand the line, and how do these new pieces fit into a gifting list?
“We wanted Be Free to feel like a gift you’d actually want to open—something that makes your routine easier, not more complicated. Bundling my products and these limited-time deals on our Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner ($37) and Volumizing Cream ($37, originally $41) is the perfect way to find a new hair-care routine without all the guesswork. While these make great stocking-stuffers, they’re also perfect for year-round, treat yourself moments, and you can easily stock up on QVC.com.”
Christmas in July prompts people to think about the holidays in the middle of summer. How do you personally get into that mindset, and does anything about your own decorating or gifting change when you’re planning that far ahead?
“Honestly, with two little boys, I’m already living in a constant state of ‘let’s turn this into something fun,’ so mentally jumping into the holiday mindset during the summer isn’t that big of a leap for me. I really love planning—it takes the pressure off in December, and I can focus on more quality time with family and friends.
So, QVC’s Christmas in July celebration actually comes at the perfect time for me. Now, I can just sit back in the fall and enjoy looking forward to watching everyone open the gifts I already checked off my list. It’s also not that hard to get into the spirit when you’re working with the King of Christmas himself, Lance Bass. I’ve already gotten so much major inspiration from him for my own décor and gifts this year.”
You’re also curating an exclusive gift list for shoppers this year. Walk me through how you approached putting that together. What were you looking for, and is there one pick you’re most excited about?
“I really wanted this list to encompass things I’d want to gift personally, not just a generic ‘here’s what’s popular’ list. So, I leaned into my go-to beauty and lifestyle hacks, which I rely on daily and end up gifting everyone.
The Poo-Pourri Set ($30, originally $34) is a non-negotiable stocking stuffer in my house because it’s so reliable, handy and a great hosting trick. And of course, some of the Be Free picks always make the cut; I love gifting the Be Free by Volume Haircare 3-Piece Set ($50, originally $60) because it has everything you need in one bundle.”
You’re joining John Battagliese for the holiday episode of Carte Blanche. What can viewers expect from that, and is there a moment from filming that stuck with you?
“It was fun to be on the other side of the mic for a change and connect with a fellow podcaster to just chat through my holiday picks, traditions and more. John makes those conversations so easy; it feels less like an interview and more like hanging out with old friends.
One of my favorite parts was getting into our stocking stuffer traditions, gifting tips and exchanging old family stories. It was so cozy and fun, and exactly the energy we wanted to give with this Christmas in July-themed episode. You can watch the full episode featuring Lance Bass and me on Carte Blanche, streaming free on demand now on QVC+ and HSN+ and on QVC’s YouTube.”
Forty years in, QVC’s Christmas in July has become its own tradition. What does it mean to you to be part of that milestone anniversary, and how would you describe your own holiday style to someone who’s never watched before?
“It’s so extraordinary for me to be a part of a milestone as incredible as QVC’s 40th Anniversary. I’ve watched QVC for as long as I can remember, and my favorite times to tune in were during the elaborate holiday specials, including QVC’s annual Christmas in July, as they always have the best new products, deals and festive programming that only comes around at certain times of the year.
I’m all about making the holiday season easier by getting a head start, so now, as a mom, I’m implementing this tradition in my own life as well. As for my holiday style, I’m all about cozy over perfect, making sure to take the pressure off to make the holidays flawless any way I can. Making my kids happy and the season less stressful is the main goal for me.”
