Hi!
I’m Nani Dels —a storyteller, feminist human rights lawyer, and founder of Once Upon a Life.
I was born in Argentina, raised in Paraguay and today I call New York City home. Along the way, I’ve lived in 34 homes across seven countries. Each move, each shift, has shaped me into someone who embraces change, diversity, and the power of new stories to transform our lives.
With a background in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law from Spain and the United Kingdom, I’ve spent over a decade working in the non-profit and consultancy sectors, supporting refugees, migrants, and women and girls who have survived gender-based violence. My work has always been driven by a profound belief:
“My passion for amplifying marginalized voices stems from my life experiences and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.”
Why I Created Once Upon a Life
I founded Once Upon a Life with a mission close to my heart: to help people reconnect with themselves through the transformative power of play.
We create a non-judgmental, creative space where you can explore, relax, and feel liberated, free from expectations or the need of perfection. But more importantly, we invite you to be fully present —to connect with the here and now.
The Story Behind It All
For a long time, I took life too seriously — constantly busy, yet never truly fulfilled.
Then something shifted. I found comfort in being silly —with myself and others. I discovered that play wasn’t childlish; it was healing. It helped me access a part of myself I had long forgotten.
But the heart of Once Upon a Life runs deeper.
[Trigger Warning] As a child, I endured severe abuse and violence at the hands of my mother. I was locked in dark closets for hours, nearly drowned, and torture with kitchen tools. There were moments I thought I wouldn’t make it through the day.
Yet, as the eldest of four children, I felt a powerful need to protect my siblings — to soften the harshness of what we were living through. Looking back, I understand that I survived by dissociating, retreating into imaginary worlds filled with magic, rainbows, and pop music —places where I could find the safety I lacked at home.
How Play Became Part of My Healing
As an adult navigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, I explored both traditional therapy and body-centered practices to heal. But it wasn’t until I reconnected with my inner child —through play— that something profound shifted.
Play became my way back to self-love, compassion, and feeling safe in my own body again.
It was this personal healing that inspired me to create The Creative Playground —a space where I could be free from expectations. A space where there’s no right or wrong way to play. A space where emotions can flow without judgement and where we can feel truly seen and connected.
Today, that vision has come to life —and I couldn’t be prouder to share it with you.
This Is Your Invitation
If you’re craving a space where you can express yourself freely, explore creativity without rules, and reconnect with your true self —The Creative Playground is waiting for you.
Let’s create, explore, and let mistakes guide our revolution!