Pursuing the American Dream, and Golf Too C h i c a g o p r o u d
Dave Silbar
W hen Daria Harris first set foot on American soil at the age of 20, she carried with her a suitcase of dreams, a heart full of courage, and a work ethic forged in the small towns of Poland. Today, two decades later, Daria stands as a beacon of inspiration — a success- ful entrepreneur, a loving mother, and a passionate golfer whose story resonates well beyond the fairways. Daria’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, focus, and an unwavering commitment to growth — the very values she credits both golf and
At 20, spurred by curiosity and the hope for new opportunities, Daria made the bold decision to follow her boyfriend from Poland to the United States. “I came here for what everyone comes here for — a better life, to see what life outside of Poland had to offer. I originally thought I’d stay for only six months, but life had other plans.” The transition to life in the U.S. was far from smooth. Daria arrived with little more than determination and a willingness to work hard. Soon after her arrival, she began cleaning homes — what began as a temporary job quickly became the seed for her first business. “I started cleaning by myself, but soon couldn’t handle the workload alone. That’s when I hired my first employee, who, 19 years later, is still with me.” Daria’s business, D&M Cleaning Service, grew organically, founded on trust, integrity, and a strong bond among her team. Many of her employees came from Poland, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe. “What I love about my team is that we share the same work ethic and values. We became like a family,” she says. Many of her Ukrainian employees fled the current war with Russia to come to the U.S. And Daria was there to pro- vide support, a job, and a new life here. The challenges were real — from hiring the right people to supporting employees through personal crises, like when one of the earliest employees battled leukemia. “We supported her through her treatment, and now she’s back, thriving,” Daria recalls. “Helping these women build better lives has been one of my proudest accomplishments.” Not content with just one business, Daria expanded her enterprise, forming D&M Enterprise for commercial clean- ing and moving services. Her drive and connections led her to real estate as well, where she now helps families — includ- ing many of her own employees — find new homes. “I love helping families build new beginnings, just like I did.” A Love Affair with Golf For Daria, golf arrived later in life, encour- aged by her husband Adam, but it fast became a passion and a mirror for the
qualities that fueled her entrepreneur- ial journey. “I’ve been playing for about three years, and what I love about golf is that it teaches patience, focus, and resilience. It’s humbling, unpredictable, but so rewarding when things click,” she explains. Daria plays golf two to three times a week at Royal Melbourne Country Club in north suburban Long Grove, where her whole family are members. Her daughter Olivia, now a college fresh- man, works in the golf shop, and her younger children, Abigail and David, have both taken up the game. “The same qualities I needed to build my business — patience, focus, resilience — are what help in golf. Every round feels like a challenge and a fresh start. I’m not the best golfer out there, but I have really come to love what the game represents.” Golf, for Daria, is more than a sport. It is a space to slow down, reflect, and recharge. “With my businesses, my fam- ily, the marathons I run — life is always running. But when I step onto the golf course, I unplug, I’m present. Golf forces me to slow down. It’s calming, teaches presence, and the mental challenge is 80% of the game.” Her husband Adam, a lawyer and her number one supporter, plays along- side her, while Abigail and David are on their way to being lifelong golfers. Daria attributes much of her success in business, sport, and life to mental disci- pline. A committed marathon runner, she wakes each day at 4 a.m. to exercise and meditate, preparing her mind for what- ever the day might bring. “Our bodies have limitations, but our minds don’t — it’s all about mindset. In business, in golf, in running — that’s what drives me.” She instills this philosophy in her children as well, supporting their pursuits in sports and academics while always emphasizing the importance of mental strength, self-belief, and resilience. Daria’s story, she believes, is a message to women and immigrants everywhere: “You don’t need to be perfect to begin. Start small, believe in yourself, and take that first step. I start-
business for teaching her.
Daria was born in Stupsk, Poland, and attended law school in Gdansk. Her upbringing was humble but rich in the things that mattered most: family, loy- alty, and perseverance. Luxuries were rare, but love, discipline, and a respect for hard work were abundant. “I grew up in a very close-knit family. Life was simple — maybe not poor, but not luxurious. Those values — hard work, loyalty, and perseverance — they shaped who I am today and how I approach everything, from parenting to business to golf,” Daria reflects.
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