Moe: Why did you become a Toil Girl?
Danni: My husband is in the Air Force and was deployed to Iraq for his second tour. He's a fan of Les Toil and I thought this would be an awesome and personal welcome home gift for him. I knew he'd never expect it even though he's been saying for a couple of years that he wished I would have my portrait done. It turned out to be the best idea I've ever had for a gift for him and our four year old son thinks it's really cool too. It's a tribute to those who serve in the military with a very personal twist meant just for my husband. He adores it and so do I.
Moe: What does the imagery in your pin-up represent?
Danni: The plane is a B-52 which is the plane my husband has spent the most time working around. He's a member of Security Forces and the beret is a tribute to that - it's what Air Force Security Forces wear.
Moe: What has being a Toil Girl done for you personally?
Danni: It's helped me see myself in a different light. I always just thought of myself as "me". Not good, not bad - just average, plain old "me". When I saw the portrait for the first time it was actually a shock. My first thought was to write and ask if Les had sent the right image to me. It was such an awesome thing to see myself through his eyes. I also was amazed at the whole process from start to finish. To actually see how he took the photo's I sent him and the e-mails we exchanged and ended up with the final image. He's a wonderful artist and a better human being. I'm thrilled to be able to say I know him.
Moe: What do you hope your image says to other plus size women?
Danni: My greatest hope is that any woman, plus size or not, who sees it will realize every one of us is beautiful. It's not limited to a size or shape, it's not about hair or eye color, race, religion or creed. It's about who you are not what size your jeans are. I would want them to see a woman who is over 35, more than 105 lbs, happily married for over 15 years and has had a child... and I'm also beautiful, passionate, fun, artistic, smart and a Toil Girl! I'd hope that when another woman looks at the portrait they see another woman who loves her life and lives it to the fullest.
Moe: What do you hope it says to men?
Danni: That sexy is an attitude not a dress size. That women are more than the size of our clothes and such shallow judgements cheat them out of the chance to know some amazing women who could bring some amazing depth to their lives. We've all dealt with the cruel people in this world and those of us who are different than what the media has chosen to present as "the ideal" because we are heavier or thinner or taller or shorter or have freckles or whatever that difference is and every one of those encounters leaves scars - physical or not. I'd like them to see that it doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or a 22 you can still be sexy, fun, smart; all those things and so much more. We, the plus sized women of the world, make great friends, lovers, and partners (in business and out). That we are the real face of beauty!
Moe: Do you have any advice for someone thinking of becoming a Toil Girl?
Danni: Do it! It's a life affirming process. Not only do you get to own an original piece of art (always a cool thing) you get to meet and interact with a top notch artist who really loves what he does and cares about the people he's working with. It's worth every single dime of the fee and I'd do it again tomorrow if given the chance.
Fun Stuff
Favorite Movie: Court Jester
Favorite Song: Invincible (Pat Benatar)
Role Model: My Sister
Meet more Toil Girls.
