I distinctly remember the first time I met Danni Watts. She bounded into my office with an energy & enthusiasm that was so infectious, I virtually hired her on the spot. She shared that she had recovered from an eating disorder & was now in a place where she felt like she wanted to ‘give back.’ That’s over two years ago now & through Danni’s commitment to her role at The Butterfly Foundation, she has travelled all over Australia reaching thousands of young people with messages of positivity, body image & belief.
I snuck in a nomination for Danni for the Cosmopolitan Fun, Fearless Women’s Awards a few months back & was absolutely delighted that she was chosen to be a national finalist in the Outstanding Community Contribution category. We attended a very swish awards night last week & I was so proud for Danni that she was a finalist in the company of some serious high flyers – Sarah Murdoch, Jessica Mauboy, Kate Ritchie & Mia Freedman to name a few.
It also gave me a great sense of pride to know that two other finalists at the awards were women who have overcome eating disorders & are now doing amazing work in their fields. Melinda Hutchings, author of “Why Can’t I Look The Way I Want?” & daily Girl With a Satchel blogger Erica Bartle were finalists in the Inspirational Role Model & Blogger categories respectively. Both are absolutely gorgeous women who have journeyed through an eating disorder. It was a joy to spend time with them & I am certain they, & Danni, act as inspirations to women struggling with eating disorders nationwide.
Danni Watts, Erica Bartle & Melinda Hutchings – Fun, Fearless WomenWhile none actually won their categories on the night, Danni, Melinda & Erica are all certainly ‘fun & fearless’ in my eyes. In fact – they are so much more than that. Living examples of hope personified might be a more accurate testament.
Congratulations ladies. It was great to share in your incredibly deserved recognition.
Danni & Yours Truly – Wearing False Eyelashes for the First Time. Despite Feeling Like I had Furry Catterpillars Attached to my Eyes – I Was Impressed with the ‘Va’Voom’ Factor!
