Melissa Donovan
While watching music videos from one of her favorite artists, local influencer Danni Adams, said she did not see anyone who looked like her, urging her to call out “fatphobia,” a prejudice towards body types.
The response from her speaking up led to her building a digital platform, something she describes as her “free space to be a woman.”
“[My platform] is the space where I go to express myself and my sensuality and my creativity. I get to be this big, beautiful Barbie doll,” Adams said. “I’m combating these stereotypes that people have about women, and especially bigger, Blacker women, that we need to be more modest, or that we need to live in the shadows, and I really challenge that. I’m loud, I’m silly, I love to twirl and to just be myself.”
The Sanford-born and raised content creator has grown into a variety of roles since standing up for body positivity six years ago. Along with modeling for Vogue, Adams has also become a TV personality, making appearances on Dr. Phil and Tamron Hall, and has also started her own agency, Shyne Wayv, which helps nonprofits and small businesses’ get their names out.
Shyne Wayv’s latest initiative is their “Sanford Black Business and Culture Map,” detailing local spots for visitors to experience Sanford “through the people who shaped it.” The map includes restaurants, salons, historic sites, and more and was also started as a Juneteenth project for this year.
“We have some influencers who are reaching out already from our email list, as we’re getting it geared up, they are excited to use the map to not just come try food, but to come help tell history,” Adams said. “Our agency is all about getting social media influencers not just to market cool brands and fashion, but to also help market community projects. [We get to] pay homage to a home that I’m proud of, and I’m happy that we were able to do this project.”
Her adoration for Sanford comes from her time growing up in the area, but as she continues to follow her dreams in the media world, she said she has been reminded to remember her roots.
While appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show she was asked, “Where are you from?” She replied, “LA,” as she had been living there for about a year. Adams said her fans were disappointed with her answer and nudged her to remember Sanford.
“That was my greatest TV lesson. I would say, [to anyone,] don’t abandon your people,” Adams said. “I’m always proud of where I’ve come from.”
Growing up, Adams said the walls in her house were filled with photos of her. She said she felt she had a natural comfortability infront of the camera, leading her to find her passion: modeling.
“If you put me in front of the camera, man, I mean, I just love it. I love the way I move my body, and it just tells a story,” Adams said. “I want to be a model until I die. I’ll never stop modeling. That’s one thing I’ll never stop doing.”
She said she sees modeling as an artform and something to reassure her when she does not feel her best.
“Well, I didn’t grow up with pictures of me on the phone. I grew up with them all over the house, and so I always have memories, no matter how anxious I get, no matter you know, how sad I feel that the world doesn’t see my beauty like I’m able to still connect with individual people through that form of art,” Adams said.
As she continues growing as an influencer, model, TV personality and business founder, Adams said she would like to break stereotypes on what all of these roles entail, while connecting with her audience.
“I use my presence online and offline to challenging beauty norms, advocate for better fashion for the girls, and show that real influence doesn’t require millions of followers just purpose, clarity, and a few anxiety days,” Adams said.
Instagram: @amapoundcake
Shyne Wayv: @shynewayv
To join in our upcoming editions of “Influencer of the Week,”please reach out to dayna.reyes@lifestylescfl.com.
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