Eleven Women Proudly Walked the Her Smile Runway. This Is the Second Story.
Denise Fattorini was the second woman to walk the runway at the sold-out 2023 Her Smile High Tea and Fashion Show at The Abbey in Canberra, and by happy coincidence, today is her birthday.
Denise's journey with Her Smile began well before she ever considered training. For years, Adele was her beautician for nails, waxing, facials. To this day, she still is.
An Unlikely Yes
In 2013, Denise discovered Adele was becoming a personal trainer. Something about it intrigued her, though she couldn't quite say why. She said yes anyway.
It was a huge step for a woman who describes herself as quiet, self-conscious, and entirely lacking in coordination. Big gyms frightened her. She didn't believe she was capable, or good enough, to keep up.
The night before her first session, she was so nervous she barely slept.
Six Months of Butterflies
Denise can say with certainty that it took her up to six months before the nerves before each session finally settled. She kept showing up anyway, two to three sessions a week, consistently, for over a decade.
Her goal was simple: to tone, sculpt, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Every session was varied and tailored to her, always hard, always with an element of fun to keep her motivated. From the very first session, she trusted that Adele was standing beside her, making sure every weight and every stretch was done correctly- the benefit without the injury.
Along the way, Denise took part in the Her Smile ten-day Spring in Your Step challenge, and was styled and her makeup done by Adele for a photoshoot alongside a vintage car her husband Kane had bought her.
What a Decade Gave Her
Denise has lost weight, gained definition, and found an energy she now spends keeping up with her two grandsons. Adele has guided her diet as much as her training, sharing the knowledge that turned exercise from something frightening into something that makes her happy.
"I have learned so much from Adele with her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise," Denise says. "Adele has been nothing but encouraging and supportive of all aspects of my well-being. I have made a friend for life."
Denise says exercise makes her feel confident, that it proves anything is possible once she sets her mind to it. Like all health journeys, hers is never-ending.
Denise, we are so proud of you.
Denise's story is one of eleven featured in The Women Who Walked, our celebration of the women who walked the 2023 Her Smile Runway.
