Danielle is a rebel. I came to find this out while photographing her at the library. A police officer said "you can't skate here", Danielle looked at me and said "that makes me want to do it more".
In that moment I could see who she was. A woman who challenged convention. A person who questions societal norms.
She is a mother, surfer, artist and co-founder of @texturedwaves an organization everyone should become more familiar with. Danielle has been spending a good chuck of her life celebrating women of color who surf and I couldn't be more happy sharing her story this week.
What is paradise?
Paradise is where you vibrate at your highest. Right now, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I love where I live, I have a beautiful family that I get to enjoy the outdoors with, I like my job and I get to surf every day in the beautiful Pacific Ocean with friends and loved ones. Paradise is a state of mind
What would you like for your next birthday?
My next birthday is a big one, I'm turning 40 and I would love to spend a week surfing and floating in a beautiful ocean full of tropical fish and dolphins with my favorite people
What is good?
It's all good
What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
Domestic life skills are so important. Every human should be able to cook a weeks worth of meals, know how to use a paintbrush, hammer and drill, plant a garden and balance a bank account.
What would you like to see change about surfing?
I would like to see more Black and brown women and girls in my local lineups. Diversity really makes life so much more interesting
How does surfing make you feel?
Riding waves brings me peace. Time slows when I'm surfing and I let my mind drift or go completely blank if it chooses. It's a meditative state and I am in flow with the waves, completely immersed in the dance.
What’s the most anxiety-inducing thing you do on a regular basis?
Cooking dinner. My husband and I share this chore, but it's almost always a scramble to choose what we are having. Once we turn some music on and start cooking it's like a release!
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
I learn by doing and in order for me to change my behavior I have to make those mistakes first. I typically get it right the second time around
WHAT MAKES A PERSON BEAUTIFUL TO YOU?
I know so many beautiful people and rarely is the beauty soley based on physical attributes. I have a friend with the most beautiful laugh, a friend with the sweetest disposition, a friend who gives endlessly, a friend who is the life of the party, a friend who listens and another who I only see once a year or less but we pick up right where we left off.
What is your favorite failure?
I love trying new tricks on my surfboard - falling is a part of learning and I know if I am falling I'm closer to figuring something out.
What habit do you have now that you wish you started much earlier?
Being more vulnerable and open to new opportunities. I say yes much more freely now than I used to
How do you keep yourself psychologically healthy?
Surfing daily and card games with my grom
What are things that bring you joy in the world?
Surfing with my son, kissing my husband, family dinners, party waves with friends, salty hair, a new bar of surf wax, rolling waves, walking on a sandy beach at sunset, skating on a fresh paved road, avocado toast, harvesting my garden, soaking in a hot tub, creating art, good hair days, jumping on the trampoline with my son, fresh sheets on my bed
When do you know if it is the right time to change things up and why?
When routines are no longer serving me, I tend to make small changes to mix things up.
What is the best part of being alive?
Sharing moments with loved ones
When you are having a bad day what are some of the things you do to snap out of it? Whenever I'm having a hard day, I know that the quickest way to snap out of it is to jump in the water. I appreciate my husband encouraging me whenever these moods hit, to grab my board and go for a surf. Even on the days when I don't feel like it, I know it will change everything for the better
What does the perfect day look like?
Surf, paint, play, eat, explore, surf, sleep, repeat
What are some of the things you do to rid yourself of anger or depression?
I surf, garden, call my mom or a trusted friend, paint or draw, exercise, journal, play Legos with my son, walk on the beach, listen to music/dance, skate
What is the best way to deal with rejection?
Throw my energy into something new- or just go surf!