By Peter Berton

SEATTLE – Nikki Phoenix is a study in true grit: A never-say-die hard worker, her success in the adult industry, and in life, is due to her determination and willingness to perform feats others consider impossible.

Phoenix’s biggest obstacle to the modeling career she wanted was weight. 247 pounds, she was unhappy with her life and self image. So, she decided to do something about the problem. Through hard work and self-control, she lost 117 pounds. Today she is known as one of the hottest blonde bombshells in adult entertainment.

She was happy to share her inspiring journey with YNOT.com.

YNOT: People wouldn’t know it to look at you today, but you used to be a much larger girl.

Nikki Phoenix: Surprisingly, when they look at me, people have a hard time believing that. They always reply with the same answer: “No way! I don’t believe you.”

I feel I should just wear a T-shirt with a picture of what I used to look like on it. [She laughs.] I always have to bring out one of my old photos on my phone and tell them, “Yup. I used to weigh 247 pounds. Here is the before and after.”

They always seem to say, “Wow. That’s you?” and shake their heads. They zoom in and ask how I did it.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, I can’t even believe it either. It seems like another lifetime ago, a past life, because everything has changed for me.

So…. How did you do it?

It seems cliché, but I lost the weight the hard and traditional way — with diet and exercise.

When I moved to Washington DC in 2009, I decided to change my life. I was the kid in school who was bullied and made fun of on a regular basis. I had no self-esteem and I hated myself, so I ate my feelings.

As I said, I topped out at 247 pounds, so moving to DC where no one knew me was the turning point. I was able to reinvent myself, and I did just that. I told myself, in the beginning, that my goal was to have a body I could audition for Playboy magazine with.

In March 2009, I started working out three times a week, lifting weights and mostly circuit training, or CrossFit. I did cardio 90 minutes a day, five times a week. It was hard work for the first few months. Since I had never been athletic in my life, I felt as if I had the flu every day. But I didn’t care. Once I set my mind to something, it’s done. I will do it.

I taught myself how to eat right through trial and error. My trainer, Sara, helped me by telling me when I was eating too much of something. However, most of the food decisions were all on me, and I had to make good ones.

Once I started working out, I decided to do photo shoots, to help boost my self confidence and to see what the rest of the world saw when they looked at me. It turned out I was naturally very good at modeling.

In October 2010, I auditioned for Playboy in New York City. It seemed so unreal to be a size 0, 130 pounds, 19 percent body fat. I showed up for that audition knowing that even if I didn’t get into the magazine, I had set my goals and achieved them.

What impact did that experience have on your life and your career?

I would have to say the impact on my life has been tremendous. Not only are things so much easier — from walking up stairs to even just sleeping — but it’s been great to finally believe in myself and know I can achieve anything.

I never thought I would be here today, that I would be modeling and pursuing my dreams as a writer, a singer, a designer and a model. Most of all, I never saw myself in the adult industry.

Why did you decide to pursue adult entertainment?

In the adult business, I’ve always considered the women to be the most beautiful. Having the confidence to show your entire body on camera and in photos doing something so intensely intimate is very special. I always thought that was never going to be me.

I find that I am in this business because I am also a really sexual creature. How else are you going to learn if you don’t see something new being done? [Porn] saves marriages, it helps people explore what they like and want to try.

I believe I am doing good by being in the business. In some ways, I guess, being in the business shows the world I was unhealthy, overweight and had no self-esteem — but look at me now. I am here fully naked, exposed to world, and nothing will get me down.

What have been the highlights of your career to date?

While I am proud of every single accomplishment, a few things really stand out. Being in the mainstream movie 21 and Over, walking the runway during the Chance Modeling Show, being the spokesmodel for Twala Intimates and releasing my first single “My Addiction” with DJ Nilsson.

I am proud of everything I do, because with any accomplishment there are always people who don’t believe you will succeed. I have had plenty of people tell me no, or that I will be never be able to do something. All that does it drive me. It fuels the flames, because this Phoenix is rising.

What are your goals for the future?

My goals for the future are to affect as many lives with my story as possible. To launch my book this summer, launch my lingerie line this fall, maybe do another mainstream movie, do a few more ad campaigns promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle, and most of all, to continue to inspire people to be best they can be.

What advice do you have for other people who are fighting their waistlines?

Believe in themselves and know you can be anyone and do anything you want. Do not let others tear you down or tell you that you can’t do something. When they do, they are only letting you know they can’t do something, not you.

I want to encourage people to make good, healthy choices. If you love carbs, don’t eat food after 6 p.m. or three hours before bed. Cardio is really important in losing weight, but so is lifting weights. If you don’t have time for the gym, there are always things you can do at home. For example, you can choose to walk somewhere instead of driving.

I just can’t wait for my book to come out: It will be the guide everyone will want and it will have great alternatives for food, exercise and motion.