What happens when summer is here but 'that' summer body isn't?

Imagine this with me for a minute... it's a beautiful summer day you are surrounded by friends/family/strangers on the beach. Working it in a fabulous new bathing suit you love. You're laughing, smiling, and genuinely feeling happy. It's been a few hours now.. you have laughed so hard that your mouth hurts. So many beautiful memories are made and you're so tired with a butt crack full of sand on the walk back to the car simply grateful. Have you ever had a beach experience like this?

Wardrobe from Naughty Bettie

A beach experience where you don't compare your body to the younger beautiful women or handsome men that you see and envy. A beach experience where you don't degrade your body. A beach experience where you think that every single time that someone looks in your direction it's in disgust at your body and them thinking "I'm glad I don't look like that." A beach experience where you bend over to make a sand castle and don’t give a flying fuck whether your tummy is hanging over your the bottoms of your bathing suit. A beach experience where chase someone around with a bucket filled with water and parts of your body wiggle, bounce, flail about but that doesn't cross your mind once because you spilled water right on your target person. A beach experience where you don't say or think comments like " they shouldn't be wearing that"... " she is way too pretty for him"..."oh my God she is way too skinny I can see her spine.." or '' I would give anything to look like that"...These are all examples of things that I have done, thought, or heard from others. Guys,  with 100% certainty I know I am not alone in this.

Wardrobe from Naughty Bettie

    It's heartbreaking to think that most of us have never had one of those beach days. One that was full of just living and breathing in our body. Simply existing because life can be really beautiful. Since as long as I can remember we have been taught according to society what type of body is acceptable at a beach. Which is only bodies that achieve ‘that beach body' are allowed to fully enjoy the beach in its entirety. All others are subjected to ridicule and shame. I am here to call bullshit. I have wasted years of my life stuck inside my own head wishing away and adding parts to my body for someone else's version of acceptable. I say it’s about damn time we started living our lives without apologizing for not meeting some bullshit standard of beauty. One that is designed to make us hate ourselves so businesses can sell us a “fix” to make us feel worthy of enjoying experiences like the beach. Because when we look back on our lives and all of the trips we had to the beach I want those memories full of laughing, breathing deeply, napping, eating, playing, dancing, smiling, and not giving a DAMN about how we look doing it. Because what happens when summer is here and 'that' summer body isn't? Then you say "fuck 'that' summer body, summer is going to thrive with THIS body."

Wardrobe from Naughty Bettie

  If someone judges you or ridicules you for enjoying yourselves living this one amazing life because you don't have 'that' body that says a fucking LOT about them, it has NOTHING to do with you. They can also kiss 'THIS' ass. This summer is for embracing and not giving a fuck what other people think.

xoxo p.s you are always enough xoxo   

                     Lisa Marie

Wardrobe from Iconoclasp from Naughty Bettie

Hello everyone! My name is Lisa Wilson. I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to share one of my greatest passions with all of you. I am a mother of two strong and beautiful girls. I am the wife of an amazing man. I am an advocate for mental health awareness. I am a body positivity activist. We live in a society that profits off self-doubt and insecurity. Our appearance is held to a higher standard than who we are as people. We are taught from a young age we must be attractive in order to be successful. We see TV actors and magazine covers who we idolize as what we should strive to look like. I use my voice to teach and encourage change. This is your LIFE, spending it missing moments or torturing your bodies to be accepted by others is not how it’s meant to be lived. We must change the narrative. We deserve to feel comfortable in our bodies, to have peace about the vessel that lets us experience this life.

XoXo,

Lisa

https://www.instagram.com/sheisalwaysenough/

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Join #SquadBettie

Vodka welcome.
Vulnerability encouraged.

You've seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?"

*THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* 

In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka.

Join our fempowerment community and let's lift each other up. <3

Tintype Collaboration with TINYuproar

In February, Elise, Nicholette, and Izzy had the pleasure of collaborating with Bud M. Kibby of TINYuproar on an exciting photography adventure!

Before we were shaking our Polaroids, making prints from film or taking digital photos, images were captured by exposing a plate for hours or even days!

Cue photo of grumpy-looking, old-timey guy.  

Invented in 1851, this process, referred to as tintype, uses silver and collodion to create a photo-sensitive metal plate on which an image is created.  This is not a print! It is a one-off, photographic heirloom which will last the lifetime of the subject, and likely the lifetime of their children. (Fear not! They can be scanned and saved as a digital, because how else will you be able to post them on instagram?)

The process has been modernized, so sitting still for minutes is no longer necessary, but the process is still just as magical.

Check out more videos on instagram

Tintypes were never on tin, they originally used steel.  Modern tintypes utilize aluminum as the plate, which is more resistant to corrosion--the primary reason we see original era tintypes degrade.  This means that while we are seeing original tintypes from 1851 and later still intact, heirloom photographs on aluminum may last even longer due to a higher level of resistance to corrosion. (AMAZING RIGHT?!)

Check out these STUNNING photos of our Betties. What’s even more exciting is that you have the opportunity to have you own heirloom tintype photography experience with Mod Bettie and TINYuproar!

Vodka welcome.
Vulnerability encouraged.

You've seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?"

*THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* 

In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka.

Join our fempowerment community and let's lift each other up. <3

Mod Bettie Pin-up Contest

The studio was packed with vintage vibes and tulle for our first-ever Mod Bettie Pin-Up Contest!

The turnout was insane and the 19 Betties that competed were INCREDIBLE.  Each contestant brought their own unique and beautiful take on vintage style and fashion.  It was amazing to see so many new faces to the pin-up community, as well as many established pin-ups.  The judges had such a difficult time choosing a winner.  We had ties for both 1st and 2nd place, with the remainder of contestants extremely close in numbers.

Congratulations to

Miss Mod Bettie 2019,

Mo D’Merry

Congratulations to Miss Naughty Bettie 2019,

Pepper Purslane

Congratulations to Miss #SquadBettie 2019,

Lindy Lamore

Special recognition to our 4th place contestant Kitty de L’Amour and our

5th place contestant Miss Paula Luv

A special thank you to our AMAZING Judges: Star Buxom , Chrystal Drewitt-Rike, Calamity Jane!

Yvonne vonBerg, CEO and Founder of Retro Co., our co-host and co-sponsor, flew in from Florida just to attend the contest! Retro Co. was on hand to talk about natural skin care with vintage inspirations.

The crowd was full of belly laughs from our emcee, Laurie Laughlin ( NOT Aunt Becky, no matter what people on Twitter believe). A West Michigan momic (mom + comic) who first got her start entertaining others at the Comedy Den in the 80’s, you may have seen her more recently during LaughFest. You can find out where she's performing next at LaurieLaughs.com!

The photo booth was EPIC.  Check out these amazing Betties:

We had some AMAZING vintage and vintage-inspired vendors. Attendees were able to check out some gorgeous vintage fashion from Maid Marian’s Closet, Sew Retro Fashions and, of course, Naughty Bettie.   Our neighbors (located in the north building), Elevated Antiques, brought the CUTEST vintage items. Attendees also had the opportunity to try a vintage lip at the lip bar provided by About Face Grand Rapids.  

Thank you to all of the businesses that donated items for our contestants goodie bags:

Retro Co.

Red Dolly Swimwear

Sew Retro Fashion

About Face Grand Rapids

Maid Marian’s Closet

Katiris Design

Erin Etc.

Refresh Wellness

Center for Women’s Sexual Health

BB Mindful

Koki

Diem Designs Studio

Zeal Aerial Fitness

Makeup Eraser

Inspire Wellness Chiropractic

Vodka welcome.
Vulnerability encouraged.

You've seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?"

*THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.*

In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka.

Join our fempowerment community and let's lift each other up. <3

Welcome to our newest makeup maven: Izzy!

Izzy, a Grand Rapids native, graduated from the Douglas J. Aveda Institute in 2010. She has eight years of experience in the beauty industry, currently working out of a salon in the downtown area.

Izzy recalls that one of her earliest experiences with makeup was her mother dressing her up as the iconic Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra for the Halloween of 1995. (You NEED to see that photo! Check out her Insta.)  Her mom took out one velvety, olive-green eyeshadow and then one that was starry blue...and Izzy was mesmerized. Having discovered her raiding the makeup drawer, Izzy’s Grandmother gave her her first lipstick, a cheerful coral in a small embroidered box.

Makeup became something truly magical for Izzy.  She would carefully watch her mother in the bathroom mirror getting ready for the evening, in awe of the perfect charcoal lines she would draw around her eyes--a mysterious and captivating ritual.

As life progressed, Izzy’s own image would become another medium for self-expression. She became involved with theater, wanting to perform.  However, she often found herself behind the scenes, designing for characters and applying makeup. As her love of cinema and theater grew, it sparked her interest to pursue a career in cosmetology. The fierceness it gave the women in her life, and the way incandescent chameleons like David Bowie could create an intense presence with just a look, were part of that spark. But nothing moves Izzy more than using her talents to help other women see the beauty in themselves - beauty that has always been there. She hopes she can inspire a little magic for them, too.

Izzy played roller derby for 3.5 years with Grand Raggidy under the derby name Sally Forth. In 2014 she also skated in the Artprize installation “Join Me in a Land That Knows No End” by the TM Sisters, an artist duo out of Miami. (The pictures are of her in gold with a painted face!)

Izzy briefly dabbled in pin-up, however, she enjoys the style and fashion of all eras. Costumes allow her to branch out with hair and makeup. She loves to put them together, embellishing pieces that she’s found while also making accessories and props.

As a student of Wing Chun Kung Fu, Izzy is currently learning the rest of Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy) form.  Drawing and painting are a couple of her other passions.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izabella.zavana

Instagram: www.instagram.com/grin.barrette

Website: https://www.ivmuahgr.com/

Vodka welcome.
Vulnerability encouraged.

You've seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?"

*THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* 

In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka.

Join our fempowerment community and let's lift each other up. <3

Intro to Pin-Up with #squadbettie

Just starting out in pin-up? Looking for new tips, tricks or ideas? Want to be a part of a positive community?

We had a candid discussion about all things pin-up with three knowledgeable and established pin-up models and one very talented hair and makeup artist.  (Plus we had burlesque performer and vintage clothing aficionado, Maid Marian!)

Our class started off with Mod Bettie’s own resident rockstar and vintage styling queen, Jen Bartlett.  Jen walked the class through a quick hair and makeup styling session with model Catherine Sercy. There was SO much great information presented.  Here’s a simplified list of Jen’s Dos/Don’ts and a few tricks:

• Always pin your curls after curling and let them dry

• Don’t force it-- your hair, relationships or that last slice of pizza

• Hats, hair flowers, and scarves can be great tools for unruly hair

• Might be a good idea to have a glass of wine handy

• Let your eyelash glue set before attaching them, your lashes will stay on better and you won’t end up with clumpy glue on your eyelid

• The black eyelash glue is nice, but it burns if you get it in your eyes

• When using liner or doing your brows, think of them as sisters or cousins; they do not have to be twins.  Don’t stress, have a sip of that wine

• Classic lip colors: Red (duh), pink, orange, and coral

• Makeup, soft and matte

• ABOVE ALL: have fun with it and make it your own.  Do what makes YOU feel amazing

Check out Jen’s makeup tutorial:

Next, blogger and self-described pin-up princess, Sassy Scarlett, talked a little bit about the history of pin-ups and styling.  Pin-up got its start in the late 1800s. Through the liberation of women in the 1920s with the flapper movement, the 40s with their empowerment in the workforce during WWII, and the sexual revolution of women in the 60s, being a pin-up is ALL about feminism.   

Pin-up fashion does not have to be expensive.  Checkout antique stores, thrift stores, and garage sales. If you are looking for something special, there are lots of amazing online shops and local seamstresses that can help.  If you are local, we recommend Sew Retro Fashions and Iconoclasp. You can accentuate your look with vintage accents like broaches, parasols, scarves, purses, and tiny dogs (if that’s your thing).  Just as with hair and makeup, make it your own. Wear what makes you feel great! Find your style and rock it.

Pin-up Godmother Valerie Voiture walked us through classic pin-up posing.  Val’s step-by-step guide:

1. Make a V with your feet, move foot A in to the curve of foot B

2. Slight bend in the knee of foot A

3. Pop your hip/butt and put the weight on to leg B.  Shoulders back, tits up!

4. Hand B on your natural waist, hand A is free to position elsewhere

5. Pretend that you are holding an orange in each hand

6. Turn your body slightly to the side.  Not straight on, not completely on the side.  45 degree angle

7. Eyes at 2, 4, 7, and 11 (Think old-school clock with hands.).

8. Mouth the vowels to get different classic pin-up expressions. A,E,I,O & U

9. BREATHE, maybe grab that glass of wine again

It can be difficult to remember all the steps, but remembering the most important -  pop the butt and hips, shoulders back, and breathe - your photos and stage presence will improve greatly!!

Pictured below is Valerie demonstrating proper form. Photographer: Roy Varga

Now that you have the tools, you are ready to attend pin-up events or compete in a contest. Mod Bettie’s resident pin-up model, Trixie VonHopps, talked all things contests.  Pin-up contests can be amazing opportunities to make friends, get inspiration, and (possibly) win awesome prizes! Remember, it is just as important to be a gracious loser as well as a gracious winner.  Contests should be fun. Just by getting up on that stage, you are SO brave. Remember to rock your individual style and be true to yourself.

What should you bring with you to pin-up contests?  Here are some suggestions for your Go-Bag:

• Bobby pins, a small comb, hairspray

• Safety pins

• An extra pair of shoes (flats)

• Eyelash glue

• A mirror

• Lipstick

• Makeup wipes

• Gum, snacks, water

We hope to see all of you stunning pin-ups at our Mod Bettie Pin-up contest!

Vodka welcome.
Vulnerability encouraged.

You've seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?"

*THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* 

In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka.

Join our fempowerment community and let's lift each other up. <3

April is the month of all things Pin-Up at Mod Bettie!

Did you know that when Mod Bettie launched in 2014 it began as an exclusively pin-up studio?!  Check out these vintage Mod Bettie pin-up photos!

Anyone recognize this Bettie? (Hint Hint, she’s normally behind the camera!)

First our upcoming, #Squadbettie Intro To Pin-Up Class is being held on Wednesday, April 3rd. It will be a fun and informative event for those who are just starting their pin-up journey, as well as for established pin-ups! Learn how to style vintage hair and makeup with Mod Bettie's own beauty maven Jennifer Bartlett. Pin-up model and blogger Sassy Scarlet will talk about how to create and style your own vintage look. Internationally published pin-up model Valerie Voiture will teach you how to pose your body and strut your stuff!  Mod Bettie's own pin-up model, Trixie VonHopps will talk to you about pin-up contests and how they work, as well as how to be a gracious winner (or loser).  We will also have vintage vendors like Sew Retro Fashions and Maid Marian’s Closet to help dress you in style! Get your tickets right MEOWWW!

Next, join us on Saturday, April 13th for our Vintage Pin-Up Photo Shoot Event! Let’s get you dolled up in satin, pearls & diamonds. (And we can’t forget the signature red lip.) After all, old Hollywood knew that the best girls had glamour, glitz, and grace—and this is the photo shoot to get you there.

December #SquadBettie Special Edition Session: Retro Pin Up

Rounding out the month, on Saturday, April 27th we will be crowning Miss Mod Bettie at our first-ever Mod Bettie Pin-Up Contest! 20 amazing Betties will compete for the titles of Miss Mod Bettie, Miss Naughty Bettie and Miss #Squadbettie. This vintage-themed event will have several vintage vendors such as Sew Retro Fashions, Iconoclasp, and Maid Marian’s Closet.  Comedian Laurie Laughlin will be emceeing the contest and offering up a laugh or two while the judges tally up the winners!

RECAP of dates for your Calendar…

April 3rd: Intro to Pin Up Class $5

April 13th: Pin Up Mini Sessions $199

April 27th : First Annual Pin Up Contest FREE

Did you know Naughty Bettie carries pin-up lingerie?! Come in and channel you inner Bettie Page! Shop during our events or watch for open store hours posted on our pages.

Questions about April?

Direct all love notes to loveyourself@modbettie.com or complete the form below.

Insta-GLAM!

Follow us for all things body positivity and female empowerment!

Vodka welcome. Vulnerability encouraged. You've probably seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?" *THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka. Fact. (<-- Said in the voice of Dwight from The Office) A Squad is a collective whose parts make a whole, complicated, dimensional, and beautiful. Raise yo' hand if you've ever been steamrolled by that nasty little two-headed shit-monster, JUDGEMENT. *wipes sweat from your brow* *prepares you to go back in the ring* Yea us too. All of the sudden all the amazing parts that make you whole are dissected and judged leaving a big gaping whole in your soul. But the thing is you aren’t parts. You are a totally BETTIE. The whole package. A real fucking human being. And we need you. Because although we are occasionally outspoken and often brave, sometimes we need the stiff hand of a righteous Bettie to pull us through our self-sabotaging shit. *Quietly raises hand* We are perfectly flawed and have created this community for our friends, acquaintances and companions. For love, because always for love. This is a place for women to discuss, and find support, re body positivity and female empowerment. Please feel free to share resources, get support, post something you’ve found inspirational, or just chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.

SquadBettie stands for Fempowerment, true acceptance, and building a supportive community. A true Bettie builds women up instead of bringing them down.

Mod Bettie Wanderlux Spa takeover!

After surviving the snowpocalypse and ice storm 2019 these betties were ready for some pampering and relaxation.  So the Mod B Betties took over Wanderlux Beauty & Wellness Co.!

If you have not checked this amazing little gem out yet, book yourself a service, STAT! When you walk in to this gorgeous space, your senses are tickled by all of the glorious fragrances of relaxation.  The fireplace, velvet curtains, and ornate gold mirrors create an atmosphere of pure comfort. Jessica Geerling has created a beautiful space for female wellness.

We each received three of their signature services, Zenned Out Stress Relief Treatment, Sister Yoni Steam, and the Infrared Sauna Session. 

The Zenned Out Stress Relief Treatment is 60 minutes of full body bliss.  Madelyn and Julie provided us with a mini facial, foot and calf treatment, arm and hand massage, and neck, shoulder and scalp massage! All relaxation treatment performed with essential oils, heat therapy, massage and natural & organic facial products.  Hayley said it all, this beauty walked out of her massage, skin a glow, “I feel like a new woman.”

The Infrared Sauna Session is a full spectrum infrared sauna. The each color promotes different types of healing.  We chose indigo, which helps alleviate chronic pain. The warmth seems to inspires people.  The notebook inside the sauna is full of poems, stories and inspiration from the amazing women who have sat in here.  Creating a kind of sisterhood.

Speaking of sisterhood, the service I’m sure you’re all the MOST interested in, Sister Yoni Steam.

Becky is Certified Reiki Practitioner, Certified Vaginal Steam Facilitator, Postpartum and Well-Woman Healer and Doula, and Certified Lactation Counselor!  This bettie has it all.  Becky walked us through the history and process of this holistic ancient & sacred women’s wellness ritual in which a woman allows the warmth of herbal steam to permeate the exterior of her vagina.  While our vagina teas was steeping, Becky lead us through a beautiful, relaxing and healing session with a card reading and energy healing. Our goddess cards were SPOT ON! Then were began our yoni steamed.  Wrapped up in the most luscious blanket and eye mask, we melted into the experience!

Interesting in booking a treatment of your own? Check them out:

Website: http://wanderluxgr.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wanderluxbeautyco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderluxbeautyco/

Vodka welcome. Vulnerability encouraged. You've probably seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?" *THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka. Fact. (<-- Said in the voice of Dwight from The Office) A Squad is a collective whose parts make a whole, complicated, dimensional, and beautiful. Raise yo' hand if you've ever been steamrolled by that nasty little two-headed shit-monster, JUDGEMENT. *wipes sweat from your brow* *prepares you to go back in the ring* Yea us too. All of the sudden all the amazing parts that make you whole are dissected and judged leaving a big gaping whole in your soul. But the thing is you aren’t parts. You are a totally BETTIE. The whole package. A real fucking human being. And we need you. Because although we are occasionally outspoken and often brave, sometimes we need the stiff hand of a righteous Bettie to pull us through our self-sabotaging shit. *Quietly raises hand* We are perfectly flawed and have created this community for our friends, acquaintances and companions. For love, because always for love. This is a place for women to discuss, and find support, re body positivity and female empowerment. Please feel free to share resources, get support, post something you’ve found inspirational, or just chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.

SquadBettie stands for Fempowerment, true acceptance, and building a supportive community. A true Bettie builds women up instead of bringing them down.

To Everything There is a Season

“Celebrate endings – for they precede new beginnings.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie

For over 3 years this B has been my right hand Bettie.  Hayley has been worn so many hats over the years at Mod B: videographer, photographer, blogger, stylist, editor… She was instrumental in the opening of Naughty  Bettie. Hayley has been by my side through all the growing pains that a small business has. Saying goodbye is ALWAYS hard.

Watching her grow and hone her skills and passion has been amazing to watch.  The future holds so many possibilities for Hayley and I wish her success in everything she does! I know it will be amazing because she’s phenomenal.  

Follow Hayley on her journey:

Website: http://hayleysikorski.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayleysikorskiphotography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleysikorski

International Women’s Day at 20 Monroe Live

History is HERstory…….

International Women’s Day is NOT just another Hallmark holiday.  Stand up Betties, it’s time for a little background history on the holiday.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a call to action.  First celebrated in the United States in 1909 (you read that right, 1909!! 10 years before those badass suffragettes won us the right to vote with the passing of the 19th Amendment!), then adopted internationally beginning in 1910.  In 1975 the United Nations adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations’ Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.  

Now to the event!  After a fantastic acoustic set by Maggie May, Judge Sara Smolenski took the stage with an opening full of passion and excitement.  She discussed Michigan’s history-making election of 2018, with women being elected to all three top offices: Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General. The future is female.  

Then the self-described trouble maker, the Honorable Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, took the stage.  This brilliant woman is an example of how you can do anything you set your mind to.  She’s an immigrant, single mother of 5, and Michigan’s FIRST female JAG officer in the Michigan Army National Guard.  Most notably of late, she was the presiding judge on the Larry Nassar case, giving 156 “sister survivors” a voice.

The event ended with a Q&A segment.

“Hell yes I have PMS! Promote, Mentor, Support.”

---

Bettie’s,

I need your help!

I’m shocked to be included in this incredible list of 30 women and definitely need your help!

Announcing the 2019 Brilliance Award Finalists! 
Selected from 335 nominations, these 30 finalists excel in their fields, elevate other women and are committed to creating positive change. 
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
For the FIRST TIME EVER, the public will select one honoree for the People's Choice Brilliance Award!
Read about each finalist and cast your vote here: https://westmichiganwoman.com/peoples-choice-award

Voting ends March 14th.

Vodka welcome. Vulnerability encouraged. You've probably seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?" *THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka. Fact. (<-- Said in the voice of Dwight from The Office) A Squad is a collective whose parts make a whole, complicated, dimensional, and beautiful. Raise yo' hand if you've ever been steamrolled by that nasty little two-headed shit-monster, JUDGEMENT. *wipes sweat from your brow* *prepares you to go back in the ring* Yea us too. All of the sudden all the amazing parts that make you whole are dissected and judged leaving a big gaping whole in your soul. But the thing is you aren’t parts. You are a totally BETTIE. The whole package. A real fucking human being. And we need you. Because although we are occasionally outspoken and often brave, sometimes we need the stiff hand of a righteous Bettie to pull us through our self-sabotaging shit. *Quietly raises hand* We are perfectly flawed and have created this community for our friends, acquaintances and companions. For love, because always for love. This is a place for women to discuss, and find support, re body positivity and female empowerment. Please feel free to share resources, get support, post something you’ve found inspirational, or just chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.

SquadBettie stands for Fempowerment, true acceptance, and building a supportive community. A true Bettie builds women up instead of bringing them down.

Better Body Image Conference 2019

Video by EmpowerHER Productions

If you were not at Saturday’s Better Body Image (BBI) Conference, you missed an amazing and empowering event!

The morning started off with breakfast burritos (YUM) and an inclusive photo booth, courtesy of yours truly, MOD BETTIE.  (Check out the photo booth photos below!)

FIND YOUR INNER POWER!

Keynote speaker, social justice activist Dianne Bondy, is an author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All movement. Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. Dianne is revolutionizing yoga by educating yoga instructors around the world on how to make their classes welcoming and safe for all kinds of participants. You could feel the energy in the room as she spoke. Her Q&A raised important issues like how can you be perfect just the way you are, but still reach for improvement.

Mama Cheryl is ALWAYS there to support, inspire and tell us like it is!

Then there were the fantastic workshops that included: How to Talk with Your Children about Body Image, with Gail Hall of MIEDA, sponsored by Lisa Lehmann Designs. Making Space for Embodied Self-Compassion with Rachael Koeson, Making Space Hakomi. How to Be a Body Acceptance Ambassador in Our Society, sponsored by Michelle Krick Style, and last but not least, A Conversation about Disability with Elliot Keyes and Cassaundra Wolf. There were so many amazing speakers I wish I could have attended all of them!

The LGBTQ+ Panel Talk on Body Image featured some of our very own Bettie’s, Jackie Green and Star Buxom. The discussion touched on how body image is inclusive to every person in every body. BBI put together a panel of local experts within the LGBTQ+ community to promote awareness, acceptance, and understanding. It was very eye opening about the difficulties that binary, transgendered, LGB, and inner-sexed folx experience in everyday life.

Fat, Black & Gifted: An Intimate Conversation with Latesha Lipscomb was a candid conversation that took a deep dive into ethnicity, beauty, confidence, self-love and the social-cultural constructs that threaten how women of color view themselves in a predominantly Westernized civilization.

The conference wrapped up with move and groove yoga presented by a BBI board member, Emily Martin of Any Body Yoga. Attendees had a surprise treat with music from Lady Ace Boogie, singing her hit song, You’re Magic. The conference broke out in a dance party!

Interested in learning more or becoming a part of BBI? Check out their FB and website!

All of these awesome photos were taken by Autumn Johnson from The People Picture Co.

Photo-booth high-jinks!

Are you Saving the Date?

Here is a list of our upcoming events so you can plan ahead. See you in 2019!

Mod Bettie has some amazing events lined up!

Mod Bettie is so excited to be a part of IRISH I was a Queen: World's Largest Drag Brunch on 3/17/19! We will be hosting an amazing photo booth! Wear green & get festive and start your St. Patrick's Day celebrations like a QUEEN! Get ready to shake your shamrocks with dueling DJs, delicious food & drinks, fabulous queens and lots of surprises!

Getting married? Join Mod Bettie and Naughty Bettie Saturday 3/23/19 for a Modern Wedding Pop up!

If you are still on that vintage high, we will be hosting our 1st Pinup Class! Just starting out in pinup? Looking for new tips, tricks or ideas? Want to be a part of a positive community? We will have workshops and vintage vendors!

Then join us for our Mod Bettie Pinup Contest! We have a bunch of gorgeous pinups competing for the title of Miss Bettie!

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Join Squad Bettie!

An exclusive online community for women supporting women.

Vodka welcome. Vulnerability encouraged. You've probably seen posts, read the comments and heard statements like, "Selfies are so vain," "Why does she take so many pictures of herself?" "Who does she think she is?" *THIS IS WHERE WE WAVE A GIANT RED FLAG IN THE AIR AND SAY, UH-UH, SISTER. NOT HAPPENING ON MY WATCH.* In a society that puts a camera in every hand but is quick to shame the selfie, our mission is to empower women by creating a safe and supportive environment for female self-expression. So help me vodka. Fact. (<-- Said in the voice of Dwight from The Office) A Squad is a collective whose parts make a whole, complicated, dimensional, and beautiful. Raise yo' hand if you've ever been steamrolled by that nasty little two-headed shit-monster, JUDGEMENT. *wipes sweat from your brow* *prepares you to go back in the ring* Yea us too. All of the sudden all the amazing parts that make you whole are dissected and judged leaving a big gaping whole in your soul. But the thing is you aren’t parts. You are a totally BETTIE. The whole package. A real fucking human being. And we need you. Because although we are occasionally outspoken and often brave, sometimes we need the stiff hand of a righteous Bettie to pull us through our self-sabotaging shit. *Quietly raises hand* We are perfectly flawed and have created this community for our friends, acquaintances and companions. For love, because always for love. This is a place for women to discuss, and find support, re body positivity and female empowerment. Please feel free to share resources, get support, post something you’ve found inspirational, or just chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.

SquadBettie stands for Fempowerment, true acceptance, and building a supportive community. A true Bettie builds women up instead of bringing them down.

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