We are family!

It’s a rare day when my mom has all 5 of her babies in one room let alone gets a decent photo out of it! Five adult children, spread all over Michigan, our main form of communication is group text. (And let me just tell you what a shitshow that is!)

But, I digress…

View fullsize

Legacy,

never looked so good.

For Mother’s Day this year my siblings and I pooled our pennies and bought ma a proper family session at Mod B!  An entire day of pampering for the girls.  Like a tornado, our clan took over the studio.  Dresses were flying and giggles, (more like curse words) all around as Emily Frew took extra care to make my mama look and feel exquisite. 

Now, in the spirit of the FRIENDS series, only our most fav family television show growing up, I will introduce you to each of them:

I’m Elise, AKA “Leesie-bug,” 35 and the one with all the ambition.

Then there’s Leigh Ann, “Big Red,” 33 and the one who would cut you.

Nicholas, “Uncle Nick” 24, the one with all the jokes.

Alexandra, “Ali” 20, the one with all the brains.

Megan, “Meg” 20, the one with all the attitude.

There are many things that Covid has taken away from us, but the one thing it has given me is the reminder to cherish and be present in  the moments we have together.  To make sure and capture every magical moment.  Our fam sesh was taken by the amazing Meg Stephania.

Take a little peek behind the scenes at all the fun!

An experience creating memories and stories worth telling!

In light of a year unlike any other, we’re offering Family Holiday Card Sessions to match!

Update your family portraits and send warm wishes to those you love and miss this year. Saturday, November 14th and only 10 spots available.

Follow us on IG!

How to choose the right contraceptive for you?

Happy gynecological awareness month! As it gets cold outside, your arms aren’t the only thing you should wrap up.

Contraceptive options have definitely changed over the years. We have come a long way since the 1960s when the first oral birth control and IUD were FDA approved for use by married women only. It wasn’t until 1972 that the Supreme Court legalized birth control for all citizens, regardless of marital status. Now we have access to many different forms of contraceptive care.  It can be confusing to navigate or even know what all your options are! When discussing the use and effectiveness of birth control, we focusing on sexual activities involving consenting individuals. So here we go, we’ll lay out your options for you!

One popular option is the oral birth control pill. The pill is 91% effective against preventing pregnancy based on typical use patterns. What does typical use mean? It means the variations in time that most people take their pill - maybe you’re 5 minutes late, take it within a 2 hour window, forget a whole day, take 2 the next day, etc. There are many different options for birth control pills based on your varying hormonal needs. The birth control pill is most effective at preventing pregnancy if it is taken at the same time every day. It may also help prevent acne, cysts on your breasts and ovaries, endometrial and ovarian cancers, iron deficiency, PMS, and other severe period symptoms. Another option is the birth control patch. The patch is also 91% effective against preventing pregnancy. It is worn on the upper arm, belly, buttock, or back. Easier to remember than taking the pill, the patch is replaced every three weeks. Although it is likely OrthoEvra the patch has a slightly higher risk of blood clots and stroke than the pill.

Another longer term option is the birth control ring. Similar in hormone concentration to the patch and pill, the ring is also 91% effective against preventing pregnancy. The ring is inserted inside your vagina and remains there for the cycle month. Alternatively, the Depo Provera shot is administered intramuscularly by a doctor, nurse, or MA once every three months or about four times a year. It is 94% effective against preventing pregnancy.

At >99% effective, both Nexplanon and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are some of the most effective, non-surgical forms of birth control. Nexplanon is a matchstick sized flexible rod that is placed just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm by a medical professional. It lasts up to five years. About 11% of people experience irregular bleeding for the first six months to 1 year of the device’s implantation. IUDs are small T shaped devices that are placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. They are also inserted by a medical professional. There are different varieties of IUDs including both hormonal and nonhormonal. They last anywhere from 3-10 years depending on the kind of IUD.

Two surgical and more permanent forms of birth control are tubal ligation and hysterectomy. Many individuals choose sterilization for medical reasons, or if they are 100% certain that they do not want to have a pregnancy, or do not want to have any more pregnancies. Unlike other forms of birth control, hysterectomies are not reversible. Tubal ligations are also very difficult to reverse or ineffective if reversed and many surgeons will not attempt it.

Other non-hormonal and non-surgical forms of birth control include condoms, abstinence, diaphragms, breastfeeding method and fertility awareness. Condoms are 85% effective against preventing pregnancy and latex or plastic condoms are the only form of birth control that protects against sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Condoms can be, and are often recommended to be combined with other forms of birth control. To maintain effectiveness, you should not use multiple condoms or use an external and internal condom at the same time. The friction can cause breakage. You should also use condoms when engaging in oral or anal sex. Condom use is suggested for all sexual activity, and can and should be used at any stage of life when partners are not monogamous or to prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Abstinence can be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the definition of abstinence is different to each individual. It either means no intercourse or outercourse including anal and oral sex, or it can mean strictly no intercourse. One can decide to be abstinent at any stage of life for any reason. The breastfeeding, fertility awareness or natural family planning methods are the least effective forms of birth control. These methods rely on daily activities like checking cervical mucus, tracking menstruation, and the temperature method. This method supports learning about your cycle and knowing your body, but it is only as effective as the individuals dedication to the method and small variations in temperature are often difficult to read.  The above mentioned methods of other birth control options are not as reliable as the hormonal options.  It is important to note that if you are using birth control for the sole purpose of protecting against pregnancy, consider the more reliable options over the lifestyle choices.  If you are wanting to protect against STI’s, always use condoms, even if you are already on a reliable birth control. 

Originally Posted on West Michigan Woman Magazine

Written by: Community Outreach Coordinator/ Studio Manager Nicholette Driggs She/Her

Nicholette is a Certified Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU. She is currently attending GVSU working on a Master’s in Social Work. Nicholette’s driven by empowering women, sex positivity and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/trixievonhopps

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anticsofafatshionista

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.

What an Honor to be an Athena!

Every year at the ATHENA Awards Celebration, the Grand Rapids Chamber gathers to “CELEBRATE those who embody, encourage and promote the inclusion of women. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding leader who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.” (Grand Rapids Chamber website)

The Athena Awards were created 38 years ago to showcase the leadership and strength of women in the workforce.

So let me tell you, we were blow away when Elise was named a finalist! Not because she’s not freaking amazing (because obviously), but because it’s a HUGE honor to be sitting at the table with all of the other amazing women who are finalists.

Athena is the goddess of wisdom and war, handicrafts and peace. She is a warrior goddess.

The epitome of classy, sassy and bad-assy.

“The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient: is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; Serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally; Is 40 years old or younger as of September 2020, and has a minimum of five (5) years professional experience; Provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community.” (Grand Rapids Chamber website)

Lets Talk Lube

Before we get down to business, I want to make one thing clear: 

LUBE IS FOR EVERYONE.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with using lubricants.  There is nothing wrong with you or your body. 

The vagina, during stimulation and arousal, will sometimes produce its own lubrication. However, there are many things that impact that natural production of vaginal lubricant. When this occurs, lubricants can be a wonderful tool to enhance both partnered and solo sexual activities. Lubricants are also very important for anal play. 

Imagine you’re in your backyard in the summertime.  The sprinkler is going and you are preparing to lunge down the Slip and Slide.  As your body hits the slide, you move down it slowly, stopping before the end with a bit of slide burn on your stomach.   Now imagine, you have added a little dish soap to the mix.  As you rush down the slide you are moving so fast, you are launched into the neighbor’s yard!  Less friction, more fun.  That's what lubricants can do for you! I would advise against launching yourself into the neighbor’s yard, they might not find it as enjoyable. 

 With so many options to choose from, choosing the right lubricant for you can be difficult.   Types of lubricants are broken down into 3 different categories:

1. WATER BASED- All purpose lubricant, can be used with all condoms and all types of  toys.  Easy clean, however can dry out quickly and require frequent application. Can be reactivated with a couple drops of water.  

2. SILICONE BASED-More slippery than water based lubricants, lasts longer. This type is slightly more expensive, but less is needed with each encounter so it lasts longer. It can also harder to clean as it does not break down easily in water.  Should not be used with silicone toys, is safe for condoms. 

3. OIL BASED- Oils can breakdown latex and polyisoprene condoms.  It can also leave a coating in the vaginal or rectum that traps bacteria and may lead to infections. Works best in water and is a good natural alternative for individuals who are sensitive to the ingredients in water and silicone based lubricants. May also be easier to come by for some since many have oils such as coconut oil in their homes already. Some oil based lubes are nut oil based, it's important to check ingredients if you have an allergy or sensitivity.  

Many lubricants also include ingredients that may cause irritation.  Some ingredients to look out for include: 

• Chlorhexidine- Bactericidal preservative. Found to significantly reduce Lactobacilli, the protective batercial in women’s vaginas.  

• Nonoxynol-9- Spermicide that has been found to increase transmission of HIV and a known irritant 

• Glycerin- A sugar alcohol used as a preservative found in many lubricants, may be related to cell toxicity. Also potentially linked to yeast infections.

• Propylene glycol- Slightly sweet tasting preservative found in many lubricants, may be related to cell toxicity.  

• Parabens- A weak estrogen, no studies have shown strong link with cancer, but may be concerning to some women.  May cause irritation.  

• Petroleum- Breaks down latex condoms. May be linked to bacterial infections.  

• EDTA- Preservative found to disrupt tissue membrane.  

• Menthol- Alcohol used to create “tingling sensation” 

• Capsaicin- Oil of hot peppers, used to “increase arousal” 

• L-Arginine- Could induce Herpes outbreak

• Herbal extracts- Can be an irritant to some women 

• Almond oil- nut allergy warning

Naughty Bettie carries CBD infused oil based lubricant High On Love

There is a difference between vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.   Vaginal moisturisers are used to provide long-lasting relief and comfort for women experiencing daily vaginal dryness.  Dryness can be caused by vaginal atrophy, a thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls.  This can be caused by hormone fluctuations as a result of the natural aging process, menopause, cancer, and pregnancy/childbirth, and breastfeeding.  Lubricants are used for shorter periods of time to enhance sexual experiences.  Synthetic lubes such as Uberlube, are also great for other types of chafing, like thigh rub. So it can also enhance your summer walking/running experience too!  

Now that you are empowered with all of this new lube knowledge, go grease up your slip and slide!

Written by: Nicholette Driggs, Bettie Extraordinaire

Nicholette is a Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU, Nicholette’s driven by empowering women and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is also a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anticsofafatshionista

PRIDE was a riot

Marsha P. Johnson was a black trans woman and an activist in the 60’s and 70’s. She was one of the founding members of Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries or STAR; a refuge for homeless queer youth and sex workers. Providing food and shelter for the people in New York when they were at a vulnerable point in their lives. She was known at the time as the “mayor of Christopher Street”, since she had worked so hard at making the area a welcoming place for anyone to reside or visit.

Marsha was one of the first to go into the Stonewall Inn, known as a bar for gay men only, as a drag queen. At a time when being gay was seen as a mental illness and were frequently beaten by the police. On June 28, 1969, when Marsha was 23, the police raided the Stonewall Inn. The police forced over 200 people into the streets using excessive force.  She resisted arrest and that night jump-started a series of protests and riots to fight for gay rights. About a month after the riots and protests, there was a ground-breaking march, the first openly gay march took place.

In 1974, the Equality Act was written to amend the Civil Rights Act to make it illegal to discriminate against someone due to their sex. When this was written, people didn’t think to include the LGBTQA+ community.  A sad but true fact, this community of glorious people have been fired for no reason, denied medical care, denied housing and medical insurance, and even discharged from fighting for our great nation. 

On June 15th, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled six to three, that the existing federal law forbids job discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status. Until then, people could be fired from their job exclusively because of their sexual preference. With this ruling coming down during Pride month, what better way to celebrate than to be proud of who you are and still hold that nine to five. I cry tears of joy knowing that my friends and the rest of the LGBTQA+ community will now be able to work with less worry of being fired. We are finally moving one step in the right direction. 

However, Michigan is an “at-will” state, employers are still allowed to fire employees at any time for any reason. There are some limitations to this, but it is something that we need to continue to fight for to abolish to protect everyone!

Afterall, they aren’t special rights, they are human rights.

If not for Marsha and her bravery to continue fighting for what she believed in, we wouldn’t have Pride Month, there would be no Pride celebration, and the LGBTQA+ community would continue to have to hide still in fear of getting beaten by police and outcast by the rest of society. 

Today, we celebrate Marsha.

Unfortunately, she passed away in 1992, so she was unable to see the progress our country has made for the LGBTQA+ community. But I know if she was here, she would be in the streets leading protests for the #BlackLivesMatter movement and celebrating the Supreme Court ruling on June 15th.

Video by Mod B Intern Rachel Busch

Photos by Elise Kutt at Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique
Produced by: Beauty Beyond Drag Learn more

Red- Verona Sapphire

Orange- Ginger Ambrosia

Yellow- Star Buxom

Green- Alexa Vogel

Blue- Scarlett Rose Millionaire

Indigo- LaReine Devine

Violet- Amira Spade

Trans Pride Flag- Dice Santana

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Written by Mod B Intern: Holly Engel

A marketing student with strengths in digital and traditional messaging to today's most sought after generations and demographics, Holly is currently the Intern for Marketing and Event Planning for us. Completing her Marketing Degree (B.S.) at Ferris State University next year, Holly has served as Vice President of Professional Development for the American Marketing Association at Ferris, a Top 20 Chapter of AMA internationally. She currently leads as Director of Crimson Consultants, the marketing firm of AMA Ferris developing messaging and outreach strategies for growing teams and entrepreneurs across West Michigan. Holly graduated from Rockford High School, is an accomplished equestrian, and volunteers her time and leadership to LGBTQIA+ and Black Lives Matter causes.

The Gift Of Moms

I’m not a mom of human children. It’s not for lack of trying; human babies from my loins were not in the cards for me. All of my babies have fur and can be left unattended with food mountains, which is exactly how I like it. However, Mother’s Day has always been important to me.  It’s a way to remind all of those amazing motherly figures in your life how important they are. One year my youngest brother forgot Mother’s Day. My mom has never gotten over it.

I am lucky to have been raised by two amazing women, my mom and my maternal grandma. My mom is one of the most supportive and loving women I know.  She has been a non-stop cheerleader for every crazy idea I have had and she opens her heart and home to any stray, human or animal, who needs help. My grandma is a force of nature. She single-handedly crochets hundreds of hats, mittens, and slippers for the Santa Claus Girls every year. She is extremely capable and always has an opinion.  You may have had the good fortune of meeting these two fierce women when attending a #squadbettie event, but only the daytime ones--grandma doesn’t drive at night. You can tell who they are by picturing me at 55 and 75.

My mom and grandma are what I call “chronic hide behinders”.  Anytime a photo is taken, they rush to position themselves to be as covered up as possible, if they allow photos to be taken of them at all. Family photos between 1994 and now are scarce.  The exceptions are the one, K-mart photoshoot my siblings and I did with grandma in the late 90s and my wedding in 2010. My siblings and I have been trying to remedy this. We have been enforcing the “forced family Christmas photo” every year. The lack of photos of my mom and grandma were never more apparent than the year my grandpa passed. As we pulled out albums to build the memory boards, we struggled to find photos--photos of my mom and her dad, my grandma and her husband, and our whole family together.  Rummaging through 50+ years of photos I noticed that there weren’t really any photos of my mom and grandma together. When my grandparents were first married, they couldn’t afford to pick up the photos after they were developed. Decades of photos have been lost to time.

Last year my youngest brother, you know, the one who forgot Mother’s Day, gifted my mom and grandma a Mod Bettie photo experience. They had no idea what they were in for.  Neither did Elise. HA! The wardrobe consultation was one of the cutest things I have ever seen. My grandma fell in love with a gold-sequined dress that she refused to take off for hair and makeup, so she wore her shirt over it.  My mom was just lovely in red sequins. It was hard not to tear up as Izzy did their makeup. My mom and grandma are beautiful without makeup, but they were show-stopping that day. (It's good to know I’m going to age really well!) They had so much fun spending the day together and I even jumped in for a few photos.

Having the ability to give them not only an experience, but photos they felt beautiful in, was so important. Your children, grandchildren, partner, siblings, mother, grandmother, friends and family see you in a way you never see yourself.  They see the twinkle in your eye when your (grand)children smile at you. They see the joy in your face when you gush about something you’re passionate about. They see the love you exude when you look at them. 

YOU deserve to exist in photos.  And I don’t mean when you lose 15lbs.  Now. Don’t waste time hiding behind someone else.  Your loved ones want to see you--not your head floating behind Aunt Amy.  We have two amazing Mother’s Day opportunities…start (or continue!) existing.

So this year I challenge you to #EXISTINPHOTOS.

Looking to spend some time with your special gal(s) this Mother’s Day?

(Or choose a session all about YOU!)

---

Written by: Nicholette Driggs, Bettie Extraordinaire

Nicholette is a Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU, Nicholette’s driven by empowering women and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is also a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

Reflections on Love

As February winds down, I find myself reflecting on love.  The Greeks recognized 8 types of love. We celebrate many of them with valentines.  Ludus is that feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Eros is the feeling of romantic and erotic love, the excitement at the beginning of a new relationship and the passion it turns into. I adore hearing how partners came together, the look in their faces as they explain how they met and fell in love.  Then there’s Phileo and Philia, the love for our friends, co-workers, neighbors, the amazing people we spend Galentine’s/Palentine’s with. We spend an entire month sending our love to so many people!

However, there’s another type of love that we often overlook, Philautia, the love we give to ourselves.  Self-love is a lifelong journey. At the beginning of the month I had an intimate conversation about all things body-positivity and self-love as part of the “I can” speaking series hosted by Flirt Fitness. I talked about how we live in a world that has unrealistic expectations. We are expected to be everything, do everything, and look a certain way.  We hold ourselves to these standards and compare ourselves to others’ cultivated social media lives. Every single person is exquisite in their own way. Honestly, it’s time we take that power back and honor how amazing we are. We need to find that place where we can love ourselves. 

It isn’t only our bodies that need love and acceptance.  Mod Bettie recently hosted Women Who’s February event, Women Who Love.  Five amazing folx took the stage to celebrate the diversity of love and acceptance.  They shared their journeys in the hopes of encouraging others to live their lives authentically.  After standing up and sharing some of my own truths, Leslie Boker from the Gr Pride Center said, “I see you, you are valid.”  These are words we all need to hear, no matter our gender identity, our sexual orientation, our ethnicity, our age, our body type, our abilities, or the many other facets that make up the glorious, beautiful humans we are.

We worry how others will see us and sometimes that manifests into us being something or someone we are not, trying to fit ourselves in the societally acceptable box. We hide or hate the things that make us different. For the longest time we were told: “If you can’t love yourself, you can’t love someone else.” Lizzo has another take on it: “ If you can love me, you can love yourself.”  So, as we express all the other types of love, we can start the journey to loving ourselves. 

Written by: Nicholette Driggs, Bettie Extraordinaire

Nicholette is a Family Life Educator with a background in early childhood and family studies from WMU, Nicholette’s driven by empowering women and body positivity.  Her personal journey began with Mod B in 2015 when she answered a model call and was thrust directly into the path of becoming a pin-up model.  She has been published internationally, placed in numerous pin-up contests and currently models for various clothing companies and fashion shows.  Nicholette is also a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She has also an educator and public speaker.

Her love for modern pin-up and vintage style is for its ability to embrace women of all ages, sizes, abilities, ethnicities and styles. Nicholette wants to help encourage all women to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are. 

Email her at events@modbettie.com

About the presenters:

💟 Anastasia Rysztak
Senior IT Consultant , World Wide Technology

I am Anastasia, you can call me Stacia. I am a movie maven and love to be adventurous with food. Call me a foodie and it’s a date.

I’m a divorced mom of 5 wonderful and unique children. I’ve been in the IT field for over 20 years, spending most of that time as consultant to many Fortune 500 businesses. I love writing, slam poetry, and helping people. I’m a transgender woman that began Hormone Restoration Therapy in April 2019. I came out fully in September or 2019. My pronouns are she/her.

My journey as a woman is different than most. I spent decades acting as a cis male. As I’ve gone through my transition, I’ve found my passion for lifting up my community. I love helping others understand what being transgender means and being an advocate for my community. I’m passionate about our history and our human rights. I want to use my privilege to protect and empower younger and less fortunate transgender people and raise their voices up.

Connect with Anastasia online at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-rysztak-a0a98918/
https://www.facebook.com/anastasia.eligia

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💟 Aubs Thompson, LLMSW

Aubs was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. She got her Bachelors of Social Work from Calvin University and her Masters of Social Work from Western Michigan University. While she has had the opportunity to work with a range of populations, her passion is working with individuals experiencing interpersonal violence as well as working with and supporting LGBTQ individuals. In her free time she loves to go camping, hiking, playing games and watching Netflix with her partner and their 3 cats.

════════
💟 Bux Dhyne
MFA Candidate at Kendall College of Art and Design, Performer, Painting Instructor and Public Speaker.

Bux Dhyne has a BFA in Illustration from KCAD, is a mom of three and has 7 years experience in the comic book industry. They are a costume designer, a performer and a local queer advocate. They identify as non-binary and use they/them or she/her pronouns and is currently pursuing a M.F.A in Painting at KCAD. Bux has a passion for teaching and helping people of all ages and identities to connect with their artistic side. They speak at community panels and as a professional artist to help the community to have a greater understanding of LGBTQAI+ issues and acceptance amongst the wide breadth of identities and lifestyles that exist in our amazing colorful and unique world.

Connect with Bux online at:
BlackLaceCupcakes.com
PaintwithBux.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklacecupcakes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarBuxom/

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💟 Elektra

Elektra, known as the Wicked Witch of the Midwest, has been a national performer for over a decade, and her power is just getting stronger. Known for her sharp fashion sense, and sharper tongue, no one is safe from verbal whiplash. Her quick witted humor makes for a powerhouse emcee, which can be seen all over the West Michigan area, and beyond. When she’s not hosting Michigan’s traveling drag brunches she has been seen on stages, in magazines, on runways, and even in a movie or two. Witch betta WERK!

Connect with Elektra online at:
Instagram: @Dia.Elektra
www.midragbrunch.com

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💟 Leslie Boker

Grand Rapids Pride Center, Cherry Health AmeriCorps Proud to be Healthy Coordinator
Leslie Boker is a trans and non-binary educator and advocate from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They serve with Cherry Health AmeriCorps as the Proud To Be Healthy Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Pride Center, and as a member of GRPC's Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Advisory Committee. (They/Them Pronouns)

Connect with Leslie online at:
www.grpride.org

Interested in hosting your event at Mod Bettie? Contact Christine at Christine@modbettie.com for more information.

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