I have been given an incredible opportunity recently, I was chosen as one of the twelve contestants for the Miss Autorama pinup contest this year! Something that is huge milestone for me. It sounds silly but growing up I always wanted to be a model, I watched America’s Next Top Model religiously, I practiced making faces in the mirror, every step I took was working towards the perfect runway walk. Except, for someone who is 5’1” and 150 pounds, that dream was crushed. I could never be a runway model because I don’t fit that mold. It was still something I dreamt of.
In middle school, my world was turned upside down. My best friend stopped talking to me and started teasing me, then all of her friends started teasing. The teasing quickly became mocking, the mocking soon created nasty rumors and the rumors made even more people bully me. Soon I had to leave classes early just to avoid being knocked over. They called me ugly, they called me fat, they called me stupid, they called me everything. Sure I looked different but that should never have made me a target for hate.
My mom and dad were very concerned for my safety and well being, I had mentioned a school that welcomed misfits, the weirdos, the damaged kids. I was given a clean slate and they let me attend East Hollywood High School, I didn’t want to be recognized by anyone I had ever known in the past, I wanted to change who I was. |
I was looking for a new hairstyle when I opened up a book about the Playboy Mansion. The first page I opened had Bettie Page on it, and that was it. I cut and dyed my hair and I’ve looked this way ever since.
Because of this dramatic change of style, my eyes were opened to whole new world of modeling, that accepts every body type, with dazzling jewelry and unique clothes. Fast forward, to a very confident person. Someone who follows her dreams and ambitions. A year ago I never would’ve imagined knowing all these wonderful people who love car shows as much as I do or have the same taste in music as me. We’re a special community, supportive and fun. I’ve made so many friends in the last year, I’ve been in many pinup contests and I was even runner up for one of them. I’ve been able to follow my dream of becoming a model, and I’ve started my own Pinup Group, the Beehive Betties helping to empower women in our community.