Pinup culture has helped our September Pinup of the Month, Bella Bon Voyage from Germany, find confidence and faith in herself again. We're so glad she has, because the massage she is sharing is one many of us can identify with.
Congratulations again Bella, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
How did you choose your Pinup name?
Thanks to a dear friend pushing me to believe in myself while living with depression, Bella was born! Bella Bon Voyage pays homage to my life. I served in the Air Force for 8 years and am now married to a wonderful military man, so goodbyes, bon voyages, and see ya laters are a large part of my life. And although they are bittersweet, each goodbye is beautiful, as it can also mean hello to new beginnings.
Why do you love pinup?
For years, I mean years, I suffered with low self-confidence. I am a mother of four children, and those pregnancies were hard fought battles to bring my babies into this world. My body is curvaceous and not suited to jeans at all. But slipping into a wiggle or swing dress? Instant confidence booster. Not only that, but my routine has become my way of giving back to myself. I cannot pour from an empty cup!
Would you like to share your favourite beauty tip?
My most near and dear beauty tip is to make sure you set aside time for yourself. Be it a bath, setting your hair, or reading a favorite novel; do something for yourself. Women, we give so much of ourselves so we must find ways to fill our cups so we can continue to give.
What’s your favourite aspect of the Pinup and Rockabilly subculture?
Pinup and Rockabilly is amazing, as it is truly for all. I have found such love within the community, that it really has made it a second family for me. Especially the lovely ladies in the Retro Mummies and Pregnant Pinups group. Those women…they will be the first to fight for you, or say a kind word, or even offer the advice you sorely need. I adore them so very much.
When did you know that pinup was the right thing for you?
This year was one of the hardest of my life. In August of 2016, we found out we were pregnant with our son while an IUD was still implanted. We were told that our baby maybe a 5-10% chance of survival…which left us feeling like we should be grieving rather than celebrating this wonderful new life. Each week and bathroom trip was agony, I was sure that I would see the tell-tale signs that I was once again losing the life inside of me. But he made it, our strong little boy was born in March! But unfortunately for me, post-partum depression hit me like a lightning bolt. I couldn’t produce milk, sleep, or function. A favorite of mine, but not an everyday thing, pinup was a way to try and fill my cup so I could somehow get through this depression. Then I realized how good it made me feel. Setting my hair and doing my makeup made me love the face that gazed back from the mirror. Pinup has helped to heal me from my depression in ways I never thought possible.
What advice would you like to give to new pinups?
Do it! Don’t overthink it. Just throw on some red lippy, slip on a wiggle, and just put all of yourself out there. Besides, you will feel fabulous, which is what it is all about!
Favourite business shoutout!
I adore Lady V London. They are the perfect one stop shop for a Mom! The Lyra is good for those days where you need a little more “comfy”, and their Elsie is just perfect for when I want to feel a little more “bombshell”! Five stars from this Pinup for sure!
Images: Wide Aperture Photography
Dress: Lady V London
Hair Flower: Shazam! Pinup Hair Flowers
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