Rock Your Curves on Curve St: a Naughty Bettie Pride Extravaganza
Ice sculpture created and donated by Ice Guru
What’s Pride without a rainbow (or a tornado watch)?
We were not going to let the weather wash out our day! Friday morning it was all hands on deck as we moved from an outdoor block party to a complete takeover of the first floor of 1111 Godfrey North. A very special thank you to Urban Edge Management, LLC for allowing us to move Rock Your Curves inside last minute. Beth Harkin and the maintenance teams have always taken such good care of us since Mod B’s humble beginnings on the 4th floor. With a lot of help and tenacity, we were ready Saturday morning, rain or shine! Our hearts, studio, and hallways were full, which is just the way we like it.
The energy in the studio was electric as the Beauty Beyond Drag performers took the stage! Hosted by the vivacious Tequila Sanchez and sensational Fernando Fierce-Sanchez. With performances by La Reine Divine, Scarlett Rose, Vanity Blake, B.R.I.T., and Amira Spade.
It was a one of a kind of experience that gives us some FOMO for missing even a second of it! Fernando wowed the crowd by flipping off the stage, while Amira surprised us with splits, kicks, and shablams! Swords twirling, Vanity kept it dangerous and sexy without breaking a sweat. Scarlett Rose spread her rainbow butterfly wings and inspired us all to love ourselves, break free of our cocoons, and take flight in the freedom and confidence of being true to one’s self. When all was said and done, many $1’s, laughs, smiles, and dancing was had.
A huge thank you to Valerie, Kaleigh, and Gina for sign-interpreting to make our show more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone!
Our, All Bodies Are Good Bodies, Naughty Bettie Lingerie Fashion Show proved that lingerie is for everyone and every body, no matter your size, age, gender, gender expression, sex, or ability. We debuted our newest vendor, CantiqLA , a handcrafted, small-batch female-owned lingerie designer out of LA. Cantiq’s mission aligns perfectly with ours: that lingerie shouldn't be constricted to mainstream beauty standards or restrictive gender norms. Cantiq believes in creating lingerie for all, regardless of body type or gender identity. This inclusive fashion show demonstrated that everyone can rock their curves and celebrate their own version of sexy. No apologies, no exceptions, all confidence!
As I walked out in my jacquard silk Kilo Brava slip (in a 3x) with no bra and a pair of wings, I wasn’t walking out for just myself. I was walking out for anyone who has felt underrepresented or completely left out of lingerie or fashion. For those who haven’t seen someone that looks like them on the runway, my wings were for them.
Special thank you to Alyssa Knapp of ChromaTrade Makeup Artistry and Skin Therapy and Emily Frew, Cameron Sterling & Nicholas Proctor of The Pretty Committee for making our models shine even brighter!
POP IT. DROP IT. SHAKE IT.
What’s an amazing way to end an amazing day? With a booty-shaking dance performance and class with the talented hotties of Hotties in Heels GR. These B’s lit the place on fire and their light and confidence was infectious! Hotties in Heels is an inclusive dance class for womxn 18 and up on a mission to embrace their bodies and sexuality through dance.
We wouldn't have been able to host this event without the support from our amazing sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy
Gold Sponsors:
ChromaTrade - Makeup Artistry and Skin Therapy
Rose Sponsors:
Kelly Duke
Kristi Holm Family
Bronze Sponsor:
Courtney Meyers
A special thank you to all our vendors who braved the weather and “lake Dock 1” that formed behind the building!
Maid Marian’s Closet
Advanced Counseling And Therapy Services
I Support the Girls - Grand Rapids, MI-
Kelly's Crafts
Mothers and Sisters Emergency Fund
Grey Witch
Travelmation LLC- Sara Bonzheim, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Beauty Beyond Drag Productions
Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy
A very special thank you to Urban Edge Management, LLC for allowing us to move Rock Your Curves inside last minute. If you are interested in being our neighbors, contact Urban Edge Management: 1015 Godfrey Ave SW Suite 2A Grand Rapids MI 49503, (616) 243-9000
Written by: Community Outreach Coordinator/ Naughty Bettie Store Manager Nicholette Driggs CFLE 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 both as a model and a writer and has modeled for various clothing companies and fashion shows. Nicholette is a performer, slingin’ glitter and singing pretty! She is also an educator and public speaker.
Nicholette wants to help encourage all people to love and embrace themselves, exactly as they are.
Email her atNaughtybettiegr@gmail.com or loveyourbody@naughtybettie.conm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/anticsofafatshionista