Positively PinUp Interviews: Featuring Miss Kate Wolf

Our Featured Pinup! 

PinUp Name: Kate Wolfe

Age: 30

Location: Nashville, TN

Occupation: Pediatric Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (WOCN) at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital

How long you've been a Pinup: Nearly a year

What's your heritage/culture: White mutt, mostly British Isles

 Pinup Group: The Luscious Ladies, Nashville Chapter

Positively PinUp Interviews sits down with the beautiful and fun Miss Kate Wolfe. A multi published pinup from Nashville who is finding the love and support of her pinup sisters a big help through the ups and downs life has thrown her way. She is a part of the Nashville Chapter of a group of pinups who go by the name "Luscious Ladies" who can be found in just about every state in the US. They pride themselves on their sisterhood mentality as they share their love of the vintage lifestyle with both one another as well as anyone who crosses their paths. Miss Wolfe was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease which has led to her having an ileostomy bag as a new accessory. Crohn's Disease effects about 780,000 people and can bring a number of challenges into your life. Kate has come to face many new feelings and emotions with her diagnosis that has taken her on a journey of self love like no other. I knew this beauty had so much to share about her life that could help inspire others out there both dealing with the same diagnosis as well as anyone learning to juggle new unexpected hurtles in their journey of self love and acceptance. Here is what she had to share with us... 

The Interview...

PPI: As the founder of the positive pinups movement I would like to just say welcome and thank you so very much for spending time with us today and sharing your story. Let's just jump right into it! What is your first memory of PinUp?

KW: "My first memory of classic pinup was likely seeing old photos of my grandmother. I loved seeing how glamorous she looked!"

PPI: Same for me! My grandma was definitely the person who instilled the love of retro in my soul. How long did it take you to embrace your love of pinup and was it scary to finally take the plunge?

KW: "I've always loved classic fashion and clothing styles, but growing up as a tomboy, never really had any of those clothes myself. Before I was a part of the scene, I figured the only way to get those clothes was thrift stores or making them yourself (oh, how wrong I was, and my bank account will never forgive me for discovering otherwise!). Pinup always stayed in the back of my mind, but I didn't take the plunge until I was invited to Pinups at the Zoo and realized I needed something to wear. I found an inexpensive dress on Amazon, and loved how the cut flattered my shape. The rest is history."  

PPI: It sounds like once you wore the style it really made you feel a beautiful as you are and you jumped feet first! I like it! Is there anyone important in your life that didn't support your passion for pinup? 

KW: "There was initially a bit of misunderstanding from some of my friends and family members about what pinup was. Once those people started to see my published photos and understood a bit more, I've had nothing but support." 

PPI: I think a lot of people think they know what its all about and judge it negatively at first, but then they see what modern pinup is all about and how positive of a thing it is for so many women. What positive things has pinup brought into your life since embracing your passion?

KW: " Pinup has brought so much love and joy into my life. I am lucky that I have found an incredible group of sisters in the Luscious Ladies, and their support throughout this journey has been amazing. I couldn't ask for a more supportive group. Pinup has also given me a creative outlet to express my femininity that has been an absolute joy." 

  

Photo by Mark Jensen

PPI: It truly can connect you with so many amazing women around the world that you can personally relate to and that is so encouraging. Many pinups in the scene have been struggling more in finding those types of positive connections and experiences. What type of negative challenges have you faced since getting into pinup and how did you handle overcoming them? 

KW: " Initially finding my personal style was a bit of a challenge, as not all retailers have clothing in larger sizes. There was also not a lot of pinup models with my body shape, so finding an icon to use was hard."
  
PPI: It can be easy finding basic inspiration but its always great to find others that you feel understand and represent you to reflect in.Others who you feel connected to deeper and really seem to help your own personal growth especially when it comes to body image. Modern pinup is known for embracing all body types and is highly active in being a voice that embraces all. Have you ever struggled with body image and self confidence? Has pinup helped you overcome any of those issues? 

KW: "Oh boy. This could be a long one. Bear with me.

Growing up in Southern California, body image issues were as common as sunny days. There seemed to be a certain standard of beauty that I never quite fit into. I tried my best to ignore the nagging feeling that I wasn't "enough" and focused on my education as much as possible. If I couldn't be tiny, blonde, and tan, I could at least be brilliant. After moving to Birmingham for nursing school, the outer pressures seemed to have disappeared. Maybe I was just so focused on succeeding in nursing school that I didn't notice it. Of course, right around the time that I stopped caring about what others thought about my body, my whole life was about to be thrown for a loop. In my third semester of nursing school, after losing 70 pounds in about 2 months, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. For those unfamiliar, it is an autoimmune disorder that primarily attacks the digestive system. In a matter of months, I went from an otherwise healthy 23 year old to fighting for my life in the ICU. My intestines had become so inflamed that one of them burst, causing a massive infection in my belly. I underwent emergency surgery in 2012 to clean up my body and to give my large intestine a bit of a break while we tried some medications to control the rampant inflammation. That was when I woke up with my ileostomy bag. I'm not going to lie, I didn't react positively to my bag at first. I may have cried...a lot. I honestly thought my life was over. Dreams of being a nurse, a mother, hell, even wearing a bikini, seemed to vanish before my eyes. Boy was I wrong! It was then that I met Amy Armstrong, my WOCN and still a wonderful friend. I never knew this specialty existed, and over the next few weeks of learning how to take care of myself and my new attachment, a spark had been lit. 

Photo by Mark Jensen

The next year was exceedingly difficult. Much of my weight loss was muscle, and I had to gain that back. Between the atrophy and fatigue from Crohn's and surgery, even walking around Target was a huge undertaking. My ex-husband, William, was my biggest cheerleader, supplying so much tough love that I hated at the time, but needed more than I knew. He pushed me to gain my strength and be able to return to nursing school. I'm still eternally grateful for that. Being in nursing school, and surrounded by medically minded people, was the best possible scenario. I was never a subject of pity or of cruelty, but of understanding and support. I was able to learn more about my condition through my nursing classes, and this understanding brought a peace to my life. I grew to accept, and even love my bag and scars. As I grew stronger, they were the physical signs of my triumph. At the end of 2013, no medical treatments were successful in treating my Crohn's. I opted for removal of my colon and formation of a permanent ileostomy to help remove the source of inflammation. Once this surgery was done, life got a whole lot better. My Crohn's went into remission, I was able to start living a normal life, and I started preparing to go to WOCN school. I knew that there was nothing else I'd rather do than spend my life helping others who had gone through a similar journey to my own. Seven years in, life with an ostomy bag has become my new normal, but my internal nagging still pops up from time to time. I've been lucky enough to have nothing but positive external support, both from friends and family, and from the ostomate community. But even with all the positive support around me, it's easy to fall into old habits of negative self-talk. Showing my scars and bag was something that I myself found beautiful and inspiring, but I know not everyone feels that way. Trying to avoid worrying about what others think is one of my greatest challenges, and something I still struggle with."

 PPI: It is beyond inspiring the way you are taking on such a difficult challenge that so many will be able to relate to and feel empowered by. You could have allowed it to completely take over your life in a negative way but instead you show how it is a part of who you are and have found a way to balance it into your life. I can imagine dealing with that on top of the normal difficulties in life can almost take it all to a heightened level. As children we struggle with others bullying us for things outside of our control like health issues and adults can be no different. Some say the pinup scene has taken a turn to the mean girls side, have you experienced any girl on girl hate or bullying in the scene? How did it make you feel and how did you get past it?

  
KW: "I have been fortunate to have avoided the negative drama that can sometimes arise in social media and with large communities. I try to remain positive and keep myself surrounded with other positive, drama-free sisters."  

PPI: Smart!! You are a smart woman! That truly is the best way to handle it no matter how difficult that can be sometimes. Embracing your sexuality and owning the confidence in that as a women is huge but can be very challenging for some to express. Pinup was built on the art of the tease and women openly expressing their sexuality. Most modern pinup's have had to defend themselves against some opinions that pinup is comparable to pornography and should be ashamed both as women, as well as mother's to be involved in. Do you think being a pinup helps show women that they are allowed to own and embrace their sexuality without being looked down on in a negative way according to society standards? 

KW: "I think pinup is tremendously valuable in allowing women to explore their own sexuality. There is a lot of misunderstanding of what a pinup is, and that can lead to some of the common misconceptions of viewing pinup as pornography. One of the wonderful things about the community is that there is such a range of what is considered "pinup" that anyone's comfort level can be used. Some of the sexiest pinups I've seen have been fully clothed, styled women who clearly love their bodies and are truly celebrating them. For me, that's the biggest draw of pinup: celebrating each of our incredibly different bodies and the strength of the female spirit."

PPI: I couldn't agree more. Pinup truly embraces what each woman feels sexy as no matter how little or how much skin they decide to show. Its abut what they feel and each woman feels sexy and empowered in different ways and to different levels. Pinup is loved all around the world! And with the reach social media can give us you can interact with so many of them. Who have you met, someone or a group, through pinup that has inspired you? 

KW: "Some of the most incredible women I've met have been my Luscious Ladies sisters. There are so many backgrounds represented, so much strength and support, so much sisterhood. I may be biased, but my Nashville Chapter has some of the strongest women I have ever met."
  
PPI: It really sounds like you have found an amazing group of ladies who truly stand by what being a modern day pinup represents. Looking back at our pinup ancestors, we see so many beautifully different women. Different walks of life, skin colors, religions. Have you ever struggled with any hate or judgement for embracing your love of pinup from others due to your beliefs, sexual choices, or culture? How did you overcome those issues and turn them positive for yourself? 

Photo by Uvudu Imaging

KW: "There is, unfortunately, a group of people who celebrate pinup because they wish life could go back to the way it was in the 1950's. Whether they know it or not, this would require the oppression of women and all those non-white individuals. This hateful point of view raises its ugly head from time to time, from things as small as appropriating other cultures in shoot ideas to using unspeakable language to describe pinups of color. I embrace the views of "vintage styles, not vintage values" and supporting all of my fellow pinups" 
  
PPI: You couldn't be more correct there. I personally faced that mindset when I left my abusive marriage and a woman in the pinup scene attacked me over it being wrong to not stay with and serve your husband, but those mindsets need to stay in the past! Although there are a lot of amazing things to love from the era we admire for amazing style, great music and the most beautiful cars around, there area lot of things that need to stay in the past. Anyone who's embraced the style of a pinup knows they can stop traffic and turn every head they pass. It's a style and essence that gets attention wanted or not. As someone who struggles with anxiety have you ever struggled with social anxiety? So many of us struggle with conditions from medical to mental and the pinup scene is no different, which you can relate to dealing with the complications Crohn's can bring. Do you struggle with anything else like depression or anxiety that has been difficult for you? How do you get through the day and what helps you overcome these things. Has pinup helped at all?

KW: "This has been the single greatest thing my sisters have helped me deal with. I still get a bit anxious with the attention being in full pinup mode gets me, but being with my sisters alleviates so much of that. It's always much easier to be in a group when you appear different than being alone."

Photo By Mark Jensen

PPI: Even after over a decade in the scene I still get extremely nervous when out at shows or when others approach me. Having friends to laugh it off with helps a ton! To most in the world, pinup or vintage style is extremely different. To some even unacceptable. Have you ever felt like you were different and judged by others and did expressing yourself through the vintage pinup style help you find more self acceptance? 

KW: "I will still get asked from time to time why I am wearing a costume when I am dressed up! I've learned to take it in stride, as the positive compliments are much more frequent than the confusion. If someone feels they need to criticize the way I'm dressed when I'm in pinup outfits, I think that says a lot more about them than it does about me."

Photo by Sheyegirl Photography

PPI: That is the best advice for those who are new to the style and get flack for it. It can be a challenge to ignore others opinions but it really is what you need to do! Pinup's come in so many beautiful shapes, colors and sizes! They represent beautiful, strong, confident women from all parts and walks of life. And just like the packages they come in, they all house very different and beautiful souls. Explain who you are in the pinup community. What type of personality you bring, how your friends might describe you. 

KW: "I'm sure there have been a lot of different adjectives used to describe me, but the ones I hear most often are sunny, compassionate, and joyful. There is so much darkness and pain in the world, especially in pediatric medicine, that I've always felt my calling is to spread light wherever I can. I try to lift up my sisters whenever possible, and support them whenever they need it." 

PPI: From someone who has been getting to know a lot about you through this interview, I can honestly say you have brought me a lot of joy in learning about who you really are. You are such a light! If you ask most pinup's about the interactions they have with others in the scene they are usually positive. Have you experienced any pinup sisterhood's or groups and how did their support help you? 

Nashville Luscious Ladies Photo by Mark Jensen

KW: "The Luscious Ladies have been unimaginable in their love and support. They have been incredible in their support of all things pinup and in personal life. I don't think that I would have ever gotten to this point without them."

PPI: I was actually the chapter president for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Luscious Ladies back when they had first started and met some of my best friends through it. They really are a great bunch. In the pinup modeling scene there can be a lot of clawing to the front of the newest Retro Lovely cover. Have you experienced any negative situations in your work or a personality that challenged you more than others? Maybe make you question chasing your dreams or even maybe want to quit? How did you get passed it?

KW: "I've never been a particularly competitive person, and so I haven't felt the same kind of drive to be "the best." I just try to celebrate my body and provide a positive example for other ostomates to love their body. I love seeing the broad range of pinup styles and that it isn't always the same models on the front.

PPI: Its always great to find magazines or brands that celebrate similar things as you and support real originality in the differences each feature can bring rather than cookie cutter examples who all only portray one type. Pinup magazines really bring a beautiful rainbow to the party. The vintage styles pinup's wear can take them years to execute properly and collect as well as some challenging hair styles to create. What advice can you give girls new to the style that are maybe feeling inadequate next to more experience dolls? What encouragement can you give them? 

KW: "Don't be afraid to ask for advice! YouTube videos are amazing for getting the basic idea of how to execute a style, but I don't think anything can compare to having an experienced pinup help modify a technique for your own unique hair/face shape. Don't be afraid to practice either. It can take a lot of trial and error to find the right combination of technique and product to have a style work the way you'd like it to. If all else fails, there are always scarves!"

PPI: It definitely takes a lot of practice and not being too hard on yourself! I think each pinup really develops her own way of achieving her pinup style over time influenced by so many of her pinup sisters. Its a beautiful way it kind of keeps itself going. And you are totally right about scarves! I have hidden my fair share under a bandana or two lol!. What are some of your favorite feeds or channels you follow that inspire you day to day? What influences your work and your soul?

KW: "I love seeing the various feeds of my Luscious Ladies sisters from all over the world. There is such a range of styles represented, and I love to get ideas for other shoots! I also love various gardening feeds, as I am an avid gardener. Especially now in the dead of winter, seeing blooms reminds me that spring will be here...eventually." 

PPI: I follow a lot of Japanese rockabilly feeds for the same inspirations and really enjoy the opportunity of getting to see other people enjoy the same passions of mine thanks to the world wide web especially in regards to the way they execute their wardrobes. Every pinup has that one look or outfit they put on that made them feel amazing! What outfit is that for you? Is it dressy and dolled up or maybe Jeans and a T? Maybe it's all nude! What makes you feel beautiful? Was there ever anything you were self conscious about but now embrace and love?

KW: " I adore my circle skirts and swing dresses, but my hands-down favorite outfit has actually been my most revealing. For a shoot with the wonderful Kallisto of Uvudu Imaging, I went way out of my comfort zone and wore a bra and garter belt set. It's a brilliant royal blue and ivory, and I felt just like Rita Hayworth! Showing my scars and a slip of my bag was slightly terrifying, but the photos were amazing, and still some of my favorites to date." 

Photo by Uvudu Imaging

PPI: It takes so much to be that vulnerable and I have seen those photos and you look amazing!! Each photo shoot I did taught me something new not only about my work in pinup but myself. Which shoot have you done or project you have been involved in that had the biggest life impact on you?

KW: " I think the shoot I talked about above was probably the most impacting. Showcasing my scars was terrifying, but the results made me love my body even more." 

PPI: I think the fact that you are willing to be open and show the reality of all aspects of your life is so brave but also generous of you because it isn't just for you it's also for others and you know that and I think that is so selfless of you. We all love pinup for our pwn personal reasons, but what do you hope to use your passion for pinup for in this world other than that? 

KW: "I hope to show other ostomates that their surgery isn't the end of their life, but the beginning of a new chapter. I hope to also show other curvy girls that every body is unique, and every body is beautiful."

Photo by Mark Jensen

PPI: "I truly think the insight you have shared today has done just that. You have given not only a beautiful perspective into who you are but also an extremely positive perspective on what it means to struggle with someone so life changing in such a beautiful and empowering way and I think that is going to help so many who share that same struggle. As we come to the close of our interview, is there any final words you would like to leave our readers with? 

KW: "I want to thank the readers for taking the time to read this article, and to encourage them to spread their light throughout the world. If women stick together and lift each other up, there's nothing we can't do."

Fun Fan Question! 
The fans always want to know who your favorite Pinup icon is and why she empowers you! Who is that pinup for you?

KW: "My favorite 1940's pinup was the legendary Rita Hayworth. It helps that her hairstyle is what my hair tends to like to do when I wet set it and brush it out!"it

PPI: Rita is such a strong representation of a powerful pinup, I'm also a big fan and after learning so much about you its clear to see you are also a strong representation for future modern pinups everywhere! Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing so many intimate details about your life. You are truly a positive pinup and your outlook on life is so inspiring I know it will change every life it touches. Thank you for being a part of the Positively PinUp Interviews project and sharing how important and life changing a positive perspective can be!

Photo by Uvudu Imaging

It has been such a joy learning about Miss Wolfe and her story. Her positive outlook on life is fresh and inspiring and she has shown us that no matter the difficult struggles life may throw at us, with a positive attitude those things are only a piece of your story and do not define or control our lives but only pave a very small part of the road we travel in life. She has faced challenges that have greatly altered her life but she refuses to allow them to effect her negatively and keeps in control of her happiness and pursuing her dreams no matter what those challenges present her with daily. She truly is the definition of what a positive pinup is and has shown that to us all today in her interview. I for one am truly inspired by the power of positivity she not only applies to her life but strives to share with others in her passion for pinup. Thank you so much Miss Wolfe, you are a positive pinup for the books my love!

You can learn more about Kate Wolfe and follow her on her pinup journey by checking her out on her social pages! Facebook
Instagram - @katewolfepinup 

Thank you so much for spending time with us and supporting the Positively PinUp Interviews project! We strive every day to show the world the beauty and life changing positivity the world of pinup holds and always welcome every pinup in with open arms. Please check out our social pages and support the PPI movement to help us continue to show the world how a positive attitude and a kind heart really can change the world! 

To learn more about Crohn's disease and how you can get involved and help those who live the struggles it can bring daily, visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Website

 www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

 
 
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