The Invisible Woman

It’s only a matter of time. I actually fear it.

The day that I walk into a room and no one takes notice.

I am a woman who doesn’t mind being looked at. I wear my emotions, ideals, convictions and intentions on my tattooed sleeves…and statement necklaces, ripped jeans, scarves, dangly earrings, big hats and high heeled boots.

People notice me and I like that. But maybe one day I will disappear…

It’s probably me.

It’s possible that I will tire of coming up with new and interesting ways to decorate myself. Maybe the age in my face will prevent me from wanting to draw attention to it with make-up. Perhaps my body will take such a rapid nose dive that the confident woman I am today will turn into an insecure hermit in one week’s time.

Fade /fād/ verb- the process of becoming less bright

The thought of losing color and brightness actually terrifies me. Picturing my closet full of bold colors and loud prints slowly being replaced with plain, pastel cotton knits that sag from my neck and waistband in exactly the same way they do on the plastic hangers makes me shudder.

Faded hair, faded skin, faded clothes…But why? Are we actually ashamed of what our bodies are anatomically designed to do in the second half of our lives? Is it a cultural leftover? One that  states that once a woman is past childbearing age, she should just blow away useless on a breeze? Here’s my personal favorite. We often stand in judgement of other women. Then, we are totally shocked when that same language rings in our own ears. “She’s dressing too young.” “She’s trying too hard.” “Her poor husband must be so embarrassed!”

No No No No NO!

I will NOT quietly fade away. In FACT, THIS image is hanging beside my closet! I WILL wear animal print and chartreuse hats and leggings and ….I’ll have 107 wigs and sunglasses in odd shapes and I’ll walk around town with a whole pineapple just because. My shoes will be magnificent too. Maybe I’ll wear Chucks with an old wedding gown. I’m OLD! No one is going to say anything and even if they do, it will be something like “Wow, look at that amazing ol broad!” #oldladygoals

Black Label Sessions

We don’t have to get old to feel faded. There are lot’s of women that feel invisible for a million different reasons. Andi and I went to work to create a top-shelf session, brilliant with color designed to “reclaim, replenish and reignite…” Meet The Black Label Session.

Think about those words for a moment.

Reclaim- Has a part of you started to fade away? Your style or unique identity? We have you covered. Personal shopping with a master stylist is something we offer and Parlor chats are always on the house if talking it out with a friend is what you need.
Replenish- Are you so busy being in service to others that you continually let your own needs fall off the priority list? At Hot Tomato, self care is number one. We are a group of women that will show you how to prioritize yourself in 100 different ways!
Reignite- Passion. How much of that are you swimming in lately? Let’s get that spark glowing red again! Have you recently become inspired to political activism? Dying to finally write that novel? Ready to climb to the top of the corporate ladder? Longing for regular, red-hot romps with your lover? Let us help light your fire.

join us.

Are you ready to give yourself permission to reclaim, replenish and reignite with a Black Label Session? There are so many ways to make that happen. Please take a moment to select the session options that suit you best on this Contact Form and a crew member will be in touch right away.

March 8, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Community, Contemporary, Experience, fashion, GDHT, Portrait, Real Talk, Self CareTags: age, beauty, Health, local, photo, Photography, tattoo, women Leave a comment

Default Beauty

Being a person of less than advanced ability with all things technology, I had owned my Samsung Galaxy S6 for 8 months when I discovered the “beauty face” setting on my phone’s camera.

Beauty Face is a sliding scale that one can use on the selfie setting.  It activates by default (#8) if you use the front-facing camera. In effect, it airbrushes your face and gives you options to make your face look slimmer and your eyes look bigger.

“Wow Samsung. When you get a brand new phone and go to take a selfie and realise that the default setting on the front camera is automatically on “Beauty level 8” which evidently means: seriously airbrushed face. This means everyone who gets a new Samsung phone and flicks the front camera on is automatically being told ‘Hi, we’re Samsung and we think you look way better when we automatically airbrush your selfies for you, x 8!!’ Thanks @samsungmobile for the vote of confidence, I think I’ll keep my freckles and imperfections since this is how I look in 3D and this is how all my friends see me in real life. I hope young girls are buying iPhones instead of Samsungs. (Wait, do iPhones do this too?) To clarify – no apps here – this is Samsung’s DEFAULT FRONT CAMERA SETTING.”  ~Mel Wells, the author of “The Goddess Revolution”

So, I tried to be mad. I am, after all an advocate for loving your body just the way it is, a fighting feminist and a mother of three teenage girls. But, I’m not angry and here’s why:

Samsung isn’t forcing us to use the tool just like your local tattoo artist isn’t forcing us into their shops to get phoenix birds on our shoulder blades. It’s just a way to alter your image if you choose to. I do this most days with makeup.

“I’m going to do my makeup real quick”

This is make-up + Beauty Face “2”. Please note that I love both images. I enjoy how BF2 smooths my forehead scars, neck skin tags and cleavage wrinkles in photos although I’m still proud to share them with the real physical world.

I tweeze, exfoliate, moisturize, prime and conceal. This is followed by foundation, contouring, blush and highlighting with a translucent powder set.  Next, brow conditioning primer, powder brow fill followed by colored brow pomade and concealer sharpening. Next, I prime my eyelids, apply 3 shades and liquid liner. I then curl my eyelashes, glue and set false lashes and after that dries, blend my natural lashes into the false ones. Time for the last layer of overall face- another coat of concealer (under eye) and all over “warming” with a medium contour shade. Spray set. Then lip exfoliator/conditioner, lip liner, base color, blot, powder, liner, top color, blot, gloss.

If they ever sell a Beauty Face slider that transforms your actual face on the days that you chose to, I will buy it. (As long as I can still do my own brows- I really love doing that.)

Conclusion

Now, the “default” setting weirds me out a bit. Having to physically dial down the beauty setting just to look like you really look..that sends a message I think.

At Hot Tomato, you get to choose your “Default Beauty”. Did you know that? We don’t have a single box we put everyone in.  We want to photograph you. You get to tell us what kind of beauty you would like to capture. Here’s where you start- Tell Us

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. I’ll update the post with your comments.

Email them to hottomatopinupacademy@gmail.com

February 19, 2017March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, GDHT, Real Talk, Self CareTags: beauty, face, filter, GDHT, Hot Tomato, make up 2 Comments

Hot Tomato Pick of the Week

MOV Red Tent

Okay..actual quotes from me, Jesse Hyde earlier this fall when Cat I asked if Hot Tomato would like to be involved.

“Wait, is this one of those events where white ladies pretend they’re in a sweat lodge?”

No, no!  It’s a gathering for women to reconnect to their authentic selves and celebrate being women.

“Hmm..we don’t all have to menstruate into the same bowl or anything, right?”

Good Lord, Hyde…

“IT’S AN HONEST QUESTION!!”

No, we are definitely NOT going to do that.

“Can we set up a Parlor and have drink specials and play Cards Against Humanity?”

Absolutely.

“Really?”

Yes, really.

“Okay, we’re in!”

So…I went to a meeting last night to discuss in detail how we would fit in. Since I can’t exactly speak to what everyone else is offering, I will tell you about what you will experience in the Hot Tomato corner {oh yes, I totally made sure we were in a corner.”} You’re welcome.

First off, we are an adult women only area even though the rest at large is a girls 12 and up space. Women that enter the tent with an alcoholic beverage will be pointed to our corner to enjoy it inside the tent.

My vision for the inside is inspired by the “Companion” room on Firefly. More gypsy boudoir than primitive sweat lodge. Currently looking for a  tent chandelier ;)

As for the experience, we plan to operate like we do in our Parlor. We will welcome you warmly and give you what you need.  A break, an escape, a chat, a shot, a shoulder to cry on, a board game partner, a nap, a hug, a belly laugh…whatever. You can pop in and finish your cocktail or stay the whole day! We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting all kinds of new ones.

Bring a friend or come alone and meet them in the tent.

You’re welcome. You’re honored. You’re accepted.

…and you don’t have to chant and shit like that.

PROMISE.

Get your ticket HERE!

January 4, 2017March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Community, Experience, GDHT, Local Event, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: All Women, family, fun, Health, local, MOV, red tent 1 Comment

The Guide to Getting Over It and Booking Your Hot Tomato Portrait Session

We totally get it! For some women it is hard to take the leap to do a Hot Tomato Session. Most women feel nervous, don’t have a clue what to wear or are concerned about spending the money. Here is a definitive guide to getting over it and getting your session on the books!

I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO POSE! – Neither did most of our other clients. No one walks in the door a pro – we coach you the entire way through your session from your face all the way down to your toes. 

I AM NOT PHOTOGENIC –Our photographers have spent hours studying peoples faces, learning about lighting and shooting other women who said they were not photogenic. You are in good hands. We guarantee you will love your portraits. 

I WOULD BE TOO NERVOUS – Girlllllllll! Most women are nervous before their session. If you are so inclined we will serve you a lovely beverage – then we will plop you down in hair and make-up in the very capable hands of only the best make-up artists in the area. These gals are super sweet and have a tendency to really put women at ease. For those of you that are super nervous – your jitters will be no match for AWESOME ROBERTS – our photographer has a super power – instant relaxation. I am not kidding. Her dad was that guy who could pick up a crying baby and it would instantly stop – she inherited a mutated gene and her calming ability works on nervous/half naked women. 

I CANNOT DO MY HAIR OR MAKE-UP TO SAVE MY LIFE – We only work with the areas best hair and make-up artists. They know all the ins and outs so you don’t have too. Rosacea? No problem. Acne or scaring – they have you covered. They can do a super natural look or transform you into a glam version of you. You know, you, only with smokey eyes and dramatic lashes!

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR OR NO CLUE WHAT TO WEAR – We start talking about what to wear right away! At your consultation. you can try on items in our wardrobe to supplement yours. We help you get the perfect fit and perfect look. We even offer personal shopping. That’s right – too busy to shop? We have you covered!

I AM NOT REALLY A LINGERIE GAL – That is ok! There are a lot of  different directions you can go! Maybe you don’t want boudoir -maybe you just want some great portraits celebrating you! Or maybe you look adorable in boy shorts and a tank top? Maybe your favorite t-shirt, your glasses and some knee socks. Maybe bare feet, favorite dress and loads of fresh flowers! You don’t have to get half nekkid or wear clothes that don’t feel authentic to have an amazing portrait session.

MY IDEA OF SEXY IS A LITTLE OFF THE WALL – Yeah, mine too! Read this. Also – we love that about you! If you can tell us a little bit what titillates you we can make a session happen. Is sleeping in your lovers hoodie what really does it for you? Maybe you feel sexiest in your riding clothes. Maybe your idea of sexy is dark and quiet or your sweetie really loves your knees!  Tell us a bit about it – we will create a portrait experience that will make you and your honey weak in the knees!

“I love that these women helped me to embrace what I am, and did not try to make me into what others may think that I “should” be. Nerdiness, stretch marks, insecurities, playfulness, sexiness, intelligence… I see all of me in my Hot Tomato photos, and I love her.” -FB

I AM PRETTY MODEST, I LOVE THE IDEA OF BEING PAMPERED AND HAVING A PORTRAIT SESSION CELEBRATING ME DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING LIKE THAT? We definitely do. We call it our “Pamper Session”. Imagine you, your best dress or three and an afternoon of pampering and being catered to. Champagne, the areas best hair and make-up artists, expert posing and tons of laughs! This is the perfect session to book with a best friend, mom, sister or all of the above! Your portraits make the perfect heirloom, gift or memento of that time you totally took amazing care of your self and scheduled a Hot Tomato Portrait Session. 

I AM SINGLE OR DON’T HAVE ANYONE TO GIFT PORTRAITS TO: I am going to tell you a secret – women often book with us because they want to give their sweetie a thoughtful gift – those very same women will tell you that their portrait session ended up being more of a gift to themselves. True story. You deserve this. 

I AM REALLY PRIVATE AND DON’T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW I AM BEING PHOTOGRAPHED BY HOT TOMATO OR SEE MY PHOTOS – What happens at the studio, stays at the studio. We are really protective of our clients privacy. We don’t reveal who we have worked with unless we have permission. We NEVER share your images with anyone. Ever. Our building is discreet and there are other businesses in there that you COULD be visiting. No one has to know unless you tell them.

I NEED TO LOSE (INSERT RANDOM NUMBER HERE) POUNDS – We firmly believe that sexy has nothing to with a number on the scale. We photograph women of all shapes and sizes. We are trained to accentuate the parts of your body you love and to minimize the parts of your body you have yet to embrace. That being said, if you aren’t ready, you aren’t ready. But if you can’t love yourself at the weight you are at now, you won’t love yourself when you weigh less. 

“The girls at Hot Tomato made me feel absolutely gorgeous when I was at a very low spot in my life. They pointed out so many positive things about my body when I was stuck focusing on the things I didn’t like about myself. They accepted every inch of me and made me feel amazing!! Every one of them has a heart of gold—and a passion for what they do.” -JM

I AM NOT SURE I CAN SWING THE COST: We totally get it – and we know our sessions seem expensive – but trust us – our clients think they are priceless. We want every single woman on the planet to be able to celebrate themselves with a Hot Tomato Portrait Session so we have a payment plan that seriously can fit any budget. We go over this at your consultation – but basically it works like a lay away and there is no finance charge. Once your session is paid off – you get your products. 

We’ve answered all your questions. Your next step?  Fill out the form below. There is no obligation, no pressure, just information and probably a new group of friends. Even if you aren’t ready to book your shoot today, we would love to get to know you. Fill out this form! 

November 16, 2016March 2, 2017 by pinkcrush1112 Categories: All Women, Contemporary, Experience, Full Service, GDHT, Legacy, Local Event, Personal Branding, Portrait, Power, Real Talk, Self Care Leave a comment

Vines: What Would a Plant Do?

My mother always grew Morning Glories around my childhood home. In my fast paced childhood, I can remember thinking “When I’m older and have nothing else to do, I’m gonna sit and watch those vines reach out and grab the next link in the fence.”

How do they know where to go? Do they look all around and think critically about what to cling to? Do they judge other vines for blowing freely in the wind? Nah…know what they do? They follow nourishment. They rise and reach, grab and spiral, bask in the sun and grow. It’s instinct.

You have instinct too. In fact, you are closer to that plant than you think. When I find myself in a tailspin, I actually think to myself “What would a plant do?” I know that sounds a little crazy but this kind of simplicity is so imperative, especially in a “complex” situation. At the very least, I am able to remember, in that moment, to do things like hydrate, get outside, be quiet, feel the breeze on my face, ground myself, trust my roots and look for nourishment.

Even outside of a crisis, this is still good advice. Remember your roots even though they are under the surface. Stretch and reach. What direction feels natural? Where are your secure strongholds? Who nourishes you?

I tell you what, I am really feeling this Roots and Vines vibe. It’s the depth I’ve been searching for in the newest chapter of Hot Tomato. The stories. The connections. The simplicity of following what feeds you. Also, while you’re busy being a plant, why not be a Tomato? Booking for the new year now.

“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify, simplify! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail.” Henry David Thoreau

 

November 7, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: Marietta, Morning Glory, Ohio, roots and vines, vines Leave a comment

A 300 Hour Day

Do you ever feel like your life is one giant metaphor? The moment I entertained the notion that we might all really be connected and that nothing is really random, it seemed that all the forces in the universe high-fived each other in celebration that I finally “got it.”

My last post “Tomato Roots” came bursting out all at once. I could hardly wait to follow it up with the VINES! Yep, this was it. Felt totally right. It was a next step, a level up, a tying together of everything we all bring to Hot Tomato. I would spend the rest of October creating brilliant marketing and getting women into the studio to help them celebrate their stories and scars, family and history. EVERY very kind of beauty!! The ROOTS, the VINES!

Stay Tuned

“Stay Tuned” was how I ended my last post. The next day my sister overdosed on heroin.

Mom held her as she seized in the ER. Dad paced the hall with his hand fixed over his mouth. I made phone calls. Our work, political agenda, domestic duties, holiday preparations, social obligations and personal priorities were checked at the hospital doors until further notice.

The last two weeks have have been more like one very stressful 300 hour day. Being in the ICU with a loved one, for me, is sort of like being an on-call journalist and news reporter, while going to medical school during a family reunion in a minimum security prison. Information in a hospital is a giant game of telephone only using words like dialysis, fasciotomy and rhabdomyolsis. It’s also a terrible time to be introduced to strangers but here they come in droves bearing worried looks and awkward embraces. Your conversations are like recordings that are played again and again. It still feels good be useful. You lead an odd parade past your unconscious family member and together you stare at them, stroke their hand and then stand there and chat in hushed tones as if remarking on a museum display. It’s all very strange.

Back to My Roots

I was pretty sure I understood what I meant in my last post when I spoke of the power and possibility in my roots but I had just scratched at the proverbial surface.

There’s nothing quite like a large scale family tragedy to check the quality of the ol roots. Holy numerous branches and fibers, Batman! I knew I had some serious, deep family veins but I truly had no idea my network of support was so beautiful, complex and far-reaching. Support, nourish, encourage growth…yes indeed. In every kind of way.

I shared this glimpse of my last two weeks because I recognize that we all have life events that afford us the opportunity to grow. Our crew often is privileged to be part of that growth. Being a witness to change, a hand in healing and a new root system of continued support…

I love that part most.

 

November 3, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: family, Hot Tomato, local support, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, roots 2 Comments

Tomato Roots

I want the same thing for myself as I want for my vegetables…To grow strong and colorful, to nourish those that care for me, to leave behind quality seed and to die as organic compost”

~Jesse Hyde

I wrote that note on Facebook soon after I opened my account in 2009. Hot Tomato wasn’t a twinkle in my eye or even ink on my skin yet. I homeschooled. I gardened. I hung herbs around my kitchen. I watched my little girls chase butterflies and build fairy houses.

Facebook recently asked me if I’d like to update my bio. I read the current version and thought “Oh geez, how antiquated! Yes, I must update with something sassy that tells the world that I am a powerful Hot Tomato!” Then I read it again.

October 20, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: All Women, Hot Tomato, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, roots, Tomato 2 Comments

Real Talk

Here’s a very real cell phone picture I took yesterday sitting at my kitchen table so that I could better illustrate my state of mind to my best friend, Rachel via fb messenger. “An appropriate uniform for today,” I wrote. “Mama Bear.”

I have a unique look into the personal minds of women in my community. The kind of full service experience we offer at Hot Tomato often comes with a small therapy session. Most often this takes on a celebratory form like “Yeah, I just moved through this milestone or jumped this hurdle  and want to rock my new found power with a phenomenal session with you girls!” But sometimes there’s pain. A lot of pain. And, most times that pain can be traced to a very specific time 7 year period of time, the “teen years.” (Cue Mama Bear).

September 16, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: empowering, GDHT, Hot Tomato, Marietta, Ohio, Real Talk 1 Comment

Our Story

You’ve heard about our “Back to the Academy” workshop, right? You might be asking yourself “How did this academy come about in the first place? Haven’t you always just taken portraits?” 

Truth is, unless you’ve asked one of us specifically how we started this crazy thing, you probably don’t know the story. Allow me elaborate!

Five years ago, in the spring of 2011, I had been homeschooling my three girls for many years and my oldest was nearing the end of her 7th grade year. The assignment for the end of the year was to do a project of 100 years of something. My 12 year old chose hairstyles. And, the rest is history (quite literally!)

You tube has developed quite a bit since then but there were still a few videos on how to do retro hair. With a combination of my already existing love of vintage style and the techniques offered in the videos, it began.

After just a month of trying and perfecting styles from the faux bob to victory rolls and studying the clothing styles that matched, I began offering workshops at the Blennerhassett Hotel.

The workshops were so much fun. Swing music and dress-up, hair demos and makeup application, champagne and chocolate fountains!

After just a few months, I met the BEST business partner and friend a sassy gal like me could ask for, Andi (awesome) Roberts! In January of 2012 (National Spaghetti Day) and hatched a crazy plan to offer the women of the MOV both, an experience AND incredible photos! And, just like that, we began to grow a most magnificent tomato garden!

We’ve done a few little classes here and there but I am THRILLED to offer a full workshop and include the expertise from our whole crew! Two make-up artists, two hair stylists, two photographers, and two wardrobe stylists!! Get one on one attention and get all your questions answered!

Enjoy a leisurely day in the our Parlor, snacking and sipping, laughing and learning and ending the workshop looking fabulous and taking your spot in front of the lens! Back to School has never been this sassy!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

 

 

 

July 29, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Community, GDHT, Legacy, Portrait, Power, Real TalkTags: back to school, Hot Tomato, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, Pinup Leave a comment