The pandemic has been this past year crazy but there is always some good. This week we have Ruby Moon & Leslie Luxxe joining us to talk about their pinup journeys and why they contacted me to begin in PINNED meetup in Tampa!
Show Sponsor: Radio Rock N Roll Concert
$5.00 off with PROMO CODE: PinUpMiami
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/concert-radio-rock-n-roll-tickets-143364225257?aff=ebdssbeac
Want to make a shout out on the next video? Text to 1-833-4A-PINUP
Insta: @pinnedpodcastofficial
_________________
About PINNED Tampa
PINNED meetups are open to all members of the community in various cities that share the same interests in the rockabilly pinup scene, if your a newbie or a everyday pinup/greaser your all very welcome, you can attend on your own or with your partner or some friends that are members of this group anyone is welcome!
www.pinnedtampa.com
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For more information
www.Facebook.com/original PinupRubyMoon
Insta @officialpinuprubymoon
Leslies
Insta: @leslie_luxxe
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Unknown (00:05):
Good day and welcome back to the pin podcast. We're
on episode 44. And here at thepin podcast, we talk about
modern topics with a vintageflair. I'm your host, Pinup
Miami. And if it is your firsttime listening to the podcast,
welcome, I hope you stickaround. And if you're a
returning listener, I want tosay thank you so much for your
(00:27):
support, you don't understandhow much you mean to me. But I
remind you every time if youwant to find out about upcoming
guests or past episodes, makesure to follow the podcast at
the pin podcast official onInstagram, or on my Instagram
Pinup Miami, you can even sendus a text to 183348 pinup. Those
(00:52):
those messages go directly to meand you're able to ask me any
questions if you have anyrequests for topic, anything of
the nature, I am there for you.
For today's episode, the sponsoris about to rock and roll a
tribute to the music legends ofthe 1950s. And 60s, it's gonna
be a show down in kioto. Youknow that is in South Florida.
(01:13):
And our finals, it's going to beApril 17, not April 16. At 9pm.
It's going to be nostalgic rockand roll music from the 1950s
and 60s. So even gonna have someMotown and guess who's gonna be
the host, I'm gonna be one ofthe host. So just for you guys,
(01:33):
I have a $5 off coupon usingpromo code Pinup Miami. That's
what the capital P u n m, I'llmake sure to write in the
description below. With thatpromo code, you get $5 off and
you get to sit at the pinuptable. And this table means that
you don't need to have anotherguest with you, you could come
(01:55):
by yourself and you'll havesomebody to sit with. Because
usually for this show, you haveto buy your tickets per table.
But this is a special in so youcan join the cool kids, I'm just
saying. So make sure to checkthat out. And if you have any
questions, let me know downbelow or send me a text
whichever way is easier for youguys.
(02:16):
Today I have a very well I havetwo very special, special
special guest all the way fromthe west coast of Florida. I
gotta say it's like a three hourand a half drive. For me. And
these ladies, before I introducethem, um, they are the head of
pin Tampa, in Tampa in less atWest Coast. If you guys don't
(02:41):
know I run a meetup group calledpin South Florida here in South
Florida. It's been running fornow five years. And it's a
beautiful meetup You don't evenhave to be dressed up you could
come as you are. It's we meet upat a meet up at different events
get together and just share thepassion that we have for
rockabilly pinup, you know,swing dancing, if you're into
(03:04):
that any type of that nostalgia.
And these two ladies that wehave here today, we have Miss
Ruby moon and Miss Leslie Lux,they're going to tell us a
little bit about themselves. Whydon't want to get involved. And
just more about them and thecommunity that they're trying to
bring together because there's alot of us out there that have
(03:25):
the same passion. But we justdon't have a venue or location
or people to connect with. Sowhen the pandemic is over,
hopefully sooner than later,you'll be able to get together
and just have fun and rock itout together, rock out together.
You know what I mean?
(03:45):
So without further ado, let'stalk about Ruby. How are you
Ruby?
I am great. How are you today?
I'm good. I want to I want toknow why you became a pinup your
little little journey into thepinup world? Well, it's been a
long one.
Um, well, this is a loadedquestion. Because, um,
(04:13):
I don't it's like you said it'sa long journey. So and I don't
want to like say anything.
Okay, well, alright, sobasically, in 2011, I left a
bad relationship that I was infor 10 years, and I was living
in North Carolina and I moved toFlorida. And I moved in with my
(04:36):
mom until I got on my feet. AndI had a friend, you know, who
knew what I was going throughand I was sheltered for
basically those 10 years and myfriend said, you know, you're
such a beautiful person and youhave like such an artistic
flair. Have you ever thoughtabout doing
plus size modeling? And I said,No, you know,
(05:00):
And then they happen to mentionsuicide girls. And she said,
girls are great, and they'rebeautiful and all that, but I'm
not that artistic. And, youknow, I used to have like,
rainbow colored hair when I wasyounger, and lots of piercings
and things like that. And Iguess that's why they probably
see you suggested that, youknow, um,
(05:25):
but, uh, you know, I'm a mom nowand everything. And so I was
like, well, so I startedGoogling, you know, alternative
plus size models. And then pinupcame up. And I was like, Oh,
yeah, and I don't know why Ididn't think about that. Prior
to, because, you know, my wholelife. My family has been very
(05:48):
eccentric. And I mean, I'mtalking like when I was living
in the 1980s when I was a littlebaby. My parents lived in
suburbia, Connecticut, andpainted our house rainbow colors
on the outside, and it made thefront page of the Hartford
current. Oh, yeah. And even madethe National Enquirer.
(06:09):
You know, so, um, and on top ofthat, you know, my parents loved
old Hollywood,Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe,
you know, and all those things.
So I literally grew up with thatand also the music
anywhere from Vivaldi, toMotown, to Run DMC. I mean, we
were just very a centric family.
(06:32):
So I reached out to a localpinup photographer at the time,
I lived outside of Orlando, andher name is Judy Nunes. And
she had a contest on herFacebook page, the person had
the most photo, or most likes ona photo would win a photo shoot
(06:52):
with her. And, well, I won. Andthat's how I got started. And I
had my first shoot with her.
And, to this day, it's probablyone of my all time favorite
shoots I've ever done. Um, eachshoot that I've had since then
has been wonderful and amazing.
And, and each is different insome learning experience. But
uh, you know, there's nothinglike your first shoe, you know,
(07:12):
and, and she was wonderful. Andshe had the clothes I could
borrow and everything. And itjust escalated from there. And
I'm doing it since 2012. Soyeah, I know.
It's crazy how a photo shootcould change your life and
dictate you into this path thatyou are today.
(07:35):
Absolutely. Absolutely. AndLeslie and tell us about your
beginning. Or did you havesomething else to say Ruby? I'm
so sorry. No, I'm good.
Um, well, my pin up vintagelifestyle certain way. Long time
ago started back when I was incollege in like, 2004 2005
(07:59):
timeframe. I love when we're allaging ourselves.
I know it doesn't seem like it'sthat long, but it really has
been that long. I was alwayseven in high school. I was
always the artistic one who wasalways had a flower in her hair.
I mean, obviously I'm wearingflower now I have one for pretty
much every every outfit I ownbecause I make them but um, I
(08:26):
didn't know you may careflowers. Yeah, I make I just do
it for myself. Like everyonesays I should sell them but I
don't even know put a price onthat on these. I've just like
here you want this?
Here have this.
But no, my journey started backthen. And it was just simple
(08:47):
dresses like circle skirts andpetticoats. You know, I bought
my first petticoat at a vintagestore long long time ago and it
was a true vintage malco modesand that really started
the snowball effect to worry andnow I you know I'm not I don't
(09:10):
consider myself a pinup Iconsider myself a misplaced 50s
housewife.
Because I to me, I think Ruby isa pin up because she's been
published and she's done itprofessionally. I only had my
first real pinup photoshoot overChristmas time. And Ruby was
(09:33):
there she's the one who talkedme into doing it and I had the
most fun of my life.
But it's I mean Ieither I you know, I support
small small business women ownedsmall businesses for clothes and
or if I make it myself, becausenot necessarily you know a lot
(09:54):
of designers make for chubbyfour foot 11 women so
I didn't know you were that youshort. Oh, yeah. Well, I'm a
little girl.
Ruby knows.
She's like, yeah, yeah.
But no, and it'sbut like, I'm yeah, I'm more of
(10:15):
a collector, Pyrex and, youknow, knickknacks, vintage
knickknacks to put on the wallor whatnot, you know, I mean, my
husband says, You can't go tothe antique store anymore
because we have no room. Andwhich is the truth. We have no
room in this little house.
Because I have filled it withstuff. But you know, um,
(10:39):
but I mean, it's a goal of mineto be, you know, published in a
magazine. I mean, I figureanybody else can do it. Why can
I, you know, so?
And how did you and Ruby me? Howdid you both me?
Um, I'm in person. We there wasan event in 2019 in September
(11:00):
2019. In St. Petersburg, calledthe at the Hollander hotel,
which is a an original Hotel inSt. Petersburg. And they have a
pool area with like a cabanapool area. And it's really,
really got a real cool retrovibe, because the building looks
something out of the 40s, whichit is. And it's they had a bit
(11:20):
of pinup contest, I think. Yeah,it was the retro slash vintage
bathing suit. content. And Rubywas was in that, again, props.
Ruby was in that and I met herand it's like,
(11:44):
lightning, clashed right there.
And something happened in theuniverse, the planets aligned.
And it's like, I have found you,I have found my soul sister.
We, it's I can't, we can't go aday without talking to each
other. If I don't get a chanceto say like two words to her. I
(12:06):
feel like the day hasn'thappened ever since. You know,
and it is the truth. You know, Imean, it's, we're each other's
support system and a lot ofthings.
I mean, I had a really bad 2020like a lot of people did. But
Ruby was one of the people thatpulled me out of a funk, because
(12:28):
she kept on checking on me andmaking sure I was okay. Also,
see, not all superheroes wearcapes you got
that everyone knows superheroesdo do wear capes. But you know,
sometimes it's a pity coat and anice dress like that.
(12:53):
Oh, Ruby, very sweet of you. Oh,thank you. It's just me, though,
you know. SoI find that no easy thing that
both of you met through the loveof pinup. And it's you know,
it's what brought you togetherof vintage pinup. I know,
there's both two differentthings. But they both are the
(13:15):
same at the same time, if youknow what I mean. But I brought
you guys together to thisbeautiful friendship.
Family. It's true. I have met somany people, whether they dress
like us, or they have never seenanything like this in their
(13:36):
life. And they just come up andask questions. Like, you look so
nice. We're, you know, what isthis about? And that starts a
conversation. And I absolutelylove that. Because it opens up
another doorway for otherpeople. I mean, I've been at
(13:57):
Universal Studios all done upfor Halloween Horror Nights. And
I had a person come up to meonce and asked me if I was a
character. And I said, in theMargaritaville bathroom.
This is how I dress every day.
She's like,well, what is this for? I said,
it's my clothes. This she's likeI said, Do you have you ever
(14:18):
heard of pin up before? Andshe's like, No, I said, so. I
said, Take out your phone, useyour little Google machine
there. type one pin up and hitimages and it will bring an
entire universe open to you.
And I feel like I opened thedoor for somebody to take like,
(14:41):
you know, but that's just anormal everyday conversation. I
have even people who come to seeme at work. They're like, do you
wear this stuff at work? Andlike, obviously, this is what's
in my closet.
And you RubyWhat do I wear this every day
wellYeah, and um, just how people
react when they see you. Oh,well, um, so I do have two jobs.
(15:05):
So I do wear my work uniformsquite often. But that being
said, I have quite the wardrobe.
I'm not even going to begin totell you how many dresses I own.
But yes, whenever I can, I evenif I'm just going up to the
store, I saw a dress on now I dohave a certain level of fancy
(15:27):
dresses, you know, I'm not goingto go put on my gala dress to go
grocery shopping with you know,the pandemic, you could you
know, but um, it's public.
Yeah. All right, well, I justput my hair up in a bun. And,
you know, like this, I'm wearingthis today. I mean, this is what
I wore today, you know, so yeah,um, a lot of the times, you
(15:50):
know, when I go to the store,because I, I work in grocery
retail, so usually go to thestore I work at, to go grocery
shopping, and I'm, my co workersknow what I wear. So they'll be
like, Oh, that's a cute dress. Ihaven't seen that one yet. You
know, stuff like that. Um, butfor people who don't know me,
I'll be in public and it'sfemales, you know, and they'll
(16:13):
be like, Oh, I like your dress.
It's a really cute assemble.
And, and I always when someonepays me a compliment, I give
them a curtsy. bow my head andtell them thank you. And then
they're just like, Oh, you know,because no one does that
anymore. You know, and I thinkit's a cute little spin on like
saying thank you know, so.
(16:34):
So I do that. Um, and then it'sfunny how Leslie mentioned when
she was at Universal? A coupleyears back in Ebor, we used to
have a restaurant called thespaghetti warehouse, and
my family and I actually went togo see Jersey Boys at the straz
Yeah, and then afterwards, wewent to the spaghetti warehouse.
(16:57):
Well, you know, I wore my cherryprint dress with you know, it
was like full skirt with Petcoin the backseat stockings. But
that's what I wear anyway, mostof the time anyway. But so I
went out to the stressing out todinner. Well, so I guess that
night, which we had no clue atthe spaghetti warehouse, they
had a mystery dinner theaterthing going on. And it was like
(17:21):
a mystery train. And it was setin the 1950s they thought you
were the killer. Some peoplekept asking me all night long.
Are you part of the show? Areyou in the show? Don't like, no,
this is just how I dress. Youknow, just, I happen to be here,
you know? So that that was fun.
Um, and then I actually am anannual pass holder and I go to
(17:43):
Universal a lot, myself and I doneed to go usually wear a dress
there. And a lot of times peopleyou know, say, Oh, I like your
outfit. I just film. Thank you.
And yeah, and it's fun. And youknow, when I can let people
know, like Leslie, where I gotit and you know, what size
(18:04):
inclusive, inclusive tivitythere is and, and things like
that, which is amazing. And I'mvery, very happy that there are
a lot ofreproduction companies out there
that do have a good range ofplus sizes, so then that's
really awesome, too. Yeah.
(18:24):
So now, I want to know, whatmade you guys come together? or
How did it start that you guysapproached me and we're
interested in pin Tampa.
That was me.
Um,well, so I know you have Hinde
Orlando and I know you're inSouth Florida. And I was like,
(18:48):
Man, you know, there's no Tampachapter and basically I reached
out to you Pinup Miami andasked, hey, you know, would you
be interested in possibly havingsome people help you run a Tampa
chapter? And no.
Just kidding.
(19:12):
And,and heard I networked and I'm,
here we are. Now I'm just oneperson. And I knew I would need
reinforcement. So I askedLeslie, if she'd be interested
in helping and she said, Yes, soshe is my right wing woman. We
are actually equals in thispartnership.
(19:35):
We do have a couple otherfriends who are in the pinup
scene who did ask for futureendeavors that they'd be
interested in helping and theysaid yes, but that's further
down the line, but we do haveextra help.
But yeah, so And here we are.
Yes. And what is your like? Whatdo you look forward to the most
(19:56):
starting pin Tampa seeing pinnedor
Nando South Florida like what isone thing you're very excited
for? Because your pin templateis really new. The first event
is coming up soon we'll talkabout that after. But tell me,
what do you each very excitedfor?
(20:16):
I know I'm personally excitedfor meeting new people. And
if you're not, like, like, likewhat you said, Come as you are,
you don't have to come dressedup like us, or anybody else. You
can come in and jeans and a Tshirt. We don't care. It's, you
know, meeting people bringingpeople together. Networking, you
(20:38):
know, I mean,it I mean, look at what brought
me brought me Ruby, you know, anevent brought me Ruby. And so
it's a it's one of those thingswhere just just go and have fun.
Meet people shake hands. Well,social distance hand if you have
too high five weight from adistance, I guess now until
(21:02):
things are better. But it's, Ijust think that
the type of clothing that wewear brings attention.
Obviously, an attention willbring curious people and
curious people can end up to befriends. So
(21:23):
and that's why I you know, am II'm looking forward to also
meeting new people in anothertown as well, because I do
events all over even hosting thepinup contest. I've done some in
Tampa, I know Ruby's gonna park,Orlando, Jacksonville in
between. Next this year, I'mhosting one in North Carolina.
(21:46):
I have found hosting thesecontest. It's not just a contest
that people are, you know,against each other pinup contest
is a whole different worldbecause I've seen friendships
evolved from them. And then inSouth Florida was a simple like
what you were saying, Leslie,that when you go to Universal,
somebody's like, Oh, I like theway you're dressed. And you
taught them a new world. Now youhave an excuse to be like, well,
(22:08):
because the answer I would getis, I don't have anywhere to
wear it. Well, you don't need aplace to wear it, because we
wear it all the time. But if youdo, hey kintampo host these
meetups, you know, you shouldcome check it out. And you could
tell them, and it gives peoplean opportunity to explore a
different type of culture, adifferent type of people,
because when you come to any ofthe events that are always
(22:28):
welcoming, you could come byyourself. I mean, I started it
by myself. So people just showedup. And so that's what I was
looking forward to see you guysposting these events, meeting
more people growing. And I'm soexcited for the future that you
know, I can't even put it intowords and how pleased I am that
you like the way you know,Tampa, I mean, Orlando and Miami
(22:51):
and South Florida has beengoing. So hopefully one day we
all meet together in the middle.
And that would be amazing. Likea pinup retreat.
Yes.
I think that's awesome. Yeah.
That'd be amazing. Absolutely.
So tell us about the event next.
Well, the event this weekend?
(23:13):
It's gonna be on Friday andSaturday at bajada. Right? Yeah.
Tell us 1717 Yes, I messed up mybed. It's okay.
17 that tell us about themeetup. What can we expect? You
know, give us more like, teasetease us. I'll be there. Well,
(23:38):
well, that's a party rightthere.
There think it's a party?
Um, well, so we were trying tothink of a place where we could
have a social distance meetup.
But soon because, you know,people are getting vaccinated
now. Yay. AndI know, people are trying to get
(24:00):
more into socializing again, andmore normalcy with their lives
and everything. So, um, I didhear through the grapevine about
why he heard Um, and so Ireached out to them and I asked
them, would they be interested?
Could we have a meetup there andthe man who runs it? He said,
(24:24):
Absolutely. That's fine. Justyou know, I gotta let him know
the details. And so I talked alot with Leslie and Pinup Miami,
and we worked out a time anddate and it's set excuse that
September, excuse me, April 17.
My goodness, um, and it's gonnabe mainly outside, which is
(24:46):
really great.
You know, it is a Tiki Bar andit is 21. But I did talk to him
because there are a few peoplewho are interested in coming who
are 18And he said that you would do
wristbands for them. So, okay,you know, I have been to the
Baja and I have to saythe drinks are very dangerous
(25:13):
but deliciously good. So it'sdangerous. Oh and wake drinking.
Like it's like it's like itsyncs up I guess the word. Okay.
What's fun about the Bihar is itis one of the oldest retro
vintage Tiki huts in America, itwas built in 1954. And not much
(25:36):
has changed. Of course they'veupdated, you know, kitchens and
renovations and things likethat. But, um, as far as I know
that they kept everything almostentirely original, which is
pretty awesome. So that's gonnabe fun. And I have personally
have never been to a Tiki hut orevent or anything like that. And
(25:58):
you know, I needed to buy a newdress to add to my Dress
Collection. So I went and boughta Tiki themed dress and Leslie's
making me a beautiful hairflower and we're gonna
alohar away into a nice littleget together. So I'm very
excited.
I'm so excited to see whateveryone wears. You know who
(26:21):
shows up? Who what new peoplewe're gonna meet? You know, the
type of masks You know, I'veseen some people make creative
masks also. It's so weird tosay, but I've seen some creative
masks. Maybe someone will makeone out of like bamboo. Oh, all
right. Yeah, bamboo one.
(26:44):
Or one full of like littleparasols. I like those little
parasols from the drinks. Idon't know. That'd be cute.
has one of you watching onYouTube?
I mean, I'm just drinking out ofmy, my first ever. What is this
taking glass?
It's a peacock. No, yeah, it's apeacock. Yeah, it's beautiful.
(27:09):
Well, I'm so excited for thefirst event, it's gonna be
amazing. And there's gonna bemany more I hope everyone
listening if you're in the WestCoast, or if you're willing to
drive for a night, you know,head out there RSVP head to pin
Tampa calm. So you can meetthese wonderful ladies. And if I
haven't met you, please makesure to say hi to me. I'd love
(27:30):
to meet you all. And I'll alsobe hosting an event in Tampa.
I'm not hosting an event butI'll be hosting a pinup contest
in Tampa at the ink the bayTattoo Convention in June. So if
you guys are interested injoining a pinup contest, make
sure to hit up pinup contestcomm and get more info there.
(27:51):
Well, really, do you haveanything else you'd like to add
to today's conversation aboutpen temp about yourself? any
future endeavors?
Um,no, no, no, I you know, as you
were talking, I was thinkinglike a million things I could
say but knowing now I'm drawinga blank and I hate that. Um, no,
I just I really hope you knowthat this is going to be such a
(28:16):
great in front of them. And thata good amount of people do show
up, which I, I believe there areand I really hope to see
everyone there and Oh, yes. TheBaha does have a hotel attached
to it, called the Golden hostresort and it is owned by the
same person. So if anyone needsa place to stay, or you know, I
(28:39):
don't want anyone driving homedrunk especially for people who
are coming from out of town.
definitely give them a call andtry to book a hotel room for the
night. It's because I would feelbetter if you did so.
(29:01):
And Leslie anything else youwant to end um,
other than I'm just so excitedto meet some like minded people
and finally meet you in personis like going to be like my
absolute goal. And just havingfun with people. I mean, my
husband's going to go and thisis going to be his second ever
(29:24):
like pin upadventure with me first was at
thepool event with Ruby so and I
were gonna match. I bought adress and I bought him a
matching shirt. So we're gonnawe have a honeymooning
honeymooner couple couple thinggoing on. So
(29:45):
So yeah, so I can't I can'twait. And I'm just ecstatic and
I can't wait to see what what itbrings and what would impulse
for us in the future. Oh ladies,I just have to say both of you
that I am so grateful.
An honor that you guys havestarted this adventure that I'm
a part of. And it means theworld to me. I hope you know
(30:08):
this. And this is like my babyand you guys are carrying it
perfectly, you know. SoI wanted to just say thank you.
And for you listening, make sureto follow them on Instagram at
pin Tampa, and then need tocheck out Ruby at pinup Ruby and
Leslie at Leslie underscore Lux,I'll make sure to put the
(30:29):
spelling and everything down inthe show notes below. And for
next week, I'm going to becontinuing the conversation of
fat phobia and dating plus sizewomen. So please stay tuned for
that. I'll be having Vivian backfor that episode, so you don't
want to miss it out. And makesure to share this episode share
(30:52):
the pin Tampa event. You knowjust share everything you know
it's a free way to help us outand it means the world to me. So
guys, please pay stay safe. Andladies, please stay safe. Wear
your mask, get your vaccine andI hope to see you all here next
week. Bye bye
Good day and welcome back to the pin podcast. We're
on episode 44. And here at thepin podcast, we talk about
modern topics with a vintageflair. I'm your host, Pinup
Miami. And if it is your firsttime listening to the podcast,
welcome, I hope you stickaround. And if you're a
returning listener, I want tosay thank you so much for your
(00:27):
support, you don't understandhow much you mean to me. But I
remind you every time if youwant to find out about upcoming
guests or past episodes, makesure to follow the podcast at
the pin podcast official onInstagram, or on my Instagram
Pinup Miami, you can even sendus a text to 183348 pinup. Those
(00:52):
those messages go directly to meand you're able to ask me any
questions if you have anyrequests for topic, anything of
the nature, I am there for you.
For today's episode, the sponsoris about to rock and roll a
tribute to the music legends ofthe 1950s. And 60s, it's gonna
be a show down in kioto. Youknow that is in South Florida.
(01:13):
And our finals, it's going to beApril 17, not April 16. At 9pm.
It's going to be nostalgic rockand roll music from the 1950s
and 60s. So even gonna have someMotown and guess who's gonna be
the host, I'm gonna be one ofthe host. So just for you guys,
(01:33):
I have a $5 off coupon usingpromo code Pinup Miami. That's
what the capital P u n m, I'llmake sure to write in the
description below. With thatpromo code, you get $5 off and
you get to sit at the pinuptable. And this table means that
you don't need to have anotherguest with you, you could come
(01:55):
by yourself and you'll havesomebody to sit with. Because
usually for this show, you haveto buy your tickets per table.
But this is a special in so youcan join the cool kids, I'm just
saying. So make sure to checkthat out. And if you have any
questions, let me know downbelow or send me a text
whichever way is easier for youguys.
(02:16):
Today I have a very well I havetwo very special, special
special guest all the way fromthe west coast of Florida. I
gotta say it's like a three hourand a half drive. For me. And
these ladies, before I introducethem, um, they are the head of
pin Tampa, in Tampa in less atWest Coast. If you guys don't
(02:41):
know I run a meetup group calledpin South Florida here in South
Florida. It's been running fornow five years. And it's a
beautiful meetup You don't evenhave to be dressed up you could
come as you are. It's we meet upat a meet up at different events
get together and just share thepassion that we have for
rockabilly pinup, you know,swing dancing, if you're into
(03:04):
that any type of that nostalgia.
And these two ladies that wehave here today, we have Miss
Ruby moon and Miss Leslie Lux,they're going to tell us a
little bit about themselves. Whydon't want to get involved. And
just more about them and thecommunity that they're trying to
bring together because there's alot of us out there that have
(03:25):
the same passion. But we justdon't have a venue or location
or people to connect with. Sowhen the pandemic is over,
hopefully sooner than later,you'll be able to get together
and just have fun and rock itout together, rock out together.
You know what I mean?
(03:45):
So without further ado, let'stalk about Ruby. How are you
Ruby?
I am great. How are you today?
I'm good. I want to I want toknow why you became a pinup your
little little journey into thepinup world? Well, it's been a
long one.
Um, well, this is a loadedquestion. Because, um,
(04:13):
I don't it's like you said it'sa long journey. So and I don't
want to like say anything.
Okay, well, alright, sobasically, in 2011, I left a
bad relationship that I was infor 10 years, and I was living
in North Carolina and I moved toFlorida. And I moved in with my
(04:36):
mom until I got on my feet. AndI had a friend, you know, who
knew what I was going throughand I was sheltered for
basically those 10 years and myfriend said, you know, you're
such a beautiful person and youhave like such an artistic
flair. Have you ever thoughtabout doing
plus size modeling? And I said,No, you know,
(05:00):
And then they happen to mentionsuicide girls. And she said,
girls are great, and they'rebeautiful and all that, but I'm
not that artistic. And, youknow, I used to have like,
rainbow colored hair when I wasyounger, and lots of piercings
and things like that. And Iguess that's why they probably
see you suggested that, youknow, um,
(05:25):
but, uh, you know, I'm a mom nowand everything. And so I was
like, well, so I startedGoogling, you know, alternative
plus size models. And then pinupcame up. And I was like, Oh,
yeah, and I don't know why Ididn't think about that. Prior
to, because, you know, my wholelife. My family has been very
(05:48):
eccentric. And I mean, I'mtalking like when I was living
in the 1980s when I was a littlebaby. My parents lived in
suburbia, Connecticut, andpainted our house rainbow colors
on the outside, and it made thefront page of the Hartford
current. Oh, yeah. And even madethe National Enquirer.
(06:09):
You know, so, um, and on top ofthat, you know, my parents loved
old Hollywood,Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe,
you know, and all those things.
So I literally grew up with thatand also the music
anywhere from Vivaldi, toMotown, to Run DMC. I mean, we
were just very a centric family.
(06:32):
So I reached out to a localpinup photographer at the time,
I lived outside of Orlando, andher name is Judy Nunes. And
she had a contest on herFacebook page, the person had
the most photo, or most likes ona photo would win a photo shoot
(06:52):
with her. And, well, I won. Andthat's how I got started. And I
had my first shoot with her.
And, to this day, it's probablyone of my all time favorite
shoots I've ever done. Um, eachshoot that I've had since then
has been wonderful and amazing.
And, and each is different insome learning experience. But
uh, you know, there's nothinglike your first shoe, you know,
(07:12):
and, and she was wonderful. Andshe had the clothes I could
borrow and everything. And itjust escalated from there. And
I'm doing it since 2012. Soyeah, I know.
It's crazy how a photo shootcould change your life and
dictate you into this path thatyou are today.
(07:35):
Absolutely. Absolutely. AndLeslie and tell us about your
beginning. Or did you havesomething else to say Ruby? I'm
so sorry. No, I'm good.
Um, well, my pin up vintagelifestyle certain way. Long time
ago started back when I was incollege in like, 2004 2005
(07:59):
timeframe. I love when we're allaging ourselves.
I know it doesn't seem like it'sthat long, but it really has
been that long. I was alwayseven in high school. I was
always the artistic one who wasalways had a flower in her hair.
I mean, obviously I'm wearingflower now I have one for pretty
much every every outfit I ownbecause I make them but um, I
(08:26):
didn't know you may careflowers. Yeah, I make I just do
it for myself. Like everyonesays I should sell them but I
don't even know put a price onthat on these. I've just like
here you want this?
Here have this.
But no, my journey started backthen. And it was just simple
(08:47):
dresses like circle skirts andpetticoats. You know, I bought
my first petticoat at a vintagestore long long time ago and it
was a true vintage malco modesand that really started
the snowball effect to worry andnow I you know I'm not I don't
(09:10):
consider myself a pinup Iconsider myself a misplaced 50s
housewife.
Because I to me, I think Ruby isa pin up because she's been
published and she's done itprofessionally. I only had my
first real pinup photoshoot overChristmas time. And Ruby was
(09:33):
there she's the one who talkedme into doing it and I had the
most fun of my life.
But it's I mean Ieither I you know, I support
small small business women ownedsmall businesses for clothes and
or if I make it myself, becausenot necessarily you know a lot
(09:54):
of designers make for chubbyfour foot 11 women so
I didn't know you were that youshort. Oh, yeah. Well, I'm a
little girl.
Ruby knows.
She's like, yeah, yeah.
But no, and it'sbut like, I'm yeah, I'm more of
(10:15):
a collector, Pyrex and, youknow, knickknacks, vintage
knickknacks to put on the wallor whatnot, you know, I mean, my
husband says, You can't go tothe antique store anymore
because we have no room. Andwhich is the truth. We have no
room in this little house.
Because I have filled it withstuff. But you know, um,
(10:39):
but I mean, it's a goal of mineto be, you know, published in a
magazine. I mean, I figureanybody else can do it. Why can
I, you know, so?
And how did you and Ruby me? Howdid you both me?
Um, I'm in person. We there wasan event in 2019 in September
(11:00):
2019. In St. Petersburg, calledthe at the Hollander hotel,
which is a an original Hotel inSt. Petersburg. And they have a
pool area with like a cabanapool area. And it's really,
really got a real cool retrovibe, because the building looks
something out of the 40s, whichit is. And it's they had a bit
(11:20):
of pinup contest, I think. Yeah,it was the retro slash vintage
bathing suit. content. And Rubywas was in that, again, props.
Ruby was in that and I met herand it's like,
(11:44):
lightning, clashed right there.
And something happened in theuniverse, the planets aligned.
And it's like, I have found you,I have found my soul sister.
We, it's I can't, we can't go aday without talking to each
other. If I don't get a chanceto say like two words to her. I
(12:06):
feel like the day hasn'thappened ever since. You know,
and it is the truth. You know, Imean, it's, we're each other's
support system and a lot ofthings.
I mean, I had a really bad 2020like a lot of people did. But
Ruby was one of the people thatpulled me out of a funk, because
(12:28):
she kept on checking on me andmaking sure I was okay. Also,
see, not all superheroes wearcapes you got
that everyone knows superheroesdo do wear capes. But you know,
sometimes it's a pity coat and anice dress like that.
(12:53):
Oh, Ruby, very sweet of you. Oh,thank you. It's just me, though,
you know. SoI find that no easy thing that
both of you met through the loveof pinup. And it's you know,
it's what brought you togetherof vintage pinup. I know,
there's both two differentthings. But they both are the
(13:15):
same at the same time, if youknow what I mean. But I brought
you guys together to thisbeautiful friendship.
Family. It's true. I have met somany people, whether they dress
like us, or they have never seenanything like this in their
(13:36):
life. And they just come up andask questions. Like, you look so
nice. We're, you know, what isthis about? And that starts a
conversation. And I absolutelylove that. Because it opens up
another doorway for otherpeople. I mean, I've been at
(13:57):
Universal Studios all done upfor Halloween Horror Nights. And
I had a person come up to meonce and asked me if I was a
character. And I said, in theMargaritaville bathroom.
This is how I dress every day.
She's like,well, what is this for? I said,
it's my clothes. This she's likeI said, Do you have you ever
(14:18):
heard of pin up before? Andshe's like, No, I said, so. I
said, Take out your phone, useyour little Google machine
there. type one pin up and hitimages and it will bring an
entire universe open to you.
And I feel like I opened thedoor for somebody to take like,
(14:41):
you know, but that's just anormal everyday conversation. I
have even people who come to seeme at work. They're like, do you
wear this stuff at work? Andlike, obviously, this is what's
in my closet.
And you RubyWhat do I wear this every day
wellYeah, and um, just how people
react when they see you. Oh,well, um, so I do have two jobs.
(15:05):
So I do wear my work uniformsquite often. But that being
said, I have quite the wardrobe.
I'm not even going to begin totell you how many dresses I own.
But yes, whenever I can, I evenif I'm just going up to the
store, I saw a dress on now I dohave a certain level of fancy
(15:27):
dresses, you know, I'm not goingto go put on my gala dress to go
grocery shopping with you know,the pandemic, you could you
know, but um, it's public.
Yeah. All right, well, I justput my hair up in a bun. And,
you know, like this, I'm wearingthis today. I mean, this is what
I wore today, you know, so yeah,um, a lot of the times, you
(15:50):
know, when I go to the store,because I, I work in grocery
retail, so usually go to thestore I work at, to go grocery
shopping, and I'm, my co workersknow what I wear. So they'll be
like, Oh, that's a cute dress. Ihaven't seen that one yet. You
know, stuff like that. Um, butfor people who don't know me,
I'll be in public and it'sfemales, you know, and they'll
(16:13):
be like, Oh, I like your dress.
It's a really cute assemble.
And, and I always when someonepays me a compliment, I give
them a curtsy. bow my head andtell them thank you. And then
they're just like, Oh, you know,because no one does that
anymore. You know, and I thinkit's a cute little spin on like
saying thank you know, so.
(16:34):
So I do that. Um, and then it'sfunny how Leslie mentioned when
she was at Universal? A coupleyears back in Ebor, we used to
have a restaurant called thespaghetti warehouse, and
my family and I actually went togo see Jersey Boys at the straz
Yeah, and then afterwards, wewent to the spaghetti warehouse.
(16:57):
Well, you know, I wore my cherryprint dress with you know, it
was like full skirt with Petcoin the backseat stockings. But
that's what I wear anyway, mostof the time anyway. But so I
went out to the stressing out todinner. Well, so I guess that
night, which we had no clue atthe spaghetti warehouse, they
had a mystery dinner theaterthing going on. And it was like
(17:21):
a mystery train. And it was setin the 1950s they thought you
were the killer. Some peoplekept asking me all night long.
Are you part of the show? Areyou in the show? Don't like, no,
this is just how I dress. Youknow, just, I happen to be here,
you know? So that that was fun.
Um, and then I actually am anannual pass holder and I go to
(17:43):
Universal a lot, myself and I doneed to go usually wear a dress
there. And a lot of times peopleyou know, say, Oh, I like your
outfit. I just film. Thank you.
And yeah, and it's fun. And youknow, when I can let people
know, like Leslie, where I gotit and you know, what size
(18:04):
inclusive, inclusive tivitythere is and, and things like
that, which is amazing. And I'mvery, very happy that there are
a lot ofreproduction companies out there
that do have a good range ofplus sizes, so then that's
really awesome, too. Yeah.
(18:24):
So now, I want to know, whatmade you guys come together? or
How did it start that you guysapproached me and we're
interested in pin Tampa.
That was me.
Um,well, so I know you have Hinde
Orlando and I know you're inSouth Florida. And I was like,
(18:48):
Man, you know, there's no Tampachapter and basically I reached
out to you Pinup Miami andasked, hey, you know, would you
be interested in possibly havingsome people help you run a Tampa
chapter? And no.
Just kidding.
(19:12):
And,and heard I networked and I'm,
here we are. Now I'm just oneperson. And I knew I would need
reinforcement. So I askedLeslie, if she'd be interested
in helping and she said, Yes, soshe is my right wing woman. We
are actually equals in thispartnership.
(19:35):
We do have a couple otherfriends who are in the pinup
scene who did ask for futureendeavors that they'd be
interested in helping and theysaid yes, but that's further
down the line, but we do haveextra help.
But yeah, so And here we are.
Yes. And what is your like? Whatdo you look forward to the most
(19:56):
starting pin Tampa seeing pinnedor
Nando South Florida like what isone thing you're very excited
for? Because your pin templateis really new. The first event
is coming up soon we'll talkabout that after. But tell me,
what do you each very excitedfor?
(20:16):
I know I'm personally excitedfor meeting new people. And
if you're not, like, like, likewhat you said, Come as you are,
you don't have to come dressedup like us, or anybody else. You
can come in and jeans and a Tshirt. We don't care. It's, you
know, meeting people bringingpeople together. Networking, you
(20:38):
know, I mean,it I mean, look at what brought
me brought me Ruby, you know, anevent brought me Ruby. And so
it's a it's one of those thingswhere just just go and have fun.
Meet people shake hands. Well,social distance hand if you have
too high five weight from adistance, I guess now until
(21:02):
things are better. But it's, Ijust think that
the type of clothing that wewear brings attention.
Obviously, an attention willbring curious people and
curious people can end up to befriends. So
(21:23):
and that's why I you know, am II'm looking forward to also
meeting new people in anothertown as well, because I do
events all over even hosting thepinup contest. I've done some in
Tampa, I know Ruby's gonna park,Orlando, Jacksonville in
between. Next this year, I'mhosting one in North Carolina.
(21:46):
I have found hosting thesecontest. It's not just a contest
that people are, you know,against each other pinup contest
is a whole different worldbecause I've seen friendships
evolved from them. And then inSouth Florida was a simple like
what you were saying, Leslie,that when you go to Universal,
somebody's like, Oh, I like theway you're dressed. And you
taught them a new world. Now youhave an excuse to be like, well,
(22:08):
because the answer I would getis, I don't have anywhere to
wear it. Well, you don't need aplace to wear it, because we
wear it all the time. But if youdo, hey kintampo host these
meetups, you know, you shouldcome check it out. And you could
tell them, and it gives peoplean opportunity to explore a
different type of culture, adifferent type of people,
because when you come to any ofthe events that are always
(22:28):
welcoming, you could come byyourself. I mean, I started it
by myself. So people just showedup. And so that's what I was
looking forward to see you guysposting these events, meeting
more people growing. And I'm soexcited for the future that you
know, I can't even put it intowords and how pleased I am that
you like the way you know,Tampa, I mean, Orlando and Miami
(22:51):
and South Florida has beengoing. So hopefully one day we
all meet together in the middle.
And that would be amazing. Likea pinup retreat.
Yes.
I think that's awesome. Yeah.
That'd be amazing. Absolutely.
So tell us about the event next.
Well, the event this weekend?
(23:13):
It's gonna be on Friday andSaturday at bajada. Right? Yeah.
Tell us 1717 Yes, I messed up mybed. It's okay.
17 that tell us about themeetup. What can we expect? You
know, give us more like, teasetease us. I'll be there. Well,
(23:38):
well, that's a party rightthere.
There think it's a party?
Um, well, so we were trying tothink of a place where we could
have a social distance meetup.
But soon because, you know,people are getting vaccinated
now. Yay. AndI know, people are trying to get
(24:00):
more into socializing again, andmore normalcy with their lives
and everything. So, um, I didhear through the grapevine about
why he heard Um, and so Ireached out to them and I asked
them, would they be interested?
Could we have a meetup there andthe man who runs it? He said,
(24:24):
Absolutely. That's fine. Justyou know, I gotta let him know
the details. And so I talked alot with Leslie and Pinup Miami,
and we worked out a time anddate and it's set excuse that
September, excuse me, April 17.
My goodness, um, and it's gonnabe mainly outside, which is
(24:46):
really great.
You know, it is a Tiki Bar andit is 21. But I did talk to him
because there are a few peoplewho are interested in coming who
are 18And he said that you would do
wristbands for them. So, okay,you know, I have been to the
Baja and I have to saythe drinks are very dangerous
(25:13):
but deliciously good. So it'sdangerous. Oh and wake drinking.
Like it's like it's like itsyncs up I guess the word. Okay.
What's fun about the Bihar is itis one of the oldest retro
vintage Tiki huts in America, itwas built in 1954. And not much
(25:36):
has changed. Of course they'veupdated, you know, kitchens and
renovations and things likethat. But, um, as far as I know
that they kept everything almostentirely original, which is
pretty awesome. So that's gonnabe fun. And I have personally
have never been to a Tiki hut orevent or anything like that. And
(25:58):
you know, I needed to buy a newdress to add to my Dress
Collection. So I went and boughta Tiki themed dress and Leslie's
making me a beautiful hairflower and we're gonna
alohar away into a nice littleget together. So I'm very
excited.
I'm so excited to see whateveryone wears. You know who
(26:21):
shows up? Who what new peoplewe're gonna meet? You know, the
type of masks You know, I'veseen some people make creative
masks also. It's so weird tosay, but I've seen some creative
masks. Maybe someone will makeone out of like bamboo. Oh, all
right. Yeah, bamboo one.
(26:44):
Or one full of like littleparasols. I like those little
parasols from the drinks. Idon't know. That'd be cute.
has one of you watching onYouTube?
I mean, I'm just drinking out ofmy, my first ever. What is this
taking glass?
It's a peacock. No, yeah, it's apeacock. Yeah, it's beautiful.
(27:09):
Well, I'm so excited for thefirst event, it's gonna be
amazing. And there's gonna bemany more I hope everyone
listening if you're in the WestCoast, or if you're willing to
drive for a night, you know,head out there RSVP head to pin
Tampa calm. So you can meetthese wonderful ladies. And if I
haven't met you, please makesure to say hi to me. I'd love
(27:30):
to meet you all. And I'll alsobe hosting an event in Tampa.
I'm not hosting an event butI'll be hosting a pinup contest
in Tampa at the ink the bayTattoo Convention in June. So if
you guys are interested injoining a pinup contest, make
sure to hit up pinup contestcomm and get more info there.
(27:51):
Well, really, do you haveanything else you'd like to add
to today's conversation aboutpen temp about yourself? any
future endeavors?
Um,no, no, no, I you know, as you
were talking, I was thinkinglike a million things I could
say but knowing now I'm drawinga blank and I hate that. Um, no,
I just I really hope you knowthat this is going to be such a
(28:16):
great in front of them. And thata good amount of people do show
up, which I, I believe there areand I really hope to see
everyone there and Oh, yes. TheBaha does have a hotel attached
to it, called the Golden hostresort and it is owned by the
same person. So if anyone needsa place to stay, or you know, I
(28:39):
don't want anyone driving homedrunk especially for people who
are coming from out of town.
definitely give them a call andtry to book a hotel room for the
night. It's because I would feelbetter if you did so.
(29:01):
And Leslie anything else youwant to end um,
other than I'm just so excitedto meet some like minded people
and finally meet you in personis like going to be like my
absolute goal. And just havingfun with people. I mean, my
husband's going to go and thisis going to be his second ever
(29:24):
like pin upadventure with me first was at
thepool event with Ruby so and I
were gonna match. I bought adress and I bought him a
matching shirt. So we're gonnawe have a honeymooning
honeymooner couple couple thinggoing on. So
(29:45):
So yeah, so I can't I can'twait. And I'm just ecstatic and
I can't wait to see what what itbrings and what would impulse
for us in the future. Oh ladies,I just have to say both of you
that I am so grateful.
An honor that you guys havestarted this adventure that I'm
a part of. And it means theworld to me. I hope you know
(30:08):
this. And this is like my babyand you guys are carrying it
perfectly, you know. SoI wanted to just say thank you.
And for you listening, make sureto follow them on Instagram at
pin Tampa, and then need tocheck out Ruby at pinup Ruby and
Leslie at Leslie underscore Lux,I'll make sure to put the
(30:29):
spelling and everything down inthe show notes below. And for
next week, I'm going to becontinuing the conversation of
fat phobia and dating plus sizewomen. So please stay tuned for
that. I'll be having Vivian backfor that episode, so you don't
want to miss it out. And makesure to share this episode share
(30:52):
the pin Tampa event. You knowjust share everything you know
it's a free way to help us outand it means the world to me. So
guys, please pay stay safe. Andladies, please stay safe. Wear
your mask, get your vaccine andI hope to see you all here next
week. Bye bye
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