Words with P.R. (Edition 4)

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, June 24, 2021

Patricia Rogers Queen PR in Birdie Bee crop top.jpg

My First Time in a Bikini and My Struggle with Body Image Acceptance

Real talk time.

When I was really young, I wanted to be a model.

But I was too short, too black, and too fat.

I have always felt self-conscious about the way I look. All of my “flaws” stuck out to me growing up: my gap-toothed smile, acne that has followed me into adulthood, and my outie belly button.

My face and body were not perfect and it would weigh on me. I have four sisters and our looks were always compared. I’m a twin, but most of my sisters have the same features from our mom’s side, and me — from my Dad’s side. We are all beautiful inside and out but these things can really get into your head and cause insecurities.

So at a very young age, I gave up my dream of being a model but always loved style and fashion. I had an unhealthy obsession with the Victoria Secret Angels, and fashion editorials in magazines. I resigned to being an aspiring stylist, as I thought with my look that is the closest I could get to being in the fashion industry.

I thank God that I grew up during the time that I did though. Body image and inclusivity have gotten better since my day, but I couldn’t imagine growing up with Instagram. As much as I use social media, just like everyone there are times where it legit scares me.

The unattainable body images of "influencers" and the idea of perpetuating this wealthy perfect life can be so intimidating. And the scary part is, we are all trying to emulate an image that is simply not real. Even the Kardashians use apps to edit their photos. I can’t even imagine young people living through these expectations, on top of cyberbullying.

However, it was through social media that I gained my own self-confidence and acceptance. Thanks to the support of my online community (mostly my podcast Those Wrestling Girls, and other wrestling fans), friends, and family, I have just been putting myself out there.

During the pandemic, I bought a ring light, and since I was home more and had time I would just take photos of myself in my favorite wrestling t-shirts. The feedback was unbelievably positive.

Patricia Rogers Queen PR in red swimsuit .jpg

So for the very first time, my twin sister Letty encouraged me to buy a bikini. In all 31 years of my life, I have never once felt comfortable wearing one. But we were going to Vegas and if there is any place to just fucking go for it, it’s Vegas. And once again the feedback was incredible. I almost cried because this was a moment where I came to accept my body in ways I never have.

I don’t have flawless skin, a flat tummy, or an hourglass figure, and THAT IS OKAY. I can imagine this being refreshing as everyone on Instagram tends to look like clones of each other.

My journey into self-acceptance actually helped me get my most recent brand ambassador gig with Birdiebee, founded by the Bella Twins. These two wrestlers and businesswomen have inspired me to feel comfortable in my own skin and to own my imperfections.

My honesty about not having the perfect body but still OWNING IT is the story of the brand and something I will always connect to. I am grateful that there are no “real models” on their website, including me!

As I move more into the role of an “influencer” as a podcast host, and with brand partnerships with two clothing brands, the notion that I will now have to put myself out there on social media for “work” is daunting.

Will that insecure little girl come back as my followers grow and lead me into a dark place? Only time will tell, but for now, I will continue to utilize social media features: mute, block, and comment disabling.

Support my new partnership with Birdiebee, by buying really cool tees, cropped sweatshirts, activewear, and more with inspiring messages. You can use my affiliate link here, and follow me on Instagram for special coupon codes like QUEENPR15!

Interview with Artist Peter Bloomfield

Opening Exhibit: March 10th, 2017 at Gallery OVO, South Orange, NJ
 

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2017

First off, this was a particularly memorable interview because Peter was a delight to talk to, and he is the first artist I have profiled from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  So far, it has been all about artists in Essex County, and of course my hometown, New York City.

I was able to have an insightful conversation with him, and it reminded me of why I love what I do.  And why providing this platform for artists, is so important.

Art is an outlet, a release.  It is a way for a person to express themselves through various mediums.  But at the same time, there is the provided spotlight into society at that moment. Attitudes, concerns and culture at that time. Buildings are a way to see into history. I cannot help but also think about iconic buildings and architecture that does the same thing.

Peter is an architect and visual artist based in Philly, but this weekend he is exhibiting his work at South Orange, New Jersey’s Gallery OVO.  Peter says, “I always was into the drawing side, figuratively and architecturally, design facilities nationally, artwork, and integrated it into the design of a building […] it is graphics, drawing, even poetry, and fashion design has often led the way prior to architecture.  I was always fascinated with what was going on in the causal as well as buildings being built.”

We continued to talk about structures in that magnitude like the rise of Bell House in Germany. Painting, and all aspects of design, go hand in hand almost seamlessly.  Architecture has brought Peter to the West coast, and since settling in Philly, he has dived back into the arts.

“I always have a sketchbook with me, method as a way to present ideas to clients.  We have done a lot of work for the broadcast industry,” says Peter.  Talk about being on the pulse.

The more we spoke, I realized that his upcoming show is going to be a turning point in his arts career.  I also live in an arts district.  We had a lot in common in that sense.  Being in the heart of the activity of an arts scene serves as a major inspiration. There are now peers, and people, that you can talk about the arts with, as well as meeting new people and being exposed to new things. I hope to introduce him to our scene, and I can maybe go to Philly.

Friday, March 10, 7-10 p.m. join us as Gallery OVO presents the opening of “Abstract Narratives, the Works of Peter Bloomfield.” Gallery OVO is a fairly new gallery, and a special one I might add.  Peter met the curator and owner, Caro Marr, through his wife who worked with Caro in the music industry.

I attended the MetalurJ jewelry show (Dec. 2016), with pieces designed by Jill H.  It was a sisters-only event and a lot of fun.  I was sent by marketing extraordinaire Gregory Burrus.  This is when I saw that Gallery OVO is like no other and goes back to the fundamental reasons why it is special to be a gallery curator.

Caro Marr took a look at Peter Bloomfield’s work and loved it.  “She took a look at it and said, ‘this is interesting.’” Peter continued, “She enjoyed the subject matter, color balance, and connection to my background.  She saw my interests and understood that.  She then came to my studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and looked through a bunch of pieces.”  The pieces are large scale.  I cannot wait to see how Gallery OVO is transformed by the colors of Peter Bloomfield’s pieces

“Abstract Narratives, Works by Peter Bloomfield” opens Friday, March 10.  It runs through March 26 at Gallery OVO, located in 26 South Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey.

About the Writer

Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District.  The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more.  She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.  Visit her blog www.masconsumption.com and keep up with your favorite Valley Girl on social media at @valleygirl_nj (Twitter / Instagram). 

 

"Indian Head" at Luna Stage (REVIEW)

March 2nd - 5th, West Orange, NJ

Photos from Luna Stage website

By Patricia Rogers | Posted Thursday, March 2, 2017

It is that time again: a night at the theater.

Luna Stage Theater, to be exact.  And for Nikkole Salter’s much anticipated, Indian Head.

Following a warm welcome from Cheryl Katz, Indian Head begins with the roar of a victory from the championship-bound Chipeekany Warriors.  But the moment is interrupted when Coach Smith and star football player Brian notice their new scoreboard has been vandalized.

Coach Smith, played by Donavin Dain Scott, is angry as he has held “the tribes” – oh, I mean, the high school football team’s – traditions in the highest regard.  He is not superstitious though(his words, not mine).  He wants to see the student responsible, of Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape decent, punished.

After her mother, Patricia, played by Carla-Rae, visits with the coach, they come to an agreement.  She’d be the team’s equipment manager.  Here you can see her trying to reason with both sides for a peaceful resolution.

Rachel, played by Sydney Battle, reluctantly became a part of the football team.  At first she started educating Brian, who admitted that he was ignorant when it came to the Native American iconography.  But Brian still wanted to use their symbolism to keep up the morale of the football team, and the legacy that Coach Smith passed on to him.  But, you know, in a respectful way.

Coach Smith, who happens to be black, knew very little about the iconography / symbols he was using to win football games, and in my opinion lacked sensitivity to the tribe.  However, it seemed he didn't care to learn or educate his players.  He needed the team and star player to make it to the championship.  Even leading him to be dishonest toward his “tribe.”  He knew that he needed the family to endorse the team.

Indian Head takes on the controversial mascot name change at Parsippany High School.  In 2001 it was changed to the Redhawks, formerly the Redskins.  When it comes to the storied relationship between Native Americans and the United States of America, it is clear there has been a huge violation of trust.  And when Brian comes out to the field in the sacred headers, we all felt it.  The emotion and intensity can be felt in the entire room.  And when he says, “felt like it was mine,” I nearly gasped aloud.  Not to mention his short change in demeanor after he was attacked.

The daughter, who at first did not want anything to do with him, went the way of education, equating tolerance.  Proud of her heritage, she did not want to see it made a mockery of.

Was ignorance the curse of the Indian Head?  Because I have to admit, I didn’t know the meaning behind the popular mohawk haircut.  Can we fault the coach or Brian for needing something to believe in?  Something they felt was bigger than themselves?

Is the lesson that sometimes misunderstandings do happen?  And that what is missing is having more compassion, patience, and being open to mutual respect and learning about new cultures?

The other questions Indian Head presented to me was, how much does intent have to do with cultural appropriation?  Does sheer love and hope not suffice?  Are we allowed to even dismiss what someone holds sacred?  Don’t we all need symbols of hope?

I was moved by the cast.  I was fully invested in their respective journeys throughout the play.  Even if you did not agree with the character at times.  There is also the difference between generations when it comes to culture and existing in a different cultural environment, as we saw in the play, with the approaches both Patricia and the daughter took to fight for their tribe’s rights.  They each had their own issues when it came to how to represent Indian Head.  Most Luna plays have me on an emotional rollercoaster.  Sometimes even not being able to contain my laughs, gasps, or random emotion that happens to hit me.

Like past Nikkole Salter plays like Lines in the Dust, we see a portrait of the complexities of race relations in 2017.  The conflict of the religion that is American football, with pretty much anything else, was a story for this country in 2017.  I was excited to bring Kionna Ballard, she is 14, she’s family and I cannot imagine the awesome impact these stories can have in her life.  Indian Head is relevant, compassionate, and had its funny moments.

“I loved the play.  It was so fun.  I liked how consistent Rachel’s character was and how determined she was to prove how her culture was no matter what, and how loyal she was to her culture.” - Kionna Ballard, 14

Indian Head was another world premiere, and was commissioned in partnership with the NJPAC Stage Exchange, a program of the N.J. Performing Arts Center.  Nikkole Salter, author of Lines in the Dust and Carnaval was also featured in the Spring 2014 issue of Masconsumption zine.

It was truly a pleasure.  Until next time, Luna Stage.

About the Writer

Patricia Rogers, #ValleyGirlNJ, lives in New Jersey's Valley Arts District.  The native New Yorker works as a writer, blogger and community activist. Starting Masconsumption Media in 2012, she has been passionate about capturing the stories of the vibrant up and coming Valley Arts District neighborhood through her blog, zine, events and more.  She blogs for Jersey Indie, Luna Stage, and Hat City Kitchen and offers many creative media services.  Visit her blog www.masconsumption.com and keep up with your favorite Valley Girl on social media at @valleygirl_nj (Twitter / Instagram).