Vivacious, Diverse, and Determined: Meet Hollywood Betty
By Lea Byrnes Art
Nicole Dix, also known as Hollywood Betty, is a model born and raised in Arizona. As a mother of three, Nicole has undergone an inspiring journey of self-love and expression in recent years, after discovering that modeling was an amazing creative medium to grow her confidence.
Modeling by @hollywoodbetty, Photography by @danchaneyphoto, Hairstyling by @dropdeadkristi, Makeup by @glam_by_cheyenne
Nicole describes herself as vivacious, diverse, and determined; she embodies these qualities in her modeling alter-ego, Hollywood Betty. “Hollywood Betty is my seductively fun character where I feel I can become the most expressive with parts of me that I can't always channel in my daily life,” Nicole shares. “She is the essence of the beauty captured in old Hollywood glamor; full of poise and mystique. She is also incredibly strong willed, and has a direct, undeniable sensuality about her femininity and is not afraid to be expressive with it.” Hollywood Betty has allowed Nicole to blossom into the most creative, free version of herself. However, the journey to get there was not always an easy one.
Nicole’s modeling journey began after moving on from a nearly ten-year-long abusive relationship, which left her self-worth shattered and her mind confused. Nicole no longer felt connected to the person she used to be. As she began to heal, she says, “I spent years trying to find that person again, before I realized that person doesn't exist anymore; because she has turned into something different due to trauma and lack of self-worth. This realization hit me as depression at first, and I dived deep into a cycle of repetitive self-hatred, which caused me to have the wrong kind of people in my life. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit; causing everyone to be isolated. Instead of diving into depression, I took an introspective approach by looking at it as an opportunity to shift out of the toxicity in my life and get a hold of who I wanted to be as a person. I dressed up in different outfits just because it made me feel good. I worked out at home to help boost my energy and body image, taking pictures throughout the process.” This awakening was the beginning of Nicole’s journey into the world of modeling, which would ultimately become a huge healing tool for her.
Modeling by @hollywoodbetty, Photography by @kbrofficial, Makeup by @glam_by_cheyenne, Assisting by @enriquejavierphotography, Published in @selin.magazineAt the beginning of her journey, Nicole still struggled immensely with body image and negative self-talk. However, as she started to embody the character called Hollywood Betty, her confidence began to blossom. This new-found confidence empowered her to sign up for her very first photoshoot at the Arizona Tiki Oasis Event. The photoshoot allowed Nicole to explore her own ideas for hair, makeup, and styling, which helped her tap into her own unique sense of creativity. She says, “The beautiful women I worked with helped me transform into something that I had hidden inside me... Miss Hollywood Betty. It was my first time seeing myself in a full look so far outside of what I do daily, and I couldn't have loved it more! From there, I delved into more photoshoots with more photographers and each time I tried to learn more about styling and capture a different image to push myself a little further outside of my comfort zone.” Nicole later explored the world of burlesque, taking the leap into stage performances. “As a mother of three my body had looked less than perfect,” she shares. “This thought is exactly what motivated me to get out there and prove to myself that being confident and glowing from within is what it is all about.”
This experience helped Nicole to see “...that I can accomplish something difficult, I can critique myself without allowing it to make me spiral into self-loathing habits, and I can give myself grace for all that I have been through. Having the creative outlets and allowing myself time to nurture the art of self-expression healed me in ways I didn't think were possible, with the right people joining my journey along the way.” For Nicole, modeling is like a form of acting, giving her the freedom to transform into a character in front of the camera lens. Her favorite part of modeling is working with the photographer to create a unique vision, and choosing clothing and pictures that inspire ideas for photoshoots. Nicole’s biggest inspiration comes from old Hollywood style, which serves as the muse for Hollywood Betty.
About her muse, Nicole says, “Women particularly in the 1940's-1950's era demonstrate the essence of beauty and romanticism for me. My two favorites of the time were Bettie Page and Hedy Lamarr. These women are my muse because Bettie Page realized her power in her thirties and became ultra-expressive with her sexuality in a time where that was not the most popular thing for a woman to do. She went against the curve of what a woman should be at that time and made it her own, becoming an icon in her own right. Hedy Lamarr is my muse for classic elegance and old Hollywood glamor. She was flawless at what she did as a model and actress; however, she was also incredibly intelligent, which was often overlooked. I connect to each characteristic that I see in these women, and it motivates me to pursue my passions despite the societal stereotypes.”
Modeling by @hollywoodbetty, Photography by @danchaneyphoto, Hairstyling by @dropdeadkristi, Makeup by @glam_by_cheyenneNicole’s life has changed dramatically since the dawn of Hollywood Betty. Everything from her confidence to her daily habits have transformed for the better. She describes, “In the early morning hours, I do my best meditation and thought practices, because you are mentally visualizing and seeing a new day being birthed. This is the best time for grounding for me, and it attaches me to the present moment. The night is when I come alive for creative play. I love to create at night because I can control the lighting to take pictures, the world feels quiet, and my thoughts run wild.” Additionally, Nicole’s modeling career has also opened up a whole new world of opportunities and an entirely new community filled with tons of different types of creative people. Nicole says, “I meet vendors, photographers, other models, and artists of all avenues showcasing their talents through what they are passionate about. That is what I love about my community, and it consistently motivates me to give back any chance I can, through volunteer events or through supporting locally owned businesses.”
For Nicole, one of the best parts of her modeling career is seeing the positive impact that her confidence has on other women. Even outside of modeling, her personal style reflects her new mindset, as she now considers it a priority to express herself through unique clothing and style choices. “This has caused people to stop me and ask about my style,” says Nicole. “Some even tell me that because of the way I dress, I've caused them to find courage to dress in a way that they find joy in or try something they didn't think they could. That is the highest of compliments for me because art is what connects people from all backgrounds and through the art of my self-expression, I bring joy to others.” Today, women of all ages all around the world are currently struggling with their self-image, and Nicole’s story is a shining example for them of what is possible when we choose to believe in ourselves and put aside the negative self-talk that has become so prevalent in our society. With her bold message of self-love, there is no doubt that Hollywood Betty will continue to inspire other women to love themselves for exactly who they are.
