Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Mayes.
Hi Cindy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Several years ago I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm which almost killed me. I spent thirty days in NICU and had several complications. A year later we were told the aneurysm had returned and I needed to have it surgically clipped at Emory in Atlanta. I had more complications and ended up having about five more surgeries. I have hydrocephalus, aphasia and daily pain as a result of the aneurysm. I didn’t let this experience stop me. If anything, it ignited a fire in me. I had a new outlook and decided to go after my dreams.
One thing that I always dreamed about when I was growing up was to be like Rita Hayworth, Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe. We didn’t have much money. I was a very shy and awkward kid. I was relentlessly bullied all through school. It was so bad that I didn’t even want to live anymore. I used to watch those old Hollywood movies thinking I wish I could be like that instead of the weird, awkward girl that I was. One thing that I’m most passionate about is to always uplift others. Make others feel good about themselves and to feel seen and appreciated. Be kind.
But anyway, after the long recovery from the ruptured aneurysm and after my three children were grown, I decided to pursue my dreams of being a pinup model. I was hooked after the very first photo shoot. I have to admit I was very surprised at how quickly my photos took off. I became a real pinup model at almost 49 years old. I’ve earned the respect of the pinup community. My photos have graced the pages of roughly 40 magazines. On my Instagram page @wildlilstrawberry, I’ve been doing some fashion modeling. Wild Lil Strawberry is my pinup name. I get offers from brands to do collaborations. I’m very grateful for that. I’m 55 now but I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I have physical and mental limitations but I’m not going to let that stop me. I’ve got some new ideas and projects that I’m working on. I’m also recording a cover song with my husband “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star. I’m really excited about that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle was the ruptured brain aneurysm. Another very difficult struggle is social anxiety and depression. I honestly can’t believe that I actually have the courage to model. Seeing the pictures, the finished product, really makes me feel good though. Physical pain is also a huge hurdle. There have been many times that I have had to tell my photographers I couldn’t do certain poses. My balance is an issue and I live in daily pain. To be honest, I’m often in bed due to pain and fatigue. But I’m still here.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional pinup model with a disability. I’m also a mature model. I don’t consider myself beautiful. I’m covered in scars and flaws. I’m most proud of myself because I don’t let my disabilities or lack of confidence hold me back. My hope is that I encourage others to embrace their flaws and uniqueness. I hope that I encourage others to keep going and to pursue their dreams. What sets me apart from others is that I have physical and mental limitations but I’m still out there creating art. I just don’t give up.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way would be to contact me through my instagram page @wildlilstrawberry or via email cmayes2009@gmail.com. Support me by following my page.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wildlilstrawberry
- Facebook: Wildlilstrawberry on Facebook
