Power from a Pin-Up

by HOLLY VASIC

Ashley Marie Wright is the owner, photographer, make-up artist, and hair stylist behind Pin Me Up Utah, where women can feel empowered and beautiful in their own skin by getting dolled up in 1950s style and photographed; reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe. Wright lives and breathes vintage throughout her many rolls, from soccer mom to loving wife and entrepreneur.

Wright loves the creative inspiration she garners from the 50s. She builds her own sets for pin-up shoots that stay true to the time period. “All my sets are all 50’s inspired and I only use vintage props” she said. She also loves any opportunity to shop, “My husband and I are huge into antiquing and collecting, so it’s something we can enjoy together. What we don’t use for sets, goes into our home.” Wright adores doing pin-up, but also does family shoots and newborn or toddler photography.

Wright’s interest began when she was a child and noticed her Grandmother’s old magazines. At first, she thought she would be a pin-up model herself, “I started out in front of the camera, I was an aspiring pin-up model and I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my calling. I decided to make a change and get behind the lens, instead. And I’m so happy I did.” Wright took photography in high school and really enjoyed it, but did not make the career jump until after she had her third child.

Wright is now a mother of five, with her oldest being twelve and her youngest being nine months. On top of pin-up photography, Wright hosts pin-up contests at events such as car shows. The pin-up contest’s began at the annual Rockin’ Christmas Charity Event. “I used to do a pin-up pageant at the Christmas show and that was really a lot of fun, but the show was already so busy I had to cut it from the bill,” Wright said. Others took notice of the contest and began asking her to put them on at other events throughout the year. Pin-up may be seen as sexy, but Wright and her family attend all the family-friendly events. Often, her daughter helps with the business. Write said, “My oldest daughter hosts the mini pin-up contest for a couple shows that we do, so that’s been fun to incorporate and she does a really great job.”

Wright has limited time, but keeps her focus on her busy kids and inspiring women through her business and events. Wright truly loves pin-up and all that comes with it. She recommends all women give it a try. “If you’ve never done it before, I highly recommend you try it at least once! It’s a blast.”