Women in Our Community: The Rockabettys

Today, we are going to be introducing a group that focuses on making strides in the movement for women's rights when giving back to their community. The Rockabettys is a non-profit group of women that focus on promoting other women all throughout the Sioux Falls area. Whether it is hosting events or donating money to women in need, the Rockabettys do whatever it takes to help empower women in their community! It is so inspiring to know that women in our community today are still making great improvements to our society, and showing what it truly means to empower women.

Let's learn a little bit more about them...

Chelsea's Boutique: How did the Rockabettys start?

Rockabettys: The Bettys started with a few women who loved commemorating the pinup era getting together and creating ways to give back to the community-specifically the fellow females in the community.

CB: What is your mission/goal?

RB: The overall mission is to promote women and women's organizations in the Sioux Empire through educational scholarship, donations, volunteerism, and fundraising.

CB: What is the significance or meaning behind the name Rockabettys?

RB: It was formed off of the word rockabilly-which basically describes a kind of music and lifestyle in the 1950s. Make it a female version, and you've got rockaBETTYS.

CB: What kind of philanthropy work and events do you have coming up?

RB: Coming up we have a good ol' fashioned bake sale at Urban Archeology in downtown Sioux Falls. We'll be selling homemade baked goods and Betty merch to help fundraise money for our scholarship and donation efforts. We are looking forward to having a few members in the PowerWalk for Dress For Success on September 27, as well as a few various other volunteer opportunities.

CB: Is the group exclusive or can people who are interested join?

RB: We encourage anyone and everyone to join! We love meeting new women with a similar passion to give back to their community-even if you don't tote the red lipstick regularly.

CB: In what ways do you empower women through your organization?

RB: I hope that we empower women by providing them with resources to live better, and proving that every woman out there is beautiful. I hope that we display acceptance, friendship, and community. As we further our work in the community, we hope to provide many more opportunities and events for women to help further our mission.

CB: How has being involved in the Rockabettys affected you all positively?

RB: The main way the group has affected me is getting closer to many amazing women that I can now call good friends. Having a group of peers that share your desire to help the community is a great thing. It has also helped me with public speaking and self-confidence, and being open to the community about women's issues.

CB: Where do you see the Rockabettys going someday?

RB: In the far future, I would love to see different communities popping up with their own version of a Rockabettys organization! But in the near future, I hope to really lift our scholarship program off the ground and offer many more unique public events that can really bring women in the community together.

CB: What is the most memorable experience you've had while in this group?

RB: This spring, we got to volunteer with an organization called Days For Girls, which is a national group that provides feminine hygiene kits and teaches girls and women in impoverished communities about health and hygiene. There is a local chapter that helps craft these kits and it was a pleasure to work with them. Hearing about their work and the many girls who are forced to stay home from school simply because they have their period and are not able to hygienically take care of themselves was heartbreaking. It was a cool experience, and I hope to work with them many more times in the future.

CB: What do you think makes your organization stand out the most?

RB: As a newer group, I feel like we are still expanding and developing who we are and what we want to accomplish. The upside of that is that we are always interested in new ideas and looking for help in carrying out our mission. I think that helps us stand out as we are always doing something new!

Photo from a recent calendar shoot

Just for Funsies:

CB: What era of vintage style is your favorite?

RB: I do love the big skirts and red lips of the 50s era, but I'm also a fan of fashion from the 20s (even if I can't personally pull it off).

CB:What is a fashion item that you couldn't live without?

RB: I bet most Betts might say their favorite tube of lipstick, but my favorite item would probably be mascara. I gotta have a little pop to my eyes!

CB: If you were to reach into your purse what are 5 things you'd pull out?

RB: Fun question!

1. The obvious is my wallet (cash/cards/etc.)

2. My planner-if I don't write it down, I'll probably forget it!

3. Mints or gum-usually mints.

4. Chapstick and/or lipstick.

5. A compact mirror.

CB: Who is your favorite fashion icon?

RB: I can only pick one?! I think it would be between Audrey Hepburn and Liz Taylor.

Did you know our fearless leader- Chelsea- is also a member of the Rockabettys?! She says, "The group focuses on everything I am so passionate about, so it just makes complete sense for me to be involved with them!"
If the Rockabettys sounds like something that interests you, visit www.siouxempirerockabettys.org to check out their merchandise, send them a message, or donate today. Join the Rockabettys and help empower women all throughout your community!

~Erin