Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki VonWickd.
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, where I grew up in a proud military family—service and support for our troops have always been close to my heart. Years ago, I joined a pinup group as a model, and we’d participate in charity events to raise money for care packages for deployed service members. We’d get all dolled up and attend homecomings—not every soldier has someone waiting for them, and we made it our mission to be that smiling, glamorous welcome home whenever we could.
I’ve been a hairstylist and makeup artist for nearly 20 years. Even back in my pinup group days, I was always the one doing the other girls’ hair and makeup, making sure they not only looked stunning but felt confident too. Over time, though, I got frustrated watching male photographers shoot us from unflattering angles or over-edit our bodies—what was meant to be empowering often left women feeling the opposite. So I took matters into my own hands and picked up a camera. I taught myself traditional pinup and glamour photography and started working with women of every shape, size, and experience level. My goal was simple: to make women feel powerful, beautiful, and absolutely glorious.
Since then, I’ve proudly become a multi-published photographer and model—proof that when you blend passion with purpose, amazing things happen.
Life shifted and brought me to Greenville, South Carolina, where I focused on cosmetology education. I became a national educator and had the privilege of mentoring incredible adult students. One day, I was invited to be a special guest at a local career center (a vocational school for the folks who remember it that way) to teach a lesson in special effects makeup. The energy from those high school students was electric—and I was hooked. The following year, I launched a brand-new esthetics program from scratch. Today, we’re proud to say we’re the top program in the region.
But even while building this amazing program, I missed the pinup world. I missed the glitter, the red lips, the flashbulbs, and that unique confidence that only comes from stepping into your boldest, most fabulous self. A few girls who knew my work asked me to come to Steel in Motion, a huge car show in the Upstate. I figured I’d be styling one or two ladies—next thing I knew, I had to assemble a team, and we glammed up over 25 women in just six hours. We were exhausted—but absolutely hooked.
That was the rebirth of Glitter and Glory—my heart, my soul, and my calling wrapped in one glamorous, glittery package. Since then, we’ve traveled across the U.S., bringing vintage hair and makeup magic to car shows, festivals, and more. Our photography has taken off too, expanding into live music, motorcycles, cars, boudoir, pinup, and beyond. Life’s too short not to do the fun stuff—and Glitter and Glory is all about fun, empowerment, and feeling fabulous in your own skin.
This isn’t just a business. It’s a movement. And it’s 100% me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not—but it’s been worth every bump, detour, and hard lesson.
A few years ago, life hit my entire team like a freight train. One by one, they had to step back to handle personal challenges, and I suddenly found myself standing solo in what had always been a sisterhood. Around the same time, I opened a beautiful photography studio with another talented pinup—our dream space. But due to circumstances beyond our control, we were forced to close its doors. I’ll never forget that last night, sitting on the floor, tears falling as I packed up the pieces of something I poured my heart into. I felt broken. I genuinely considered walking away from it all.
But then, something incredible happened—my clients didn’t flinch. They kept booking. They showed up. They believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Finding locations became harder, but the love and support never stopped. Those women healed me in ways they’ll never fully understand. They reminded me why I do this.
Then, in June 2025, I faced another unexpected battle. I underwent a life-changing surgery, and while everything seemed to be going well, I wound up being part of the “1% club” with a rare complication that landed me in the ICU, undergoing two emergency surgeries. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and reimagine the future.
What I do know is this: Glitter and Glory is still the thing that lights my soul on fire. Helping women feel beautiful, powerful, and seen? That’s worth everything. I may be healing, but I’m not done. Pinup season is in full swing, my team is stronger than ever, and I’m ready to meet the next chapter with glitter in my hair and purpose in my heart.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m incredibly proud of every part of my journey—yes, even the hard days. They’ve shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur I am today.
My work spans far and wide: from magazine covers and centerfolds to high-energy band photography and one-of-a-kind creative shoots. I’ve photographed mermaids underwater, captured fire-breathing beauties on custom motorcycles, and brought wild, imaginative concepts to life. What I do isn’t just photography—it’s storytelling, empowerment, and a little bit of magic wrapped in glitter and grit.
I specialize in fully customized photoshoots that celebrate every body type, every personality, and every vision. As a plus-size woman myself, I know what it means to not always see yourself reflected in glamorous, powerful imagery—and I’ve made it my mission to change that. Whether you’re a seasoned model or it’s your very first time in front of the camera, I want you to leave your session feeling like a work of art.
If you have a wild idea for a shoot, I’m here to make it happen. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter sessions—your photos should reflect you. Bold, soft, fierce, funny—whatever your story is, we’ll bring it to life.
I’m also well known for my special effects makeup work—zombies are kind of my thing! Whether it’s Halloween mayhem or cinematic-style gore, I love the challenge of transforming people into something completely otherworldly.
What sets Glitter and Glory apart is the heart behind it all. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about creating a space where people feel confident, celebrated, and unapologetically themselves.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There’s no way I could have built Glitter and Glory alone—this journey has been anything but a solo act. I’m endlessly grateful for the incredible people who’ve stood beside me, lifted me up, and believed in the vision, even during the chaotic and uncertain moments.
There are a few names that deserve special recognition—Zack Horn, Ashley Johnson, Bess Baldwin, Kayla Hagman, Angela Riolo, Leslie Bouvier, and Catherine Collins. These aren’t just names on a list; they’re the kind of people who roll up their sleeves when things get tough, offer encouragement when I’ve run out of steam, and never let me forget why I started. Whether it’s helping behind the scenes, stepping in on last-minute projects, offering creative input, or simply showing up with unwavering support, each one has played a unique and irreplaceable role in my success and the growth of this business.
I truly believe that behind every strong brand is a stronger tribe—and I’m so lucky to have mine.
Pricing:
- Hair and Makeup at events has its on special pricing, but can be found easily on our social media pages.
- Photoshoots start at $200 for minis and go up from there
- Other services, are individually priced, but we try to work with every budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.GlitterandGloryGirls.com
- Instagram: @GlitterandGloryGirls
- Facebook: @GlitterandGloryPhotography
- Other: GlitterandGloryPhotography@gmail.com
