We recently had the chance to connect with Shae V. Mischief and have shared our conversation below.
Shae V., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What battle are you avoiding?
My inner demons. I lost both my mom and sister in 13 months. All while I was in a 12 year narssasistic abusive relationship. I was a stubborn person doing factory work for 4 years and it done damage to my back. I just need look at my demons and laugh, “You fight like a bitch.” If I don’t face my demons and rise, I’m not going to get better. Feeling my feelings is vital to fighting in life instead of bottling it up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
So the name I was born with is Cheryl Dunn. If there are people who actually read this, I do editorial photography. And recently since 2023, But thanks to a group of incredible friends, I got named Shae V Mischief. I play with the pinup style to heal 12 years of domestic abuse. My mentality wasn’t all here in realizing I did something to my laptop that won’t turn on. So I’m taking a break so I can find a better paying job to fix it. And damage I suffered on my back from a 4 year run in factory work is preventing me from getting better paying work. So I’m back to my family roots in being an aide in an elementary school. My pinup fashion is making everyone at my job happy so that’s a start.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In 2023, I got a spam DM from an established pinup here in Arizona named Vixen Von Raven. She asked me, “Have you ever been in a pinup pageant before?” I seen them but never been in one. So I joined one for her group AZ Car Show Babez. I had no clue what I was doing. I thought I had my style figured out. I had this pop fan and struck a pose. The applause at this pageant was deafining! All contestants were points away from each other because we all did so well! So we all got crowns. That day, her belief right from jump street made me think of things. From 2023 to 2025, I won 4 crowns!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
My core memory was in 2014, I photographed my first marathon run which had my sister, Jessica Dunn who was a para athlete and her support runner, Timothy Bolen. He made a video slide show for Best Buddies Arizona. 2017, for a local clothing line called Thickumms , the brains behind the operation, Dee Riley told me that I inspired 3 models to go farther in plus size modeling. Then my pinup sisters like Vixen Von Raven, Phoenix Monroe, Miss Kitty, Elvie Pearl, and Queen of Curves said without knowing my story, “We will take care of you. You got healing to do.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
In 2023, my first friend I made on Tik Tok is a non binary Cosplayer named Roleplay Riot. What I didn’t know was they were on a journey too. What I learned was, “You are not trying. You are.” Just believe in your heart that you are who you say you are and not hurting anyone. What is amazing is that you are inspiring people in your journey.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m in my pinup clothes. I’m just not competing in pageants for a crown that will rust. I’m feeling comfortable in my own skin. I’m showing this style in 2026 is beautiful. And I have an army to thank. I’ll just give the crowns to dear friends like Roleplay Riot to create magical looks and give them a reminder that they are the whole kingdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shae.v.mischief?igsh=dGM4MDV5ZWFlMGlz
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madamemischief2025?_r=1&_t=ZP-92kkwBlpRXy
Image Credits
All images by Rachel Senenfelder
