Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Ryder.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started modeling in 2020 for a friend who was building her boudoir business. After that, I was hooked on the feeling boudoir gave me – an unbelievable new sense of confidence, beauty, and joy. A feeling that I thoroughly believe everyone deserves to experience. Upon starting my journey, I didn’t see much more than a curvy size 10 on most photographer profiles. Being a size 16/18 since I was a teenager, coupled with the feeling I gained from my boudoir shoots, I knew that other plus size people probably just needed the push of seeing someone who looks more like them in those photos, to take the leap and get their own session done. So I started doing as many photoshoots as I could for local photographers. This lead me to working with a slew of amazing photographers and other models throughout Michigan and Ohio, and only deepened the passion for what I was doing.
After being invited to model in my first styled photoshoot, I started falling in love with the production side of it all. I’m no photographer, so I found ways to be behind the scenes without being behind the lens – which led me to styling. I styled, hosted, and modeled in my first boudoir styled shoot in August of 2024. I followed that with another boudoir styled shoot in March of 2025, and most recently styled and hosted my first non-boudoir styled shoot. I’m Dreaming of a Queer Christmas was hosted at MI Studio Space in Wayland, MI on November 1, 2025. It featured an all LGBTQIA+ identifying model cast and showcased a wedding gown and accessories from Magnolia Bridal of Jenison, MI. It was a so much fun, and a huge success. Since then, I have started a formal business of styling for photographers, clients/models, and events. I’m having a blast exploring this creative side of myself and I’m excited to watch it grow!
I’m hosting my next events at MI Studio Space in Wayland, MI with my photographer co-host Emina Delic of Mina’s Photo in early 2026. We’ve got both a boudoir styled shoot and a queer wedding styled shoot planned for January and February, respectively.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has the journey been smooth? Yes, and no. Yes in the sense that I have been extremely lucky and blessed with making incredible connections along the way that have helped me refine and succeed at what I do today – specifically Kelli of Whimsy Boudoir, and Emina of Mina’s Photo. These two women have done so much for me personally, through their photography, and professionally, through their support and encouragement over the years.
No in the sense that I have struggled deeply with body image and self confidence, and while my boudoir and modeling journey have gained me an irreplaceable view of myself, they have also forced self reflection that has been quite the whirlwind and rollercoaster at times.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a stylist and model and I specialize in boudoir and queer couples – to put it short! I have started to really tune in to what brings me joy and how I can use that professionally, which has lead me to styling boudoir and LGBTQIA+ clients and events. I am a strong believer that boudoir is for everybody. Regardless of shape, size, gender identity or expression, relationship status, etc. – everyone should have the chance to see themselves from an artful perspective that highlights them in the raw form that is boudoir. I help clients and photographers pin down their visions for their sessions and piece together the photo set, wardrobe, hair and makeup, posing, and overall vibe to achieve it.
As a queer woman, I recognize the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation in the wedding industry. I remember searching for a wedding photographer for our big day, and having to question if someone would be comfortable with photographing my wedding. I got a few “no thank you’s” and one “we don’t do that here” and I will never forget that feeling. When I started styling my events, amplified by the current administration’s all-out war on LGBTQIA+ protections, I knew I wanted and needed to highlight queer couples in my work. I style events that allow photographers to capture a wide range of what love looks like in order for them to show, without question, that they are not only comfortable, but confident providing wedding photography to LGBTQIA+ couples.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Folks can reach out to me for modeling, styling, and event hosting opportunities and collaborations via email at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mollyanne_modeling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollyannemodeling
