#heelsforcombatboots

As my puppy pines for my attention, I write to you an interview; An interview with a stranger. 

Honestly when I first contacted the email that was listed on the Heels for Combat Boots website I didn't expect the unexpected. Someone actually replied and this was unexpected. This someone was the creator of the project and she was more than happy to provide me with an interview. 

The website is very non descriptive so to have someone at the tippy top of the food chain speak to me about it, is fantastic. 

And here is that fantastic interview: 

Do I call you Kati or do I call you Riskay? 

-It’s more common that people know me as Riskay. 

I’ll join the band wagon. Now, from my research from your website it’s not really clear what you do. So in your own words, what is it that you do? 

-Long answer. I edited it down: 

-We have chapters all over the world working with VA (Veteran Affairs) and each chapter does fundraisers that have an 80/20 split, the eighty percent of funds raise goes to organizations in need. 

Where did the name come from?

-I was bouncing back and forth with a friend, she (who I wasn't fast enough to write the name down) came up with it and it clicked. We wanted to incorporate the military somehow and Heels for Combat Boots just clicked. 

What is your goal over all: 

-We’ve come so far in our first couple years, went international within the first year. We have grown so much. 

The more I got into it the more I gave. 

The stress must be killer: 

-I’ve lost for a lot to the non-profit.

I don't sleep much. But there are so many people who believe in Heels if i didn't have the people I did around me, (they are such good people) it would be a different story. 

Take me through the application process. 

-I do everything now. Every application comes from me. Applications are on our website where you can fill them out and there is a membership email that applicants can use. 

Models 

Volunteers  

Photographers

I do the research by myself, it usually takes 24 hours for me to confirm or deny. 

When the girls are accepted, I immediately add them to the private group. They are in from the get go. 

Tell me about the girls: 

-We accept all body types. All shapes and sizes. Ages and races. 

To be a full model you have to 21 and over. 

But for the ones who are under that age, I accept photos for publication. 

And teenage models have to have a consenting parent. 

The girls are amazing. 

I don't understand why people who want to help are turned away. 

Over all we have about 600 models. 

Are you accepting Male Models or thinking about it? 

-Its like pulling teeth. 

A lot of the girls want to have male models in their shots. 

We’re currently talking about doing male calendar shoots. 

What do you think about the social backlash of people with tattoos and body modifications?

-My entire body is tattooed. 

It doesn't matter what you look like.

There are always going to be people who don't like it. 

If they don't want our help, we’ll go somewhere else in need. 

These girls put themselves out there and put up with a lot. All the girls, race, age, tattoos, no tattoos, they all put themselves out there and a lot of times people, men and women, will have negative feedback.  

Anything you want to say before I have to dash? 

-We are a transparent organization. We don't hide anything. We all communicate and there are no hidden doors. If you are wanting to be apart of us, send in an application. We are working for a great cause.   

Thank you Riskay for that awesome interview. I was so happy to do it and learn more about the organization. 

BY THE WAY:

My book is finished!