Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Rice

Hi mel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Witty Bimbo began when I re-entered the strip club industry after three years of recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Having spent about a decade in the industry before, I deeply valued the women I worked with and the services we provided. However, I knew that returning as a healthy, sober person required me to bring my new coping mechanisms and holistic lifestyle with me. Despite my initial fear of returning to an environment that had previously fueled my addictions and self-sabotage, I believed there was a way to make it work. I was convinced that with a conscious community in the club, we could support and uplift each other in all aspects of our lives.

To foster this supportive environment, I started hosting guided meditations before work, open to anyone—dancers, waitstaff, management, DJs, and so on. As interest in these sessions grew, we launched a social media page named Witty Bimbo, a playful nod to the stereotypes we face and the humor we use to deal with them. I also decided to expand our efforts by offering homebuying classes through my connections in real estate. This led to the establishment of our three core principles: Community, Healing, and Education. These principles are crucial because many people in the industry have experienced trauma and deserve support, connection, and resources for future success.

At the end of 2022, Witty Bimbo officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we committed ourselves full-time to this cause. I feel a deep connection with the women in our community and see a group of entrepreneurs and healers who, with the right guidance, can make a significant positive impact on the world.

The most rewarding aspect of this work is witnessing and hearing the positive changes within the community we serve.

In the two years of operation as an official 501c-3, we have partnered with a few local organizations including Night Owl Therapy and SWEET and host regular events pertaining to our principals.

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?

When we first started our journey as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we faced numerous challenges in setting up basic necessities like a bank account. Given that our mission serves a marginalized and often stigmatized community, many businesses were unwilling to work with us. Our mission statement explicitly mentions that we support the sex work community in Texas, and this straightforward approach made some people uncomfortable. However, we believe this clarity is essential.

In my search for a bank to handle our donations and expenses, I was dismayed to be rejected not just once or twice, but five times, due to our organization being deemed “high risk.” It was frustrating to think, “How is this possible? We are only trying to help our community!” Many institutions didn’t even inquire further—they simply declined our request or hung up.

Fortunately, we eventually found a fantastic bank that has been incredibly supportive and accommodating, and it turned out to be a perfect fit for us.

This early challenge taught me that encountering resistance is a normal part of the process. Instead of discouraging us, it fueled our resolve and passion for our mission.

This resistance has been common when putting together fundraisers and events as well. We often find people and businesses shying away from from the terminology, or becoming uncomfortable or triggered with the idea of openly discussing and supporting sex workers. But we hold fast to the belief that what lies underneath the discomfort is opportunity for growth -and for that reason, these conversations are necessary.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Witty Bimbo is an event-centered non-profit organization for Sex Workers in Austin, TX.
Our mission is to empower those in the sex work industry by facilitating discussions and spaces aimed at helping sex workers explore healthy coping mechanisms and education, to prepare them for success and fulfillment in all aspects of their lives. We accomplish this by focusing on out three core principles: Community, Healing, and Education.

Community Programs: Our goal is to foster effective and supportive communication practices to better serve one another as we collaborate. Recognizing the unique and valuable bond among sex workers, we aim to cultivate and enhance this connection, sparking mutual growth and support. Witty Bimbo offers a range of resources, including monthly events, engaging social media forums, and valuable networking opportunities, all designed to build and strengthen beneficial connections within the sex work community.

Healing Workshops: Based on the understanding that sex work can be a path to healing, we are committed to offering therapeutic resources and outreach within the community. We firmly believe that everyone deserves an equitable chance to address and resolve their trauma. To support this, we advocate for holistic healing practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and therapeutic support. These initiatives not only aid individual well-being but also foster improved workplace morale and performance. We offer regular sound healing, yoga, breathwork, and tantra workshops to support this branch of our ethical principle.

Educational Services: Education is fundamental to personal growth and progress. By providing free training across various disciplines, we enable individuals to pursue self-improvement on their own terms. At Witty Bimbo, we offer financial literacy classes, home-buying seminars, tax workshops, and other practical resources designed to empower those we serve. This programming helps the sex work community view itself as a network of entrepreneurs, fostering mutual support and allowing members to share their talents and resources with the world. We intend to expand our educational programming to include self defense, lay-person law and basic business workshops over the next year.

We are the only group in Texas focused on providing holistic support and regular workshops for this specific community. However, we do work with a few other similar orgs in town who share our passion for serving the community and empowering the under served.

Personally, I am most proud of the seeing the individual impact we make with our attendees and seeing them return for more community involvement and educational services.

As of 2024, we have reached approximately 250 individuals for in-person workshops and 750 people through our online engagement.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

I embarked on this endeavor with limited understanding of the process or how our organization would be received. In the formative stages of Witty Bimbo, I actively sought out similar organizations for guidance and inspiration. I had the opportunity to volunteer briefly with Cupcake Girls, a West Coast-based non-profit dedicated to supporting sex workers. Witnessing their impactful work firsthand provided me with valuable insights and renewed hope, motivating me to publicly advocate for our cause with greater confidence.

Through strategic social media engagement, I connected with like-minded organizations and event collaborators in Austin who share our core values. By participating in local events, we’ve successfully increased our visibility and created meaningful opportunities for outreach. My sincere advice is to consistently support others, as this mutual support fosters a thriving community.

For Witty Bimbo, maintaining a deep connection with the sex work community is of utmost importance. We enthusiastically participate in local art shows that highlight sex worker art, burlesque performances, yoga classes, and fundraisers organized by fellow groups. Whenever a sex worker is publicly showcasing their diverse talents, we make it a priority to be present. This approach not only provides valuable networking opportunities but also underscores our commitment to viewing sex work as a collective of entrepreneurs. By actively supporting and encouraging these pursuits, we contribute to a vibrant and supportive environment that celebrates creativity and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WittyBimbo.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witty_bimbo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/630944698411982/overview

Image Credits

Image Credits:

Ana Arellano, Night Owl Therapy

Revolutionistas

Riches Art Gallery

Love Eternal Cabaret