Beauty Shows

I can follow trends in magazines or on the web, but the best way to experience what is happening in the beauty field is by taking part in it. On Columbus Day I was in Columbus, Ohio at the Premiere Beauty Classic. It is a two day beauty show, in which vendors and educators attend to tell participants what to expect in the coming season.I haven’t been to this show in almost eight years, but know it is always a good one to attend. Many stylists go to shows to get their CE (Continuing Educating) hours for the Ohio State Cosmetology Board.  About ten years ago, the Ohio State Board enacted a ruling that hair stylists needed to keep up their skills by going to classes but, to be honest, I feel it is a ploy to showcase the manufactures and sell their line of products. Some of the classes are not informative and are cut short.  Many are not hands on either.

I hold an Ohio State Barber License as well. When the new law about CE hours started, I put my cosmetology license in escrow. When I went to the beauty supply store, the clerk said, “If you have a license in escrow, I can’t allow you to purchase products.” I laughed and said, “Well I have a barber license I maintain, which doesn’t require CE hours to be completed for the State Board. Why is that? Is it because the barbers (mostly men) don’t want to gather at a hair show on a Sunday when sports are on?” She laughed and said, “You just might be right.”  I now keep my cosmetology license up because I do makeup in salons and need it.

While there, I did take a class on eyelash extensions and I think before long I will be providing this service. I am asked many times a week if I can do this for my clients and think it is time to add it to my resume. The results are AMAZING! An hour class just wasn’t enough for my curiosity.  I have tried lash growth products in the past.  I love the results, but extensions are fast to do and one gets immediate results. During the day, I walked around for hours checking out products, services, and trends. I went alone, so I didn’t have to have a schedule and was able to get in what I wanted to see. The public is not allowed to attend these hair shows.

It is nothing but fun times while people watching at this event. Adults wearing tutus, many tattoos, and bright colored Mohawks around. Loud music was playing at Michael O’Rourke’s booth called Rock your Hair. Michael is an iconic figure in the beauty business.  With his associates in tow, they made haircutting look really cool on stage. Paul Mitchell had an amazing stage where they, too, brought their best talent out to educate stylists. Hair extensions, self-tanning products, teeth whitening products, and henna art proved to be hot booths to visit as well. I’ve attached some photos from the day for you to enjoy because it was a closed door event. I wish I had more, but I didn’t want to invade anyone’s space for the sake of my blog. Just take my word on this… if you decide to go with blue or pink hair this fall, try the fake color removable extensions first because you may not want to look like Katy Perry full time.

Rock your Hair

Blue Mohawk

Paul Mitchell

Moroccanoil

The Girls of Gunrunner

Seven years ago, I was contacted to be the stylist for the Gunrunner Calendar.  Scott Weber is the owner of the store  The Gunrunner in Burton, Ohio.  A free calendar goes out with all firearm orders filled and to U.S. Military.  He does sell them for $10.00 as well.  The calendar shows beautiful women sporting firearms.  I refer to this job as “Girls and Guns.”  No nudity is involved; just sexy clothes.  The best description of this photo shoot is a Fredrick’s of Hollywood catalog gone “packing.”  Scott works hard getting his best artillery ready to showcase with the hope that the men actually notice the firearms and want to purchase them.

The first year I didn’t know what to expect but now, after my third calendar, I have it down.  Models are hired, wardrobe is planned out, the set is arranged, and then hair and makeup are all done before photos are taken.  This year the calendar will be cutting edge.  Body paint is replacing the wardrobe and the set will be super imposed.  I did not perform the body painting.  Instead artist Jo Anna Carrozzino of JZino Body Art Services of N.J. painted four women  for the 15 month calendar.

          As I got one of the models ready, I heard buzz about a “Bumble Bee.”  Over and over I heard this.  Finally I asked. “OK what the heck is a Bumble Bee?”  The model said, “Oh you haven’t seen Transformers?”  I said, “NO.”  Then, I started feeling pretty blonde.  She continued, “It is a character in the movie.” Now all the talk made sense to me.  It took four HOURS of body paint in order to transform the model into Bumble Bee.  My part was doing sexy makeup and hair. I also had an assistant, Sue Possen, to help create the magic of the two day shoot.

Twelve years in the running, Scott has done this promotion. It started off by using friends and family as talent and now has progressed into hiring models from talent agencies.  In his store front windows are blown up images displaying the Girls of Gunrunner.  One year he made national news because the townspeople felt the window  display was too racy.  They petitioned the local government officials to force Scott to take them down.  Ultimately, Scott did not remove the photos because they did not violate any city ordinances.  Needless to say, when you head through Burton, you can’t miss his store. 

I had a fun day overall.  The models and crew were a joy to work with on this shoot.  Calendars will be available in November right before Thanksgiving.  So if you are a firearm enthusiast or just curious, I suggest you check it out.

Courtney

Jo Anna and Nikki

www.thecareerzoo.com

      A few months back, I opened my email and found a letter from Jason Boyer.  He is the owner of TheCareerZoo.com.  He wanted to know if he could interview me for his website, which helps students find different careers.  I thought this was an amazing idea and I was on board immediately with the idea.  However, before I could begin, I had to research the website and do some background checking to make sure this was on the up and up.

     After talking to Jason, finding out about him and his company, and seeing his references, it was a go.  I then had to line up a model, find time in the studio, and hope for a nice day.  My first thought for the shoot was creating a modern 70’s look and then placing the model in a classic car.  I started going to car shows, but couldn’t find the right car.  I nixed the idea and went in a complete different direction.   I went shopping for the right wardrobe and asked Jennifer a seasoned model to help out.  Jennifer is tall and gorgeous, so I knew it would come together perfectly. Eric Mull was kind enough to photograph Jennifer and stage what we do all the time, so students watching the how to video get a real feel for it.

    Jason arrived and interviewed me first. I then  proceeded to make her up, walked her through wardrobe, and then on to the location.  I had prayed all week for nice weather to shoot on the roof of our studios 6^th floor.  The scene was picture perfect until the bad news came. The superintendent was away and we had no key to the roof.  UGH!  I thought, “Is this really happening?”  As it goes, the show must go on.  I suggested a different location but Eric had another idea, so off we went.

       The location was very pretty and Jason was able to shadow us.  Jennifer was amazing, as always, and Eric rocked the photos.  I feel very grateful to have been asked to be part of TheCareerZoo.com.  I love what I do and kids need to know the pros and cons of a business before they jump into it head first.  To have the knowledge of the professionals in the industry is so valuable.  My career doesn’t take a four year degree, but I didn’t want to go to college.  Instead, my passion is beauty.  My calling is to be doing what I do now. I am sure of it.

Check out the video to see how the shoot went.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mFalBT-YxU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Jason and Me

Jason, Karen and Jennifer 

Jennifer 

Eric and Me

Doctors

  

  Cleveland is one of the leading cities for health care. Kings, sheiks,
politicians and celebrities come to our hospitals to seek care. Around
University Circle, one might feel they are a character in a hospital
show. How does makeup fit into this scene? Here is how. In order
for hospitals to attract you and the king of a county as patients, they
have to advertise it. The best way to do this is to spotlight the staff and
provide evidence that explains why you need to come to their hospital.
In doing so, they prove they are the BEST.


  In the last month, I was hired to take care of two hospitals. I personally
hate hospitals; unless it is to visit the birthing unit. They gross me out
a bit. Let’s face it; the smell isn’t like a department store that is filled
with the aroma of perfume. Sadly, I have also gone there to visit and
left very sad due to a death of a loved one. So when I get these calls, I
tread lightly. Of these two shoots one was held on hospital grounds but
in the research building while the other was in a photography studio, so
I really didn’t have anxiety.


  I find it ironic that the doctors are not fans of mine either; they DON’T
like makeup. Once they see me there, anxiety is written all over their
faces. It is the same look I might have seeing them in their work
environment. I try to joke about pink lipstick on the male doctors as
I apply Chapstick to their lips. I also calm the nerves of the female
doctors by saying I can apply light makeup on them as I do on the male
doctors. They are too busy for makeup most days, so light makeup or
no makeup is what most female doctors are comfortable wearing.


 When the public looks at a brochure or a catalog, one might have it in
his hands 1 to 10 seconds before it is set aside, but it may have
HOURS getting that one image on it. From setting up the set, lighting,
wardrobe, hair adjustments and the actual filming is quit tedious.
Working with a group of doctors is even tougher. They have patients,
rounds, and impromptu surgeries that can arise. So if the schedule
flows well, it is a miracle.


  Both days went very well. Marketing will be seen in U.S. World
Report for one. The other hospital will air on television and billboards.
When someone is sick in our family, we want the best care. We might
not see that billboard the in the days after we hear the news that we
need to find a specialist to treat an illness. Maybe a friend will though
or one might remember an old ad. So the goal is to make a lasting
impression when a medical crisis hits.


  My job is simple compared to their job. If I make a mistake,
Photoshop can fix it. If they make a mistake, someone dies or they get
sued. With baby boomers aging and people living longer, the medical
field will be in business no matter what the economy. With so many
hospitals and doctors to pick from, I guarantee you will notice more and
more doctors made up and styled to attract your business. The next
time you see a doctor on TV, odds are they are much better at their day
job than the ad they are acting in.


  

March 2012/ Karen Siat  H&MU/ Jason Miller photo credit

Twenty Five

I wish I could say that was my age but it isn’t.  This year marks my 25^th year in the beauty business.  WOO HOO!  When I attended high school, I was enrolled in the cosmetology program.  For two years, I attended school for half of the day and then went to a private cosmetology school during the second half.  I also held a job at the same time.  We had eleven  girls in our class and, today, I think only four are still in the field.  While in school, I practiced perms at home on family and friends and recruited people to come to school to get haircuts.  As a wrestling stat, I even cut hair for the wrestlers in the wrestling room before matches.  This was necessary because they would be disqualified if their hair wasn’t the proper length.

I enjoyed what I was studying and there were very few times when I passed up an opportunity to practice or learn.  After graduation, I went onto barber school.  I was licensed in cosmetology by then, but wanted to learn how to cut men’s hair better.  Also the Ohio State Barber Board is a good deal.  Once one graduates and gets licensed, one becomes an owner and operator.  No other license is needed.  This means NO limits. I can work in any  barbershop in Ohio. The first barbershop I worked in was in an upscale area.  I got lucky to work in such a shop and pulled in $500.00+ a week.  I had clients right away because the owner had overflow.  Not bad for being 19.

By age 26 I was the owner of my own business, which was great.  Flexible hours were the best because I then had a child.  I was a one woman show doing all types of salon services.  My clients have been wonderful over the years.  I enjoyed chatting with them and loved what I was doing.  By age 33, I began doing commercial makeup.  Although I had been providing bridal makeup all along, I started to travel out of state to NYC and Chicago for makeup workshops to up my game and make the switch to the new career I craved.  On my 37th birthday, I had the biggest job of my career up to that point.   I did the makeup for the sports anchors of ESPN during the Cavs vs. Spurs Championship Series. That was one amazing birthday!   I met many celebrities and watched the game in the very press box I had only imagined years before that moment.

After that event, the fun continued as I networked and landed jobs for President Barack Obama, Jennifer Coolidge, Cheryl Tiegs, Cobra Starship, Patricia Neal, Eddie Levert, Russell Simmons, and so many more.  One might say college is the way to go, but the trades are a great route to take as well.  Computers can’t do what I do.  In today’s ever changing world, they may be able to do so someday but not yet!  I am still thrilled 25 years later that I took this path on my life’s journey.  I have no regrets about any of my choices and feel blessed in my chosen profession.  How many people can say that?  Can you?  If not, what’s stopping you?  If you love it, pursue it.

1987

1996 with my first daughter

On set with Dan Patrick 2007

Cleveland Fashion Week

   Early on this year I was on a quest to be part of Fashion Week in NYC. I was trying to find contacts that could help me get there and be part of the event. I did not find a contact. Recently Cleveland had their Fashion Week. I had heard many tales of it in the last few years but never have been asked to do make up for it. This year I sent out emails to designers but did not hear back from anyone. I also contacted a fellow makeup artist and friend Bridgett to ask if she knew anything about it. She too had never been part of it.


   Then one day I got a text from Bridgett saying women named Elaina from Fashion Week contacted her but she was booked and knew I wanted to participate so she passed on my number to her. With that call I was all set to do makeup. The date was a Saturday and I already had a bridal party of four on the east side to attend to but I could make my way downtown later to make up six models. The show was at the historic Halle Building in downtown Cleveland. On arrival I was directed to the basement into a party room with awful florescent lights. Girls were perched all over waiting to be made up. 62 girls needed makeup and hair done in five hours. There were no signs of hairstylist yet and some designers weren’t there. Girls were trying on clothes, eating, dancing, and singing all over the place. I thought to myself what did I just sign up for?



   I quickly set up and found my models. I must say all the girls were so pretty and many very young. One of my girls I met a few months back her name is Mariah her photo is attached. She was excited I was going to be her makeup artist. One of the other models Inga commented that “If I had a suitcase full of makeup I must know what I was doing.” A lot of the talent there are new in the business and I see why none of my friends do this, because in their career they are past it. You give up hours of your time for free, use your own products and even pay to park. Not glamorous but never less a way to network.


   I recently met a fellow hairstylist that went to NYC fashion week and said she would never go back it was awful. She too has a lot of experience and was treated like she just out of school. I feel if people donate time and in her case money for a flight, room would it be so hard to be kind to the artist? My experience was a good one. Everyone was very sweet and very gratuitous I was even asked to come back for the show if I wanted. Cleveland’s Fashion Week is the third largest in the country. I think after my experience in Cleveland I will check off my fashion week goal I had set early on this year. Right now I like being a bigger fish in a small pond because I know if I go to NYC Fashion Week, I will probably get eaten up as a small fish in that big pond. Sometimes ideas seem good at the time but its O.K to wait a little bit before you act. You just might save time, money and have no reason to have regrets on your decision.

Miriah

The stage is set!

Backstage not so glamourous

My Cover Girl Moment

   A few weeks ago, I got a call from Kristen Miller the Art Director of Cleveland Magazine. She asked me if I would be interested in helping her out and being on the cover of the June edition, “Rating the Suburbs.” I said, “Of course, right away!” After speaking to Kristen for a few minutes, she told me that they wanted me to be photographed as a gardener. Inside I started to laugh and thought, Okay this means I am going to wear a hat for sure. No one will realize it is even me. Kristen sent over a list of clothes I needed to bring with me to the shoot.

   After a review of the items, I headed out to pick up some new shorts. I had a day to get my act together, so I quickly colored my hair and used my self-tanning towels to tan my chicken white legs. I hadn’t spoken a word to anyone being cautious that my interpretation of the cover may have been grander than Kristen’s version. A few years back, Jen Kessen posed a similar proposition. She asked me to be on the cover of the Summer Fun supplement of Cleveland Magazine. It was a very pretty shot by Eric Mull. I was there in the background, but a bit fuzzy, so really no one knew it was me.

   Once I got to Jason Miller’s studio, I was asked to put on my shorts and tee shirt. I looked in the mirror and asked Kristen if the shirt was too tight. She said, “No it will be fine. You are going to be so small, no one will notice it.” Jason started snapping pictures and said, “You will be about as tall as a thumb on the cover.” I had to laugh again and thought, Good thing I didn’t make a big deal about this. I also thought, Thank God I am not in a hat!” It was all right that I was the size of Thumbelina; I am still on a cover.


   A few days later, the editor Steve Gleydura did send out an email with questions. He asked my take on the city in which I live and love. He also wanted to let me know my name was being added to the piece. I have attached the beautiful full size photo Jason took of me, so I can prove that the small blonde woman with no roots really is me. When I first started my career, I wanted to be a stylist for just one cover of Cleveland Magazine. To date, I have done 12 covers. My turn as a “Cover Girl” may be small in size, but is huge in my heart. Thank you, Kristen and Steve, for this opportunity.

clevelandmagazine.com

http://miller.photoshelter.com

My Cover Girl moment

My pose. Photo credit Jason Miller

Inside the magazine, me in  front of my fake house

My other shot from 2007 (the girls are not mine) photo credit Eric Mull