I Am Essential

What I learned over the past nine months about my career during the pandemic is that I am deemed a non-essential worker. I have been blessed in the last twenty years to work for major television networks. I have had the honor of taking care of presidents and countless A-list clients. I’ve also helped prepare brides for their weddings up until the pandemic. It started simply as the scroll at the bottom of the news. Then, we had warnings from state officials. All of a sudden, the virus hit like a hurricane and sat idly over the world, wreaking havoc over everything. Including, yes; all I have worked for. Postponing or all together canceling events and weddings I was booked for. Stopping anyone from visiting Cleveland, Ohio, especially celebrities and my cliental.

I hold four licenses in my state. When I received each one I thought, “Great I will have no boundaries. I could cut hair in any barber or beauty shop in the state. Perform manicures or skin treatments. I even hold an instructors license. Right now there is nothing I can do! When I started being a makeup artist, I lost most of my hair clients. I’ve been in the makeup business for nearly two decades and do not want to put myself in the position of starting over all over again for hairstyling.  Being pretty much unemployed now, I’ve considered doing hair again.  I am learning that chain hair salons don’t value their stylists. For instance, in a lot of cases stylists are paid minimum wage or a few dollars more. It is crazy to think this is about what I was paid 30 years ago doing hair and there has been no increase.

Then I wonder, could I teach? Teaching in cosmetology schools pay instructors about $12 an hour. What a joke. In order to apply, I would really need a desire to teach.  I also wouldn’t want to waste the time of an employer if I wasn’t going to stick with it. So here, I am; very frustrated and feeling stuck due to this virus, as many are. Being a freelancer, you have to bust your butt getting your name out, asking for reviews, and networking --  it all can be a lot of work. People who not in the business may not understand that sometimes, you don’t get a paycheck because you have overhead costs. Many makeup artists or stylists also have to pay for their own health insurance, only to have a huge deductible to reach. You definitely do this profession because you love it; generally you won’t get any paid sick days or vacation days and no pension account.

At the start of COVID, stylists were told to close. So many single Moms were trying to make money for their families, owners trying to pay rent. The bottom line and industry has taken a hit.  When I hear comments like the CARES bill was too generous, it made me very upset. SERIOULSY??? Too generous? People who say this don’t understand how far behind we will be this year. How that money was capped and only given out for a short period of time. Once it was over, that was it for the rest of the year. Not even coming close to what we need to survive in business or in life.

I am lucky because my husband is an essential worker in IT we aren’t going starved. However, I would be if I wasn’t married.  I hear how salons have had to invest into PPE to make their salons safe. Some businesses see clients aren’t coming back in on a normal schedule afraid to sit in a salon for a long appointment. Stylists are wearing masks for hours at a time, some not remembering or having the time to stay hydrated throughout the day creating new health issues.  Lastly, owners and staff fear being infected by COVID-19. If this happens having to close for another 10- 14 days again with no income coming in.

I guess through all of this, we stylists could accept a job that we will might be over qualified for. Possibly with a lower wage, but would it be worth the risk?  We have to decide what is best for our families. Before this “non-essential” title headlined my profession, I didn’t think it would be singled out and put on the back burner of the economy. However, now I know this; I may not be an essential worker but I am very essential!  I am a mother, wife, and caregiver to my Mother – a woman that could be easily a victim of this deadly virus. Right now, I wait and I try not to stress. I know that as much as I believe I have it planned it out, God laughs.

 

Stop and smell the roses

 

I haven’t blogged in a long time. Instead, I had been filming some videos consisting of makeup and skincare tutorials and tips. After a while, I lost steam to do that too. The pandemic has been rough on me. However, tonight as I sat down to decompress, I flipped through the new Allure magazine that I received in the mail and surprisingly — the scent took me back. Yes. The scent.

Have you ever experienced that? It might be a fragrance worn on a stranger passing by or the smell of a certain food in the air. Tonight, it was a magazine filled with multiple samples of fragrance.

Back in June, I turned 50. I remember my teen years, getting my Glamour magazine delivered.  I couldn’t wait to tear off the plastic that it was covered in. Before I even opened it, I could smell the fragrance samples inside. This is what triggered my memory tonight.

Not only do I recall the connection with that smell but I also remember what I was thinking. As I l would look at the cover models, I would think how glamorous they always looked. I wondered how I could possibly get my hair or makeup to look as good as theirs.

I never did seem to get my hair right back then or know how to tell my stylist how to cut it. I actually had a secret fantasy every time I went to get my hair done. I hoped that they would just make me over completely. Sometimes, I would cut out pictures from those magazines to show my stylist. Only to have my Mom in the background saying “I don’t think so.” This is exactly why I wanted to become a cosmetologist; so that I could describe what I wanted or actually try and do it myself. Since I got into the beauty business 32 years ago, I have been coloring my own hair (though I will admit, I do book haircuts with my stylist friends). I still look to magazines for new products or what routines I can do to improve myself.

As for magazines and my career, I would like to be part of a photoshoot for a celebrity one day.  I have styled supermodel Cheryl Tiegs's hair and makeup in the past but for television appearances. I dream for my work to be documented in print with my name attached to it. Fingers crossed that one day, Vanity Fair, Elle, or — if I dream big — Vogue would call on my services. I would be ecstatic.

Being off from work more than I’d like this year has my head in spins but I know one thing; I need to cover a lot of ground in the next fifteen years. I have so much I still want to accomplish. This pandemic is definitely sucking time off of each of our journeys. However, this is just a rest stop.

I am using the extra energy I have in this break to find direction in my career and figure out how to proceed when we are all back on track. I am also finding time to smell the roses, not just those fragrance cards.

 

 A milestone  in COVID

Still dream!

Peace and serenity

 

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Get Glowing 2020

Cath Smith Photography

We are already onto month two of 2020. Did you make a resolution? Are you still trying to maintain that commitment? In the past, I’ve set goals for the New Year such as getting a new job or posting more videos for my business. I feel that these resolutions don’t always stick, there’s sometimes too much pressure. If you set a goal for the year, realize that you have twelve full months to work towards it. There’s not a deadline as to when you must meet your goals, as long as you’re actively working towards achieving them. In my opinion, this is the mindset we have to use when tackling our resolutions.

This year I will be fifty. I look in the mirror and see many things happening to me. More grey hair, changes in my skin texture and of course, more facial lines. I am not bothered by these changes but as a beauty advisor, I always want to present my best self. That being said, my goal this year is to keep moving forward with my nutrition and daily beauty routines.

Last year I had a few consultations about facial fillers, having seen two specialist that are in the top of their field. As many people sign up for injections without a second thought, I am completely hesitant. I once read an article that said in the near future, it will be hard to tell anyone’s age because of the culture of cosmetic work more and more people are taking part in. As time goes by, I am beginning to think this is true. With more advances in technology and medicine, people will physically age much differently in the future.

After my two different appointments and discussion on what I wanted done, which was very little, both practices had more ideas of what we could do to “update” my appearance. After these consultations, I convinced myself I was no longer interested. I didn’t want to allow these consultations to get in my head or lower my self-worth. Yet before the holidays, I received an email about a special that one of the doctor was holding and I immediately jumped on board. I paid money to reserve a spot fix my laugh lines with Juvederm I was excited to go.

Once I arrived I saw at least forty other women in this room. My thought was I am going to be here all night. I asked where I could sign in at. I was then told it was an open house party, I had to come back another night to get the filler. WHAT?! I was mad at myself that I didn’t read the fine print more closely and even more so, mad that now it’d be more likely that I lose the nerve to come back and get the procedure done. I walked out with a friend, grabbing some gift samples and headed to a nearby restaurant to grab some wine.

Now I need to reschedule. I decided to do this in the summer so I will look glowing on the trip to Italy my husband and I are set to take later this year. It’s possible that once I receive this procedure, it will be a one and done. Yet there’s another possibility that I will get hooked and it will be a new part of my beauty routine. I’m not sure how it will go. What I do know is, if you’re someone who is on fence about fillers or any type of cosmetic procedure, do your homework first.

Talk the idea over with yourself. Don’t give into pressure from peers or family, go on your own timeline. Confide in trusted friends who are comfortable with sharing the cosmetic work they’ve had done. Schedule consultations with doctors and specialists that they recommend. Don’t shop by lowest price, you do get what you pay for. Always ask for certifications of the person doing the injections or procedures and how many they do a month.

Finally, do what is comfortable for you. Don’t get up sold or roped into anything extra that you haven’t fully thought through.

I will update you all on my journey through this fiftieth year. Meanwhile, comment on what you’re doing to tackle your New Year’s resolution or how you celebrated your fiftieth birthday. I would love to chat about it!

Legendary Clients

Photo by MichaelAngelos Photography

For the last seven and a half years I was not only working but caring for my sick Father. Back in May my Dad passed away. In that time I learned how to juggle home and my professional life. The first part of the year I started off more as a nurse than a makeup artist. To be honest my mind wasn't into working because worry was overcoming my world. As a freelancer the early months tend to be slower and this helped me cope with my personal life.

After my Father’s passing I suddenly found myself very busy; was this to keep me preoccupied or was it all predetermined by the universe? In one week's time frame I was to be scheduled to take care of one of the biggest football players of all time; Peyton Manning. Then days later a job styling the biggest journalist in history Dan Rather. Mr. Rather was to be in town interviewing musician Kenny Loggins.

How is it I can go from darkness to light so fast? How lucky am I to have time to accommodate these fabulous people coming to Cleveland? I know this blog is late but here are the highlights from my time styling for them.

Peyton arrived to Riddell Sports to do a video for them. Once introduced I started the grooming process and then I directed him to his wardrobe. He asked me to hold his money clip, some receipts and a pen so it wasn’t showing in his pockets. Once on set I was also the keeper of his cell phone.

I found a secure pocket in my bag to hold his items but thought WOW he is trusting. I was checking with him periodically to ask if he needed his phone. I made small talk about his stay in town and also about retired NFL player Robert Smith of the Minnesota Vikings. Robert played football at my high school alma mater and we were close in age. Peyton did not take photos with the crew but I did get behind the scenes shots of him on set. He is a class act and very kind I really enjoyed my morning with him.

When I received a call that I was referred to assist legendary news broadcaster Dan Rather I was in shock. I think I was the only kid that watched the news in grade school so I knew how important he was. I heard through production that Dan wanted to interview Kenny Loggins but due to schedule conflicts they would have to meet and tape the show News and Guts in Cleveland.

I was escorted to a green room at Severance Hall at university circle. Dan’s name was posted on the door. I set up and I started to get nervous. I am confident on shoots but big ones make me doubt myself. On arrival Dan advised me of what he wanted done as far as grooming. We chatted a bit about his life growing up in Texas and a mutual friend we have in common.


I expressed to him my admiration for his work. I wanted to ask him so much but I kept it together. At 87 years old Dan has a sharp mind and is a true gentleman. This day climbed quickly to be one of my favorites styling. I think my angels are around me and I am so grateful.

Beauty and Fashion Event for LifeBanc

As a kid you get introduced to donating money to the church or to United Way maybe another charity or organization. The seed gets planted and not until we grow up do we see what turn of events can happen that people might need help from strangers.

Last year for the grand opening of my business Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio we asked guests to bring in items to donate to a local women’s shelter. We were able to fill up my SUV. In March we are planning another event to proceed LifeBanc. I decided on this charity for multiple personal reasons. My Uncle passed away a few years ago unexpectedly from an asthma attack and donated many organs to help save a lot of lives. I also have a friend of mine that was a recipient of a double lung transplant three years ago and because of his donor he has been able to see so many milestones in his children’s lives. I have witnessed the good out of tragic circumstances and I want to help more families.

On March 10 from 12:00 PM till 3:00 PM we invite you to “Save the Date” and come join Nicole Marcellino and myself at our beauty and fashion fundraiser. Nicole will have her pop up store Bleu Chic Boutique in my building at 8500 Station St. in Mentor. Nicole  will be selling clothes with 10%  being donated to Life Banc and I will be accepting appointments to have a “For your eyes only” makeup session done at a cost of $25.00 with 50% of funds going to LifeBanc. This makeup application entails eye shadow, eye liner, false lashes and brows filled in.

We also will have a raffle prizes to win gifts and the winner does not need to be present. Fourk restaurant will be open for lunch or a cocktail as well as Perkatory coffee shop will be serving up coffee and many wonderful pastries to purchase. We invite you to schedule a makeup appointment at karensiat.com/contact or come sign in and you can shop while you wait for your turn. We hope to see you!

karensiat.com/contact
https://www.bleu-chic.com/

Karen 

Nicole

Karen Siat Cosmetics

As I continue my beauty journey I am always trying to explore new paths. Last month I was able to launch my new makeup company called Karen Siat Cosmetics. Right now I have two amazing products that I showcase but look to add more in the future. I have been asked repeatedly what my favorite bronzer and concealer is for a few years now and I really wasn’t fond of any.

I do prefer “green” products that mature skin can benefit from and I found it. My bronzer is talc and cruelty free. Its universal color is great for most skin types. You also receive a silver mesh makeup bag for free with every bronzer you order. My concealer is fragrance, paraben and cruelty free. Its waterproof formula contains collagen to help reduce puffiness and it won’t settle in fine lines. My products are also made in Canada.

Once I was able to decide what products I wanted to showcase it was time to get products shots and new photos of myself. I asked my friend Cath Smith to photograph me and my other friend Beth Segal was able to bring to life the products themselves. I am so grateful for both of their talents and help in this new endeavor.

If you want to try out my new cosmetics you can schedule with me using the contact button or you can order products via my store on my website karensiat.com. I have learned over the course of my career never stop climbing to the next step and never let anyone discourage you. 

Fall

Well the fall has been extremely busy. I think companies just looked at their budgets and said “We have funds left let’s use them to market our merchandise.” The end of summer brought me another shoot for Michaels craft stores and David Tutera. The day of the shoot it was 90 degrees outside and we actually had a model pass out. She was fine but it was pretty scary.

I also worked with General Electric in a beautiful new home located in Bay Village Ohio. This shoot was for social media spots. I have companies I work with using this platform more to advertise on than longer campaigns. Also in September I worked with Creativity for Kids  and some amazing child models spotlighting new craft kits to be sold in Target stores.

I don’t host a You Tube channel but I was the stylist for a series called the Pull A Part challenge. I never know where I will work. These three days were at a junk yard. This was a fun episode and a charity will take home the prize.

October means back to basketball and the CAVS. I work for ESPN occasionally and they called a few days before media day for Dwayne Wade. I unfortunately was booked on another shoot and wasn’t able to be there despite offering other arrangements it was best just to decline since the shoot wasn’t even firm. Of course the interview did get set and another artist was called in to assist Rachel Nicoles and Wade;I guess it was her lucky day.


  All was good I would work with Stephen A Smith before the home opener in a few weeks to  be on set for his show First Take. Former Browns player Joe Hayden surprised everyone by stopping in and some people actually booed him. His reply was perfect as he smiled he said “They cut me”. This shut up everyone.

I was happy to see Joe. He was my favorite Browns player. I also styled him before for First Take last summer and on the cover shoot for Cleveland Magazine when he first came to Cleveland. I made Joe laugh when I asked him if he does a happy dance every Sunday on his way to work. I also told him to keep his nails in good shape to show off the superbowl ring he will be wearing one day.

These types of days make up for the cold shoots I do outside or a long day of work that I hardly have time to eat or take a bathroom break during. Seeing our town shine is amazing and people that are here visiting talking so positive about Cleveland makes me smile. This is just some behind the scenes about my commercial work recently and I feel real positive about the holidays approaching and new work I will be involved with.

Stephen A Smith / First Take 

Joe Hayden 

Creativity For Kids

Michaels/ David Tutera