Bridal Trials

Anymore the fall is just as busy with weddings as the summer is. Once a bride or someone in the bridal party contacts me I always bring up a makeup trial. Some gals want to practice others want to save some money. In this blog I want to give future brides a list of helpful things to consider before a trial.


First off most trials are NOT free. The reason is because artist have to pay expenses/ taxes and there is nothing to say someone will get free makeup and never call again. Artist look to make a living and as fun as makeup is it isn’t a hobby it’s their career.


If an artist says she does do free trials she may be very new at makeup or may add the fee into the bride’s price for the final bill.


When going to a bridal trial take any images of what you would like to have done. Texture/shades of shadows, color ideas for lips and photos of your dress and accessories also might help.


Make sure you have your brows shaped prior and any other facial waxing services this will help your makeup look complete.


Take someone you trust with you. Pictures from your bathroom sent after from a cell phone won’t do the makeup justice.


Plan how much time you will be at the trial; don’t rush the process.


Communicate with your makeup artist. It might be an easy fix to what is bothering you if you’re not satisfied.


Don’t expect a few different styles of makeup on the trial. There is generally one idea and then tweaked from there.


Make sure the makeup you want is practical to your facial features.


The artist may have suggestions; keep an open mind.


Make sure you sign a contact and ask what happens if the artist is sick.


If you don’t do a trial send over a photo of yourself in makeup to the artist before the wedding and discuss over the phone any expectations.


Discuss exit times for the bridal party so a timeline can be made on the wedding day.


On the wedding day never be the last one getting makeup applied. You will feel rushed and you will be needed for photos before you head out to the ceremony. Consider this in your timeline.


Your wedding day should be a dream come true. Make sure you find an artist that fits your style and if she is amazing BOOK her then! Don’t wait because amazing artist get booked almost a year in advance and if you call back she might be unavailable.

Shine On

Last week I was interviewed and photographed for Fashion Flash a segment for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and part of Cleveland.Com. This was an honor to do not to mention a lot of fun. After gathering many outfits, shoes and accessories I made my way downtown with my friend Saideh willing to be my support system for the day.


After initial introductions to Allison Carey she showed us to a room where we could unpack and get comfortable in. I started to chat right away with her about my different projects I have worked on and people I have met so far in my career. During the interview process I was able to talk about my new business Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio, tips about makeup and of course fashion.


After four hours of talking and photos we had plenty information for an article and I have attached a link below. I thank Allison and the Cleveland Plain Dealer for this opportunity and also to my sweet friend Saideh for her help and ability to remember to take some photos.

http://www.cleveland.com/style/index.ssf/2017/02/karen_siat_teaches_techniques.html

http://www.karensiat.com/sparkleandshinemakeupstudio/

Cleveland Shines

 I can’t even describe how busy this summer was. As many of us work and have families things can be thrown at you to change up the routine; for me it was the Republican National Convention back in July.  I thought I was ready for it, two years in the making. Here is the catch, we were moving out of our home into another one in late June and I just wrapped up working five long days for ESPN. I had little time to prepare for this crazy week.

  I received calls starting in May to reserve makeup artists for the RNC. There were security issues and credentials that all needed to be lined up for us yet information from the networks were sketchy. Talking to the girls some were booked already while others that gave me their word to work called off and that left me scurrying to find other artists. I guess that is was happens when your name is on the door. 

 It was a roller coaster and through all the ups and downs I ended up getting a call while in route to downtown that I was going to style Mike Pence the VP candidate for the Republican Party. It was a last minute interview set with Judy Woodruff for PBS News Hour. This totally took me by surprise and I became very happy that the week had taken a positive turn.

 Everything was beautifully planned by the RNC committee and the city of Cleveland. I was able to meet many national news anchors including David Muir. It really was an incredible history making time. The TODAY show was also filming on E 4th St. and on one of my mornings off my daughters and I were able to meet Matt Lauer and Savahanna Gutherie which was a thrill for us.

I also chatted with Chris Soules the Bachelor and Iowa farmer that was at the convention to speak about alternative energy. He was charming and VERY tall. So much excitement around the city that was just shinning.  I am not sure we will have another world event like this here but I am proud of Cleveland and my staff for making it through a hectic and prosperous week.

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

Full Circle

   When I was in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to be in the beauty business. In high school I was enrolled in Cosmetology school and then  after graduation went  to barber school to earn another license. I worked as a subcontractor for seven years and then opened my first barbershop. One would think “How great to work for yourself,” but in reality you have all kinds of different situations can arise. I worked alone, so this meant no sick days, no personal days, no paid vacations. I could make my own hours and  some days I  made a lot of money; yet worked until I was half dead or I worked very little  and made no profit.
    I started to dabble into acting.  I had an agent. He mentioned that I should start doing the hair and makeup for the models.  I began to see the light, better pay, better hours and notoriety. I went on to learn my new craft, traveling to Chicago and New York to enhance my skill.
     The Cleveland market is so concentrated. For example, upon breaking into the business, I called to offer assistance to a local artist. She actually lectured me, citing her unwillingness to give up her "secrets" or help me out. She was not the only one to feel this way. Putting this hurdle aside, I made it my mission to be on top. I reached out to my acting agent to sign me as a stylist for their talent pool. This allowed me to make connections and doors started to open. I  was busy enough to leave the barbershop to embark on this new career. 

            The skills as an actress now helped with being behind the scenes. I must confess:  I feel more comfortable as an artist, stylist, and consultant than an actress.  After fifteen years of doing makeup commercially, I now get the emails from students saying they would like to shadow me and calls from  other artist wishing  to assist with me. Do you know what I do?  I email or call them ALL back. I am confident in myself and my work that I will still have a job.  If I help someone out, he or she  will gain knowledge and confidence in themselves to determine if this is his or her true career path. I don’t care to be rude like the artist that spoke  harshly to me.  I know this city is small and work here is scarce, but I feel you still have to be kind. At the end of the day I know I can feel good that I might have made a difference.