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

 

--

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!

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

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.

David Tutera

   

 In April I was asked to work with David Tutera and the art team of Michael’s to create images for David’s bridal product line. This shoot was going to be pretty intense because we had 12 models over two days with various changes to be made in hair, makeup and wardrobe. I was the key makeup artist for both days and I had assistance from my friend Lauren and hairstylist Jennifer. This was a dream shoot, all the details planned out in a binder and organized so well not to mention David was kind and professional. 

 After working the second day for nearly 10 hours, I packed up and headed to my new business Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio  to put in another three hours hosting  a makeup boot camp. You see in a smaller market like Cleveland we have to be flexible and do our best to make our clients happy. I also feel you have to  strike while the iron is hot!


Below you will see images from the shoot. In the next few months keep an eye out in Michaels stores you might even spot me in one of their shots.

David Tutera

 These beauties

Desiree

Makeup boot camp with Claudia my friend all made up. 

Press

The Lake County News Herald contacted me to talk about my new business. Check out the article that was published a week ago



One typo was made; we carry products that are Paraben Free not Paraffin free. Please feel free to contact us to schedule Prom makeup we have specials on our webpage Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio and our Facebook page.

http://www.news-herald.com/business/20170228/celebrity-makeup-artist-opens-studio-in-mentor

Kent State

After I graduated and finished beauty school I said to my Mom, “I think I want to go to Kent State University and study Nursing.” My Mom laughed and said, “Nope you are going to State Board and getting your license to be a Cosmetologist. “ I don’t know what I was thinking or why I said Kent but that moment lasted for about a minute.In the last ten years I have been able to meet and collaborate with many students from Kent's theater department. I also have been on campus to work for MTV while they taped the band Cobra Starship for a concert on the green.

In December it tends to be the slowest month of the year for me, maybe a wedding or two but really not much goes on. This year was a different story, a production company from Virginia contacted me to work on a new commercial for Kent State. This was to be a very busy week and then  I could sit back and enjoy Christmas with my kids off of school.

After being on the campus that week I quickly realized I made the right decision not to go to college. I would have been late to every class trying to navigate around and tired all the time from socializing. Our crew had full access to the campus that included being at the Kent airport to film students that are training to be pilots. I had no idea this course was even offered there.

 Another day we saw future designers at the fashion school, and one evening we were on the football field. I also met some of the best professors and many eager students willing to take part in the commercial despite it being finals week.

I look forward to seeing how much footage is used but I really like the concept of the commercial which I can’t discuss right now. I will add it to this post once it is released so make sure to follow my blog if this is your first time stopping by. Ohio is lucky to have so many wonderful Universities in it and for many reasons I suggest to explore Kent State if you are looking to apply.

https://youtu.be/ICJUFoXqk3E

Sunrise at the airport

Vocal lesson

Fashion School

Football

Nationwide

As a business women I like to ask people how they hear about me. A referral is best because this means a client was happy with my services. A month ago I received a call to style four people for a Nationwide Insurance web commercial, the art director heard about my services from another Producer. I was hired to do on camera styling as well as getting paid to shop for the talent’s wardrobe. When you get to spend other people’s money it could be fun right? I have done this before and it isn’t as easy as it sounds. On the list to buy was four pairs of jeans for the actors I don’t know, this alone was freaking me out. It takes a few days to find jeans for myself never less a stranger


Armed with a big wad of cash and Starbucks in hand I head out to our high end mall. Once there I stubble upon a problem the summer clothes are just about gone and all new winter clothes are not on sale. I am not sure my budget will make the cut. I give myself all day to shop thinking maybe it would take five hours but it turned into nine hours, 16,000 steps on my Fit Bit and two malls.


It really seemed like a black Friday kind of shopping day. The next morning we were to film at a lake house in Lakewood Ohio. The second day would be at a golf course and  the beach. Working days like these makes me smile because it is SO much fun! I had my associate Moira on set as well and we shared many laughs on our golf cart that just putted along the course. After that shot it was on to the beach. Waiting to shoot we had time to gaze at the downtown skyline. The weather was just beautiful both days, something to savor in September.


The actors were awesome and I look forward to seeing the commercials in full soon. With all the shopping and worry about wardrobe some of the actors ended up wearing their own jeans but many of my other shopping picks were used. I guess I stressed myself out for no reason, but when there is a new client I want to make sure everything goes just right.

Kitchen Cosmetics

  You have seen those infomercials claiming to diminish fine lines or bleach age spots. For a fee these products can be shipped right to your door. Many department stores showcase miracle creams. What should you buy? How about eggs and apple juice? Yes, I just mentioned food for your face. Below is a  recipe for a mask to help with fine lines, and a few other tips for solving your beauty problems.

   First take 2 tablespoons of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of apple juice and 1 egg white. Mix this together; apply to the face with a makeup brush. Leave on until it dries. Rinse with warm water. This mask will act the same as an AHA product. The milk has lactic acid and the juice contains malic acid both work great to tighten fine lines. Do this one to two times a week. 

   For brown spots try 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of soy milk and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to the face leave on for 25 minutes do this two to three times a week. It will take 6 weeks to see any improvement.  This mixture will help lighten those brown spots but it will take patience to see results.

   Does your hair have chlorine build up from swimming? Use a tablespoon of baking soda and mix into a capful of shampoo. Apply on wet hair leave for 15 minutes then rinse and shampoo again without the baking soda then use a conditioner, rinse that out. Please note, do not use on color treated hair it will strip off your color. Also this treatment will not remove a green cast on the hair from swimming.

   If your hair is dry try olive oil on it. Place olive oil through dry hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse, shampoo and condition. I love to do this on my hair; it can be done up to 3 times a week.  Beauty products can get expensive, you might see faster results spending money on commercial products but if you aren’t in a hurry and you’re on a budget give these kitchen ingredients a try you will be happy with the results.

Deja’ Vu

  While growing up in Cleveland, we had a morning show called The Morning Exchange.  It was hosted by Fred Griffith after the original host, Alan Douglas left months after it debuted.  Joel Rose and Liz Richards also were added.  Over the course of 27 years, Fred remained and had a few other co-hosts.  Both Robin Swoboda and Connie Dieken were part of this show at some point.  I watched each morning getting ready for school in the 1970’s.  At that time, celebrities would actually travel into town to be interviewed.  Authors would sit and chat about their newest novel and callers would call in and ask questions to experts talking about domestic problems.  It was all live and right downtown on Euclid Avenue.

 As a youngster I thought, how cool would it be to be at the station meeting all these interesting people? All the important people sat on the couch to talk to Fred.  Years later, both Connie and Robin  became news anchors at stations in town.  Robin was always funny while Connie was professional and so stunning.  In 2007, I had one of my biggest days ever in my career.  I was on the newest morning talk show, Good Company.  Same format as The Morning Exchange, but on another network. One of the hosts was Fred Griffith.

 Yes, I got to meet FRED GRIFFTH!  I was on to discuss beauty tips and I had 5 minutes to talk on camera... LIVE!  Very bizarre! I was going to be on a show just like I watched as a kid.  Fred was so professional that I wish I had had time to interview him.  I am sure he has stories to tell.  After that segment, I headed over to Baldwin Wallace College to be the stylist for then Senator Barack Obama.  In my eyes, this day was on the top of my list of professional achievements.

 As the years continued I became a regular on Good Company and actually sat on THE couch, a place reserved for only the biggest interviews.  What a thrill!  In 2011, I applied Robin Swoboda's makeup.  She was SO down to earth, living up to ALL my expectations.  In 2012 I met Connie Dieken for a shoot and have been her stylist for many projects in the last few years, so much so I consider her a friend.

 It is truly deja’ vu for me!  As a kid I dreamed of being on TV and thought how cool  these people and their jobs were.  Now I work assisting them.  It just proves that NO dream is unattainable.  You have to fight the odds, take the risk, and put yourself out there.  Lastly BELIEVE in yourself!  It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks about you because they don’t know your story to judge you.  Only you know the odds you have fought to get there.   

http://archive.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=133093

Fred

Connie and Me

Robin

WEWS 

My time in the hot seat! Good Company

Eye Candy

Over the course of my career eye makeup has changed so much, from blue eye shadow to the smoky eye. Usually, trends start at Fashion Week and move into the mainstream. Cream and glitter shadows are worn on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Christine Aguilera. This type of shadow is pretty but I do suggest if you are being photographed by camera phones for an event that you mix in some matte shadow. This will help bring down the shine of the lids.

  First, before you apply any shadow, use an eye shadow primer first. A liquid foundation can also work on your lids, this will help shadow stay placed and not smear or wear off before you want it to. Many cosmetic companies sell lid primer. I like Laura Geller’s it can be found at ULTA stores or on her website. You really don’t want to use more than three colors on your lids. If you do exceed three, it just looks a mess. If you’re afraid of color choices ask for help at the department store or Sephora. Don’t ask the clerk at Walgreen’s; while they are nice, they generally are not trained for this.

 Cream shadows have a nice pearl look to them. I suggest SMASHBOX Limitless it is 15 hour long wear. I use a lot of this product as a base and also alone. It has build able coverage and you can use matte shadows with it. London Butter has an awesome cream shadow called WINK color English Rose It comes in a tube with an applicator. The colors are beautiful and highly pigmented.

 As far as bold colors, Urban Decay has velvety suede shades. Pictured below is Free Love it is a peach color and in this  spring it will be a must have. M A C also has Pigment it is a highly concentrated loose powder shadow.  The gold I have photographed below has a sparkle high shine metal look. It does not streak or smear. I suggest with all shadows you do your eye makeup first to avoid shadow fallout on your foundation under your eyes.

 Eye shadow can look more intense my patting it on and not using brush strokes. It is best to use brushes not a sponge applicator. I hope these tips help you with your eye shadow choices. While I am at the makeup counter, I see the shadow colors and it reminds me of candy; not that it is sweet of course but how I usually can't pick just one.  

Laura Geller

Smashbox

London Butter

Urban Decay

MAC

Freelancing

  I have been working since the age of 12. My first freelance job was babysitting; I found families in the neighborhood or through our church preschool that I helped out with. I was quickly hooked on earning money. Once I was 14 I signed up for a work permit card so I could work at a catering company and from there I haven’t stopped. I loved having spending money as a teenager, then as I grew up working allowed money for  vacations and special items that I wanted for myself or the kids.  When I received my cosmetology and barber’s license I had to work to gain clients and keep them. Even after having children I worked part time so I did not lose clients to other stylist and help provide for my family.

  Freelancing is a great way to make your own schedule, set your own rate. There are draw backs; if you don’t work you don’t get paid. There are NO sick or vacation days and you have to keep every receipt, log all miles and file your own taxes and no health care.

  In fact many freelancers have gone without insurance until healthcare reform. The changes in my opinion are a joke.  When I was married I had coverage, after my divorce I had to pay my own. First it was $115.00 a month for a $2,000 deductible. Then it went to $172.00 and I had to increase my deductible to $5,500 no vision or dental either. This year it went up again, and the free screenings they offer now I had before so big deal.

  Freelancing is hard work in today's economy, finding people to spend money with you and then making a living once you take out  all your cost. In the 26 years of doing my books I have learned to be organized and be able to manage money otherwise those quarter IRS payments will come and you won’t have the payment. If you can manage your business you will be successful. You will have time for family moments and use your money you saved for an AMAZING vacation. 

Brides

Did you get engaged in 2013? Please keep us in mind for your makeup needs on your wedding day.
karensiat.com

Days of Summer

 I cannot believe it is almost Labor Day. What a fast summer, if you call it that here in Cleveland. It was VERY wet and cool. One thing that I know is that it was one of my busiest summers yet.  I was not doing makeup on famous people but work for lawyers updating their websites, doctors at the Cleveland Clinic and models looking for their big break.  I even took my makeup case on the road to see clients.

     In the last couple months I was able to focus on my makeup agency, Karen Siat & Associates. I am very happy to say we are booking jobs and getting our name out there. Speaking of names mine will be changing; I recently became engaged and so delighted and blessed to start another new chapter in my life once I am married.

   What is next for the fall?  I will be offering lash extensions to clients and doing makeup workshops for up and coming makeup artist to learn how to get in the business.  As we leave one season and head into a new one remember pursue your dreams, follow your heart and never lose faith.

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Model in the making. Eric Mull photo credit.

Roger Mastroianni/ Photo Credit/ US World Reports

Hobby or Career

  I was not  sure if I wanted to write this blog. I am usually upbeat and positive but I needed to clear the air. My job really ISN”T a hobby! I have worked in my career for 26 years; I have two licenses from the state of Ohio and countless hours sitting in workshops and classes to be current in the field of beauty.  You Tube is NOT my Alma Mater. I might sound upset here and your right, I am. Here’s why.

   Say you have a leaky sink or an electrical outlet not working you can do two things.  Either shop at a hardware store for a part that may cost fewer than ten dollars to fix then hope your handy work sticks or pay a professional to come and fix it right. Now if you’re a bride you can go to a store buy and apply makeup for your wedding day yourself and hope it last twelve hours or hire a professional to apply the makeup so it is picture perfect.

   My career is fun but it takes intelligence as well. I know what to do to avoid  a chemical burn or even spot something irregular going on with the client’s scalp or eyes. Can the lady at the cosmetic counter offer that? Probably not that is why you hire a professional. I help out with charity events but I can’t do complimentary  work all the time. When calling a plumber or an electrician I bet they are not asked to negotiate the price, why am I?

   As years go by cost go up.  Products and gas to travel to a client are on the rise as well.  I try to stay affordable to clients and feel today my prices are very fair. Consider buying your makeup for your wedding day, a good foundation and face primer alone are priced at what my fee is to do the whole application. 

   Many professions not just mine are under appreciated and not taken seriously.  I work hard to build up clients and maintain my business. Having no paid holidays or personal days I still love doing it. When it comes to my career I get very fired up when people act like it's just "makeup". There is so much more to it then  the products.Without my skill and knowledge many people would not be complete for their photo or events and photographers may not have a model worth photographing.  So if you thought my job was more like a hobby I hope this blog gave you a new perspective on my career and how passionate I am about it.