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

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

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. 

New Business

I haven't been able to write in a few months because I’ve been too busy. I had a blog all set to talk about my brush with President-Elect Donald Trump but after reading it I decided not to post because the Secret Service knows where I live ... Ha Ha Ha! Seriously though; I actually thought people that like Mr. Trump will support him at all costs so my little blog and experience would not make a difference in the minds of so many set to vote for him.



FOX news hired me for the Sean Hannity show broadcasted in Cleveland back in October at Pastor Scott’s Church. I was set to style Mr. Hannity, the now Vice President-Elect Mike Pence (for my second time this year), Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy. The whole day was a surreal experience to say the least. After the results on Election Day, I realized I have now styled a President (Barack Obama in 2008), a VP Elect and also have been in the company of another President-To-Be, Mr. Trump. It is crazy that I can say this, considering when I was seventeen years old and I just starting my career, I had no idea how all this was going to work out and where it would lead me.



A year ago I started to organize a new business and last January I had some setbacks to open but knew it would happen at the right time. I recently signed a lease for a space in my city to sell makeup and teach classes out of. I asked a couple of amazing artist to be part of my business and we opened in November. It was worth the wait. I am proud to be an owner of Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio in Mentor Ohio.



We offer makeup lessons to beginners wanting to learn makeup as well as to actors wanting to look better on HD TV. We show you our products and also suggest ones you can get in drugstores to add into your routine. Our team will help find your makeup prescription. If you have an event we can also travel out to you. At Sparkle & Shine you can find cruelty free and fragrance free makeup that lasts all day. We would love to meet with you and share our knowledge. I will still be meeting celebrities’ out and about in Cleveland but this space gives me so many new possibilities and I am excited for 2017.






Connect with us:


Karensiat.com


@Ksiatmakeup – Instagram


https://twitter.com/sparkle_shine16





https://www.facebook.com/sparkleandshinemakeupstudio/

SOVO Photography 

SOVO Photography 

Reality

I have worked at Eric Mull's photography studio in Cleveland for ten years now. I am freelance but Eric and I work together a few times a week. How did I get this key makeup artist job? Timing! I brought in my daughter for headshots and asked if he needed an artist. Eric's reply was "Yes; I just lost my last artist because we were engaged and just broke off the engagement."


I started there just as my middle daughter started Kindergarten. I was excited to be back to work full time. Just then after just seven months in I found out I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. HUGE shock, this was unexpected. I was so stressed because I didn't want to be replaced in the job I really enjoyed. I made a decision to keep working the 9 months eating lots of snacks along the way and climbing many flights of stairs into work each day during my pregnancy. My reality was that I was not going to be working full time just yet.


Eric's studio is really fun it could actually make a great reality show. We deal with talent agents, models that don't listen to directions and families that don't mind to argue in front of us over silly things. I once had a girl cry when I put her hair in a ponytail for pictures because she said she looked  like a boy. I had to redo her makeup from all the crying. I’ve also shaved a girls arm pits because she didn't know how to before a photo shoot. Another day I had a model call her shoot off after her zipper broke once she put on a dress she brought in to wear. She was convinced that  being overweight caused the break and wasn't comfortable staying. My opinion was that she looked beautiful and should have continued on.


One time a girl brought in a bag of extensions and glue to have me apply on her. I thought when she told me she had extensions to wear they were clip in ones so I went on to apply her makeup. When she pulled out the glue I just laughed because I am not trained in hair extensions. I told the girl “You seriously don't want me to do that, I have no idea where to start." We had to reschedule her.


The typical thing I hear as a stylist is "Oh guys must be easier to work with?” My answer not really. Many come unprepared with clothes that are the wrong colors, dirty or both. Some men have clothes rolled up and stuffed in a plastic shopping bag. They need pressed and sometimes they don’t fit them. Who brings a shirt that makes you look the the Incredible Hulk? Then there is the uni brow or hair that needed to be cut before they came in. You might think they weren't told but they have been by their agent and by me on scheduling. I think it is selective hearing.


The reality to all this modeling/ talent business is that people are trying to get a hold of stardom. Some have actual talent others have a dream. Many agents take all the people they meet even if they are not qualified, in the hopes they can follow directions and learn the craft. This is where people can prove how much they want this as a career and not just as a hobby on the side. If you can't follow directions to get photos done how are you going to be able to do well on an audition?



My life as a stylist is always entertaining, I love what I do and it mirrors life as a Mom. Here’s how, I listen to young people talk about plans for their future and feel compelled to interject words of advice or experience. I help groom all ages of people as if it was school picture day. Then there are times I well up in tears working as models and I talk about loved ones that are sick or have died and how they miss them. You might get to know someone really fast or have no idea what they are all about once the shoot is done. You definitely need to be a people person to be in this profession. My reality is that I am glad I left cutting hair to be a makeup artist. I get to meet some amazing and sometimes famous people. I never seem to have a dull day and my heart is happy.

Working with great people

Eric and I a few years back

Making faces

An action shot from a great day!

Makeup Vs. No Makeup

Photo credit: Bouncing Light

   I was watching an episode of Katie Couric's show a few weeks back and she had author Phoebe Baker Hyde on the show discussing her book, The Beauty Experiment: How I Skipped Lipstick, Ditched Fashion, Faced the World Without Concealer, and Learned to Love the Real Me. Phoebe swore off all beauty for a year to outgrow the fantasy of feminine perfection and find a spot where she felt comfortable. This meant she gave up makeup, jewelry, salon visits, and new clothes. She also cut her hair short in a men’s style.

   On the show that day, Katie wore no makeup and asked audience members not to as well. Katie wasn't comfortable being on the show without the makeup at all. Katie discussed how society has influenced our belief system on makeup. The show demonstrated the results of an experiment. It filmed an actress, dressed well and in makeup, as she stood outside of a store and asked people for directions or to borrow their phone. Many stopped to hear the actress’ request and most let her use the phone and even made small talk with her. Later the show recreated the scenario using the same girl, this time without the nice clothes and makeup. Almost all walked by ignoring her. One man dialed the phone for her and many just said, “No!” when asked to borrow their phone.


   This prompted me to ask my female friends on Facebook if they wear makeup and, if so, why. Also I asked the men if they think women should wear a little makeup or none at all. Since the statistics say women spend $12,000.00 a year on beauty products and services, I wanted to ask around. My friends are pretty diverse and many said they wear a little makeup. Most said mascara and lip color are a must. Many said they like to cover their skin imperfections and like how they feel wearing it. One friend said she looks like crap without it and that made me laugh. The men replied saying a little is good. They like lip gloss. One male friend said, “It should complement women’s features much like a tie does to a suit.”

   In my career I have had female clients say, “My other half doesn’t like it when I wear makeup.” Is it that or are they scared I will make them look like a clown? Could it be when they put on makeup, they look like a clown? Or is it that their other half is just a clown? All joking aside, I think as women we do need to find our HAPPY spot. No makeup can cover internal scars. No makeup can hide unhappiness. We have to find that center, as Phoebe did, then use makeup to enhance our features.

   In society, many prejudge a person before they know them. Perhaps a gal has on too much makeup just because the lighting is bad in her bathroom. Limited makeup may be because the inexperienced girl doesn’t know how to apply it, so she opts out on any. In my profession, you wouldn’t want to see me looking like a hot mess and then trust that I can make you look amazing. This is no different than going to an interview in dirty jeans and t-shirt and expecting to be taken seriously. So I guess we are influenced by looks. If you find you dislike makeup, it is OK! I am sure your personality will compliment your look. If you do love makeup, set aside a budget and have fun wearing it.

Photo credit: Doug Treiber

A New Year

It is January again and a year since I started to blog.  I have many new ideas for this year and must start bringing them to life.  I have always been a goal setter and once I accomplish one, I begin setting new goals.   I feel this forces me on my toes and keeps things fresh.  Since I started doing makeup, my style of makeup has been “beauty.”  I can do over the top makeup, but what sells in the Cleveland market is CLEAN makeup.

To be honest, there may be something else behind why I do this type of makeup.  When I was in kindergarten, the nun at my school wanted to hold me back because I colored too darkly (true story).  My mother would not have it, so I went on to first grade.  Maybe it stuck in my head, “If you use too dark of colors, you will be a failure.”  So now I have to ask myself, “Should I play it safe or is it time to set a new goal for myself?”

Over the years, I have had calls from New York and LA.  I feel that I may have lost out on a few jobs for the lone reason that I don’t have artistic makeup examples in my portfolio.  It is actually harder to do beauty makeup than heavy makeup.  Anyone can do makeup all over the face and call it artistic.  Not everyone can do beauty makeup on someone to make them look years younger, older or to give the illusion of clearer skin without the help of Photoshop.

My #1 project of 2012 was to make over a pretty girl with lots of color.  I recruited Maddie.  She is a beautiful young lady that I had the pleasure to meet last year.  Her photos have been on my website before, so I asked her back to bring to life my idea.  Maddie and her family made a three hour drive each way to participate.  I was so grateful because, with the help of Eric Mull, we nailed it.  She was perfect!  I was able to not only do her makeup pictured below but her hair adding in the feathers, which is so popular now.

I know one look might not magically change whether I get a job or not, but it shows the less imaginative person that I can apply makeup with a heavy hand.  It also proves I can make attractive people look as if the were touched by a MAC makeup brush. (If you have been to a MAC cosmetic counter you now exactly of which I speak,)

This year it is all about what I CAN do… even better.  It’s time I mark the map here in Cleveland.  My goal is set.  Is yours?

Karen Siat/ Eric Mull

Karen Siat/ Eric Mull

Red Carpet

It is almost the end of the school year and there are a lot of events coming up for high school students; prom and commencement lead off the list.  Many young women hunt for that perfect dress and shoes.  Pictures in magazines of hair and makeup help with style ideas.  Today’s post is not about the talent business, but helpful hints for women that want to look as if they walked off the red carpet. 

Maybe you’re thinking you would like to emulate Gwen Steffani’s red lips or Halle Berry’s chic style.  Once you have a vision for your look, it will be easier to narrow down your wardrobe.  Keep in mind shoes, when you find the dress of your dreams.  Are you a gal that never wears heels?  Is this because you can’t even walk in stilettos?  Maybe it is best to do a flat or ballet slipper shoe.  You will be more comfortable and confident.  To spend a lot of money for an uncomfortable pair of shoes is not the answer.  Use your money to accessorize with a great purse or jewelry instead.  Take a parent or friend with you to get opinions on your dress selection.  Sometimes the style might be great, but the color just washes the color out of your face.  Undergarments are important. A strapless bra, the right underwear, or Spanks will smooth out your body shape, so your dress will glide on.

As for your hair, pick a style that is you. If you always wear your hair straight and down maybe switch it up and wear it down but curly.  If your hair is curly, maybe pin some back off your face and keep the curls.  Makeup should be fun.  If you have problem skin, keep in mind not to pile on too much foundation.  This will make it look worse, not better.  Always put on your makeup in natural light.  Use concealer on the blemishes after your foundation is on.  Powder is very important to keep the shine down, so you won’t look oily for pictures.  To keep eye shadow from creasing throughout the day, apply foundation to your eyelids or an eye primer before putting on the eye shadow. Keep in mind that 2, maybe 3, colors are enough to have on your lid.  Any more than that will look busy.  Waterproof mascara and eyeliner is best for the day.

Lip color is sometimes hard to keep from fading.  A tinted lip balm is great for girls that don’t like sticky lips.  It will smooth the lips and have a hint of color.  A lip stain is a great option.  No reapplying is needed with this product, but I do suggest a gloss over it to avoid a dry feeling on your lips.  When you pick a lipstick, consider my long wear secret: apply a neutral lip liner to the whole lip, blot it, brush powder over it, and then apply your lipstick.  Bronzer is another great product.  Apply it last and where the sun would hit your face, but don’t over do it or you will look streaked.  After a few hours at your event, do a quick touch up.  Make sure to check your teeth and lip color after you eat.  The main thing to remember is to have fun.  Some events are only once in your life, take it all in.

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

                      

The Call

I remember going to concerts while growing up and thinking, “I would love to do the makeup for the performers.  How could I get that job?”  Fast forward to present times, I got THE call.  I was out to lunch with a dear friend last year when I let a call go to voicemail.  Upon leaving the restaurant, I listened to the message.  I about freaked.  I said to my friend, “That was MTV!”  She said, “THE MTV?” I said, “YES, I have to call them right away.  They want to hire me for a show at Kent State University.”  With that one phone call, I was going to be doing concert makeup.  WAY COOL!

The job was to do makeup on V.J. Erinn Westbrook and the band Cobra Starship.  The only problem was that the band’s bus broke down in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and they were now taking a flight into Akron, Ohio.  Then they had to drive to Kent, Ohio, so this delayed the schedule for the whole night.  I thought the show must go on, even if it was delayed.  The band was tired, but very nice and the job went flawlessly.  I left with my stage pass and headed home away from all the rock star glam to my little place with my three daughters and dog. It is fun to have this other side to my life; I do like the mix of it.

In Cleveland, we tend to have sports moments we would rather forget about; although, sometimes there are ones we wish we could freeze frame.  In 2007, the Cleveland Cavs were in the championship game against the San Antonio Spurs.  I received a call from ABC/ ESPN to be the makeup artist for the crew of Sports Center.  This was great for two reasons; I was doing a job while sitting in the best seat in the house, ESPN’s sports booth, and I was there for two games. Meeting Dan Patrick was ironic because, at past photo shoots, I would say to men shy of makeup, “If Dan Patrick can wear makeup on Sports Center, you can wear it for a 20 minute photo shoot.”  Now Dan Patrick was in my chair… AMAZING!  Those two nights were so much fun!  I saw Usher, Eva Longoria, Taylor Hicks, and Drew Carey. Cleveland did lose the championship, but I did get to touch the trophy before it was presented to the Spurs. So, for me, it was a “Win! Win!”

My kids are funny.  I had a call in 2008 from a media company.   They had a client in need of my services.  They wanted to hire me to do makeup for well-known political candidate, now President Barack Obama.  When I was told for whom the job was, I literally jumped up and down when I got off the phone.  My daughter said, “Are you doing Miley Cyrus’ makeup?” I started to laugh and said, “No, I can’t tell you yet who I am taking care of but I have a feeling this client is going to be so much bigger than Miley!”  My instinct was right on.  The day I was hired to be Mr. Obama’s stylist is one of my greatest makeup moments.   He was very kind, funny, and friendly.  I know some of you may not be fans, but to have had the chance to spend an hour with the man that would become our first African American President is pretty darn cool, even historical.  

My job is exciting, sometimes challenging, and not always glamorous. I am happy to  have come this far in my career with my resume and portfolio I am able to obtain these jobs.  I might think I have an ordinary week ahead of me, when something comes along to shake it up.  One thing I do know is that I use to dream big, but worried that the odds were against me and that “IT” might not happen.  Now I dream big, knowing “IT” can happen!

 http://www.mtvu.com/music/movies-and-music-festival/2010-movies-and-music-festival/cobra-starship-good-girls-go-bad/

Tips for Your Photo Shoot

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

Eric Mull/ Karen Siat

As promised, I want to give some industry tips on my blog. After having more than a few models and actors come unprepared, I thought I should share some insight on how to get the best photo. 

First off, try to calm your nerves.  Most people come in and say, “I hate taking pictures.”  If this is true, you are the wrong business.  I think it is normal for many to express this thought internally, but do so only the night before when rehearsing in front of a mirror.  It is OK to be anxious but be confident.  If you lack confidence, it will show through your expressions.

Second, be prepared on your shoot.  Take advice from your acting coach or talent agent.  They know best; they want you to work.  It is important to look closely at your wardrobe.  You might have clothes that should not be used in a photo shoot. Here are some wardrobe secrets: If your clothes are dirty or faded, too small on you, or have pilling on the fabric, DON’T BRING THEM!  You would be amazed how many people will.  Yes, even the dirty part is true and gross.  Make sure the items are laundered, pressed, hemmed, intact (no rips, tears, or strings showing) and well fitting.  Then make sure your clothes are on hangers, placed inside a garment bag.  This will save time and ensure you will look your best.  Don’t forget your shoes or undergarments.  Women, ALWAYS have a nude and a strapless bra in your bag.  I can’t tell you how many gals come in with light clothes and ONLY dark bras.  Guys, if you are doing a body shot, bring boxer briefs and please make sure they aren’t an old pair or baggie.  Trust me, I have seen this on past shoots and it was not flattering.  Swimsuits for ladies are best in a bikini style, not a puzzle cut out or one piece.  Neither of those suits photographs well.

Next, if you have been told not to wear any make up, DON’T.  You can exfoliate if your skin is dry and moisturize as needed. The most important tips are as follows: get your eye brows shaped, retouching doesn’t always work to fix this, and schedule a teeth cleaning beforehand with your dentist.  As much as you can whiten your teeth, you would not believe how much yellow tarter can be between them and it doesn’t look good when you smile.  Gals should not wear colored polish.  A neutral or French style is most appropriate.

Finally, remember to bring snacks.  The photo session may take a few hours and you don’t want to loose your energy. You may want to bring along a water bottle to help maintain hydration.

I hope these tips will help you when planning your big shoot. Remember to relax and have fun!  It will definitely show on your disc.

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.

                      

A Day In My Life

   Every day in this profession something different. I meet people who want to be famous three out of seven days a week. The talent ranges in age from the very young to the old. Some have experience, others do not. For many, it is their first photo shoot. Nervous and anxious, they arrive at the photo studio I work at most days. Usually I have spoken to them beforehand on the phone, giving them details about the shoot.  I never know what to expect as they arrive. 

Once I had a man who lived three hours away from the studio forget  half of his wardrobe,  a women appeared  with blistered lips, and a model that showed up with ONLY skimpy clothes despite her desire to work in a conservative Cleveland market. Some of my clients say I am  the first professional makeup artist they have ever met. Others tell me their previous photo shoot horror stories detailing how the makeup artist failed completely and the shoot turned out awful.

    I ask talent to come in with no makeup on, so they must  trust me.  I feel the pressure to come through for them.  I am willing to do what they ask, keeping in mind what the agent wants. I have to meet them in the middle and create a look both parties are happy. The look that makes each of them money. Money is what everyone wants, either more or extra. Money is why people take up acting or modeling. They would love to leave their day job for this dream but, in Cleveland, many can't do this. 

   I work hard to help as many as I can obtain that dream. I plan on giving you a look at my life as a makeup artist; tips on hair, makeup, and wardrobe. As the saying goes, "We learn something new everyday". So let's learn  together!