www.thecareerzoo.com

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

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

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

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

Check out the video to see how the shoot went.

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

Jason and Me

Jason, Karen and Jennifer 

Jennifer 

Eric and Me

Bully

                 The cheerleading squad, I am seated second on the right                                                              

  

                                                    

 There is a new movie out called Bully.  This movie spotlights five kids and their families who are affected in a school year by bullying.  Two students are lost to suicide.  I remember my grade school years.  I, too, was bullied.  It was sixth grade.  After my first time trying out for cheerleading, I made the squad.  The next day in school I was approached by a girl who wasn’t picked.  She was so angry.  She told me that I didn’t deserve to be on the squad because I wasn’t popular enough.  Really?  I knew I deserved it.  I couldn't believe I was going to be taunted over her feelings of rejection.  This girl was popular and one of the “ring leaders” of the in crowd, which was nothing more than a clique.  I think her ego was bruised when she didn’t make the squad.    

    My bully then said to me, “You better watch your back because I am going to beat you up when you least expect it.”  Kids heard it on the playground, but no one stepped in at all.  Even my friends looked away in fear of her.  After this threat was made, I didn’t want to go to school.  I was scared and embarrassed.  So much so, I did not mention it to my parents.  There I was attending a Catholic school; yet, I feared getting beaten up.  I spent the time looking over my shoulder and feeling sick all of the time.  Finally one day, I took charge.  After weeks of stares, chatter, and taunts calling me skinny, she got in my face to say something mean.  I had had enough and said to her, “I am not scared of you.  Go pick on someone your own size and leave me alone. I was picked and you were not.  Move on!  One day I will make a name for myself and you will still be small minded.”

    After that day, she backed down.  I had no choice, but to stand up for myself.  On that day, I obtained justice.  Now looking back to that time, I feel it has driven me to be all I can be today.  I also learned to move forward, never look back, and not let ANYONE bully me.  I meet many models who say they, also, have been bullied.  Reasons vary from not being pretty or popular enough to being too skinny or fat.  The bully doesn’t know the entire story.  He or she just assumes what he/she wants to assume about you and act out meanly to feel better about himself or herself.  For me, I have been skinny all my life.  I have to follow a special “diet” to survive because of food allergies.  My three girls don’t hear words like fat or diet from me.  In fact, I tell them to NEVER use me as a gauge to compare their body weight or image.  I refuse to set them up for food disorders or poison their self esteem.

    BULLIES or  HATERS (as I like to refer to them) will find fault with you because you have your act together.  They will nitpick at anything you do just to get under your skin.  They have insecurities or faced a failure in their lives, so they choose to lash out in jealousy.  Thank God I wasn’t a child which followed this dark road.  I was able to find the strength to stop in my tracks and stand up to my bully.  Many people who were bullied in the past turn into over achievers as adults and are very strong souls.  They can face many obstacles and have a thick skin to endure much criticism.

    Sometimes movies entertain us.  We can escape reality by going to see them.  This movie, Bully, is a documentary.  It is reality on the big screen.   Sadly, bullying is a big problem and the number of bullied victims increases daily.  Let’s hope that this movie will open the eyes of educators and parents, so they can step in early before it is too late for a bullied child.  No one should fear going to school. 

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.