Spring

  Well it has been a very LONG winter and we are all ready to get out of the house.  In the last few weeks I have been busy. I had a cover photo shoot with Inside Business and a video shoot for the Dr. Phil show. I was hoping to meet Dr. Phil to ask him a few of my own questions but he was not at the taping. The episode will air in May nationally. Also my makeup agency is booking clients for 2014 and I am working on other projects.

  Last week I was in New York City with my girls to do some shopping and celebrate.  This year the older girls turn 16 and 18 on their Birthday’s and we had to really make it memorable. Nothing is better than staying at a Times Square hotel and taking in a play. Actually after not agreeing on a production we ended up at a comedy show and FOR sure they won’t forget that weekend.

  We also were able to check out the newest fashions. In stores the clothing they are showing is floral and Aztec prints. Sheer tops in pastel colors are all the rage.  Big bags to carry and printed shoes are seen in many  NYC stores. The weekend  there was busy with marathon runners and St Patrick’s Day celebrations. We were on the go the whole time so it was a good thing New York City does not close.

  I enjoy time with my family and feel blessed I can go away and have some fun. Spring this year is about new beginnings for me personally. In just a few short weeks I will be getting married again and I am so happy to be with a man that I can call my best friend and share life’s moments with.  I wish everyone a Happy Spring!

Inside Business Cover

Prints

Sheer

A great time!

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

Beauty Vice

  Recently I was cleaning out my closet and started to think about all my clothes and that I tend to wear the same outfits each day. Some of the clothes I hang onto because I don’t have the heart to pitch or donate. Shoes are in a crate with heels in all shapes. I am not a shoe collector, I am happy with a great shoe with no designer name attached. Don’t get me wrong if I could afford it I would  buy some Jimmy Choo shoes but right now that isn’t going to happen.

  I guess as women we can choose to "Doll" ourselves up each morning to take on the world. Maybe it is getting our hair together or to apply mascara to wake up our eyes. It might even mean designer clothes for work, whatever makes us feel beautiful I embrace it.  I have read before that if a woman was having a bad day and they went shopping to make a small purchase of nail polish or lipstick it made them feel better. I guess it is a quick cheap beauty picker upper?

  My beauty vice is makeup of course. Below is half of  my kit, I have A LOT of makeup. If I ever buy a lip color I have already it won't get wasted, it becomes part of my kit. If I run out of my private stock of makeup I shop in my kit, it's pretty sweet. Makeup hides a lot of our facial secrets, dark circles, acne, and birthmarks but  can also bring out beautiful eyes and full lips. Shoes can't do that. 

   I do know one thing shoes and makeup can go hand in hand it gives us a sassy approach to our look. Pair up some sexy high heel  boots and a red lipstick, then schedule a date night. No matter if you’re into shoes or makeup have fun shopping and planning out your look. 

Senior Pictures

  I am going to start this blog in the past. The year was 2004 and I was looking for freelance work. I thought it would be fun to have my daughter Abby, age 8, do some modeling. I asked her if she wanted to take some photos and submit one to my friend’s agency. Her reply was, "Okay." The agency accepted her and asked for more photos for their book. To complete this task, I had a photo shoot scheduled with Eric Mull. The agency asked the child talent to dress as a professional in a career of their choosing. Abby was inspired by American Idol and dressed like a pop singer.

  On the day of the shoot, I had some kind of stomach bug and nearly canceled. I trucked through and we made it downtown despite the sickness and snow falling on the roads. On our way out of the studio, I asked Eric if he needed a makeup artist. He then said, “Yes! I just let my fulltime stylist go." After the shoot, I stayed in touch with him and soon started working there. Timing is EVERYTHING! Had the agency not accepted Abby, I wouldn't have met Eric. If I had canceled because I was sick, Abby may not have had a reshoot and, perhaps, I would have never had a chance to excel in the career I love.

  Now it is 9 years later and 2013. I took Abby in for her second shoot with Eric. This time it was for senior pictures. I can't believe my baby is so grown up! If we weren't in such a hurry, she could have driven us there that day. I made sure to press her wardrobe, but forgot to have her remove her red nail polish. Once we were at the studio we debated on which was the best outfit to wear. Eric looked up from his computer to say, "Really, you didn't work this out before you got here?" It was a typical mom/daughter debate in my eyes. Many people say, “Your kids must love you for working in this field!” Actually, they don’t seem too impressed that I have spent an hour with President Obama or a few hours with Cobra Starship. I am just their mom doing the only job they have known me to do for years.

  Abby is so close to getting her braces off but, due to yearbook deadlines, we had to schedule the shoot before they were removed. We had a beautiful fall day for a photo shoot and were very happy with the photos. Once home, Abby asked for the disc and marked down her favorites. Later, I picked out mine. We actually pick one that is the same out of 408 pictures. I have a more critical eye. I notice hair that isn’t right, shadows, and/or wardrobe problems. The braces weren’t really an issue.

  As I looked at the photos of Abby, I no longer saw the little girl dressed as a singer but a beautiful young woman ready to take on the world. When I started my family I told my clients, “I am now a part time stylist and a full time mom.” I am glad I have shared all of the important moments, including this one, with my kids. I am blessed and honored to have such great girls. There is no celebrity on my resume that could make me feel more accomplished in life than Abby, Leah, and Anna. Thank you Eric for wonderful photos! Take a look for yourself below to see what a lovely model Abby was that day and Eric Mull's talent.