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!

Legendary Clients

Photo by MichaelAngelos Photography

For the last seven and a half years I was not only working but caring for my sick Father. Back in May my Dad passed away. In that time I learned how to juggle home and my professional life. The first part of the year I started off more as a nurse than a makeup artist. To be honest my mind wasn't into working because worry was overcoming my world. As a freelancer the early months tend to be slower and this helped me cope with my personal life.

After my Father’s passing I suddenly found myself very busy; was this to keep me preoccupied or was it all predetermined by the universe? In one week's time frame I was to be scheduled to take care of one of the biggest football players of all time; Peyton Manning. Then days later a job styling the biggest journalist in history Dan Rather. Mr. Rather was to be in town interviewing musician Kenny Loggins.

How is it I can go from darkness to light so fast? How lucky am I to have time to accommodate these fabulous people coming to Cleveland? I know this blog is late but here are the highlights from my time styling for them.

Peyton arrived to Riddell Sports to do a video for them. Once introduced I started the grooming process and then I directed him to his wardrobe. He asked me to hold his money clip, some receipts and a pen so it wasn’t showing in his pockets. Once on set I was also the keeper of his cell phone.

I found a secure pocket in my bag to hold his items but thought WOW he is trusting. I was checking with him periodically to ask if he needed his phone. I made small talk about his stay in town and also about retired NFL player Robert Smith of the Minnesota Vikings. Robert played football at my high school alma mater and we were close in age. Peyton did not take photos with the crew but I did get behind the scenes shots of him on set. He is a class act and very kind I really enjoyed my morning with him.

When I received a call that I was referred to assist legendary news broadcaster Dan Rather I was in shock. I think I was the only kid that watched the news in grade school so I knew how important he was. I heard through production that Dan wanted to interview Kenny Loggins but due to schedule conflicts they would have to meet and tape the show News and Guts in Cleveland.

I was escorted to a green room at Severance Hall at university circle. Dan’s name was posted on the door. I set up and I started to get nervous. I am confident on shoots but big ones make me doubt myself. On arrival Dan advised me of what he wanted done as far as grooming. We chatted a bit about his life growing up in Texas and a mutual friend we have in common.


I expressed to him my admiration for his work. I wanted to ask him so much but I kept it together. At 87 years old Dan has a sharp mind and is a true gentleman. This day climbed quickly to be one of my favorites styling. I think my angels are around me and I am so grateful.

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

Karen Siat Cosmetics

As I continue my beauty journey I am always trying to explore new paths. Last month I was able to launch my new makeup company called Karen Siat Cosmetics. Right now I have two amazing products that I showcase but look to add more in the future. I have been asked repeatedly what my favorite bronzer and concealer is for a few years now and I really wasn’t fond of any.

I do prefer “green” products that mature skin can benefit from and I found it. My bronzer is talc and cruelty free. Its universal color is great for most skin types. You also receive a silver mesh makeup bag for free with every bronzer you order. My concealer is fragrance, paraben and cruelty free. Its waterproof formula contains collagen to help reduce puffiness and it won’t settle in fine lines. My products are also made in Canada.

Once I was able to decide what products I wanted to showcase it was time to get products shots and new photos of myself. I asked my friend Cath Smith to photograph me and my other friend Beth Segal was able to bring to life the products themselves. I am so grateful for both of their talents and help in this new endeavor.

If you want to try out my new cosmetics you can schedule with me using the contact button or you can order products via my store on my website karensiat.com. I have learned over the course of my career never stop climbing to the next step and never let anyone discourage you. 

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.

Francisco Lindor

Well it is almost the All Star game for the MBL. I have to be honest I don’t know many statistics about baseball but I do recall the climb to the World Series in 1995 and last year’s appearance for the Cleveland Indians. This year at the All Star game the Indians will have five players who will play which is awesome news.


Francisco Lindor is one of the Indians player who will be there and back in May I was able to meet him. Our shoot was delayed by two hours because Francisco was running late. The day before the Indians were out of town and arrived back in Cleveland at 4 AM that morning so I think he was pretty tired. After Francisco’s arrival things moved along very quickly.


New Balance and Footlocker needed pictures on this day for their products. We were shooting on the campus of John Carroll University in South Euclid Ohio trying to stay warm on a cold spring day. Francisco spoke about how Cleveland grew on him, at first there was many grey weather days and the spirit of the town wasn’t where it is now. He then added how today the city is thriving he sees many fans in team shirts around town supporting both the Indians and the CAVS. After ballgames he sometimes meets families that are represented by all generations eager to talk baseball with him.


Francisco is a grounded with a true sense of family. Talking about his influence by his Father in his younger years to play baseball, to his love for his Mother and girlfriend shows true character of this young man. He is the real deal; handsome, talented and charismatic. It was a fun shoot to help style on and I look forward to future encounters with our sports greats in Cleveland.