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.
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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.

 

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

Kyrie Irving

 Back in March, I received a call from photographer Tim Mantoani from San Diego. He was coming into town and asked if I could work on a Sunday, which was actually St. Patrick’s Day. I RARELY work Sundays as I feel it is my only “family” day and I'd rather spend it with the kids. Tim told me he could not discuss the job yet, but did tell me I would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. In the back of my mind, I knew I might have to make an exception to my Sunday rule because only big jobs ask you to sign these agreements. I accepted the work and a week out from the shoot date Tim gave me directions to the studio. Not until I arrived did I find out the client was the Cleveland Cavaliers' point guard Kyrie Irving and he was going to be on the cover of an ES Sports PlayStation 4 game!

 As you can see in the photo, I did not wear my green hat or St. Patrick's Day beads for the shoot but I did arrive on time and got all set up. Kyrie’s uniform was sent over by the CAVS' office and I steamed it to get it ready for the photo shoot. A photo below shows all of the shoes sent over by NIKE for Kyrie to pick from to wear for the cover shot. He actually ended up wearing his team shoes instead. Once Kyrie got his uniform on, he said he didn’t think it looked right. I said to him, "The CAVS' office brought it here personally; however, I steamed it. Maybe that is why it looks different?" He laughed as he adjusted his shorts and said, “Maybe that IS it!"

 Kyrie had still photos taken on a green screen first and then went on camera to talk about his career and what he likes about EA Sports Games. That footage took about an hour to shoot and I was able to sit in for touch ups and hear how he has grown as an athlete. Kyrie is really a great role model for young athletes and I think EA Sports has a slam dunk on this year’s pick for the cover. As for me, I am glad I said I would work. I am not into green beer at all and my kids made plans with friends, so the day was just as exciting and I didn’t have to sit in parade traffic.

NIKE shoes sent over for Kyrie 

Kyrie Irving Tim Mantoani

Karen and Kyrie

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.