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. 

The LeBron Effect

        Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers did not reclaim the NBA championship title the city of Cleveland did again win. For me personally this was my fourth NBA series that I worked for the sports channel ESPN; and over the course of the last three years my work has significantly increased in general because of LeBron James coming back to Ohio. When our sports teams win our economy wins. People enjoy dinners out or meeting up with friends to watch the games. In general more business locally.

        This also means more media visiting. I love my career but before LeBron left for Miami my business was not as abundant as it is now. With LeBron home he brings big brands here like NIKE to film his ads on location. The CAVS wining has brought in journalists and sports channels to spotlight key team players. This for sure helps freelancers like me to get in on a piece of the pie.

     Here of some examples on how LeBron has helped me. In May I was able to work with the MIKE & Mike show on possibly one of their last trips as a duo to Cleveland this was filmed at Progressive Field. Another big event was a few weeks earlier when ABC and Rachel Nichols were here to interview Cavs player JR Smith and his wife Shirley to talk about their new daughter Dakota that arrived prematurely. This story broadcasted before game three during the preshow.

          Early in June I worked on the shows First Take and the JUMP that air live on ESPN. What an experience I had; from daily chats with legendary basketball player Scottie Pippen about the old Coliseum where the BULLS and the CAVS played during the 80’s and 90’s to busting a move with Atlanta Hawks player Dwight Howard off camera before the show aired. Memories I will never forget.

         I know that in the last few years meeting visitors they really like Cleveland; our food, hotels and personalities. They speak of the ease of getting in and around town along with our positive attitudes even when the odds are against us. The basketball season is done and to be honest I am having a bit of withdrawal, but I am excited to see what happens next in Cleveland. I also want to thank LeBron for coming back to Ohio. I defiantly see firsthand what a difference he has made for our city and in my business personally. 

JR Smith

On Set with Rachel Nichols 

Scottie

First Take Will and Marcellus 

My makeup on Molly Qerim 

The Jump 

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. 

Press

The Lake County News Herald contacted me to talk about my new business. Check out the article that was published a week ago



One typo was made; we carry products that are Paraben Free not Paraffin free. Please feel free to contact us to schedule Prom makeup we have specials on our webpage Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio and our Facebook page.

http://www.news-herald.com/business/20170228/celebrity-makeup-artist-opens-studio-in-mentor

Shine On

Last week I was interviewed and photographed for Fashion Flash a segment for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and part of Cleveland.Com. This was an honor to do not to mention a lot of fun. After gathering many outfits, shoes and accessories I made my way downtown with my friend Saideh willing to be my support system for the day.


After initial introductions to Allison Carey she showed us to a room where we could unpack and get comfortable in. I started to chat right away with her about my different projects I have worked on and people I have met so far in my career. During the interview process I was able to talk about my new business Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio, tips about makeup and of course fashion.


After four hours of talking and photos we had plenty information for an article and I have attached a link below. I thank Allison and the Cleveland Plain Dealer for this opportunity and also to my sweet friend Saideh for her help and ability to remember to take some photos.

http://www.cleveland.com/style/index.ssf/2017/02/karen_siat_teaches_techniques.html

http://www.karensiat.com/sparkleandshinemakeupstudio/

Grand Opening Party

On January 15, 2017 I was able to open my new business Sparkle & Shine Makeup Studio. With my team Moira and Carla we wanted to have our Grand Opening not only bringing attention to our location and services but to help out women in our area. 

We asked guest to bring items to donate for the Forbes House women’s shelter. With each item they brought in they would receive tickets to enter the giveaways. We received an estimated $500.00 worth of donations in just a few hours.It was wonderful to visit with new customers, family and friends. Local media personality and former Mrs. Ohio Katherine Boyd joined us as well. Much thanks for her support. 

 Our makeup studio is one of a kind. We sell makeup and help teach you how to wear it. We find your makeup prescription. Also we are a space to gather friends and have a girl’s night out makeup party at. Our studio conducts classes for beginners, actors, models and even professionals that are in the beauty business that want to become a makeup artist. We are a HUB for learning.



Please check us out http://www.karensiat.com/sparkleandshinemakeupstudio

Katherine Boyd and Me