Just Shana: I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough and Doggone it...

people continue to try me...

So brief history - Ive been at this makeup thing for five years now.  I started right after I had Sam the Girl (my daughter for those new to the blog) and she just turned 5 years old last month.  Initially I did makeup as a side hobby, then it turned into a side job/hustle and then 2 years ago it became my full time gig.  My support system is iron clad so I definitely couldn't have done it without them but yeah I did it.

Sometimes I think those looking from the outside in perceive me to still be attempting a side hobby...

Case in point, and those who are in a similar line of work, or an entrepreneur of any sort will get this, potential clients reach out and inquire about your services and rates.  After providing praise on your work and you disclose your rates they then try to get you to negotiate your rate...

Now I know when I go to a store I cant do that, heck even when I get other services done, say my hair or nails I cant be like oh you know what I wasn't expecting to pay this much for loc maintenance and/or a manicure, are your prices negotiable?

Or you offer your services at a discounted rate and waive a deposit because you are seemingly cool with a person and then they flake on you the day of the service...mind you another paying client could've been in that day/time slot...and now its too late to fill that spot.

Even better is when you constantly have to prove yourself...

If you view my portfolio it contains a lot of clean beauty and though I have a variety of skin tones and ethnicity in my port, for some reason people only zero in on my work on Caucasian clients so they doubt my ability to either "beat a face" (of which I am now pretty much over that term) or apply makeup to anyone other than fair skin. 

Not the case, and not that I owe them any explanation but this is my blog so I am just taking proverbial pen to proverbial paper to iron out these thoughts of mine, the reason I have mostly clean beauty in my port is because well clean beauty is what will get you paid. 

Sorry if that comes across as crass cause it isn't meant to be but that is a known fact.  Not saying you wont get clients doing another kind of makeup but for what I have always had my goals set on, something bigger than my area, I need to be able to service a diverse clientele.  I am proud to say that I have done and continue to do just that.

I get questioned on everything from my technique, to how I acquired a certain gig, to what products I use to how long it takes me to apply makeup to what I charge and why and if I feel I lost out on money...PUMP...YOUR...BRAKES!

Honestly, I take most of the responsibility for the questions.  From day one I have tried to be open and honest to any and everyone who asks my advice when it comes to this but after a while its like why must I be subjected to your antics time and time again?  Now, dont get me wrong I am happy to help anyone who wants to get into this and is SERIOUS about it.  Anyone I have helped/mentored in the past, whatever you want to call it, will attest to the fact that I am a no BS zone and I expect a lot of you but I am also very giving of myself and of helping you to get to where you desire to be as a makeup artist if I can.

When will my contributions be enough?  I can post images of my work, beautiful work, "beat makeup" looks and its still like lets try to find something to pick at and question.  So you know what I do now?  Just answer the questions straight to the point.  I realize that if I continue to feed into it that just prolongs the issue.

I say all this to say, toughen up your armor and kill em with kindness because you are not their issue.

The Powder Group brings back The Artist Summit!

Any reader of this blog knows I am team The Powder Group all day long.  I can't recall how I first stumbled upon them and their fearless leaders Michael DeVellis and James Vincent but my artistry life hasn't been the same since.

Back in 2008 the very first event I attended upon embarking on my pro makeup artist path was The Artist Summit, which you can read about here, and I was giddy like a kid on Christmas.

3 levels of quality education and product at my disposal minus the crowds, I was in love.

From the very beginning the team at The Powder Group was super knowledgeable and willing to answer any and every question I had, and to this day even though they have grown by leaps and bounds, that has not changed one bit.

While I adore The Makeup Show, I think that for any aspiring or seasoned artist attending the Artist Summit is the way to go.

I am uber excited that they decided to bring it back and if you act quickly you can take advantage of some great rates on the event.  I am a TPG Pro Member so I can already tell you that the event has piqued the interest of many who have already made travel and lodging arrangements so you may want to stop wasting time and make your plans and get your tickets ASAP, I am also talking to myself here.  See below for further details.

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES END

ON MAY 31 - FOR NON MEMBERS!

TPG PRO MEMBER RATE EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 30! $100 HOLDS YOUR SPACE FOR THE ARTIST SUMMIT!

The most inspirational names in beauty will gather for the first time at The Artist Summit! From October 6 - 9, two hundred of the most driven, focused and committed professionals in the business of beauty will come together in Provincetown, MA for three days of insightful and inspiring discussion about artistry, career and industry at The Artist Summit 2013! And, now $100 reserves your space at the biggest pro event of the year! 

Produced by The Powder Group and hosted by Michael DeVellis and James Vincent, The Artist Summit will bring the pro community together in a way that no other makeup event has before. This is an entirely new The Artist Summit event and will consist of one, singular program that all attendees will participate in - so you won't miss a thing! Plus with no vendors, product exhibits or retail area, your focus can be 100% about you and your career development!

The Artist Summit has been designed to redefine and deepen the foundations of your business, strengthen your expectations and aspirations, and inspire you to create your most successful career imaginable. The Artist Summit will move your business forward and will profoundly effect your career!

The three-day event will consist of an ongoing series of one-of-a-kind seminars and talks that will include more than a dozen industry leaders presenting all new programs, each of which are exclusive to The Artist Summit. This program will never repeat itself at future The Artist Summit events, so please do not miss this one-time-ever opportunity!

 

THE ARTIST SUMMIT PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Chris McCarthy - Beyond Belief
Corissa St. Laurent - The Essential Art of Engagement Marketing
Crystal Wright - The Big Change

James Vincent - Inspiring Artistry

Kate Leydon - Incorporating Wellness

Linda Mason - An Artist's Approach
Marietta Carter Narcisse - Getting Down to Business

Michael Angelo - Redefining Your Personal Success

Michael DeVellis - The Power of Community

Michael Duenas - Achieving Intention

Sarah Lucero - Defeat is Not an Option

Victoria Stiles - Creating Your Industry Voice 

PLUS SUPPLEMENTARY WORKSHOPS

NOW AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION! 

Two supplementary days of hands-on workshops will be held on October 10 - 11.
These optional sessions are at additional fee and open exclusively to The Artist Summit attendees. Registration is now open for all workshops, to The Artist Summit attendees exclusively.  

  

Orlando Santiago + James Vincent Inventing Editorial

James Vincent + Sebastian Smith Understanding Digital Photography  
Dianna Quagenti + Michael DeVellis Detailing Your Work
Sarah Lucero Beautiful Makeup
Michael Duenas Hairstyling for Beauty 
Dani Fonseca - sponsored by Temptu Pro Extreme Cover 
Orlando Santiago Thinking in Black and White 
Dani Fonseca Using Color Everyday 

Erica Carr - sponsored by Make Up For Ever Bridal Beauty and Beyond   

 

To register for hands-on workshops, and for complete event details, session descriptions, presenter bios and ticket purchase information for The Artist Summit 2013, please visit theartistsummit.com, thepowdergroup.com or contact us at 212.627.7447. Please note that our presenters, session topics and schedule are subject to change.   

THE ARTIST SUMMIT IS LIMITED TO ONLY

200 ATTENDEES!

TPG PRO MEMBERS! 

NOW GET YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS THROUGH JUNE 30!

$100 DEPOSIT RESERVES YOUR SPOT!

TPG Pro member advance registration rate extended through June 30!

TPG Pro members $490.00

After May 31, rate for non-members cost will be $790.00  After June 30, rate for TPG Pro members will be $590.00

$100 Deposit will hold your space and guarantee the advance purchase rate! *Tickets must be paid-in-full by September 1. Deposits are non-refundable but may be used toward other TPG programs if unable to attend. 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT JOINING TPG PRO 

WWW.THEARTISTSUMMIT.COM

Diary of an MUA: Capital Couture: DC Fashion Walk

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to work the Capital Couture: DC Fashion Walk event along with my MUA boo Shida.  We were the only two artists on hand tasked with getting a number of models ready for the event.  Anyone who has worked runway knows that it can be extra fast paced and this event was no exception.  There was certain moments of calm but the end was all go, go and GO!  The look was classic beauty since there were a number of models who wore a few different looks.  I was able to snap a few pics but not all my models.  If I come across any of the runway photos I will be sure to update this post but in the meantime, here you go!

my look for the day, nothing too over the top in keeping with the requested look of the day

Shida in action - I am team #iphone now and the picstitch app gets put to work on the regular!

forgot to get her before pic but Shida caught me in action :)

Diary of an MUA: My first music video!

I had to keep my mouth shut on this one for a LONG time but now the video is finally out and I can share it with you all.  :)  I had the opportunity to assist amazing makeup artist Deshawn Hatcher immediately after New York Fashion Week, and when I say immediate I mean it.  She put out the call seeking assistance and I applied not knowing what would come of it.  I had just gotten back to DC at maybe 4a that Thursday and had to turn around and go right back to NY Thursday night/Friday morning because I was not about to miss the opportunity.  Of course no details were given as to what/who it was for and that was fine with me.

This was my first time assisting an artist of her caliber so I wanted to be on my A game.  I arrived early, as I try to do most of the time anyway.  I even had to stall a bit.  I met Deshawn and helped bring her kit, etc. into the city to our location and met the other assistant.  On the ride into the city I tried to ask Deshawn how she likes things to go on set and while she did share some things most I had to use common sense for.  Once the look was determined Deshawn got to work.  My tasks for the day were to set up her work area including makeup, lashes (OMG lash heaven, she had so many!) and her light which she takes with her most if not all the time.  Its a real deal photographers light and it took some time to set up but by the end of the shoot I had it down.  Let me be real here, I was there to A.S.S.I.S.T and I did just that.  The first day on set I did NO makeup aside from touch ups during the club scene.  I was perfectly fine with that.  I used that time to observe everything Deshawn did and to use it as a learning experience.  We were on set for I believe 9-10 hours.

The next day we were doing the scene in the neighborhood and I got to do makeup, yay!  My talent was great to work with and while I didnt get any images of her, time was very important this day, you can see her in the video as she played one of the best friends (it will make sense once you see the vid).

This has been a whirlwind year for me as far as freelancing is concerned complete with ups and downs but thankfully this was definitely an UP moment.  Huge thanks to Deshawn for giving me the chance.  Enjoy the pics and video below.  :)

Esther, musician from France who sings in the song/video, and also plays the love interest in the video

of course Deshawn did her look, these pics are no editing, no filter, taken with my iTouch

one of the best friends, her look was done by the other assistant, Naima

when we were all chatting before getting to work I found out she actually is from here, though now living in NY and we graduated from the same high school.  Small world

hiding out during the club scene

the side of Naima's head

they even had the smoke machine going

2nd day of shooting, Esther shares one of her shoes for the day.  I think Deshawn tweeted this pic that day too.

Diary of an MUA: AOFMakeup, Moncler & Michael...DeVellis

backstage at Moncler Grenoble

In early January I accepted a challenge.  I had purchased Crystal Wright's '30 Days at 100 Percent: Changing Your Life 30 Days at a Time' back in September and hadn't even cracked it open.  Well around the new year a fellow PYP Graduate posted that she wanted a partner to start the 30/100 program.  I responded that I was up for it and so we set up a conference call for that following Sunday.  I had about 4-5 days to get ready for that first call and you know what I did?  Absolutely nothing.  I didn't even really know where the book was at that very second.  Well I did end up finding the book the next day but I still procrastinated until the day of our call to cram the first 4 chapters.  Part of the homework was to write down 3 goals to achieve in the first 30 days and share them with your partner, so because I took my time and waited until the last minute I just threw out some random goals: get signed with an agency, work New York Fashion Week and continue to work on my portfolio.

waiting models...

I had no idea how I was going to achieve any of these things and truth be told I kinda had a blah attitude about doing it but once I talked to my partner I knew I couldn't BS my way through this.  I now had someone to hold me accountable.  

craft services

For those that do not know I was super busy the last couple of weeks in January up until this week (I still have 2 gigs to do this week!) and that is because I got signed with an agency, worked not only New York Fashion Week but Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week and FINALLY after four years of freelancing have a physical portfolio to show industry decision makers!

I know for a fact that I could not have done any of this without my 30/100 book and partner.  I would still be half-assin' it.  In addition to those achievements I also got the opportunity to travel back to NY this past weekend to assist one of my fav makeup artists on a music video!  Awesome experience in which I learned a lot.  You have to wait for that one though, I will share once the video is released.  Yes the artist (both recording and makeup) is well known.  :)

But I am off subject.  This particular post is about my first day which wasn't even on my schedule initially for Fashion Week.  I learned of the opportunity the day before via Michael DeVellis of The Powder Group, submitted my info and got my confirmation to participate less than 2 hours later.  I was to be a part of the team of artists from the Academy of Freelance Makeup working the Moncler Grenoble show, which was a presentation of oh I don't know, 200+ people who were performing at Central Park Ice Skating Rink!  And yes they ALL needed makeup.  Once we finished everyone, our Key MUA Michelle Webb of AOFM London selected some of us to go with the performers to Central Park to do touch-ups and to my delight I was selected!  Here are more images from that day via my perspective as well as the actual show.

Spotted some of the clothing being brought in when we arrived

team watching the demo for the look

My MUA boo Shida in action!

from our Key's kit-adding to mine ASAP!

touch up team headed to Central Park!

I knew we had arrived once we started seeing the Central Park love buggie brigade

Headed to our location within the park

I had maybe 2 hours of sleep that day and it shows!  Here are Shida and I with our Key MUA, Michelle from London

Credentials!

thats a wrap!  headed uptown to get some SLEEP...and watch the rest of the Grammys :)

Diary of an MUA: Player 1, Level Up

We are rolling steady in 2012, kicking our shoes off and getting comfy.  Now I pretty much suck at resolutions so I tend to stay away from them.  I did however fully intend to step out from my comfort zone this year as far as my career in makeup artistry and I am pleased to say that "so far, so good".  If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook then you are already aware of the goings on, but for those who aren't, keep reading and watch the video.  :)

Since recording this video I am happy to report that I have already completed my first gig with my agency!  This past Monday I was working on about 2 hours of sleep but I got it done and the client was pleased with my work, so much so that I was offered more work in the coming months.  So hopefully that pans out because it was a great team to work with.

I have been hustling extra hard this month and it is paying off big time.  I am so very thankful for my fiance aka "the sig", he is my biggest support right now, and none of this would be possible without him.  :)  Leaving my job back in September was one of the best things that could have happened to me, as crazy as that sounds; my health is 100% better and I am living my dream.

I will be continuing to share my experiences and there is a big one/ones to report coming soon so stay tuned for that and as always thank you for visiting my little part of cyberspace.

Diary of an MUA/Writer: IMATS NYC 2011!

 

IMATS NYC 2011

Please excuse the delay in posting, after I shared my amazing news last week I was bitten by the flu bug!  Talk about a whirlwind week.  As a result I have been pretty much confined to my bed for the whole week and even did a brief stint in the hospital.  Oh joy!  (sarcasm)

Enough of the pity party because as they say, the show must go on!  And what a show it will be - this time tomorrow I will be in NYC for the International Make-up Artist Trade Show 2011.  Given the reputation of New York it is by no surprise that for the first time in IMATS history the show is completely sold out!  I am so glad I made my plans early and that is why despite not being back to 100% just yet I will be a part of the action.

Be sure to check back for updates, pictures, vids and anything else I can crank out during my quick trip.  Will you be attending?  If so, let me know!  I would love to meet you.  I think that is one of the best parts about these conventions, getting to meet virtual buddies in person. 

See you soon.  :)

And it came to me...like an epiphany!

Just a quick update video.  Initially I was scheduled to do a follow up to this with a surprise however plans change and thats just how life goes.  You have to roll with the punches definitely...anywho check out the video.

Diary of an MUA: I had a "Momma I Made It Moment!"

This morning I was on the train headed into the day job and ran into a couple of co-workers so we were chatting it up a bit.  Out the corner of my eye I happen to see a lady reading a book that looked familiar to me.  So I ask her to see the cover and SURPRISE - it is a photo that I did the makeup for!  I did a couple of posts, here and here, that talked about a book cover but the image I THOUGHT was being used I never did see it on a book so this was a major surprise for me.  Now I have to go buy the book and figure out how to incorporate it into my resume.  YAY!

Here is the book to see my work (that image, as it so happens, is currently on my portfolio site), and to purchase if you are so inclined. 

Welcome to 2011! Whats in store?

I hope that everyone enjoyed ringing in the New Year!  I spent the time relaxing at home with my family and chatting on Twitter.  I had grand plans of doing a NYE look video for YouTube but so did everyone else and a LOT of them featured glitter so I opted out.  I DID however do a look today to celebrate the bold way we enter into a new year - full of ambition, not afraid to take chances, focused on the promise of an improved existence. 

So the look is the first in a series that I will call - Go Bold, or Go Home!  Think color, makeup myths and just fun fun fun!  Makeup is not meant to be stuffy and put in a box for all to fit into.  I want to explore the other side of beauty in the new year.  Here is a sneak peek at the look:

This look also starts Day 1 of Tia's fun challenge of 365 Lip Looks.  We are to challenge ourselves to rock a different lip look each day of this year and document it.  Feel free to join in and share the looks either on your blog, via Twitter or Facebook.  For those saying/thinking I dont even have 365 lipsticks/glosses, fear not - when you combine the products you have you can create new ones!  You can use pigments with gloss, shadow over lipbalm, rock liner all over your lip and nothing else - challenge yourself to think outside that box, I implore you!

For those that do not know I was accepted into the Crystal Wright Live 2011 Internship Class along with a group of other amazing women in different walks of the fashion and beauty industry.  I will update my progress here on the blog and my Twitter account but you can also follow all of the Dream Team members by subscribing to our Twitter list.  I am so very excited to be working with and learning from Crystal Wright as well as each of my fellow interns!

In a couple of weeks I will be taking a class hosted by Elevate Artists featuring Celebrity Hairstylist and Makeup Artist Daven Mayeda.  The class is On Set Hairstyling for Make Up Artists and I am BEYOND excited.  Stay tuned for updates and behind the scenes info from that.

I plan on continuing the blog, doing more videos (even talking more in some HA!), continuing to further my knowledge as a makeup artist while adding to the services I provide and just investing more into myself and my family.  I hope you all have your eyes set on a prosperous and fulfilling new year and cheers to each and every one of us as we embark on a new journey.

Recents and Randoms as of Dec 20...

I often snap pics with my blackberry and save them in my file marked "blog" but then I forget they are there - as a reminder of all things (duh Shana) so because of that I now have to bombard you with updates real quick.  Here goes (brace yourself-lengthy and pic heavy):

MUA UPDATE!

Here I am with fellow DC MUA's for our first B.Y.O.B Event (Bring Your Own Brushes) We had such a great time that the next event was scheduled within a matter of days following us meeting.  Asia, Siccola, Nyoka and I spent the evening enjoying good food, good beverages and great MUA related topics.  Cant wait to see you ladies in a few weeks!  *hugs*

HAIR UPDATE!

Still growing strong!  Y'all know I love my loctician and whenever I go he has something new to share.  This time it was the "signature loc" process.  Ever wanted to color your locs but had the fear of damaging your hair?  Well fear no more!  The blondie loc in the front there was actually one that was about to break (dont ask) so he repaired it and then made it a signature loc.  My other signature locs are hot pink (go bold or go home right?)  Pics below will show them better though you can see one peeking in the back there.  In total I have five colored locs now. 

See?  Now 3 can be seen, the other two are in the back somewere - anywho this is me at the Secret Santa Girlfriend Gift Exchange 2010 Edition!  My friends and I have been doing this each year for, wow, maybe 10 years now, give or take.  Each year we pick names and exchange gifts after dinner.  This year we selected Eatonville on U Street.  Dont I look super happy for my Armani Exchange box?

Thats cause I WAS super happy!  I received an infinity/circle scarf (love these things - I have 3 now but I must get more, more I say!) and my new hot boots!  Werent even on my list but "santa" knew I had to part with my most fave OTK black boots and I was not happy.  Now I have new ones yay!

After the gift exchange we hit Tabaq for a birthday party and danced the pounds away!  We are missing one in this photo - she hates taking pics *smh*

HAUL UPDATES!

Picked up these NYX Lipsticks a few weeks ago.  I really wanted the dark one to be a dupe for MAC Cyber - yeah not so much and the red one was just whispering sweet nothings to me so I had to bring it home of course.  Penelope (dark) Snow White (red).

Milani sure knows how to make you do a double take.  I peeped these new Baked Marble Shadows and of course had to have them.  They can be used wet or dry.  I really wanted Rich Java to be a deep chocolate brown but it is more bronze and Blue My Mind while pretty can be easily duped, trust me I know...

Milani also has added to their glitter polish line.  I was able to get the gold one which after application is difficult to photograph but it gives a beautiful effect on the nail.  This result was achieved by packing the polish/glitter on as opposed to brushing it on as you would a normal nail polish.  If you go the routine route you will just push the chunks of glitter around and drive yourself insane in the process...

 Jessie's Girl haulage from Rite Aid...

 Swatch of Jessie's Girl polish - def needs to be packed on or layered...

 Swatches of Jessie's Girl Liquid Crystal Lip Gloss in Violet and Wicked

 Violet (top), Wicked (bottom)

 Didnt I say no more lip swatches???  yeah well I lied I guess...Wicked

Violet

ANOTHER MUA UPDATE!

One of my brides from earlier this year sent me this picture and wanted to thank me again for making her feel good on her wedding day.  She is definitely one of my most fav clients ever! 

My friend Dana had a military ball to attend a couple of weeks ago and asked if I could do her makeup for the event.  I did and here is the result:

Go Dana!

FOTDs!

The end...finally!