Just Shana: Real Talk * parental guidance is suggested*

Dionne Farris sang it best (if you dont get the reference I direct you to Google what you think the image is...).  I feel just like that right now...up to my head in it for real!

I gave myself a deadline that I am fast approaching, and while I have had many great experiences that many only dream about, experiences dont pay the bills.   Literally.  As I sit here my phone is off, the gas in the car is low and so are the groceries in the fridge.  At the beginning of this week I had the most awesome prospect on the horizon, probably my biggest to date and it fell through...at the eleventh hour, making me lose out on 2 days of my day rate and let me tell you something - my day rate is not low.  So you can understand my excitement and then my complete heartbreak over it not happening.

Heres the thing that no one tells you when you have the bright idea to make it as a makeup artist...this shit is hard.  I mean like real hard.  If you are fully vested in it you can probably liken it to that of being in a relationship with someone who doesnt love you as much as you love them...yeah just like that.  You invest your time trying to prove that you love it, deserve it, will do anything for it, spend a great deal of your money on it, you are all wrapped up in it and after all that you are LUCKY if you even get a call back.  And just like either you or your good girlfriend who wont leave that good for nothing dude who could care less about them, you cant tell yourself/them nothing until one day you/they just snap and say F this, Im out.  After four years I am at that point.

All I want is to make it in the section of the industry that I love, I have the experience and the talent and it just   wont happen like I want it to.  I could blame a number of things - not being as flexible as I would like to be when things come up, other artists undercutting and therefore causing productions to undervalue what makeup + hair can bring to the project, not wanting to continuously kiss ass to get my foot in the door but it would all amount to the same thing - not enough work to go around...or not enough paid work.

I get questions all the time - how did you get the courage to follow your dream, when is the right time to leave your job and pursue your passion full time, etc so on and so forth.  Look, I wish I could tell you the magic answer but the truth is, there isnt one.  Either you are going to do it or you arent and either its going to work or it isnt.  Point blank.  Its real vague because this whole damn thing is vague as fock.  My journey cant be yours cause its mine as random as that sounds.  My uncle told me something a couple of weeks ago - you know how you know you are supposed to be doing something?  Because you are doing it.

I kinda know this is for me - nah fock that I KNOW this is for me.  I havent been as sure about anything else in life but I also know that even if I do continue I HAVE to be smart and find another source of income.  It pains me to say it but I have been sending out resumes all week and not just for makeup positions.  Yes my friends I have decided to fall back on my Communications degree and Administrative background as well.  So by this time next month a number of things could be going on.  I have never held back before and I wont start now, so whatever happens I will keep you posted.

I had to take a break from my posts/vids about makeup because I look a mess.  Dried up tears, hair everywhere and no makeup would not be cute on screen but I will be back.  Just wanted you all to know whats what.  Especially those who saw my Facebook post yesterday.

*UPDATE* Even before I could finish this post I received a call about setting up an interview for a Full Time job...that call was bittersweet...

Beauty Bulletin: Indique is Hiring!

Now yes I do have locs however I stand firm in my belief that Indique Hair has some of THE best hair on the market today.  Have you seen the hair of the ladies of Love & Hip Hop???  I mean drama and antics aside their hair STAYS laid!

the ladies of Love & Hip Hop Season 1

Go here to see more images of the ladies loving Indique featuring the entire cast of Season 2.

My fellow beauty bud Nikkia, has also been rocking her Indique for quite some time and her hair looks beautiful.  If you visit this post, you will see the second picture in the video is one I took JUST because her hair looked so good.  I noted it in the vid as well!

All that aside I also believe that we need to look out for each other in these uncertain economic times so when I saw this email in my inbox this morning I knew I had to share.  I happen to know that Indique is an awesome company to work for that produces a quality product, as a friend of mine has been with them for a while now (she's the babe in the pic on the far left with the wavy light brown hair-hey Yiddy! you may have also seen her in my post about TMS NY here).  They produce quality product, have a supportive team atmosphere and are strong in their philanthropic efforts.  So look into the positions below and good luck!

Team Indique!

Indique is the fastest growing hair extension company in USA. With over 500 partner salons, 50 local distributors, and 4 flagship boutiques (and growing), Indique is poised to grow exponentially in 2012. The company also delivers exceptional training through Indique Academy which focuses both on professional stylists and cosmetology schools.

Indique Educator/Trainer (MA/NY)
Indique has an open position for Educator and Trainer in Massachusetts and New York. The Educator will train cosmetology students and professional stylists in Indique hair extension application techniques via Indique Academy.

The ideal candidate will have years of hair extension application experience, be motivated to educate and share experience, be a good public speaker, presentable, and willing to travel.

Requirements:
1. Valid cosmetology license
2. At least five years of hair extension application experience in keratin/fusion application and micro beading/ring technique
3. At least seven years of salon experience
4. Hair Extension Certification from a leading brand
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
6. Must be willing to travel 30% - 40% of time.
7. Verifiable references

Preferred Experience: 
1. Relationships with cosmetology schools and salons in respective state
2. Previous hair extension educator experience

Individual must be able to pass a criminal background check and provide employment eligibility verification.

For consideration, please submit resumes to employment@indiquehair.com

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Customer Care Liaison/Store Manager (NJ)
We are a widely recognized, international beauty company looking for a unique candidate to fill an opening in our new boutique. The ideal candidate for this position is able to work independently and also be an active part of our close-knit team. We are looking for someone who is able to multitask effortlessly.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable and charismatic when they interact with customers in person and over the phone. The person who fills this position will have the ability to thrive in a small casual work environment and still maintain a high level of professionalism. 

We are looking for a full-time individual, Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Ongoing job duties will include (but are not be limited to): sales, customer service inquiries, daily store maintenance, running daily sales reports, interviewing, hiring and managing new team members, and maintaining and managing inventory.

Job Requirements:
1. 4-year College Degree (must have a degree in order to be considered)
2. Retail and/or Customer Service experience
3. Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite, especially Word, Excel and Outlook
4. Ability to learn quickly and multi task in a fast paced environment
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
6. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to carry an assignment to completion
7. Strong work ethic & solid work history
8. Verifiable references
9. Must have management skills

Please note: You must be able to pass a criminal background check.

If you have a flair for fashion, a background in sales, a general knowledge of the hair or beauty industry, and are looking for an entry-level position in a growing company, this may be a great opportunity for you.

This position will be based in our new retail location in South Orange, New Jersey. Training will take place in the Boston, Soho and Queens locations. If hired, you must be available to travel to these three locations for three consecutive weeks.
If you are interested please respond with (1) a copy of your resume (2) a cover letter to express interest and (3) your salary requirements. 

The start date for this position is December 12, 2011.

For consideration, please submit resumes to employment@indiquehair.com