So, I'm waiting at Terminal B to pick up my sister Michelle from Reagan National Airport. I can't tell u how lame it feels to be picking up my 21 year old lil sister from a business trip and I, at 29, have never in my life been on a business trip. I mean, do I even HAVE business? I almost never travel for makeup, not the kind I get paid for anyway.
I realize that sometimes I'm really hard on myself for making not-so-great choices and becoming a teen parent before I was ready. But days like today make me feel real justified. And, just so I'm clear, I'm not jealous of my sister. I thinks its very cool that she gets to experience a mostly carefree life; she can handle that. Only God knows where I'd be or what I'd have gotten into if I were still single and childless. But at the same time, no one let's me forget that I have a child and that my life is-according to them- basically over because I have to be responsible for a human life. I mean, is that really my only option? I'm definitely one of those women who fully intends to have and do it all. No questions about it; I just am. I just haven't figured out the most successful way for it work out for ME. Everyone has their own formula, sometimes they plan it, sometimes they do it as they go along. I'm DEFINITELY doing mine as I go along....one day at a time.
So, today is a day when the process is impeded by lame thoughts like "where's my business trip?", "what the hell is wrong with me??", and "I'm ready to quit my job and move to Bolivia...". I have NO IDEA whats in Bolivia, and i definitely don't speak the language...but it's looking like my chances of breaking into makeup there may be easier than here in slow-town USA a.k.a Washington, DC.
The problem is I know I need to move to a bigger market. I know it. I can't afford it. I don't know how it will effect Isayah. I have barely enough support here, so there'll be even less there. I can't afford classes here. I'm seriously struggling. There. All my excuses, out in the open. And even after having said all that, i still know i need to move and that i probably won't move to the next level until a few things happen...
1. I need to up my skill set.
1a. Airbrush
1b. HD
1c. Perfect Beauty
2. I need to learn business, marketing, and promotions for myself
The Powder Group offers a bunch of different classes that teach various things I need to learn...but their classes are so damn expensive!! I keep saying I'm going to save up and just take one. But, it hasn't happened yet. I can't seem to NOT have other stuff to spend my money on.
*sigh*
See all the baggage? No wonder I can't get a business trip going! I can't get my business in order! If I'm serious about really moving to the next level, then perhaps I can concoct a mixture of planning ahead with doing it as I go along...? Is that possible? Maybe...planning as you...go...along? *does that make sense to you?*
*side eye at myself*
Step 1: Drop off your baggage, Alandria.
Step 2: Stop treating your life like a side show, instead of the main attraction.
Step 3: Forgive yourself and keep it moving.
*disclaimer: this is the very same advice i would give any one of my friends, my enemies, or the strangers I meet on the subway.*
My task for this week is to stop making excuses. This will help me to put down the baggage I picked up over the past 2 years. For me, this means when I feel shitty and want to go buy makeup to make myself feel better, I should immediately transfer that money into my savings account then go STRAIGHT to www.thepowdergroup.com and drool over how much closer I just came to paying for my $290 ticket to The Powder Group's "The Artist Summit" in Miami on October 3-5.
This also means that when I wanna spend money on yet another order of buffalo wings, an order of Jasper's jambalaya, or take the whole house out to eat for $30, I say out loud "Alandria, you could be using this money for a first class upgrade on your trip to Miami in the fall...do you REALLY want these wings? Let's save this money and buy wings when we get there..."
and, yes, i do seriously have to talk to myself like that. *shrug* Whatever works.
Ok, I feel better now, not quite so lame anymore. I feel a bit more focused and ready for the weekend.
Thanks for listening to my rant! Wish me luck for my trial on Saturday!
Love and kisses for the weekend!
Beautiful Dae
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Who's Who?
I was recently contacted by a representative from the publishing company for the book "Makeup Artists: The Who's Who in the Industry". Basically, I was asked to participate in the book...for a nominal fee. It was the chance of *my* lifetime. That would've been crazy obsessive exposure, and part of me feels like I may have missed the boat on that one. i was really looking forward not only to the exposure, but to going to the launch in October. "Why wouldn't you jump on that??" you may be thinking. Yup. I understand. Why didn't I jump on that?! Oh. Yeah, that's right, it was beyond expensive and I'm still a semi-struggling single mom until I marry my rich future ex-husband. Hmph....
But anyway, the launch begins in October in Vegas. I've been feeling kinda left out lately cuz i haven't been traveling as much as some of my counterparts in my age group. I know I have a valid reason why, but it's hard not to feel left behind. I've never been one to try to keep up with the Joneses, but I mean, sheesh! I AM getting older, and it's not easy to constantly remind myself that I'm saving for _______, or that I can't do such and such because I have to pay for _______, and that the reason I don't do this and that is because my sacrifice is for _____ right now. It gets so old and tired.
I feel i take myself seriously as an artist, and I really want to move into a direction where it's evident (to me) that industry people take me seriously as well. How will they do that if they don't see me? This book was to be an opportunity for that to happen. However, realistically, am I ready for the type of exposure this would have provided? am I ready to take calls from ppl searching for an artist on the other side of the country, and travel to them at a moment's notice? Do i have that flexibility? Nope. I don't. I'm stuck here, still dreaming. Who will care for Isayah while I go on location for a movie in Vancouver? How will he get to school? Who will make sure he stays on top of his chores, and eats balanced meals, and has clean underwear? Who will watch my apt while I'm gone? What about my job here? Will it be waiting for me when I get back? I can only take off so many single vacation days at a time....in my life right now, I'm the Who's Who but not in makeup; only as isayah's mom.
Man, this is the pits! :-( For a moment, I want to wallow in self pity. ...... ......... ...... ...... ... .....
Ok, moment over. The reality is that I am here, right now, and this is the hand I have right now, so this is the hand I'm playing until I deal myself a better hand. And while I'm waiting for the right time to play my trump card, Isayah is getting older by the day so the day is approaching sooner than I think...Let me at least make sure I'm ready for it when it comes. Shooot, I'm STILL the who's who, I'm still hawt ta def! They just don't know it yet, lol. and now that I've taken my moment of self pity...I'm okay with them not knowing. Its just not time, today. So, I'ma stay on my grind, keep my ear to the ground, my nose open, and stay alert.
And, seriously, who knows? Life is what happens when I'm busy making plans...so I may end up in Vegas in October after all. Ya just never know, right...*smiles*
Keep your head to skies, and your eyes forever on the prize, loves!
Beautiful Dae
But anyway, the launch begins in October in Vegas. I've been feeling kinda left out lately cuz i haven't been traveling as much as some of my counterparts in my age group. I know I have a valid reason why, but it's hard not to feel left behind. I've never been one to try to keep up with the Joneses, but I mean, sheesh! I AM getting older, and it's not easy to constantly remind myself that I'm saving for _______, or that I can't do such and such because I have to pay for _______, and that the reason I don't do this and that is because my sacrifice is for _____ right now. It gets so old and tired.
I feel i take myself seriously as an artist, and I really want to move into a direction where it's evident (to me) that industry people take me seriously as well. How will they do that if they don't see me? This book was to be an opportunity for that to happen. However, realistically, am I ready for the type of exposure this would have provided? am I ready to take calls from ppl searching for an artist on the other side of the country, and travel to them at a moment's notice? Do i have that flexibility? Nope. I don't. I'm stuck here, still dreaming. Who will care for Isayah while I go on location for a movie in Vancouver? How will he get to school? Who will make sure he stays on top of his chores, and eats balanced meals, and has clean underwear? Who will watch my apt while I'm gone? What about my job here? Will it be waiting for me when I get back? I can only take off so many single vacation days at a time....in my life right now, I'm the Who's Who but not in makeup; only as isayah's mom.
Man, this is the pits! :-( For a moment, I want to wallow in self pity. ...... ......... ...... ...... ... .....
Ok, moment over. The reality is that I am here, right now, and this is the hand I have right now, so this is the hand I'm playing until I deal myself a better hand. And while I'm waiting for the right time to play my trump card, Isayah is getting older by the day so the day is approaching sooner than I think...Let me at least make sure I'm ready for it when it comes. Shooot, I'm STILL the who's who, I'm still hawt ta def! They just don't know it yet, lol. and now that I've taken my moment of self pity...I'm okay with them not knowing. Its just not time, today. So, I'ma stay on my grind, keep my ear to the ground, my nose open, and stay alert.
And, seriously, who knows? Life is what happens when I'm busy making plans...so I may end up in Vegas in October after all. Ya just never know, right...*smiles*
Keep your head to skies, and your eyes forever on the prize, loves!
Beautiful Dae
Monday, July 27, 2009
What a long day
Mondays are usually crazy days, whether you're working your day job or your side hustle. Either it's crazy busy, the phones won't stop ringing, customers are extra needy because of how little work they did the previous Friday, bosses are extra demanding, everyone has a problem, no one has an answer, and the paperwork just continues to stack higher and higher. Sigh.
I need a vacation from Mondays.
So, up this weekend, I'm meeting with a bride who I met through www.brides.com.
She lives in Texas but is traveling back to her home state (MD) to have her wedding. The great news is that she's already *technically* married so alot of the stress and pressure and nervousness that alot of brides-to-be experience about the impending MARRIAGE, she's already gotten out of the way. The bad news is that, just like every other beautiful bride to be, she's still got a wedding to plan....just as if she weren't already married. There's still the caterer, the venue, the reception venue, the florists, the dress, the invitations (and the family), the cake, and, oh dear God, the hair and makeup. Enter MOI, lol.
Originally she'd planned to only have makeup done. She'd already gotten her hairstylist taken care of. This was, oh, maybe a month and a half ago. Fast forward to this past weekend. Bad news! Hairstylists oh-so-rudely cancel at the last minute, with not so much as a "oops, our bad! *sniff, sniff*" Nothing. Just "yeah, we're not gonna make it out there. But you can pack up your whole bridal party and bring them here at 5am if you'd like...yeah, sucks to be you, ma'am." OH NO she ditn't!! RUDENESS!! Again, enter moi. Some folks make my job so easy. And for that, I must thank the Goddess of hair and makeup, Alandriadite, for smiling upon me and all the other ready willing and able beauty stylists who eagerly pick up the pieces of these broken doves we know as "left high and dry at the last minute" brides. Thank you, Goddess Alandriadite. You are truly too kind.
Anyway, i get a call from her, panicking, saying that she is in desperate need of a new hairstylist for her wedding day because of a cancellation. Hmmmm...desperate need, you say? New hairstylist, you saaaaay? CANCELLATION you say?! Why, as a matter of fact, i DO know of a hairstylist who just HAAAAPPENS to be available on the very same day that you're getting married. Let me check with her and see if she's interested....
*standing to the side, scratching my temple, pretending to contemplate my interest*
Ok, she's definitely interested! Let me go ahead and get that. Of course, I'll do it for you, dear! Let me just send you the prices, you send me some pics, and we'll re-do your contract. Easy day.
So now, on top of the original makeup contract, I now have a revised hair and makeup contract worth a little more, i've come to the aid and rescue of a harried bride to be so she can now worry less about one less thing, and I'm a complete and total hero.
*brushing my shoulders off* It's all in a day's work. Hmph.
We've already picked out her makeup look:
And now, it's time for hair. My tasks this week are to compile hair suggestions and email them to her. She says she wants spiral curls which, though it's a relatively easy style, is time consuming...so we're gonna do that at her trial this week. I went and got some great new styling products and tools, so I'm all set for now. I will let you know what pics I come up with as far as suggestions go....and of course, I'll have pics for you all after her trial so you can see how it turns out. I, for one, think this look is gonna be great with spiral curls. I can't WAIT! This is such a great way to end my crazy Monday, I almost forgot what today is already, lol. I truly truly love my job, and I wish this kind of career joy and passion for each and every one of you, even the haters. You deserve joy too.
Good night, my loves.
Beautiful Dae
I need a vacation from Mondays.
So, up this weekend, I'm meeting with a bride who I met through www.brides.com.
She lives in Texas but is traveling back to her home state (MD) to have her wedding. The great news is that she's already *technically* married so alot of the stress and pressure and nervousness that alot of brides-to-be experience about the impending MARRIAGE, she's already gotten out of the way. The bad news is that, just like every other beautiful bride to be, she's still got a wedding to plan....just as if she weren't already married. There's still the caterer, the venue, the reception venue, the florists, the dress, the invitations (and the family), the cake, and, oh dear God, the hair and makeup. Enter MOI, lol.
Originally she'd planned to only have makeup done. She'd already gotten her hairstylist taken care of. This was, oh, maybe a month and a half ago. Fast forward to this past weekend. Bad news! Hairstylists oh-so-rudely cancel at the last minute, with not so much as a "oops, our bad! *sniff, sniff*" Nothing. Just "yeah, we're not gonna make it out there. But you can pack up your whole bridal party and bring them here at 5am if you'd like...yeah, sucks to be you, ma'am." OH NO she ditn't!! RUDENESS!! Again, enter moi. Some folks make my job so easy. And for that, I must thank the Goddess of hair and makeup, Alandriadite, for smiling upon me and all the other ready willing and able beauty stylists who eagerly pick up the pieces of these broken doves we know as "left high and dry at the last minute" brides. Thank you, Goddess Alandriadite. You are truly too kind.
Anyway, i get a call from her, panicking, saying that she is in desperate need of a new hairstylist for her wedding day because of a cancellation. Hmmmm...desperate need, you say? New hairstylist, you saaaaay? CANCELLATION you say?! Why, as a matter of fact, i DO know of a hairstylist who just HAAAAPPENS to be available on the very same day that you're getting married. Let me check with her and see if she's interested....
*standing to the side, scratching my temple, pretending to contemplate my interest*
Ok, she's definitely interested! Let me go ahead and get that. Of course, I'll do it for you, dear! Let me just send you the prices, you send me some pics, and we'll re-do your contract. Easy day.
So now, on top of the original makeup contract, I now have a revised hair and makeup contract worth a little more, i've come to the aid and rescue of a harried bride to be so she can now worry less about one less thing, and I'm a complete and total hero.
*brushing my shoulders off* It's all in a day's work. Hmph.
We've already picked out her makeup look:
And now, it's time for hair. My tasks this week are to compile hair suggestions and email them to her. She says she wants spiral curls which, though it's a relatively easy style, is time consuming...so we're gonna do that at her trial this week. I went and got some great new styling products and tools, so I'm all set for now. I will let you know what pics I come up with as far as suggestions go....and of course, I'll have pics for you all after her trial so you can see how it turns out. I, for one, think this look is gonna be great with spiral curls. I can't WAIT! This is such a great way to end my crazy Monday, I almost forgot what today is already, lol. I truly truly love my job, and I wish this kind of career joy and passion for each and every one of you, even the haters. You deserve joy too.
Good night, my loves.
Beautiful Dae
Sunday, July 26, 2009
New Attitude
So, as many of you know, I recently made the switch over to doing bridal makeup as well as print and editorials. And I could not be happier! I thought I would hate being around all those fire-breathing psychotic bridezillas. But, actually, the exact opposite has happened. Turns out that most brides -- read: MOST not ALL--brides are just really scared that everything will come crashing down around them on their wedding day so they are really happy to have a smiling face offering them something fun in the midst of all the turmoil that is wedding planning.
I swear, I am so glad, so thankful, so appreciative of whoever that magical person was who decided to make makeup artistry a profession. There could possibly be other jobs that I'd be good at doing, but I may not like them as much as others. There could be other jobs that I love to do (like staffing and human resources) but am not experienced in so they require additional training that i can't afford. There could also be other jobs that I'd love to do but would suck at (like being Beyonce). But, nothing in this world. that i've encountered yet does for me what makeup does. Sometimes, i cant believe i get paid to do this job. Even though it's not full time yet, I thank God for each second that i get to spend doing my job. This was the Holy Grail I spoke of in earlier years when I said that if I could just do makeup in addition to whatever day job i had to have to pay the bills, I'd be totally fine. And I am. I work in purchasing at my day job, and I do makeup on weekends. And if my day job paid a bit more than it does, I'd do this the rest of my life....that is, until Ken Barboza comes calling. *oh, and he will call*
I've found that I love being the one source of fun, entertainment, and calm that brides need on their wedding day. Everything else is sooooo crazy for them, lol, that by the time i see them, they're practically bananas! With me, they get to sit down, be pampered, be fawned over, feel like a high queen, and get up feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world for the day. Admittedly, I love how much they love me...can't lie about that, lol. But its really about them for that day, and its always an honor to be a part of that. Its a very special memory, unforgettable.
Sigh. I love my job....lol.
Be good, loves :-)
Remember, each day above ground has the potential to be a beautiful day :-)
I swear, I am so glad, so thankful, so appreciative of whoever that magical person was who decided to make makeup artistry a profession. There could possibly be other jobs that I'd be good at doing, but I may not like them as much as others. There could be other jobs that I love to do (like staffing and human resources) but am not experienced in so they require additional training that i can't afford. There could also be other jobs that I'd love to do but would suck at (like being Beyonce). But, nothing in this world. that i've encountered yet does for me what makeup does. Sometimes, i cant believe i get paid to do this job. Even though it's not full time yet, I thank God for each second that i get to spend doing my job. This was the Holy Grail I spoke of in earlier years when I said that if I could just do makeup in addition to whatever day job i had to have to pay the bills, I'd be totally fine. And I am. I work in purchasing at my day job, and I do makeup on weekends. And if my day job paid a bit more than it does, I'd do this the rest of my life....that is, until Ken Barboza comes calling. *oh, and he will call*
I've found that I love being the one source of fun, entertainment, and calm that brides need on their wedding day. Everything else is sooooo crazy for them, lol, that by the time i see them, they're practically bananas! With me, they get to sit down, be pampered, be fawned over, feel like a high queen, and get up feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world for the day. Admittedly, I love how much they love me...can't lie about that, lol. But its really about them for that day, and its always an honor to be a part of that. Its a very special memory, unforgettable.
Sigh. I love my job....lol.
Be good, loves :-)
Remember, each day above ground has the potential to be a beautiful day :-)
Here Comes the Bride
So, as many of you know, I recently made the switch over to doing bridal makeup as well as print and editorials. And I could not be happier! I thought I would hate being around all those fire-breathing psychotic bridezillas. But, actually, the exact opposite has happened. Turns out that most brides -- read: MOST not ALL--brides are just really scared that everything will come crashing down around them on their wedding day so they are really happy to have a smiling face offering them something fun in the midst of all the turmoil that is wedding planning.
I swear, I am so glad, so thankful, so appreciative of whoever that magical person was who decided to make makeup artistry a profession. There could possibly be other jobs that I'd be good at doing, but I may not like them as much as others. There could be other jobs that I love to do (like staffing and human resources) but am not experienced in so they require additional training that i can't afford. There could also be other jobs that I'd love to do but would suck at (like being Beyonce). But, nothing in this world that i've encountered yet does for me what makeup does. Sometimes, i cant believe i get paid to do this job. Even though it's not full time yet, I thank God for each second that i get to spend doing my job. This was the Holy Grail I spoke of in earlier years when I said that if I could just do makeup in addition to whatever day job i had to have to pay the bills, I'd be totally fine. And I am. I work in purchasing at my day job, and I do makeup on weekends. And if my day job paid a bit more than it does, I'd do this the rest of my life....that is, until Ken Barboza comes calling. *oh, and he will call*
I've found that I love being the one source of fun, entertainment, and calm that brides need on their wedding day. Everything else is sooooo crazy for them, lol, that by the time i see them, they're practically bananas! With me, they get to sit down, be pampered, be fawned over, feel like a high queen, breathe and relax. Loves it!
Realizing that, in these economic times, makeup truly is one of those things each and every bride has to strongly consider incorporating into her big day beauty regime, I try to keep my pricing competitive yet affordable. And when i have to charge extra for things, or when I sense that a bride may not be so happy about her price quote, I go above and beyond in great service. Good artists typically cost anywhere between $120 to 200 for bridal makeup and/or hair. This could potentially put a serious damper on the fun of getting dolled up for one's wedding day... if one is strapped for cash...as many of us are. It could also cost me a lot of business because every bride reserves the right to have her baby cousin's daddy's big sister's best fried who dropped out of hair school 4 years ago do her makeup for free. Now, only God knows what her makeup will look like on the day of, but I understand the financial concern. Most good artists worth their salt simply won't do it for less than $100. For some brides, that's a LOT of money to spend on makeup when everything else is 10x more expensive. Though that's the nature of the beast, I still try to be reasonable and understand that every bride simply doesn't have it to spare. If you catch me on the right weekend, I may be running a special where you can get a certain percentage off your package price if you sign your contract and pay your deposit on the same date as your trial. Or, I may offer discounts if you have a large bridal party, say, more than 4 bridesmaids. I've also been known to give huge discounts for makeup and hair services. I think it's these things that set me apart from the rest. I think I'm a pretty decent makeup artist (1); I offer already reduced rates (2); I also offer timely and deep discounts on large parties and hair services (3); AND I give superb customer service (4, 5, and 6 because that counts for 3). It is frustrating at times because some of the other artists I know wouldn't dream of charging less for their services; it would cut too much into their overhead...and I sometimes feel less than professional for offering to do it for my customers. But then I remember, my goal as an artist isn't to make the most money off of each client. My goal is to simply give each client what they want, at any and all costs....which means that I can't always go for the jugular.
If you do the work you love, the money you need will come.
For this reason, we must always remember to strive to do that which we love to do--would do for free if given the opportunity--and not always that which pays the most.
Thank God for horrible customer service associates. They it so easy for a client to spot good customer service, it almost makes my job a cake walk, lol. *Ahem* Almost.
Good night, my loves!
I swear, I am so glad, so thankful, so appreciative of whoever that magical person was who decided to make makeup artistry a profession. There could possibly be other jobs that I'd be good at doing, but I may not like them as much as others. There could be other jobs that I love to do (like staffing and human resources) but am not experienced in so they require additional training that i can't afford. There could also be other jobs that I'd love to do but would suck at (like being Beyonce). But, nothing in this world that i've encountered yet does for me what makeup does. Sometimes, i cant believe i get paid to do this job. Even though it's not full time yet, I thank God for each second that i get to spend doing my job. This was the Holy Grail I spoke of in earlier years when I said that if I could just do makeup in addition to whatever day job i had to have to pay the bills, I'd be totally fine. And I am. I work in purchasing at my day job, and I do makeup on weekends. And if my day job paid a bit more than it does, I'd do this the rest of my life....that is, until Ken Barboza comes calling. *oh, and he will call*
I've found that I love being the one source of fun, entertainment, and calm that brides need on their wedding day. Everything else is sooooo crazy for them, lol, that by the time i see them, they're practically bananas! With me, they get to sit down, be pampered, be fawned over, feel like a high queen, breathe and relax. Loves it!
Realizing that, in these economic times, makeup truly is one of those things each and every bride has to strongly consider incorporating into her big day beauty regime, I try to keep my pricing competitive yet affordable. And when i have to charge extra for things, or when I sense that a bride may not be so happy about her price quote, I go above and beyond in great service. Good artists typically cost anywhere between $120 to 200 for bridal makeup and/or hair. This could potentially put a serious damper on the fun of getting dolled up for one's wedding day... if one is strapped for cash...as many of us are. It could also cost me a lot of business because every bride reserves the right to have her baby cousin's daddy's big sister's best fried who dropped out of hair school 4 years ago do her makeup for free. Now, only God knows what her makeup will look like on the day of, but I understand the financial concern. Most good artists worth their salt simply won't do it for less than $100. For some brides, that's a LOT of money to spend on makeup when everything else is 10x more expensive. Though that's the nature of the beast, I still try to be reasonable and understand that every bride simply doesn't have it to spare. If you catch me on the right weekend, I may be running a special where you can get a certain percentage off your package price if you sign your contract and pay your deposit on the same date as your trial. Or, I may offer discounts if you have a large bridal party, say, more than 4 bridesmaids. I've also been known to give huge discounts for makeup and hair services. I think it's these things that set me apart from the rest. I think I'm a pretty decent makeup artist (1); I offer already reduced rates (2); I also offer timely and deep discounts on large parties and hair services (3); AND I give superb customer service (4, 5, and 6 because that counts for 3). It is frustrating at times because some of the other artists I know wouldn't dream of charging less for their services; it would cut too much into their overhead...and I sometimes feel less than professional for offering to do it for my customers. But then I remember, my goal as an artist isn't to make the most money off of each client. My goal is to simply give each client what they want, at any and all costs....which means that I can't always go for the jugular.
If you do the work you love, the money you need will come.
For this reason, we must always remember to strive to do that which we love to do--would do for free if given the opportunity--and not always that which pays the most.
Thank God for horrible customer service associates. They it so easy for a client to spot good customer service, it almost makes my job a cake walk, lol. *Ahem* Almost.
Good night, my loves!
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