Famous Last Words...

"...If it needs to be, go ahead and cut it." Famous last words of one woman's effort to grow out her hair. After a solid year and a half; with a few intermittent hair trimmings and long-term maintenance styles, it was time. It was time to let go of the quest to prove to myself that my hair can grow. That has been proven. I was able to achieve shoulder-length hair. My hair growth quest cannot forfeit the need to maintain a healthy head of hair, however. I have not been as diligent about seeing my professional hair-care provider. Frankly, it showed. I could also feel the damage of neglect. My new mission is getting rid of dead weight: physical, emotional and personal. I am recommitting myself to letting go of all things and people that no longer want me to hold on. Release. My hair included. Those ends were dead -- very dead. Denial had set in, and this was yet another area that I've had to come to terms with an ugly and inconvenient reality. The truth is, holding on to what isn't healthy only reaps perpetual damage; eventually extending to the root. It's best to just face the facts, accept the consequential, and cut unneeded ties. Remember to cut at the healthiest point, and even better if you get an edgy/cute outcome/desired finish. You've likely guessed, this entry is more than just about hair. And since I aspire to become the premier go-to for all things image, I have to start with me. I.MUST.BE the brand. I will continue praying, evaluating (and reevaluating) until I am where I believe I should be. So, here we go...

Let the Makeovers BEGIN!!

It's time. Time for us to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Evaluate. Decide now what it is you will change about you. Then, tell me. And I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. NVidel's last post featured a photo shoot with 6RobinsPhotography. I had the pleasure of helping to makeover a group of exciting teens.

Take a look at what the team pulled together!

Finding Hosiery to 'Control-Top' the Dollar

If  you have read my personal blog, you may have come across the post about my quest to find high-quality and fashionable pantyhose (for women of color - namely me) that didn't break the bank, Hanes Solutions - Transparent Sheer. I have been comparing every other brand since finding this brand, and have yet to find one that can top both it's cost and quality. I have only been able to find it in Target stores, who may be an exclusive retailer of the brand. When initially finding Transparent Sheer last year, I enjoyed paying a little over $5 per pair. However, while shopping for more this weekend, I noticed that the price has gone up...WAY up; now ranging $7 - $8! I'm sure this is due to the sales success of  a higher-end brand with a cuter name. Unfortunately, For 'whatever reason' I am not able to easily find them online (side eye), as I am with other Hanes hosiery (except through ebay) - double side eye. So, my search to find reasonably-priced, quality hosiery for women of color continues...stay tuned.

The back-story: An excerpt from Considering All Things:

The Eyes Have It: Eye Shapes, Placement and Dimension

This entry features similar charts to what may be used in formal instruction; no harm in sharing this information with you though, right? First things first: take a look at the charts and discover your type.

Eye Shapes

Average/Standard - For those of us who already have average/standard (sometimes referred to as "almond") shaped eyes, you have the most freedom when going for the basic application. Stick with the 3-dimension makeup application for the eyes (i.e., shade, crease color, highlight), or go crazy with color!

For the rest of us, the goal is to give the perception that we have an almond (sometimes referred to as "standard") eye shape. Yes, "perception."

The Eyes Have It!

Whether you believe that they are the mirror to the soul, or subcribe to accessorizing them with the hottest diva shades; we can't deny that when it comes to makeup: the eyes have it! Let me first say that there are NO RULES with makeup (well, besides making sure your foundation is the correct match and other fundamental guides)! Yep, I said it - and I know someone will remind me of that later on. 'No rules' allows for your creative liberties to be fully expressed. Besides, who am I to hinder your creative freedom?! No, seriously, there are best practices and guidelines that I think are helpful when attempting to achieve a certain look. The eyes only take up a fraction of our face, but require a considerable amount of thought and preparation for certain looks (i.e., smokey eye, everyday, evening, etc.).

Color basics
To shorten the explanation (or an entire chapter of some text books), darker shades deepen the visual perspective, as these shades absorb light. This is why we apply darker shades under the cheekbone (in the hollow of the jaw)

What Qualifies You?

Yeah...somebody did ask me that after I shopped for and dressed her sister. I suppose her sister's satisfaction wasn't enough of an explanation. If I were as presumptuous as she seemed, I'd probably tell her to ask my clients, instead I told her the following story.

The story about how I knew I loved to prepare "looks" for other people...

Well, first let me say that it's fun to me. I also believe that I have a knack for most things aesthetic. During my sophomore year in college, my cousin and I went shopping for "night-on-the-town" outfits - known then (to us) as "club gear." After perusing the halls of a popular the retail outlet mall, we came across one of my favorite stores for the hip and fashion-forward twenty-something woman. I pulled a couple of separates together and asked my cousin to get a fitting room so she could try them on. Knowing what I was up to, she was hesitant - almost refused my prodding, but eventually gave in. She stepped out of the dressing room to model the outfits pulled together for her...

It's All About Gratitude!

To all of the high school classmates and neighborhood friends who trusted me to master the art of weaving, braiding and natural hair care, using them as my personal guinea pigs; I say thank you.

And to all of my friends, associates, and innocent stranger-made-friends who would listen to my (solicited and unsolicited) critiques and reviews on what would work best for the event and with one's personal style - I owe you all many thanks!

In the winter of 2003 - during a graduate school winter break, I would make another investment in myself by becoming a makeup artistry student. Everyday I had class, I would leave and beg my friends and family to let me "do their face," snap a photo and keep it in my portfolio.

To all of my professional services mentors and friends who pushed me to push myself...there really are no words...I'll just say THANK YOU!

I never thought the love and support shown over the years would still be what keeps me going, but it does. Just when I consider transitioning on to something "new," I get a phone call, email, or text asking if my calendar is open for another event...what can I say other than: thank you!

Each and every one of you is so brave (not only to trust me, but to trust in what I researched, tested, and learned); to trust in making mistakes, falling and getting back up to try it again - but better the next time. These are merely words. I wish I could open my heart, pour my tears and leave them on this screen to truly express what I'm feeling. YOU ARE THE BEST - and you know who you are!!

We've done it! Many of you have encouraged me to get a Web-presence...As some of you know, I've been hesitant because I wanted to get everything just right. Well, now realizing that perfection can't be obtained on the first attempt, I'm starting with this blog. Who knows? It may be all I need! No matter where the skills, talents, and drive take me, I will ALWAYS be grateful to God for you and for what you have poured into my life's experience and what you have allowed me to pour into yours. I love you, and there's really not much you can do about it!