For the last 14 years I had the pleasure of being a part of the Nordstrom Fashion Creative Team.

From our Opening Galas to the Designer’s Fashion Previews and well renowned Designer’s Trunk Shows to our wonderful Nordstrom Beauty Trend Shows, it is always my pleasure to work and being a part of such an amazing fashion leading firm.

All these events have been the perfect platform to showcase some of my Fashion Hair work, and for this fall/winter 2014/2015 season we have some wonderful hair trend styles!

In these Nordstrom Beauty Trend Shows, leading cosmetic lines showcase the latest makeup, cosmetics and beauty trends for the Fall/Winter 2014/2015 season.

We get the pleasure to showcase some of our Fashion Runway Hair Work for these wonderful beauty events.

Modern Braided Hair is a very elegant trend for this 2014/2015 fall/winter season. The best thing about this look is that you can wear it perfectly well with a jean jacket or with a evening gown!

Not much product needed, just light hairspray, small hair rubber bands, bobby pins and finishing shine. Symmetry and texture are the key ingredients for these fantastic hair looks. To achieve beautiful texture on braids make sure you lightly (widen) pull apart your braids, this will hence the look! Nothing to polished or symmetric, just a naturally organic elegant look.

Great to dress up or down. Fantastic for brides to be in any indoors or outdoors wedding and any bridal or special events.

Need help looking your best in any bridal, wedding, gala or special event?

Contact me, it would be my pleasure to work with you!

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Hello Everyone!

As the law of the land finally begins to acknowledge the love of everyone in the land, I am absolutely elated to work with Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

What a joyous occasion weddings are, and it is certainly everyone’s right to experience the enchantment of a wedding day and the joyous of celebration of love.

 
Photos by, Ethan Yang Photography!
My personal experience of serving as a professional hair stylist and makeup artist on many Same Sex Weddings has been a privilege and honor.

I wanted to share some wisdom with potential hair and makeup artists and anyone else who is curious about the specific needs of Same Sex Couples on their wedding day.

The following advice is some basic expectations couples have of their bridal/wedding hair and makeup artists.

1. No Judgment

Personally, I believe a weddings and bridal events should be a unique and extremely amazing opportunity to celebrate Love and everything that this may represent. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Like most people, Same Sex Couples want to be treated like everyone else who will be celebrating their love in nuptials in this very special day. For a hair stylist and makeup artist, this will mean to provide the absolute best of services. Working for wedding clients is indeed one of the most gratifying jobs to have. Because yes, it will require that the hair and makeup artist will deliver excellent quality service on someone’s most important day of their life. But the opportunity of making these brides look and feel like the most beautiful women in the world will be treasured and gratifying experiences in your career!

2. Understanding

Unfortunately, like in any other weddings. Same Sex Weddings could have uniquely sensitive issues that can put a little bit of damper on the day. Specifically sometimes family members will not show or not be happy to be there, but like I mentioned before, this can happen in any other wedding. Knowing to perhaps expect some familial tension will help you know how to handle any situations that may pop up. As a hair and makeup artist it is not your job to fix these issues, but it is important to be understanding, supportive and sensitive.

3. Expertise in the Area

Most of the Same Sex Couples prefer artists with experience in these types of Same Sex Weddings events. It is just comforting to know someone has specific experience and understanding. Obviously, if you are just starting to serve Same Sex Couples (or even weddings in general) you are not quite the expert yet. What you can do is offer to assist experienced artist on Same Sex Weddings to gain invaluable experience in the area. There is no better teacher than experience, so jump on any chance you get to help out as a hair and makeup artist’s assistant at a Same Sex Weddings .You may also want to consider Hair and Makeup Training to learn about these and other types of events and services.

4. Individuality

This should be essential skills for you to have as someone who is or who wants to be in the professional beauty field, but let’s take this opportunity to just get it out in the open:

Every single bride wants to look their best on their wedding day! And every single bride has their own unique styles. The brides are going to want a look specifically tailored to their own personality, wants and needs. It would be catastrophic to have two brides to look the same and not like themselves. Make sure you have a clear communication and openness with the brides to be, and design a very personal bridal look that will be suited to each of their needs, likes and personalities.

5. Bridal Trials / Groom Trials

Often brides- and sometimes even grooms will want to do their bridal trial at the same time, but of course they will not want to know how each other are going to look on their wedding day. As a hair and makeup artist, it will be your job to accommodate this desire to help save them time and money. It would be recommended to schedule their bridal hair and makeup trial on the same day of a Pre-Bridal photo shoot session. This will diminish the issue of knowing how each other are going to look on their wedding day.

P.S. It is wonderful to do these types of trials, so you get to see the excitement of each individual!

6. To Feel Like They’re in Good Hands

For any bride, picking out a hair stylist and makeup artist for their wedding is often a nerve wracking experience. Just like in any wedding, it will not only be your job to deliver your services above expectations, but also do a little reassuring along the way to let the couple they are indeed in good hands. It will be a big plus for you and for the brides to be, if you make your Same Sex Couples know and feel they are in the best hands, and that you are indeed happy, grateful and honored to be a part of their Amazing Wedding Day!

Conclusion

Just like any wedding, it is our job as a bridal hair and makeup artists to make the client feel beautiful, confident and happy! Working in weddings is not something that every Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist in DC or any other state of our nation is cut out for, and that is why it is a difficult field to succeed in. In my advanced beauty training courses, bridal beauty and Same Sex Weddings is something we go into depth in, so if you think you are interested in going into this field read more about my advanced training classes here.

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Hello everyone,

Recently I had the unique opportunity to work in The White House Correspondents’ Dinner on May 3, 2014 at the famous St. Regis Hotel. You may have read about the hilarious jokes made by Barack Obama and other highlights of the event, but rarely do we get a glimpse into the back stage world of these large scale events. I’m here to tell you it is a lot of work goes behind the hair and makeup of the attendees of dinners like this! I wanted to share with my readers the special details that go into working on event like the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. This blog will especially be interest to anyone who is interested in training to become professional Hair and Makeup Artists training in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore with me!

First off, to work on an event of this size there is no way I could have done all the work all by myself. For the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, I brought my personal “Dream Team” of 8 artists and 4 assistants. Together all 13 of us beautified 65 people with hair and makeup services. What is amazing is that we did this all in 5.5 hours! It was a lot of work for me and my Dream Team!

They demonstrated how much professional team work is required in settings like these. For events like this it is so important that each and every member of the team works together, and that no one take a member of the team for granted. This requires communication and organization from everyone including everyone from the manager of the team to the assistants! Another trick thing about these events is working with celebrities. For a new artists it could be extremely exciting and nerve wracking to work with famous celebrities! And to give you a little of my take on it I wrote an article about all the rules one must follow in order to work with celebrities as a hair and makeup artist.
 
Some highlights of the event were working with Madeleine Stowe an American actress who played in films such as The Last of the Mohicans, 12 Monkey’s and The General’s Daughter. We also worked with Olivia Munn an American actress who recently played in Iron Man 2. As usual it was a pleasure and a privilege to work up close and personal with some familiar faces from the silver screen. In the end though, the most important rule of working with celebrities is to treat them like real people and always respect their time and privacy.
The other very important aspect of events like these is paying very close attention to details. Closely planning and scheduling how each makeup and hair artist will work to get through the event before the actual day of the event is imperative. Paying close attention of the scheduled  hair and makeup time of each and every client, so  getting perfect results on the first attempt is not only important but totally required. Even tiny details like perfectly sanitizing and organizing all of the equipment between clients is a MUST. These types of deals require hair and makeup artists to be absolutely “ON” for the entirety of the event. It is a very tiring experience, but the rewards of working on such an event are not for everybody and definitely worth it.

Lastly, the most important thing during events like these is to keep a positive and charming attitude towards clients through out the whole event. The goal of the hair and makeup industry is not just to make clients look good, but you want to make them feel good about how they look as well. It is very important when you are working really hard at events like this to keep a positive, professional and up-beat attitude without seeming too stressed! If you seem sad, stressed or unfriendly, that negative vibe is going to affect not only your clients but your team as well.

In the end, as I said earlier, I couldn’t have done it without “My Dream Team”! I wanted to take a second to thank each and every one of my artists and assistants for working so hard to make everyone just look stunning. I can’t wait for next year to do it all over again!

Events like this may be challenging, but the experience is absolutely one that I know I love! If you would like to work on events like this consider taking my Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists training courses, so that you can take your hair and make up career to the next level!

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Hello everyone,

I have been busily preparing for the spring 2014 Fashion Beauty Trend Shows at Nordstrom in the DC, MD and VA areas! I’m really excited to work with models to showcase the latest beauty trends for women in my area who love fashion and beauty as much as I do! Shows like this are one of the many reasons that I love being a part of the fashion beauty industry!

If you love fashion, hair and makeup, these shows are a wonderful chance to attend a fashion show in your local area. And yes! They do take part nationwide.  So grab your girlfriends, sisters, daughters or whoever you know who loves fashion and beauty as much as you do to come see the Beauty Trend shows at a Nordstrom’s near you! As a bonus, these shows are a wonderful excuse to come shop- not that you needed one!

At the Nordstrom Beauty Trend shows, I’m personally working to showcase the latest fashion trends in hair and makeup. Working with twelve different models, twelve different cosmetic lines including Chanel, MAC, Trisha McEvoy, Nars, Bobbi Brown and Yves Saint Lauren will showcase their different cosmetics makeup trends. It is fun work with all these different cosmetics lines! It also gives me a chance to review all the latest products, so I can choose which products I like best to use on my clients. I like using only the best products on my clients, so events like this keep the quality of my beauty tool kit up-to-date.

Events like gives me the ability to showcase the latest fashion trends of the season. Being a hair and makeup artists is not just about applying makeup and styling hair, but one must also keep up with the latest fashions. For this particular fashion show, I looked for inspiration from one of the biggest trend setting events in the world- the Oscars!

We all love watching the glamorous and elegant celebrities walk the red carpets. To me the beauty and fashion of the celebrities is the most interesting part of the show where I do invaluable research for my profession. This year the hairstyles of the celebrities especially inspired me; the hairstyles included waves, side-swept hair, soft curls and informal, girly styles that I just absolutely love. After watching the Oscars I decided I wanted to adapt this style to make it my own to showcase on models at the Fashion Beauty Trend Shows at Nordstrom’s!

Of course, being a creative artist, not a copy-cat, I wanted to add my own twist to the girlie and curly style trends of spring 2014. To make the hairstyle more dramatic and fun, I decided to feature some Wild Faux Hawks and wavy tailored pony tails on some of my models. The Faux Hawk adds a dramatic contrast to the wavy, side-swept style!

I just love spring, so these wonderful hair styles would be a wonderful way to celebrate this beautiful spring weather we are finally having in the Washington D.C. area. What is even more important to me though is that I thought it was a style you, the audience at Nordstrom’s, could adapt to your own everyday style!

For some of you, this may be more than you ever needed to know about my preparations for a beauty show, but for others out there I know you may secretly be reading this wishing to expand or start your career as a hair stylist and/or makeup artist.

Just as a friendly reminder, I do offer continuing education that can help beauty and makeup artist start and expand their careers, so that you could get a chance to do an event like this one. If working with models and the latest fashion trends sounds like something you’d love to do, make sure to check out my Hair Stylists and Makeup Artists Training in Washington, DC. I can help you make your dreams come true to expand your career as long as you are willing to put in the effort!

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Hello everyone!

A few weeks ago I made a Special Guest Artist’s appearance at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy in Tyson’s Corner, VA. To close this presentation, I preformed a Runway Mohawk hairstyle, but my favorite part was offering some professional advice to the students at the Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

It was so wonderful to share some of my knowledge with future hair stylist and makeup artists! Being in the beauty industry can be a challenge to newcomers, so I give them a brief story of how my career has developed. Personally I believe in ‘paying it forward’ and nothing makes me happier than extending a helping hand to someone in need. Talking to new students was a great chance to share my knowledge to the right people. Here are some of the points that I shared with the student at Paul Mitchell’s Academy.

1. Always focus on Beauty

My cardinal rule is to always focus on beauty, and not in what is “ugly”. No exceptions! When we get caught up on focusing on trying to fix the negative, we often forget to emphasize what is beautiful. In other words always look towards building beauty up, not covering something up. When you do this you highlight the inner beauty of the person, and that is what being in the beauty industry is all about!

2. Bring Good Energy

“Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” – Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

At one time or another, we all experience good and bad energy, and quickly learn and value the difference.  Remember, “Energy never leaves its source”. Whether you are working for runway models or at a hair salon, “there is no space for negativity in what it’s meant to be a creative space”. If you are grumpy and negative, you are going to work against creative energy. Only when you are positive will you build happiness, creativity and beauty into your clients, your co-workers and your work.

By helping everyone around you feel better about themselves, your work will be more pleasurable. Make sure that before you go to work, you check any negativity at the door! Remember you aren’t just here to apply makeup and do hair; you are here to help clients build a positive attitude, you are here to build, to create and to share beauty. It turns out then when a client is happy, they are also happier about the results of your work! And your co-workers want to have you around due to your positive energy.

3. Always Build on Your Beauty Education 

The more you know the more you grow in the beauty field. To keep up with the latest styles, trends and techniques it is imperative to continue your education. A beauty license is just that a license to work, but if you want to excel at what you do you will need to build and polish your craft. By the way, I offer private classes for Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Training in Washington, DC for those interested in entering the fashion, bridal or video-film fields or continuing their education!

4. Be Open to Working in Numerous Fields

Beauty doesn’t just stop and end at the beauty or hair salon. Dream big when it comes to pursuing your career in beauty, there are endless possibilities to extend your talent and creativity if you are willing to apply yourself. Look to work in television, video-film, photo-shoots, advertisements, weddings, fashion and entertainment. If you never look and work hard though, work will not just fall into your lap! If you do not know how to break into these industries, take a Hair Stylists Training and/or Makeup Artists Training with me. I could give you the help and training you will need to do just that, break into these difficult and much competitive industries.

5. Work as an Assistant

Working as an hair and/or makeup artist’s assistant unlocks years of experience to you, and sometimes you even get paid to be an assistant! View as working as an assistant not as a step down, but as an internship that will give you the knowledge and experience to help you create a solid professional foundation to perform better in your future career. Make sure that you keep your eyes open to always learn new things. Take notes and pay attention, so you can remember the experience you got from the unique opportunity to work as an assistant to a well experienced and reputable artists!

Conclusion

You’ll notice that there is a binding denominator in all 5 of these pro beauty tips, that is: “Positivity”!!! You’ll be surprised how far a little positivity, good energy and hard work can take you to achieving your dreams. We are so lucky to be in the beauty field, because we get the privilege of making others feel happier about themselves. In my opinion, that is definitely a gift worth giving!

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

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Hello Everyone!

 
Recently, I was fortunate enough to work with the famous ‘Supernanny’ Jo Frost! I had a great time working on her hair and makeup before she appeared on television and at book signing at Barnes and Nobel in Bethesda, MD. Even though I’ve worked with many celebrities over the years, I still get very excited about the prospect of working with these very special clients! Jo Frost was such a great client to work for, and I wish her the best of luck!

Me and Jo Frost had such great chemistry, and I hope to work with her again! She is promoting her 7^th book Jo Frost’s Toddler Rules. A book focused on tantrums, sleeping issues, eating habits, early childhood development and all those other things that come with having a toddler! Her kind and strong personality definitely comes out in person, just like it does when she is on television helping families all over the world come closer together.

I was so happy that Frost loved the job I did on her hair and makeup! She commented to me how it can be difficult to get her hair styling done right by makeup artists. Well of course it is! I let her know that there is a huge difference between hair stylists and makeup artists. They are completely different professions after all. That is why I offer separate makeup artist and Hair Stylist Training in Washington DC, because they are two completely different fields. It is rare to find a professional who is proficient and licensed in both hair and makeup.

Over the years, been so fortunate to work with many models and celebrities thanks to my career in hair and makeup. It amazes me no matter how famous the individual, how much they are just like you and me. For example, Jo Frost was so normal and nice, and I was just glad to make friends with yet another client. If I hadn’t known she was a celebrity, I would have never guessed!

When I met Frost in Bethesda to do her makeup and hair, I made sure to treat her just like any other client. I was on time to our appointment. I allowed her to focus and meditate on her performance by not talking her ear off while I did her hair and makeup. I answered any questions or requests she had. I made sure to act at ease and friendly with her, so she didn’t think I was nervous about being around a celebrity! Although to be honest I do still get a little bit jittery and excited when working with a new celebrity, because it is just so fun to work with someone famous. Don’t tell anyone my secret though!

Perhaps you would also one day like to work with models and celebrities. If you have the drive, ambition and motivation perhaps you should consider makeup artist training Hair Stylist Training in Washington DC with me! I can give you all the necessary hair stylist and makeup artists training you need to make it as a professional makeup artist or hair stylist. With enough determination you could be on your way to a new career in beauty in no time.

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“Welcome to our Grand Opening”

So finally we are here and this would be my very first blog post of many to come.
After so much research, work and headache the day to reveal my new website is here and I can not believe it is actually finish!
About 15 years ago I built and designed my first hair stylist and makeup artist website. Back in 1998 it was an accomplishment and back then, it was a “state of the art” in design and efficiency. But over the past few years my site needed not only a “Face Lift”, but a “Tummy Tuck”, “Liposuction” and a very serious “Chemical Peel”! Technologically speaking, I needed a more powerful platform, faster server and a total redesign. Basically, I needed an entire new website.
So I put all my hair brushes and makeup stuff on the side, worked hard on this website jumped on the HTML and CSS files and here it is.

I can not believe I have finally finished it and to only think that I made it myself!
Welcome to the “Grand Opening” of my new mymakeupbook.com !

I hope you enjoy it,

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