I'm Back!!!

So I know I need to stop taking these long hiatuses but there's so much to do! I know, definitely not an excuse. Now I don't want to bore you with a tremendously long blog about what I've been up to but I can definitely say I am continuing to grow as an artist and more opportunities are being presented to me in the field of makeup artistry which I am truly excited about.

One particular event that I am excited for is my "Black and Beautiful" shoot I will be conducting on January 23, 2009. I will actually be updating my portfolio but I think it's going to be a very exciting experience. We will be photographing African-American models of all shapes, sizes, skin tones, hair types, and various ages. Not only are we going to produce great images because me and photographer Melody Solveig are reuniting once again, but it's going to be very empowering to see the essence of African-American beauty all in one place. I received so many emails from women wanting to be a part of this project and trust me I wanted to pick all of them but I definitely had to limit the numbers for the sake of time. But the models that I have chosen are all very beautiful and unique in their own right. I don't want to give you too much right now as you will see photos of the event later but I am truly excited to see these women do what they love and provide a glimpse into the world of Black Beauty!

Throwback Video of the Week

So in tribute of my upcoming "Black and Beautiful" Shoot, here's the lovely Floetry with "Say Yes".

I know... where have I been?

So I know it's been an extremely long time since I've posted on here but honestly, I have not had the motivation to write anything. Also, from time to time, I just like to reflect on where I am as an artist and where I'd like to go, brush up on my skills and learn many new tips and tricks to share with you. Also this year unfortunately, has been one of many losses within our country. My grandmother passed in late April of this year, a host of celebrities (and I won't specifically name any due to the fact that I can't remember all of them but they were all very special and unique individuals) and many that lost their lives in plane crashes, car accidents, homicides, suicides, and many senseless ways to depart from this earth. It just continues to remind us that our lives are and will never be promised to us and it is up to each individual to choose how they want to live their lives. So lately I've chosen not to write because I had nothing to say, but instead, I've spent much time with my family, taking pictures, going to the park and swimming, trying to become more spiritually and truthfully grounded and just enjoying each day as they come.

I've also embarked upon a new journey of taking my hair from it's chemically relaxed state to becoming a natural beauty and I must say it has been a very freeing process as many of you know this who have started or been natural for quite some time. So I began my natural journey on April 4, 2009 by cutting my hair down to its natural state and I begin my loc'ing journey on July 5, 2009. Take a look at the before and after pictures below.

Before





After

Featured Artist... J. Hollins

I had the opportunity of working with a great R&B singer who hails from the best city, Chi-city. I am definitely a fan of his music and I knew that I was because when I first met him, he handed me a snippet CD that I kept listening to in my car like it was a full album! He's definitely got the look, sound, and just a natural talent. He's definitely filling that void in today's R&B sound. Check him out at http://cdbaby.com/cd/jhollins and http://cdbaby.com/cd/jhollins2. You will be able to read his bio, reviews of his work, and also purchase his music online. Here's a few pics from our photoshoot. Also, the photographer is Melody Solveig, she's amazing and just simply fun to work with.

That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout

Okay, so Beyonce' is covering the April issue of Ebony this year... and I am soooo feeling this one. Beyonce' has graced many covers and they have started to become a little redundant in my opinion but this is fire you hear me? It's obvious that I like the hair, makeup, clothing, yada yada but there's something really "Malcolm Xish By Any Means Necessaryish" going on here. There's something going on in her in this photo that I've been waiting for and it's not Sasha Fierce, it's Beyonce' Giselle Knowles. Girl, that's what I'm saying, let it out... no facade, no etiquette school, no everybody is watching, just do it! Man, that looked like a Black History Month Cover or something, LOVE IT!

Makeup and Martinis, February 2009

The "Makeup and Martinis" event turned out great! The ladies enjoyed apple and chocolate martinis along with makeup applications. I probably planned this event in little less than a week and trust me there was a lot that went on behind the scenes before this event took place. And even though it was cold and snowing, many people came out to support and are requesting it be done again. Raffle prizes were also given towards the end of the evening including: 3rd place: $10 gift certificate towards their makeup application with me for their next special event, 2nd place: $20 gift certificate, and 1st place: $50 gift certificate and a professional makeup brush kit. I am looking forward to the next makeup and martinis event in the spring and this time, we're heading to Chicago! Below are a few pictures from the evening... enjoy.









Before...


After...


Before...


After...

It's Oscar Night!!!

So the academy awards airs tonight and I really look forward to watching this every year. Grant it, over half the movies I have not seen before (lol), but the previews of the movies that are being nominated are always exciting to watch. And the choreography is quite unique and impeccable in taste so it's always entertaining. But as a makeup artist, I am very interested in everyone's entire look. I must say the one person I am looking for to seeing is Taraji P. Henson who is an Oscar nominee for her supporting role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to see this movie but I have heard great reviews. I am familiar with Taraji's work as I have seen most of the movies she's been in. And I must admit, I loved her in "Baby Boy" and many people might feel that her role in the movie was not quite a stretch but trust, she played that role to the nine. So as she continues to grow as an actress, she is also maturing in her overall look as well. Check out the beautiful and blossoming transformation.

From this...




To this...