Makeup Artistry

Makeup Artistry is a definite path to take once I'm certified as an esthetician.
Many of you know I enjoy practicing makeup artistry. I've been doing this on & off since 2001 & have grown much more confident over the past year. Throughout 2007 & the beginning of 2008, I was asked by multiple friends to do their makeup for their weddings, even some bridesmaids. I believe it was 7-8 events that I was honored to be the makeup artist.
With each person, I am sure to do a consultation a couple of weeks before the big day, an actual trial run, or I grill them about what look they want to have for their occasion. This gives them a chance to give feedback on the look I choose & feel more comfortable with what they will look like on their big day. Here are a couple of examples of my work:
BEFORE

AFTER

The joy I get from making women feel their best is immeasurable. It's a thrill to take a face that is essentially a piece of art, make it look as flawless as possible & accent the best features.
The trust my "clients" have to put in me is a big deal as well. It helps that they are my friends, but that could be a bad thing too if something were to go wrong. I do my best to put my "client" at ease & let them know they have the freedom to make suggestions, ask questions & give feedback. The goal is to make them feel their best, not create a diva or drag queen. This is especially the case when someone is a more "natural" style.
All in all, I have fun with it & am sure to tell my client that they are uniquely beautiful.

My Purpose & Decision

The newest most exciting thing I have to share with everyone in my life lately is that I've been preparing to go back to school to become an Esthetician.

In June 2007, my life came to a crossroad caused by severe stress & the loss of my job. Ironically, I was glad to have lost my job. I was more than ready to stop the stressful, daily cycle of commuting long hours & working a less than dynamic accounting job. I saw it as a great opportunity to be still and to ask God to remind me what I'm most purposed to do at this point in my life. I was ready to move on, branch out, try something new & dream big.

As usual, the Lord didn't disappoint. He always rocks my world & brings comfort when I trust him to lead the way. He reminded me of quite a few things:

• how I enjoy doing makeup for my friends,
• how I enjoy making women feel & look their best,
• how I am a contagious leader, when I am excited about something I share it with anyone who will listen,
• how I am empathetic & genuinely interested in people's lives,
• how I have gained in wisdom about balance & boundaries
• how you attract who you are & I tend to attract friends who are in the arts, healing, cosmetology, spiritual fields
• how I am energized by working with people & not behind a computer 40 hrs a week
• how accounting was not my future, but served beautifully as a bridge to bring me back from San Diego to the NW & bring stability to my finances while I help invest in my community
• how a career in the esthetics field could marry many of my greatest strengths & passions into one, working less hours in a relaxing environment making what I make currently if not more. :)

BRILLIANT!!!

The biggest discovery has been realizing my current purpose. It came to me clearly after thinking about my journey to date. I was able to come up with a simple purpose statement that captures my passion: I exist to help people know they are uniquely & innately beautiful.

So, I went about sharing with my closest friends & family what I'd discovered. Everyone I spoke to, especially those that know me the best said, "PERFECT!" After a some researching on the best esthetician schools in my area, I came upon The Euro Institute in Renton as the most highly recommended & professional experience.

That was it! I am going to be a student at the Euro Institute. I have to work full time & go to school in the evenings. So, I've applied, been accepted & waited to be a part of the Accelerated Summer Program. It's a nine month program, class schedule consisting of Tues-Thur each week & 3 Saturdays a month.

I start May 6, 2008.