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Hello All
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Saturday, December 31, 2011

The end is near.

Right now it is 4:23 pm eastern standard time.  The date is 12-31-2011 and they end of the year is just hours away.  Who would have thought that the year would go by so fast.  So much has changed.  Even in the time span of when I last visited you all with a blog my world has changed.  I always look at change for the better.  What can I learn, what new ideas is the change bringing forth.  Well the changing to the new year is no different.  I have reevaluated my experiences from this past year and made a list of goals for the new year.  The past year was great.  No complaints can be made with out digging for them.  However the new year can and will be better.  It will mark a closing chapter in my life with my graduating from college. And open a brand new exciting chapter with me beginning my new career.  Go in the new year with your eyes wide open to possibilities and awaiting opportunities.  Leave no stone unturned on the way.  Enjoy the journey.  Live with the excitement of a five year old, the love of a fifteen year old,  and the wisdom of fifty year old.  You guys are amazing and I must visit you more often......

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Hand me the broom, I will assist you.

  My instructors recommended me to be an assistant to a local stylist.  The only things that they told me about the stylist is his name, that he attended school there in the past, he had a successful salon, and that they had sent him two students prior to me for the position. The students who went before me never called and never showed up.  I was excited at this grand opportunity to  land a job in the field in which I want to began a long lasting career.  Many greats have become super successful just by assisting and watching some of the best in their field.  And here is my opportunity!!   To prepare myself for the BIG interview I googled the salon and the owner.  But nothing other than a personal  facebook page came up for my search.  How odd is it that a business, mainly a salon does not have web presence.  I brushed it off and thought of generic questions to ask and discuss with him. 

When pulling up to the salon I was not greeted by a sign or anything.  Just the number on the building which was built to be a residential dwelling.  A very nice two story home with a old school southern porch.  Humm I thought to myself I guess this is the right place.  It turned out to be the right place.  As he opened the door to a simply yet very chic salon my mind tried to comprehend what I my eyes absorbed.  No sign, No website, chic and simple.  I sat down and the first question he asked me in his heavy yet intriguing Latin accent "what have you heard about me and this salon."  I told him what my instructors told me and that I had tried to google him and the salon but came up with nothing.  His response.  " I know I don't have a website but I can't take any more business.  My books are completely full". Light bulb went off...that's why there is no sign, nor a website.  He cannot service walk-ins or anyone that is not referred to him by word of mouth. As we continued to talk I found out that he has worked hard to get to where he is.  He does everything himself from calling to confirm appointments to sweeping hair from the floor. He was very honest and forth coming.  Please be aware that this is not just a corner fly by night salon.  His hair cuts START at $50 for this area that is a big deal. I am not in L.A or NYC  We continued to talk and he asked me questions about everything to how my weight can effect my career, the beauty industry is brutal, to the career benefits to wearing my hair natural.  This interview taught me five important life lessons.
1. Do not be afraid to ask the hard questions.  Just find the proper words to use.
2. Do not judge a salon by it's sign.
3. The best marketing tool in the hair industry (and for yourself)  is word of mouth.
4. Being yourself does not requires far LESS effort than trying to be someone else.
5. Know your target market
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I had a great time.  On and INTERVIEW!!!  I know crazy right??  I know that this is where I should be to learn tons about the every day life of a stylist and successful business owner. I got a great vibe from this gentlemen and his establishment.  Hands on learning is what I can anticipate and look forward to in this exclusive salon.  I am excited!!!  I go in tomorrow at 11 am!!!  SWEET!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Ten tips on choosing your correct foundation shade.

I have noticed that many people do not choose the correct shade of foundation.  It could be too light, too dark, too red, or just the incorrect color.  I have posted 10 tips on helping you find the correct shade of foundation.  Here we go....


Tip 1
Know your undertone.  Undertone is the basis color of your skin.  The most important undertones that most store brands offer are for neutral (brown) undertones, yellow, or red undertones. 

Tip 2
Do not test foundation on your hand.  You hand and your face are different in color.  Due to sun exposure. Foundation should be tested on your jawline close to your ear.  If when you rub it in and it disappears it is the correct shade.

Tip 3
Winter foundation and summer foundation are two different colors.  Because we enjoy the sun and warmth in summer and tend to stay inside during winter you will be two different shades.

Tip 4
Test foundation using great lighting.  Some try on foundation in dimly lit rooms and when they walk outside it's a horrible blend.

Tip 5
Do not over apply.  Think about getting concealer if you have dark spots or blemishes you are trying to over up but do not over apply foundation.

Tip 6
Make sure you have a good skin care regimen. When applying foundation you want to make sure your skin is not dry and flaking.  If so your foundation will not be well blended it will sit on top of the dry skin.  Making it look worse. 

Tip 7
Invest in a foundation brush.  This will help you to apply foundation evenly and with less mess.

Tip 8
If you need minimum coverage purchase mineral foundations or even a tinted moisturizer.  It blends in 75% better than a liquid or cream foundation.  They also are more forgiving if you chose a slightly incorrect shade.

Tip 9 
The color that you see in the bottle, tube, or compact is NOT the exact color that it will be on your face.  The color are in a larger quantity in the package. You must remember you are only applying a small portage of the product

Tip 10
Have a professional to match your color.  We have a trained I for this sort of thing.  We are well versed in certain brands and we will be able to tell you honest opinion. 

Most of the time Make-up counters offer make-up artist.  If you are looking to purchase "drug-store" brands then contact me and I will be able to match you.

I hope that this helps if you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Fashion Influences

I was in a meeting today and the question was asked to me "What influences your fashion choices?"

Excellent question.  My answer is the way I feel.  I will dress how I want to be portrayed that day.  Am I trying to be some one that I am not?  Of course not who does that???  What you have to understand is that people, including you, are not one dimensional.  We are not paper dolls. (You all remember those?)  There are several parts that make up L.Marie:

There is the business part:
FEELING: I feel like I am the Boss lady and the car service should be waiting outside.  Every one she be on there P's and Q's as soon as I walk in the room.  There is a smile on my face but a sternness in my eye.
THE LOOK: slacks, blazers, pumps (open toed) Hair pulled back with a natural smokey eye.  I might even pull out the glasses that fit my face oh so well.  (high-five)

There is the urban rocker chick:
FEELING: real artsy.  The world is my canvas and I am ready to paint.  The brushes are extensions of my fingers.  (when I go on a job most likely you will see this look)
  THE LOOK: plaid scarves, converses in all colors, cut up off the shoulder  t-shirts, chains, a multi- colored impeccably blended eye and huge earrings. Perfectly Tasseled hair

There is the sexy NYC Diva:
FEELING:  I am pretty much what every girl wants to be and what every man secretly wants.
 THE LOOK:  Nicely fitting dresses. snug fitting pants, fashion scarves, stiletto heels, Over sized bag, Huge shades, Dangling crystal earrings, a dark smokey eye. Sleek flat ironed hair.

There is the model's day off:
FEELING: really laid back, comfortable, but still on top on the game.
THE LOOK: Jeggings, flat boots or ballet flats, over sized graphic shirt, skinny jeans, tights, over sized earrings, heavily lined eye, glossy lips, curly hair

All of these are what makes up the very essence of my looks.  I don't buy pre-styled out fits from the store.  I shop in pieces.  I don't like looking like anyone else.  When I walk by I want people to say "that is sweet but I wouldn't wear it".  Music to my ears.  What are some of your fashion influences.  There are no wrong answers.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

I cannot hold it all in...

Hello all,

I am soooo excited to be here.  I needed an outlet to get all of this randomness out of me.  Twitter will not allow enough characters ( follow me @LMarie_mua) :-D.  So here I am a Beauty Consultant with soo much to say.  Beauty changes every day.  Something may be added or taken away.  I must keep you all informed.  Not only do I want to encourage outwardly beauty I do want to discuss what would make all of us beautiful in the inside as well.  There is a lot of things that will be going on here so keep up. Come back often.  I have a lot of things to catch you up on as well.  Ok here we go........