Risk Takers Series #2: Crystal Wright

Crystal Wright has compiled an amazing guide called "Hair, Makeup, & Fashion Styling Career Guide," that benefits newcomers, veterans, and all that are in between. She brought together some of the TOP Hairstylist, Make-up Artists, Fashion Stylist, Photographers, Art Directors, Agencies and so much more to give you direct answers as to how things work. Crystal created a "bible" for the industry that wasn't present before, she saw a need and went above and beyond to fulfill it. Any aspiring artist can pick this guide up and learn about what part of the industry that interest them the most. If you haven't been to a trade show before there are two major shows that benefit Hairstylist and Make-up Artist one is:

The Makeup Show: www.themakeupshow.com and the other is
International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS): http://makeupmag.com/imats/.

You can purchase Crystal Wright's guide there, you can also purchase the guide from several other locations. Here's the link to Crystal's website: http://www.crystalwrightlive.com/resources/career-guide/career-guide-where-to-find.html

If you don't know the story of how Crystal Wright came to be one of the biggest resources in the industry, you're about to find out. I chose Crystal Wright as my second RISK taker because her story is like so many people out there who are trying to live their dreams but feel that because they have regular 9 to 5 jobs they cannot live out their dreams. After reading her journey I hope it inspires you to take that first step.

Crystal started out as an intern for Xerox Corporation and beat out 50 people for a position within the company at the end of the internship. For 5 years she worked as an account executive for the company. It wasn't until a well known Make-up Artist by the name of Tara Posey asked her to represent her. And the rest is history! The point I want to make here is that even though Crystal had an amazing position at a huge company, she saw a bigger picture for herself and wasn't scared to step out on faith and take a RISK in an area she knew nothing about. But she applied what she knew about business to help her succeed. The foundation of business practices are universal! She took what she learned over the years and adapted those skills to a new industry.

Crystal Wright went on to have her own agency that represented Makeup Artist, Hairstylist, Manicurists, and Fashion Stylist as well as Men's Grooming. She also had a fabulous magazine called 1st Hold, which I can't begin to tell you how much I miss. Crystal is now dedicated to educating artists in the industry. Even though her guide is available, she continues to take it to another level by offering a 2-day workshop called "Build Your Portfolio and Marketing," and if you aren't able to make it to the workshop she has a 1-day dvd collection called "Packaging your Portfolio." Crystal has also created a new program called "30 days at 100 Percent." She is the real deal and if you're serious about getting on track and to learn about the industry and further more about yourself, this is a great starting point.

I've been in this business for over 10 years and I find myself still opening up her guide. Crystal has changed so many lives by creating that guide and she's one of the most forthcoming individuals that I've had the pleasure of meeting. I can't wait to see what she creates next!

To find out more about Crystal Wright and everything she offers please visit: http://www.crystalwrightlive.com/

Review of Real Steel!!

I'm going to be completely honest about this film. When I saw the previews for this movie, I wasn't super excited to go see it. I really didn't care if I saw it or not. Well, I'm happy that I did because this film really takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Remember the 1986 movie Short Circuit "Number 5 is alive", ahhh such a great movie and the second was just as good. Real Steel had the heart of Short Circuit and Robocop! You'll definitely laugh, probably shed a tear, and cheer for the characters and robots of this film. It's worth going to see.

Here's the trailer:

Hugh Jackman plays the lead named Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who went the distance with the #1 contender for the title. Evangeline Lilly and Anthony Mackie star in the film as well but it's Dakota Goyo's performance as Max Kenton that completely steals the movie. The father and son duo will keep you entertained, through their ups and downs throughout the film. Charlie Kenton learns like many parents come to find, the beautiful little life lessons that have been forgotten from their children. You will enjoy it and if you have kids they will enjoy it as well.

Is Your Kit Insured?

When I moved to Louisiana almost about a year ago, one of the first things I did was get Renter's Insurance. I also made sure that my make-up kit would be insured as well under the policy. I've had my car broken into and even stolen in the past and thank the Lord my make-up kit wasn't inside. I always take my kit out of the car no matter how tired I feel, it's just not worth waking up to find it gone in the morning regardless if it's insured or not.

I read the article "The Whole Kit & Kaboodle" in September/October's issue of Make-Up Artist Magazine and was so happy that they highlighted this issue that some Make-up Artists' haven't even thought about getting.  A little preparation can go a long way in our industry and also can prevent anger and disappointment. Don't wait to be in a position of saying the would of, could of, should of. You can check with your home owner's insurance and car insurance to see how and what they can cover but also check into some business insurance.

Amy Ward of Award Studio wrote a great article about insurance and I would like to share it with all of you: http://www.awardmakeupschool.com/articles/safeguard.asp

I hope that this has shed some light to any of you that may not have thought about this and will take action to insure your business!

Risk Takers Series #1: Kevin Tancharoen

I wanted to write/blog about people that I know personally, or have met in person, and know of through someone else regarding their journeys in business. And how they either became successful or just simply took a chance or I should say took a risk to possibly end up with more than what they ever could have imagined.  This will be a series called RISK TAKERS! I hope that you will be able to leave this blog with a feeling of inspiration to take your own risk.

First up is Kevin Tancharoen: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1160495/

KEVIN TANCHAROEN

How does the director from "Fame" go on to become the next big thing in Action? Kevin started out as many of you did, a fan of something you admire. He wanted to be taken serious to direct action movies, but wanted to prove that he could shoot action first. There's a big difference in Hollywood, when you direct a movie like "Fame" versus a movie like "The Matrix". He took his passion, $7,500 of his own money and breathed new life into the Mortal Kombat franchise. He created Mortal Kombat Rebirth and made something visual for the world to see. Little did he know, it would turn into a complete world wind of AWESOMENESS! He took a RISK, before the original YouTube posting was taken down it generated over 12 million views on YouTube.

Here's Mortal Kombat Rebirth:

Fans thought that this was a trailer or a sneak peak into the new Mortal Kombat movie but that wasn't the case at all, it was a test shoot to prove he could direct the genre of action. After Mortal Kombat Rebirth, Warner Bros. took notice and they offered him a 9 mini web-series on YouTube. The last episode premiered at Comic-Con, resulting in over 50 million views. If you aren't aware, Comic-Con is HUGE and big freaking deal!!! The biggest part of this amazing story is that Warner Bros has green-lit the Mortal Kombat feature with Kevin directing. Filming will start next year in March.

Here's a trailer that captures all 9 episodes:

Congratulations, Kevin you're an inspiration to us all who have dreams and ambitions! What a difference a RISK makes? Hopefully this will help you move into taking those risks that you are leery of taking, you never know what will come from a chance or better yet a risk.

GIRL POWER???

Some people know how much of an Action junkie I am and some have no clue, so welcome to my world. My husband and I were talking the other day about how there aren't a lot of American females who are doing action films, not to mention Martial Arts. Yes, we have Mila Jovovich (she's just ok), and we had Angelina Jolie (more of a brawler) for a second, Jennifer Garner, and I will give props to Zoe Saldana for her role in Columbiana. Zoe Bell is an amazing Martial Artist but her background supports her being able to sell a fight and make it believable. She was also Uma Thurman's stunt & fight double for both Kill Bill films.

Hopefully Gina Carano will be the start of the new breed in Haywire. Here's the trailer:

One can always say that, well there are no scripts out there for women to be as great on film like the men are able to. But, we are living in at a time when that doesn't really matter anymore. People of all kinds are making their own exciting demo reels, recreating scenes or creating web series with their own vision on YouTube every day. So there really isn't any excuse, is there?

Here's what a female fight scene should look like, this is Bridget Riley (stunt woman) here's a link to her IMBD http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0726994/:

Maybe Amy Johnston will be the future, she's a real Martial Artist, has talent and presence!

There's More to Skin Care than just drinking water!

So you're drinking your recommended daily intake of water, which is what we all should be doing and yes it's extremely important and healthy for your body & skin. But that's only part of it when it comes to skin care. You also need to look for HYDRATING products. Serums, moisturizers, toners (without alcohol), and even cleansers can help you achieve this journey. Using a mask on a weekly basis can also aid in hydrating your skin.

Before you start with a daily routine, you need to clean your skin, wait an hour and analyze your skin. How does it feel? Tight, dry, itchy, normal, oily, soft or hard. Do you have any redness or sensitivity? All of these symptoms should be considered when you are searching for products. If you believe that the products that you are already using at home are not working well for you, then you might just have the wrong products. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics & Bioelements have complete Hydrating Skin Care lines. Of course there are other brands but I will only speak of a couple of brands that I've used professionally and personally.

Here's a little cheat sheet that can help you when choosing products:

1. CLEANSERS:
*Face Wash: Are detergent type of foaming cleansers that will give you a squeaky clean feeling or leave your skin feeling a little tight. Soap falls under this category as well. People who have oily or combination skin can use these but also be careful because it can lead to extra production of oil.
Examples: Bobbi Brown-Lathering Tube Soap, Bioelements-Flash Foam Cleanser

*Cleansing Lotion: Water-based cleansers for normal to combination skin types, for dry skin use a milky cleanser not to be confused with a cream. Some people like Cetaphil but Philosophy's Purity is better in my opinion.

*Creams: These type of cleansers are oil-based and are great for dry and mature skin. Other skin types can use this formula as well but will probably need to use a lighter formula after to remove residue.
Ex: Bioelements-Moisture Positive Cleanser


What I've listed are the basics but there are also Gels that are oil-based and water-based. Some also turn into a milky cleanser lotion, it just depends on the product and brand. Don't be afraid to try an oil-based cleanser, most are non-penetrating for the skin.

2. TONERS:
This product is used to restore the pH balance of the skin after cleansing. If you're looking to further hydrate, search for toners that do not have any alcohol content within the product.
Ex: Bobbi Brown-Hydrating , Philosophy-Hope Springs Eternal deep sea ultra-fine hydrating mist, Bioelements-Calmitude Hydrating Solution.


3. SERUMS:
I'm obsessed with serums, they are made up of vitamins, antioxidants, and lipids. Serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin. That's why they are applied before a moisturizer. I like to mix 2-3 different type of serums together or layer them onto the skin. Serums can be used in the day and evening. Bioelements has a wonderful line of different type of serums.


Eye Creams-find a light weight eye cream that can be used in the day and night. For more mature skin, you may want something a little heavier at night only. Remember: hydrating formula!


4. MOISTURIZERS:
Most of us use this on a daily basis but what is your current formula like. Is it a hydrating formula? Our skin changes, so what you used 3 years ago may not be the best for what your skin is going through right now or even last season. People with oily skin, yes you need to moisturize as well, if you don't your skin will overcompensate for the lack of hydration and your skin will produce more oil.

*You can find moisturizers that already have an SPF within the formula. 


5. SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens should be used by EVERYONE, and companies have so many different types that aren't heavy, and are oil-free so there's no excuse. I will be writing another blog about this area alone because I am passionate about it. Try using an SPF 15.


Here's a quick recap:

DAILY:
1. Use a cleanser
2. Toner
3. Serum & Eye Cream
4. Moisturizer & Sunscreen

WEEKLY:
1. EXFOLIATE. I have a Clarisonic brush that is gentle to use on a daily basis but I also have a product exfoliator that I use once a week to give a deeper cleanse but it's gentle.


2. Give yourself a STEAM TREATMENT. Use hot water, pour into a bowl, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils into the bowl and drape a towel over your head, close your eyes and inhale the vapors. Oils like: Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Myrtle, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint, Spruce, and Tea Tree are great choices.

3. Use a MASK! A lot of people skip this step at home and this process is so beneficial for your skin. I have two that I alternate and sometimes depending on my skin I may combine. I have a gel hydrating mask and I have a clay based mask. The other great benefit is that you can use serums under your mask. Masks provide benefits like: drawing impurities out of the pores, tighten & toning the skin, HYDRATE, calm, soothe & rejuvenate the skin.

MONTHLY:
See an Esthetician and/or Dermatologist. Unless you have skin diseases, disorders, and conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema and etc you should always see a Dermatologist. Dermatologist treat disorders and diseases. Those who have acne, rosacea and sensitive skin can benefit from different treatments from an Esthetician. Estheticians see so many different types of skin types that they have a true understanding of how skin types work.