There is No 'I' in Team

Hey Guys, 

A bit of a short but personal post today, about my journey of becoming a hair and make up professional. Some of you may remember the controversial post I wrote in regards to a fashion show I worked at about a year ago, for which got me a bit of stick (and that was me holding back and being polite) . I have always been one to speak my mind, and since that blog post I have been very careful about who I choose to work with, be it paid or for publicity, nothing will compromise my self worth. 

Working on hair for one of the
Ms Curvaceous finalists.
Photography by Wolf Media

Although I have started my own business as a freelance hair and make-up artist, I know a lot of my bookings, connections and so on would not be achieved without opportunities from working with others. The hair and makeup industry survives from word of mouth and recommendations so it's always been important for me to connect with others who are on the same wavelength and path as me. Since the incident a year ago I have worked with some amazing, motivating individuals including Shaneen and Hayley from Breathe Happiness, the team I worked with at Luton Fashion Week and very recently all of the creative individuals working and showcasing at Ms Curvaceous UK. 

My previous post had a lot of individuals responding to me with ‘thats the industry, you have to be thick skinned' . I agree you must be thick skinned, but that doesn’t mean allowing your hard work and professionalism to be slated, I disagree that that is what the industry is made of, and this year and these people have proved that theory for me. I have made some great connections over the past year, mainly women like myself who are working hard and are dedicated towards their passion, whether it be hair, makeup, photography, styling or blogging. 

Ms Curvaceous was a particularly eye opening experience for me, I have never met so much positive energy and motivation in one room. The hair and make-up artists, models, photographers and organisers got to know each other, swapped contacts and have even been in touch to work with each other again. Something which can be classified as rare as many individuals are out for themselves (so it seems). The back stage teams at many events rarely get coverage or appreciation but my social media has been absolutely bombarded (in a good way) since last week with pictures, comments and all around motivation!

Ms Curvaceous Glam Squad
Photography by Wolf Media

I hope to do many more projects like this in the future, because its shows the power over unhealthy competitiveness, jealousy and sabotage against one another in an industry where every creative individual is trying to reach their goal and shine through. For those of you setting up your own business, I advise you to be careful of the projects and ‘opportunities’ you choose, and don’t let someone think THEY are doing YOU a favour, especially in situations where you may be working for free or portfolio building. 

Have you found yourself in a similar situation within your creative industry? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

What's Behind the Glamour?

Hey Guys, 

I have been very busy this week working on a number of exciting projects. On Thursday I gave mini make overs at the Bloggers Love event at The Penthouse to promote luxury jewellery brand Adourable. This event allowed me to network with a range of bloggers, fashionistas, and other like minded beauty addicts. All of the people I met were lovely, including X Factor group Miss Dynamix. I was lucky enough to do make up on SeSe, and all the girls in the group were as down to earth and bubbly in person as on X Factor. 

My model for the day-
Stella, amazing girl inside and out
Photography and editing by:
Rosie-Anne Footitt

Later on in the week I worked as a backstage dresser for fashion shows at a wedding exhibition. This for me was a whole different ball game. The outfits were glamourous, the models were beautiful and all of the backstage team worked together really well to make the show as much of a hit as we could. 

This is where the reality sunk in, the hard work behind a glamourous industry which I have never seen before. There are many different types of personality, but the biggest shock I got was that of high profile workers who talked down to others. My day to day profession involves working to help others, and the whole team including directors and executives have always worked together to achieve this. 

Male Models: Not just a pretty face
Photography and editing by:
Rosie-Anne Footitt

I met a varied range of personalities, it would be bias for me to range my whole experience on the selected few. I met some lovely stylists and dressers, who I hope to keep in contact with in future, it did not feel like I had known them for only a day. The models (some of which are very high profile) were lovely and friendly. I have to admit my perception of male models has always been quite negative, and the two working in the show mingled with all of the backstage team, helped us with some of the manual labour and changed my view on this completely, showing so much more than just a pretty face!  I met the lovely Sunita who represented Ekta Solanki, and represented the brand well with enough grace for me to want to shout about them from the rooftops. 

I did not get the same vibe from all of the representatives and organisers (who shall remain unnamed). I really feel sorry for those who feel the need to use their "status" in the industry to make newcomers feel unwelcome, or unnecessary. As opinionated as I am, I have always been taught to give others the same respect I would expect.

In short I think the day changed my one way perception on some areas, but also verified some of the instincts I have had. I learnt that it is extemely important to treat all individuals you are working with how you would like to be treated, especially in an industry where you will come across them in the future... 

It's part of the industry, but does that make it right? 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.