Middle Aged me!

Yes, I have lavender highlights and I lurve them! My mini midlife crisis ;)

Tomorrow, I turn 40! And yes, let's be honest....That is middle aged! So, I decided that instead of making my loved ones guess or do too much to try to make me feel special on my big day, that I would just ask for what I wanted to do. Brilliant decision thus far. Everyone is relieved and I know the day will be lovely ;)
So, now I can't sleep! 11am I leave for 2 days in NYC to attend IMATS (int'l makeup artist trade show). My friend Kathleen & I have planned for 8 mos for this and it happens to fall on my birthday.
I can't even imagine what I will see & learn! For those unaware, I have been studying makeup, application and skincare like a religion for a few years now. In October I took a very pt position as a newbie makeup artist with a Macy's and I have worked at most counters on the cosmetic floor in a flex capacity.
Six weeks ago, I reached the goal I set out for when I started this. The goal was within 6 months to work hard, very hard to get as "pro" as possible without formal training and to make contacts with the cosmetic company reps that excited me most.
Six months to the day (so crazy), I brought a model to MAC and passed my interview! I am now a MAC freelance artist and I will get their famous training!
MAC challenges you to create 2 looks in 25 minutes of which they tell you when the timer starts! You run around grabbing everything but the sink and hope your model is easy! I brought my gorgeous niece, Jessica and she was the da bomb.



Before and after of Jess for our practice run. I chose to do a modern approach on
the pinup look.




Then 3 days ago, I was being watched by a rep for Dior and was offered a freelance position on my way across the street to get to my car! Freelance artists make amazing money to start and it gets even better with time, in fact I am shocked. I want to help train and encourage women in this field because you can earn a living, support yourself and even work through college! Go girls go!
So, as a freelancer, the more companies I sign with, the more jobs I get, the more contacts I make and the more photo shoots and runway work I can get. Especially when affiliated with MAC, Dior or Chanel (I am going for next)!
I am right now only working 6-17 hours a week because I still have my artful endeavors of course! So as you can see, this IMATS is right up my alley :)
I see IMATS is already sold out for Sat in case you were wondering but Sunday is still open for now.
This is the perfect 40th birthday gift to myself. And really the best part is the ending. I return in time for Sunday brunch with my family at Rat's restaurant in Hamilton, then we tour the famous sculpture garden. Art and makeup.....Yippee!.

Thanks for letting me share my friends.

http://www.imats.net/newyork/about.php.
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