I'm Inspired: Photographer Angela Marklew

This inspiration installment features a wonderful photographer that I met in LA, Angela Marklew! Her work is amazing and I know she's going to go far. I got a chance to speak with her about her start in photography, how she chooses her creative team, as well as her aspirations. I even got the chance to work with her on an impromptu shoot! :) Check out some of those photos from our shoot as well as my interview with Angela.

Atlanta Beauty Event: Naturally Pretty

MiMi J and Natural Chica at P3 Lab

2 years ago, when Carol's Daughter opened their store in Atlanta, I went to meet and interview owner Lisa Price for my blog. While interviewing Lisa I met this girl named Mae with a cute tiny afro and pretty skin who was interviewing her too. Fast forward to 2011, I ran into Mae again, whose hair is now huge and gorgeous, at a Curly Nikki meetup. Once I got home, I went back to her blog, and saw that her audience has quadrupled! I said to myself, "I've got to do something with her!" Then the light bulb came on. I contacted her about collaborating on an event, and the rest is history....

Maeling Tapp, of Naturalchica.com, and myself are pleased to present Naturally Pretty: The Fusion of Natural Hair and Beauty this Fall in Atlanta, GA. Naturally Pretty will platform various Atlanta beauty professionals and celebrate the fusion of skincare, makeup, natural hair, art, and music while benefiting the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children.

Naturally Pretty will be held in a beautiful art gallery forum located in the Defoor Centre on October, 27, 2011 at 7pm. The event will evoke energy and artistry while igniting each of the five senses with each step invited guests take. Industry leaders in cosmetics, skincare, and natural hair care will convene collaboratively to educate and inform event goers of how to bring out their natural beauty through complimentary consultations and live beauty demonstrations. Aside from the wall-to-wall beauty installations, invited guests will enjoy live musical performances, celebrity guest appearances, prize giveaways, and light fare. In efforts to give back to women who need to rebuild their self-esteem and assist them in finding their inner/outer beauty, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children in downtown Atlanta.

Confirmed participates are Robin Groover of Too Groovy and Sutera Hair Spa, Yolanda Owens of Iwi Fresh and Pampered Nail and Spa, Nails by Jayh, P3 Lab, and celebrity makeup artists Jeremy Dell and Alexandra Butler.

Be one of the first 100 to register and you'll get a giftbag full of goodies!! Hope to see you there!

http://naturallypretty.eventbrite.com/

Autumn Beauty Brunch: Viral Beauty

You MUST register no LATER than FRIDAY, September, 30. Limited seats!

Click here to register

Yes beautiful people, it's time for my next Beauty Brunch in Atlanta! Once again I'm excited because I have another wonderful panel! The theme of this Beauty Brunch is Viral Beauty, focusing on blogging, vlogging, and SEO practices. So if you are beauty pro, a blogger, or entrepreneur of any professional, this will be very beneficial for you! Check out the wonderful panelists:

Mattie James of Mattieologie

Web Developer/SEO Expert Bret Phillips

Ren of Makeup by RenRen

Mae from Natural Chica

Latoicha of Luxe Tips

I'm Inspired: Photographer Celeste Canino

Photographer Celeste Canino and Makeup Artist MiMi J

I recently took a trip to the west coast and I wanted to make sure that I got with some awesome folks whose work inspires me. While I was preparing for my visit, I was browsing through some photos online from LA photographers. Of course when you find an awesome photo, you have to find out who shot it right?!

Well my first photographer feature of "I'm Inspired" is of celebrity photographer Celeste Canino. Celeste hails from sunny Los Angeles, CA and her amazing group shots have been seen on various ads such as Planet Hollywood, American Apparel, and Windsor. She even got to be the featured photographer on this season's premiere of America's Next Top Model and shot all of the collateral for the show! How awesome is that?!

I caught up with Celeste during my trip to LA at Universal City Walk. Check out the interview I had with Celeste and check out http://www.celestegallery.com/! PS. you may see us collaborate in the near future! (*wink*)

I'm Inspired: Makeup Artist Stephen Moleski

As I mature in my career as a makeup artist, I love to find inspiration in other successful entrepreneurs and artists. It's very motivating and encouraging to see that someone has paved a way and is living out their dreams.

Well my first feature of "I'm Inspired" is of celebrity makeup artist Stephen Moleski. Stephen hails from Atlanta, GA and his brushes have touched the faces of celebs like Kim Kardashian, Mel B., and Nicole Scherzinger. He's had television appearances on "Keeping up with the Kardashians”, “E! News,” “Girls Next Door,” “Extra” and “The Insider”. His work has also been published in Vanity Fair, People, Details, FHM, Radar, Maxim, Playboy,  and Women's Health.

I caught up with Stephen in Atlanta at a beauty mixer event to promote his new eyelash line called Smoke and Mirrors Beauty. Check out the interview I had with Stephen and check out www.smokeandmirrorsbeauty.com!

Product Review: KIM Brushes

An artist has to have the right tools to perfect their canvas, right?! Well I found out about a new makeup brush line that I really like called KIM Brushes! 

Kim Brushes is the new makeup brush line from the storied fine art brushmaker Rekab. They produce high quality brushes sold individually as well as in covenient brush sets! The brushes are made with both natural and synthetics fibers. Best of all, the prices are reasonable! I've gotten my hands on a few of my brush faves and tested them out: small angled brush, foundation brush, and lip brush. Here's my take on them:

The small angle brush (131): This is one of my top picks for brushes because I rely on this brush for perfecting eyebrows and for liquid and cream eyeliner application. I really like this one produced by kim because of the long professional handle, and it produces a precise fine line. $10.00

foundation brush (F231): This was was really nice because it wasn't too thick and as you reach the tip the brush hairs get thinner, which allows for smoother application. It was really soft as well! $22.00

lip brush (311): The lip brushes actually come in 3 sizes and I have the larger of the 3, but I was able to do create perfect red lip using this brush. I like that its flat and not oversized, though opting to use the 312 will help to get an even more exact application. $9.00

Overall, I really think these brushes are a great value for the price and are brushes I'm keeping in my kit. Try them out for yourself! Perhaps you'll be seeing more of KIM Brushes with me...stay tuned! :)

Autumn Beauty Class in Atlanta

I have a fun makeup class coming up this month in partnership with Big Girl Cosmetics on Monday, August 22! It will be held at my P3 Lab Studio from 7pm-9pm and is sure to be a great time. I will be going over color/makeup trends for the upcoming Falls season as well as the some techniques and product suggestions to assist with achieving these looks. Check out the class if you are in the Atlanta area, I'd love to meet ya!

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO REGISTER

Makeup for Photography: Natural, Pretty Looks

Photography by Laretta Houston, Hair by Zara Green

I've learned time after time that I enjoy doing natural, pretty looks the most when doing makeup! Though I appreciate artist looks with bold colors and creative face art, I love to bring out the natural beauty in a person  and enhance the great features they already have.

As a makeup artist you have to have the right balance of colors and lighter application when trying to achieve this look. The small details matter the most with minimal makeup and especially the foundation match and correcting flaws. Take a look at a few shots of my makeup on a model before the photos were taken and edited to get an idea of how different makeup looks on and off the camera.

Photo by Laretta Houston, hair by Zara Green, makeup by MiMi J

MiMi's Favorite Things: WonderBrow Gel

I ran across this product in a salon and tested it out on myself and fell in love! They are brow gels, manufactured by a private label manufacturer called Colorlab, that can match just about any brow tint. It tints the brow and keeps the hairs in place! I apply it with a small angled brush and the results are so great! I personally have beein using the "Halle" gel. Check out a new eye brow tutorial video I made where I'm using this product.

Summer Beauty Brunch Recap

This event turned out to be so nice and I truly enjoyed the panel discussion! We talked about the following things:
1) Your image -business etiquette and professionalism
2) TV/Film industry impacts from the economy shift
3) Personal tips and stories on being a beauty professional
4) SEO tips and ways to brand yourself through marketing collateral and social media
5) Definition of beauty - inside and out

A Special thanks to my wonderful panelists and attendees who made this event so wonderful! Be sure to check out the Fall Beauty Brunch coming in late September/early October.

Also check out the footage from one of our panelists Alexandra Bond:

MUA Alexandra Bond, TV Producer Evelyn Mims, Fashion Director Courtney Hammonds, MUA MiMi J, Graphic/Web Designer Karin Lang, MUA Synthe

How To Become a Makeup Artist

Being a makeup artist can be such a fun, rewarding career! It's so exciting to see your work posted in a major magazine, or to have someone so elated that you made them look so beautiful! There's also the excitement of doing a celebrity or behind the scenes of a runway show! So how do you become a makeup artist? Here are a few tips to help you with your journey:

1) Decide what type of makeup artist you want to become. There's so many directions for a makeup artist to go and the techniques and types of makeup required are very different. Sometimes it takes experience and time to really narrow this down but it's great to start with an idea. Here are some of the types: bridal, celebrity, television, film, theatre, fashion, body and face painting.

2) Build your artistry skills. This is extremely important because this is what is going to have people trust you and call you back for jobs. There are several ways to become a very skilled makeup artist. You can teach yourself through makeup books from famous makeup artists like Kevin Aucoin or Scott Barnes. You can also find your favorite artists on youtube and practice techniques on yourself and friends. There are some good makeup schools like the Makeup Designatory in New York and Los Angeles or less lessons from established makeup artists. You could start at a cosmetic counter and gain experience and product knowledge. Lastly you could assist a makeup artist that does great work.

3) Build your portfolio. Offer your services for trade with photographer who produce good work. In the beginning you may have to pay for the quality that you want if you are not getting to work with quality photographers. Seek every opportunity to build a great portfolio.

4) Market yourself. Be consistent with your marketing materials. The design of how your marketing material looks is very key as well. Make sure to make business cards, set up a site an/or a blog, and use social media networks such as facebook and twitter. You can have awesome work but if no one ever sees it, they will never know your talent.

5) Be professional. Always present yourself in a professional manner. The moment you walk out of the door you are promoting yourself starting with your appearance. Always be punctual and considerate of other's times. Be courteous and tactful with the people that you encounter as well. Remember that you are trying to build a good name for yourself.

6) Network, Network, Network. I can't begin to stress how important this is. Opportunities usually don't fall into your lap so so you have to seek them and reach out to the right people. Building healthy relationships with photographers, fellow makeup artists, hair stylists, model agencies, magazine editors and so far are very beneficial to advancing your career.

Check out this video and here a little bit of my story in becoming a makeup artist!

Summer Beauty Brunch Panelists Announced!

So excited to announce the panelists for my upcoming Beauty Brunch!

Evelyn Mims - Producer (Atlanta & Co.)

Karin Lang - Branding and Graphics Specialist (Prospect Images)

Alexandra Butler - Professional Makeup Artist

Courtney Hammonds - Fashion Director (Art Institute of Atlanta)

Register at the link below:
http://mimibeautybrunch.eventbrite.com/

Check out this video!

Nfinity Campaign Shoot

Ok, this post is very overdue. I actually did this ad campaign earlier in the year...BUT I feel like posting it anyway :)

I was the makeup artist for a very fun ad campaign shoot for Nfinity, a women's athletic shoe company. It was probably the best 8 hour shoot I've been on, and for any makeup artist that's worked an all day shoot will know how tiresome it can be! But this was one so organized and laid back! I had to do 1 look on 4 models and maintain the looks throughout the shoot. I haven't gotten to see all of the photos yet but check out some of the behind the scenes footage and a few of the final shots.

photo: Laretta Houston

Photo: Laretta Houston

Summer Beauty Brunch

Hey everyone! I had such a great Spring Beauty Brunch that I decided to do another one for the summer in Atlanta! Eat a delicious brunch, engage in a great panel discussion, and network with other beauty professionals and enthusiasts.

We had a wonderful panel discussion last time on to start a cosmetic company, how to get started as a freelance hair/makeup artist, best practices, and breaking into the fashion industry.

I have another wonderful panel I'm lining up for the next one so stay tuned and be sure to register at http://www.mimibeautybrunch.eventbrite.com/!

Here are a few photos from the last event:

Spring Brunch Panelist: Rita Patel of Mia Bellezza Cosmetics, Photographer Laretta Houston, Makeup Artist MiMi J, Makeup Artist Pat Segers, Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist Scoobie West, and Publicist Janelle Langford

Counter Chic Event

Hey everyone!

A few weeks ago a friend of mine stopped by my counter and asked for my help with makeup and skin care tips for the summer time. She brought in her makeup bag and everything! I then evaluated her bag and suggested some things that she may like and what she should replace. I even gave her a quick makeover and she absolutely loved it! I thought to myself that this process was great and it would make a great and fun event. So voila.......I created one!

Last week I hosted a "Counter Chic" event at my counter where I met bloggers, beauty enthusiasts, and ladies who just wanted some new beauty advice. I went through the importance of skincare treatments, how to keep skin refreshments, summer color palettes, and product recommendations. One of the event-goers actually posted a blog about it! Check it out in the below link and stay tuned for other events coming soon!

COUNTER CHIC WRITE UP - CLICK HERE

MIA in the MIA!

Yessssssss! I'm coming back to one of my FAVORITE cities with Photographer Laretta Houston! So be sure to check us out if you're in the Miami area in July!  Check out some of the beach shots from our last trip!

Becoming A Bridal Makeup Artist

I often ponder on my direction that I want to take as a makeup artist and the steps I take to get there. Though I love doing photo shoots, occasional celebrities, and teaching classes....I really love doing bridal! I will say that it takes a lot of patience and a calming, easy-going type of personality to be a successful bridal artist (aside from doing a great makeup job of course!). A lot of times brides are highly stressed, there's a lot going on before the wedding, and their makeup application should be their zen moment. I'm blessed to say that I haven't had a real "bridezilla" moment, but I think a lot of that is because of how I approach the brides and their party and the makeup that I do for them.

For those thinking of becoming a bridal makeup artist, here are somethings to think about:

1) Can you work in a stressful environment? Sometimes you can become the stress reliever during these special moments

2) Always do a bridal trial first. This eliminates the uncertainty and anxiety of knowing what the bride is wanting.

3) Have a clear and concise bridal contract and enforce it. Be clear about prices, when deposits and balances are due, time and location.....etc

4) Stay up on the bridal trends and how to achieve long lasting makeup looks. A bride's number 1 concern is having her makeup last throughout the day and touching it up. 

5) How will you market yourself? Will you do advertising in bridal magazines or bridal shows? Or are you networking with wedding vendors?

6) Make sure your pricing is comparable to your level of service as well as the market that you work in. Every bride has different needs, so try to make sure you are getting what you are worth yet it works for your bride.

Check out some of the beautiful brides I've had the pleasure of working with!