I'm Back!!

Hey Gorgeous Ones, I'm back!! Sorry I have been away for a bit, but now school is back in session  I can talk to you all more.  The summer was great and last month I was able to get to New York twice in one week. Yes, one week, two visits, and three fun stops. So let me share:
My 1st stop:
Jones Magazine Fall Preview :
If you need to keep up, then keep up with these Joneses. Jones Magazine, "the insider's shopping guide for the woman who knows better"  is sure to do more than wet your palate, it will indeed quench your thirst for beauty and fashion. Their vision is fresh and honest; "We won't print anything we have not tried ourselves" says Editor, Tracey Ferguson. Jones Magazine is committed to being a trustworthy resource for it's readers.

"This is a magazine for the educated woman who is unapologetic about liking high end brands. She likes to travel, shops at boutiques, and is not ashamed to tell you that she loves the sale racks" -Tracey Ferguson, creator & editor

Get your copy on newsstands now and let me know what you think.  Also for your daily Jones check out the website: www.jonesmag.com 

My next stop: Hanging out with my friend Sam Fine. We talked shop a little and clowned a whole lot.   When we did get a little serious(not really) this is what came up:
1. As an artist it's important to set boundaries; know how much you are willing to give away for free. We don't think about the importance of protecting ourselves when it comes to sharing our knowledge.
2. Always be prepared to network! If you attend an event smile, say hello, mingle, and most importantly HAVE BUSINESS CARDS!!  Don't just expect people to come to you to find out who you are.
3. Manage your brand with integrity, be careful of your online content! Sam shared that several of his recent clients have commented on how professional he is on his social media sites. So, it goes back to that saying "You never know who is watching you"

My last stop:
I had to visit Makari on 125th to pick up a couple of my Iman Cosmetic favorites. I played with makeup and chatted with Makeup Artist, Douglas Snuggs.  Douglas was very attentive, he showed me some great combinations as well gave me endless suggestions as to how to get the most out of my Cote d' Azur palette.  He is quite knowledgeable and an absolute sweetheart, so go check him out if you are in the area (he works Thurs, Fri. & Sat)

                                                     52 West 125th Street NY, NY 10027

                                             Iman Cosmetics Makeup Artist, Douglas Snuggs

                                              Cote d' Azur and Luxury Liquid Liner (Sapphire)

My beautiful sister in love accompanied me but she lost herself in the wonder vintage shop B.O.R.N.  (Borrowed, Old, Refurbished and New). She was whisked into a fab styling experience by a resident stylist (I can't remember his name but I must get it, he was just wonderful)  I watched him pull gorgeous piece after piece, each one making my sister look like she was worthy of a haute magazine spread. Upon leaving we had the privilege and honor of speaking with Owner, Johnathan Broderick. He is an amazing man full of passion and vision.  SO! when you stop by Makari make your way back of the store to B.O.R.N.

Iman Cosmetics

Sam Fine Event with AmberMag.com @ DEX NY

One can only imagine how happy I was when Mr. Sam Fine posted that he would be doing some classes. Oh, I was ready for a road trip for real. I put it up on Facebook and lawd if I didn't almost pass out when the first question was Who is He? So it was my civic duty not to allow the ladies to go another day and NOT know Sam Fine..geesh! I immediately put a link on my page still in disbelief. What kind of craziness had befallen my sistas that they were not aware of makeup artist extraordinaire Mr. Sam Fine. I remember when his book Fine Beauty launched, He was like the President Obama of makeup to us chocolate girls in lipstick world (cosmetic department) I remember a group of us going to Barnes & Noble on our lunch break to get our book and checking in with the others to make sure they had gotten theirs..lol We were so inspired, we probably all had higher sales that first month.



OK, back to my story! Sam posted he would be doing a event with AmberMag.com at Dex New York. So, a road trip was definitely in order. Shout out to my husband who spontaneously decided to load the kids in the car and drive me to NYC, see that's why I call him my Haitian Sensation..lol He is so supportive! My arrival to Dex was very pleasant. The hosts were very professional and attentive delivering on quality customer service. All the compliments from makeup artist, John Henry put the experience right over the top, he is so great for the ego..lol Now, after a little mingling we were on to the classroom. In walks Mr. Sam Fine casually fly in his Tom Ford shirt, tie, vest, and jeans. He welcomes us so humbly and warm and then the Orbit Gum commercial smile (bling) he says " I have good news and I have bad news, what do u want first?" Now as you see from the picture below who can REALLY deliver bad news with that smile. The bad news: he didn't have the dvd's that we were supposed to receive that evening BUT he would personally sign & mail them with a gift. Doesn't sound bad to me at all, I thought it was an extremely kind gesture and he was truly apologetic. The man is truly a stand up guy "in it to win it!"

                                                       (sam delivers the "bad news"..lol)

Now down to business. Sam gets to know his audience; how many are artist and how many are real women. After that he begins answering questions. Out came my notebook, for some, their phones..lol "uhm, are ya'll taping me?, the smile (bling) , uhm u can't do that, the smile (bling) and back to business. Sam has the ability to make everyone feel on the same level throughout his presentation. He graciously corrects the language a woman might use that would infer her inability to do something as well as allowing the person asking the question to actually answer their own question. He never moved on to another question until he knew that the person was clear and confident with the full understanding of the topic at hand. I really appreciate his desire to see that one is getting the answer/s needed to move on from whatever holds them, whether it's the inability to put on a lash, properly cover a mark , or simply find the confidence to move from one place to the next. Sam's delivery is warm yet funny, which makes you feel like he is both a brother and a friend. Yeah, he had to reel a few back in from jumping ahead or over confidently shouting out but he is clearly use to "how we do". Everything was done with class and humor. After an hour and a half of Q & A it was time for the demonstration and some "golden nuggets"

                                                       (Sam working on the model, Salina)

                                                                     (amazing right!)
Sam works effortlessly as he goes step by step explaining application and technique. He works in very short strokes of the hand which gives him the space and freedom to build his look. Of course every one wanted to know: what does the magician have in his hat? lol What brush is that your using? who makes that? What color is that called? Sam answers, but draws us back to what is REALLY important, mastering the technique. If Sam gave his whole kit it would make no difference to the artist if they have not mastered their technique. "Know YOURSELF, and commit to YOURSELF"; "You have to know who YOU are as an artist" These two phrases were delivered repeatedly with a passion and assurance of simply wanting each of us to be the best we can be. As I stated previously, Sam delivered golden nuggets. He fully shows his support to fellow artists and he displays that you are never to big to acknowledge and admonish those who opened doors and paved roads for you to get where you are. Bravo, Mr. Fine that shows integrity and an amazing amount of character. After the class was over Sam stayed and took a picture with every single person who wanted one. Such a sweet and kind man who I pray is continually blessed out of his socks..lol (yeah, that's how my grandma would say it) I am happy to have met him and I know we will meet again. Until then, I need you all to please get the dvd( The Basics of Beauty, $24.99) it's amazing! Also, if you will, award season is coming and Sam will be BUSY ,so will you please post some comments just giving him a shout out (yes, he reads TGI..lol) Oh, and uhm, Sam would you please give Monique a super HUG from TGI and let her know we are proud of her! She is beautiful and her accolades are well deserved.

                                                                 (Sam Fine & I)

Check out Sam Fine's site click here