More Hispstamatic Randoms

Big City, Bright Lights

I'm officially a Color Expert! I can't fully put into words how amazing New York City was. I learned so many different makeup techniques at Color Encore and I'm so excited to share them with my castmates. I know at times, I have a love/hate relationship with Sephora but they offer a lot of opportunities to grow within the company. I think I fell in love with New York this week- it's a different feeling since I grew up in Queens and moved to Charlotte when I was thirteen, my family didn't venture into the city that often. Now that I'm in my early 20's that's all I want to do! The diversity there is wonderful and I couldn't help but notice the copious amounts of good looking men of all ethnicities, delicious! Moving doesn't unnerve me as much anymore and I think my family is family coming around to the idea of it and that makes me happy. Pro Team tryouts are next Thursday and I'm nervously looking forward to that. I know it's going to be an intense two days but I refuse to be anything else but optimistic. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip: 

Home

After weeks of restless sleep and many conversation with my lovely friends who live in New York, I've decided that I'm moving back next year around August/September. I've been in Charlotte for about twelve years and I would always say "I don't see myself living in New York again but I definitely love visiting!" But then, I kept thinking why not? Why wouldn't I want to live in New York? It's a massive city that never sleeps, there is always something to do, diversity is abundant and I think that's what I need in my life right now. I do love Charlotte but I feel like I'm growing tired of it, tired of seeing the same people, going to the same places. When I briefly talked to my mom about it her exact words were "People move from New York to the Charlotte" and I responded "Yes, when they're older and have families. I'm 24, single, and I don't have anything holding me back". I agree that many people from up North do move to Charlotte, the last guy I dated was from Buffalo but the majority of these people have spent most of their life in New York. My family and I moved to Charlotte from Rosedale, Queens when I was thirteen and my sister was six, I never got a chance to truly explore the city. I know I would love it.

Now, as great as this sounds I know the transition isn't gong to be all rainbows and sunshine. Saving for the move has to happen NOW. Since I know I'm still going to be employed at Sephora I would have to interview with several stores up there in order to transfer. Would it be necessary to bring my car? I couldn't imagine being without my Honda but that all depends on the area as well. Cost of living is higher so I would be getting paid more but will I be able to afford an apartment with roommate(s) along with school loans and other bills? I can only hope that I can. One thing that keeps me excited is that I wouldn't be up there alone. Marvin, one of my best friends from high school lives there (and if things work out, we'll be roommates), LaZelle and Leah all people from my Southpark store that have/will be relocating to the city. This is probably one of the biggest decisions I've made in my adult life so far, let's hope it's a good one!

Feeling Colorful

The past week I've been watching YouTube makeup tutorials nonstop. I found that it's a good way to learn new techniques and get ideas on new looks! I've really taking a liking to the videos by MissChievous, QueenofBlending, and MakeupGeek.

A Career Epiphany

I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few months about which direction I want to take in my career. After Graduation this past December, I didn't have any luck in the photography field so I decided to expand my options elsewhere and look at secretarial like work. After having a few interviews (and by few I mean two) I took a good look where I was at and it just dawned on me. Should I pursue a career as a freelance makeup artist??? Of course, this probably strikes many people as a surprise because even though I've worked at Sephora almost three years I've never considered myself a makeup artist, only a photographer. I'm thinking makeup artist is something that I will in time add to my resume. I still have so much to learn!

At the end of July, I'll be going to Color Encore in New York where I'll become a Color Expert and learn advance techniques about makeup, color, application, etc. I'm beyond excited, I haven't been to New York since 2002 and I was born and raised in Rosedale, Queens and I miss the big city. Once I've completed Encore, in July 2011 I will audition for the Sephora Pro Time and if I get chosen I will work as a traveling makeup artist.

Working my first runway event this weekend sealed the deal for me. I worked on professional models and I got to meet Tim Gunn! I contained my composure, remained professional but I was shaking with nervousness, it was great. Photography is always going to be a part of my life and I will continue to do work, but doing makeup on the side can come in handy for those shoots as well. I posted a photo from the event courtesy of Brian Treffeisen Photography!

Futuristic Lovin'

My lovely Sephora ladies and I ventured to the South End area of Charlotte and had ourselves a photo shoot. I haven't done a fashion shoot in quite a while so I was feeling a bit nervous/rusty. Subreen did a fantastic job on Leah's makeup and it transfered beautifully in the photos. I've posted a few of my favorites. Here's to the start of more shoots! And hopefully equipment!

Hair and makeup courtesy of Subreen Davis