Steelo Cosmetics at The For Sisters Only Convention

I meant to blog about this much sooner seeing how I worked the event the last weekend of April. A lot has been going on the past few months so I've definitely been keeping busy and I'm grateful for that. I was contacted by the founder of Steelo Cosmetics through Model Mayhem to do some freelance work at the For Sisters Only Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center. I was lucky to have that Saturday off so I jumped at the opportunity. For anyone who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina or the surrounding areas  knows this is a large event in the Black community, vendors from all over Charlotte area come out and promote their local businesses. I've lived here for quite a few years and I would hear so much about it on the radio, I was truly looking forward to actually working with a makeup vendor. Steelo Cosmetics is makeup line based out of Baltimore, Maryland and their line is specifically made for women of diverse skin tones. The foundation is mineral based and comes in a variety of shades making it so that every woman can find a match be it if they have yellow, golden, or red undertones. They also have a large array or mineral and pressed eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks, lipgloss, (which I loved!) lipliners, and makeup brushes. The booth stayed busy pretty much the entire day, I thought there would be some moments of down time but I guess when people see makeup they are drawn in and want product applied. I had a great time working with Gina and Rich and it was a amazing learning experience. I hope to have the chance to work with Steelo Cosmetics in the future! Here a few photos I was able to take on my iPhone during the day:

     The front of the booth.

   Gina, founder of Steelo Cosmetics.

Working girl cheesin'

* They were also featured in Essence January 2010 and was named one of the Hottest New Brands*

Sarah

I had the pleasure about a month ago working with the sweetest bride doing makeup for her Bridal Portraits. She was so pleased with her look that I'll be doing it on her Wedding day this Saturday and she's actually coming into the store the day off so that I can airbrush her with our fabulous TEMPTU Airbrush System.  We've been e-mailing back and fourth over the past few weeks and she's giving me a copy all of the photos and will send me some from the Wedding when she finally gets those back. Truly a doll! And beautiful! She sent me the portrait that will be on display at the Wedding:

She said she has bad allergies so in the closer shots her eyes were puffy. I can definitely relate, I'm a walking allergy.

Asha

I had the pleasure with working with one of the most easy going and sweet Bride-to-be this weekend. Asha and I used to work together at Classic Photography a few years ago and Sunday, Sunny (who also used to work at Classic) of Themba Imagery did a Friendship shoot with her and her bridesmaids. Asha didn't have any particular preferences for her makeup, so I decided to keep it nice and natural since she's a minimal makeup lady on a regular basis.

I'm truly looking forward to doing her makeup on her Wedding Day, she's even agreed to wear lashes to give her eyes that extra pop!

I'm Finally on Model Mayhem!

After much contemplation, I've finally put myself of Model Mayhem to further my makeup portfolio. This is a great way to gain experience and build my cliental locally. I hope to start booking shoots in the upcoming months. I'm not exactly sure how the process works, but here goes nothing!

Latisha Ross @ Model Mayhem

And I'll Still Love You New York

Cue Ryan Adams singing in the background. 

I came to the harsh realization a week into 2011 that even though I had my heart set on moving to NYC in August that I just wasn't going to be able to afford it. I think I fell in love with the idea of living in New York and being the dreamer I am, I wasn't thinking realistically about the financial aspects of living there. Sure, if I had three roommates and lived in a tiny apartment I would be able to afford it but that idea didn't appeal to me. I wouldn't want to move to a big city and not enjoy it because of constant lack of funds. I'm not giving up on moving back, but I no longer think this is the best time. I was telling friends that I'm now in the process of re-loving Charlotte because for a while I had become so frustrated that I wasn't taking advantage of what Charlotte has to offer. I'm changing my way of thinking and focusing on the positive, optimism is key for 2011! After all, I'm going to be 25 this year. 

With that said, at the moment I'm currently looking for my own apartment- my own one bedroom/one bathroom. My parents have been gracious and have never made me pay any type of rent since I moved back home in August 2009. Living at home hasn't been bad at all I'm ready to have my own place again, it's time for change and change is good.

"I'll always love you New York"- Ryan Adams

Yasmine's Graduation Party at Petra's

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of shooting my Aunt's co-workers daughter Graduation Party at Petra's in Charlotte, NC. Yasmine graduated from Fayetteville State University with a degree in Elementary Education. The gathering consisted of mainly family and friends, a slideshow from childhood through college, catering with a Chef who works at Justin's in Atlanta, Georgia, and emotional family speeches.  It was lovely and I'm glad that I was able to capture this important day for Yasmine and her family.