Take Note Fashion World

Andrea, at Serrahna's, held another wonderfully colorful fashion event at Khana Peena on College Avenue, in Oakland today.  We had a great time.  The models were fabulous, all five of them...I lost count.  I was completely absorbed with each one of them, applying makeup and styling their hair.  The makeup application went a bit easier than last time, even though I was moving from the moment the first model showed, to when I left at about, 2:30 pm.  The real proof is what comes through in the photos. What I love about Andrea, is that her heart comes through in her clothing designs, she is able to articulate her passion through fabric, and design. Beautiful!  I also love the fact, once again, (I'm sorry if you've already heard it), that she celebrates, and honors every woman who steps into her business.  She helps them move in new directions and helps them become more feminine.  I love that the models are of all sizes and all ages.  How refreshing is that?  The fashion world takes notice!  You don't have to be 16, have skin and bones, and be flawless(yawn!), to be a woman.

I also loved how the models took on the divine feminine as they transformed before our very eyes.  Oohs and ahhs fell out of the mouths of the audience.  Queens!  It was such an honor to bring out what was already there, waiting to be drawn out.  They would walk back into the store, and say, "that was fun/"

Andrea and I walked over when the show was just about over, and with the grace of the Queen, she introduced me to each table of quests.  Thank you Andrea.

Upon my return home, my daughter had her own clothing situation to work out.  From showing me new shorts purchased with daddy to meltdowns around not having clean laundry to questioning the shoes I suggested for our bicycle ride to the park.  I loved every minute of being with her, up to patting her back and saying goodnight.  A nice balance to the day.  And now, a movie with my loved one.

I'll be sure to post the photos the minute I receive them.

Check out www.serrahna.com for Andrea's designs.

Touching My Clients

It's a business deal.  In exchange for money, I touch the heads, necks, and shoulders of my clients.  People surrender to me, some in a slow, steady manner, like a door inching its open.  Some jump right in, like two slaps of the hand from a Flamenco dancer.  And, finally, some clients have a unpredictable time in the chair.  However they decide to show up, whether conscious or not, it's an intimate dance in the mirror. There we are, sometimes strangers, looking for ways in which we can connect, searching for the similarities.  I comb, shampoo, run my fingers through their hair.  I tug, pull, stretch, this way and that.  I imagine who they might have been as a kid, I wonder at their particular wiring.  How did they get to where they are?  All the while, learning a great deal about myself, and them.  My caresses continue to relax or repel them.  The expectation is high for that hour.

And in the end, I am paid, in more ways than are countable.  And they leave, with maybe a bit more skip in their step.

Spark a Smile

A new client came in the other day.  Another contact from Jennifer Butler.  Nancy Procurier is her name, and talk about sprite!  More like vivacious, fun, good hearted, attractive, a great smile and laugh.  Spending time with Nancy was like dancing the cha cha cha, we laughed, we shared business ideas, stories from our past, back and forth, step, step, step. She came in with long, heavy mid blonde hair, with highlights, pinned up.  She wore high heels and shorts, and large sunglasses.  Hip, with a desire for change, for more femininity.  This woman is busting out of her comfort zone, and what better set up could a hairdresser ask for.  She was respectful of my ideas, and we were able to build rapport with a snap of a finger.  I suggested she bring up the length to at least mid back, shape it around the front, and release the crown.  I wanted to see more movement to match her energy, and size of her facial features.

As we layered, and lengths flew to the floor, we went for getting in as much as we could.  Her business is brilliant!  It's based on fostering contact between aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc, and the kids in their life.  She sends them mail for you.  That's right a bright envelope, with big letters!  The envelope contains different fun things based on themes she creates through the year.  I love it! Not only is her service fostering contact and connection with those little loved ones, who may live miles away, but it's fostering letter writing, a lost art.

Check it out!  www.sparksprite.com

It takes a lot of courage and inner strength to make change.  Beautiful job Nancy.  Thank you.  Stayed tune for make up and hair photo.

Sunset Hues in Her Hair

Cordelia was in today. Her hair was faded, but the black and the lightener pieces held up. I used 4.3 1/4 tube, and 6.46 on the base because I am was out of 5.46. I touched up the ends with special effects blood red, with hot lava, hi octane orange with a bit of yellow, and yellow by itself.  Cordelia is on her way to Greece for three weeks with her mother.  They are going on a sail boat for a contra dancing cruise.  She wanted to sport great hair, and so I went to work.  As, I swathed the sunny colors on her hair, we talked about our work, good food, and art.  We both had returned from women’s weekends, both wanting girl, art and nature, and good food connection. I came back with the deeper knowing that writing is what feeds my soul. Even so, sitting down and working on my book is the last thing I will sit and do. I’m afraid. What it requires for me to slow down enough to go deep inside feels like stepping into quicksand.

Back to Cordelia.  She continues to inspire me, to hold a torch for art and it’s importance to humanity. To end an insane day, with having time with Cordelia, was a dream.  There was lots of sparkle in the finished do.  I can picture her on that sailboat now, Hi Octane Orange colored hair blowing in the soft, warm wind.  People oohing and ahhing, “Look at that gorgeous woman, she must be an artist.”  Sunset hair!

Thank you Cordelia.

The Cellist and Fire Spinner

Laura is a unique being, and a client.  I usually see her not long after the sun comes up on Saturday mornings, every ten weeks or so.  When we see each other we either chat it up, or drift into a silence, both of us okay with what is so. 

Her piercing, but loving blue eyes contrast her level 5, red mahogany hair color.  Her hair is straight, and we are growing it out to one length, it seems to take forever.  The seasons pass, and we wait patiently, only trimming her fringe.  We are getting there.

Last time she was in, we captured her thoughts on creativity.  Check it out. 

She's not only interested in fire spinning, but she is a cellist, playing in an all girl jazz band.  www.girltalkband.com.  Laura comes from a family of musicians, all playing together at get togethers.  I love the picture it conjures up for me.

One thing you don't know about Laura is that she is committed teacher in the Alameda School District.  Teaching now, in California specifically has much to be desired, she has similar issues as when she taught in Oakland.  Apparently, our state doesn't value education.   How painful is that?

Back to Laura.  When she is not teaching, she explores her creative side; salsa dancing, music, and fire arts.  She is a delight to be with, and always willing to laugh.  Thank you Laura.  Being with you makes my job most interesting.

Ouch! That Brush Hurts

That was Dee's response was to my favorite round brush.  I never used to use them, in fact, when I trained with Rusk for a period of time, we had to do all our drying with a Denman or a vent brush.  The curvature was created by the haircut, but since working with them, I have slowly gone back to round brushing.  Those around me have brushes the circumference of a foam roller stuck in the hair of their clients, to form big 70's kind of hair.  I don't quite understand, but I don't get a lot of what the beauty industry supports. Back to Dee, ever since, it's been a running joke about this brush.  I've already written about her idea to photograph this brush in different environments.

We've struck up a friendship/professional relationship outside the salon.  She has a light hearted spirit, great sense of humor, and she is a fabulous photgrapher.  Wedding portrait images fill her portfolio. But check her out yourself.  Let me know what you think.  I think she has an incredible eye for design, lighting, etc.  www.deeconway.com.  Here are a couple for now.   We are talking about a shoot together soon.  Keep your eyes peeled.

That was Dee's response was to my favorite round brush.  And, I ddin't use to use them... When I trained with Rusk for a period of time, we had to do all our drying with a denman or a vent brush.  The curvature was created by the haircut, but since working with them, I have slowly gone back to round brushing.  Those around me have brushes the circumvernce of a foam roller stuck in the hair, to form big 70's kind of hair.  I don't quite understand, but I don't get alot of what the beauty industry supports.  But anyway, back to Dee, ever since. it's been a running joke about this brush.

We've even struck up a friendship/professional relationship outside the salon.  She's got a light hearted spirit, great sense of humor, and she is a fabulous photgrapher.  She exudes self-confidence-minus the ego.  Wedding portrait images fill her portfolio.  But check these images out yourself.  Let me know what you think.  I think she has an incredible eye for design, lighting, and a relationship to humans that is unique.  www.deeconway.com.  Here are a couple of photos for now. 

Thank you Dee!  I look forward to our shoot.

Romance Helper

Sierra Faith is a new acquaintance.  We met at Jennifer Butler's follow up event.  She came to me with long, lackluster hair, all one length.  She said she was ready to shed some of it.  I suggested bringing up the length, and layering.  At the last minute, I asked if she would mind if we cut and styled her hair, then applied makeup, and then took a before and after picture.  She said please do.  See what you think.

As we started talking during this, what I think she would call a transformative afternoon, she revealed that she was an online dating coach, hence her url of www.onlinedatingcoach.com.  She loves this work she is doing with men and women, about dealing with what is in the way of them not only meeting people, but walking the dating course with them.  They look at, and talk about what worked and what didn't.  She said, "Women don't know how to recieve from men."  I've been pondering that statement ever since.  This woman knows what she is talking about.

As I put the finishing touches to her hair, I could see tears trickling down her cheeks.   "This is who I knew myself to be."  This kind of transformation takes being ready inside. to let go of who we thought oiurselves to be.

Thank you Sierra.

Generosity Abounds

Beth has been a client since 1986.  Her loyalty to me as a person, a friend, a hairstylist, is unbelievable.  Twenty two years of unwavering support in all that I do.  Her heart is generous, always thinking about what I would like, not to mention she allows me to play with her hair.  I saw her the other day, and we discussed everything, while we applied a level 4, Majorel, on a zigzag section, from below temple, all the way around her head.  Then with many slices we alternated 6.01 20 volume, with the level 4, all on a level 5, with 90% grey.

Beth is a wonderful jewelry designer, artist, and has an interest in the world around her.  Listen to her talk about her ideas on creativity. 

Here is her bio:  Through my 30+ years working in the fields of Adoption, and other areas of Child Welfare including Foster Care with Refugee Youth,  I have found continual inspiration in the incredible struggles of people with broken connections and the magic of their healing.

Bellemirth Creations grew out of my interest in the mysteries of the creative forces within.  It has become my source of healing and revitalization of spirit and soul.

She uses Precious Metal Clay, which is a product comprised of silver particles mixed with an organic binder that is in a clay form. It is fired in a kiln, resulting in a piece that is actually .999% pure fine silver.  At high temperatures, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse to form solid silver that can be sanded, soldered, and polished.

Thank you, Beth.  It is my pleasure to know you, and an honor to be with you, always.

The Tree of Life

Anne use to live in a live-work unit in the same building I did years ago.  I moved out, she moved out, and we hadn't seen each other until she popped intot he salon seven, or so, years later in a stylist's chair.  That stylist went out on maternity leave, and so Anne ended in up in my chair.  Then three years later, same thing.  Another pregnancy leave, and Anne was back in my chair. We had a great time.  Anne is smart, talented, and computer savvy, which I am not.  I shared my interest in interviewing clients, and she agreed in it's appeal.   I didn't know the extent of her creative genius, until we interviewed her, while she sat with color in foils all over her head. 

Beautiful Anne, I've got to get sound up and running so that we can hear you talking about this Tree of Life project.  Thanks for sharing with me.

Shoreline Park

Here are our images from the shoot.  We both learned some valuable lessons.  I can see my translation needs work, and the fact that the wind kicked up, really cut a lot of juice from the act.  Next time we both agreed that we need to work with less models, and really get the shot.

The Latest Version of Frankie

She's the new assistant at Keter.  We love her, and the girl's got talent.   She just graduated from the Paul Mitchell school in the San Francisco.  And now she wants to apprentice.  I think she has the combination of people skills, the eye-she can see hair, and she is an astute listener.  Now, she must make it through the program, however long it takes her.  I predict she will have no problem moving through it quicker than any assistant so far.  Talent, beauty, smarts, and funny as all get out, all she needs is to believe in herself.

She has endeared herself to me, and now is my muse.  We are trying to grow some hair out in front, if she can dodge my scissors, and her need for change.  Meanwhile, on our off hours, this is our latest color fest.

Good luck Frankie.

Juggling

Today I have a shoot in Marin County.  It's for a permanent makeup artist.  There will be five models, I will step in with the hair. I am going to meet the fashion pr woman in charge of the shoot, Annette Harding.  I responded to an ad looking for fashion interns to help out with a fashion show she is planning for the end of May.  The purpose is to raise money for a non-profit organization called Stop the Spray.  "They" want to spray all of California with poison to kill of the apple moth(can't imagine what it will do for every other living being).  I let her know I'd like to come up with the concepts for the hair and makeup, so today's shoot she invited me in on so we could meet.

My mind is reeling with ideas, and creating a challenge for myself by using no artificial products.  Creating netting with hair, by crimping, teasing slightly than using egg whites to harden the hair over organic shaped forms, and then attaching them to the hair.  I'll start playing this weekend.

Meanwhile, I am sending out photos to clients who have modeled for me, printing all of them, so I can see how everything is translating to camera.  I'm waiting patiently for images from the professional photographers.  I am trading with Dee Conway to choose and print images for my portfolio.

It is crazy energy in the salon. I have moved clients to accommodate the shoot today, and the fashion show the other day.  This of course takes finesse.  I must talk to others in the industry to see how they deal with this situation.  It feels delicate.  I must scramble to find time for a client I needed to move for today.  Three out of the four days I work, she is not available, so I think I must come in on a day off.  Time with my daughter is squeezed, and I leave next week for three days to the mountains.

I have to remember in times like these that it's not quantity, but quality.

Serrahna's Spring Fashion Show at Marica's

My learning curve now feels like the long hike to Half Dome in Yosemite. I styled the hair and make-up for one of Serrahna's Spring Fashion Shows at Marica's restaurant. Her boutique is on College Avenue in Oakland, California. www.serrahna.com. She designs her collections using Indian Fabrics. I love working with Andrea. She is a beautiful, heartful woman, a talented designer, and she knows how to dress a woman. Walking into her store is like walking into a jewel-lined secret room. COLOR is all you see. 

In working with her fashion shows, this will be the third year; I'm trying to integrate what I've learned in my workshops by shortening my timing and setting up my kit to make sense to me on location. Plus, work on being creative and trying to project how things will look on camera.

The show took place at the restaurant next door to her boutique, seated about 50 people, and was packed. Her customers are her models; we had four of them, plus her lovely sister. We prepped the models at Serrahna's; then, they would walk over.

The working space was tiny, and I had to remove one of my lights to be able to plug in a curling iron. It took me an hour and a half for the model, Diane, the brunette with long hair. Beautiful texture to work with, and lots of it. Looking back, maybe next time, I would put half her hair up. I applied colors like Trax Bas and Sketch from MAC.

The second model was Emily, the lovely blonde. She also had lots of hair, but straight. Had I not taken so long for the first model, I would have curled Emily's hair. I put it up in a chignon and used colors like pewter to line her eyes, greens, and Orb from MAC.

The third model was Debra, a lovely woman with curly silver, gray, and white hair. We used plums, purples, and wines on her eyes and lips.

We also styled Andrea's sister; her shoulder-length, fine blonde hung straight. The braid was an excellent choice for dressing her hair up, without much product and manipulation.

Overall, I need to work on speed and color choices for make-up. Sadly, I was out of lashes.

Note to self: Work near the window, or create a light source. Bring a little bag for trash—more color selection for eyes, cheeks, and lips.

Overall, it was a good time. The models looked natural yet finished. And through their changes from cotton to silks, they worked their way around the restaurant. Complete pictures of loveliness sparkling in the night.

Andrea's next show will be on May 18th at Khana Peena on College Ave. in Oakland.  

Juarez Santiago McMiller

We pulled it off!  Everything went really well.  We arrived a t 12:00 pm, I was the first to arrive.  I set up in the living room at McMiller's place.  Then Zavia, one of the models showed, so we got started on her hair, sweet gal, eyes of a doe.  We rolled her hair into barrel curls, with a deep diagonal part, from temple to crown.  Then, our make up artist showed, Shabnam Hariri, fabulous artist, lovely disposition.  There was one other kind MUA, but she didn't have a care, and I can't recall her name, but was talented as well. Then, the five models showed.  The three sisters, Shilonda, Chantel, and Akila.  We had one other model show, and Mika, the owner of the clothing store came in carrying the clothing. 

And, of course Juarez.  He is a mix of fun, serious about his craft, strong ideas, and hip.  He knew what he was going for and he got it.  He definitly pulled together a great team of players.  Check out his work.  www.zrphotography.com. 

I pulled out hair pieces that I had practiced on, and laid out product, brushes, pins, grips, and hot tools.  Even though I had laid out plans of what I would do, I relaxed with it and allowed myself to create with what the models hair would do, could do, face structure, and hair texture.  I had a ball.  The models looked great, and although not professional...they put it on with the final touches of make up, hair, and clothing.

It was a mix of industrial, waterfront, backgrounds.  I was inspired by the water, movement, cultures mixing and swirling, and tried to capture it with the hairstyles.  I know we captured some beautiful, high fashion, beauty shots.

Around 8:00 pm, while the last bit of sunlight drained from the sky, and the freezing wind blew in from the bay, we took our last shot, hair blown barely withstanding the elements, models shivering bare-legged in spring cottons.  All of us, not too tired to laugh at the absurdity.  I called out,  "We must be mad!"

Relationships and Break Ups

Oooh!  Time got away from me this week.  As I reflect back on the week, it seems like the predominant theme was break ups.  People are stressed about what is going on in the economy, the war in Iraq, the housing market, and relationship.  I felt helpless to say anything that would make a difference, yet when there is only the two of you, the client and the hairstylist, there is a discomfort sometimes in sitting with what is. One client was married for years, and assumed that meant that they would be together forever.  Apparently not.  My client is the one that needs to move out, find a job, because she is the entrepreneur in the family.  Her whole life will now change, because the other sees no way, but out.   My client had stripped the beautiful peacock colors, and the deep red base from her hair, leaving a pale peach color.  She felt she needed to look more conservative to look for a job.  I couldn't help but feel, she needed to retreat from the world,  she wanted to fade into the background and not be noticed.  I felt sad.

I cut her hair, and occasionally I would ask a question, but there was nothing to say.  My client was devastated, and a bit numb, like it was hard to access feeling around it.  And then I realized, we never really did talk about her wife, except to say how wonderful, and talented she was.  But no guts.  I knew one side of my clients life, the side that she presented to me, and the rest was barracaded, no entry allowed.  And it's not my job to pry.

I said some awkward something, that sounded like keep your chin up.  Uggh!  I felt terrible. I was uncomfortable.

Then, a stylist is in the break room sobbing, because she is breaking up with her guy.  I was moved by her ability to emote, and just let the feelings be there.  And all I did, was ask what's up?  You look down. That's all it took, and the tears came flowing down.  I felt relieved, and I thought back to my client, and hoped that sometime, somewhere, she would let herself cry the tears that need to be shed.

Through the evening, when the day was done, and the unusual warm night touched my skin, the salon is a place where hair is cut and colored, beauty is tended to, and yet we all walk in with our history, our stories, and our humanity.  By interacting, interfacing, we touch each others lives, no matter how we are feeling about it.  And try as we might to have it be about the hair, sometimes the stuff underneath needs to be experienced, and dealt with in the most delicate way.

Online Magazine Launch

Yeah!  The Cutting Chair, has officially launched.  We have all been waiting with abated breath.  I know this online venture, as well as a coming out in print version, will do well.  They have high hopes of being a leading hair, fashion, and lifestyle magazine.  I think they can do it. This mulit-faceted site is in it's infancy, but already has come out with some strong visuals, fun content, and tips of the trade, for both clients and professional stylists.  I have written four articles for them.  Two are in this initial launch under articles.   How Green Does Your Salon Grow?  Things you can do to clean up your act.  The other, Interpreting the Runway:  Translating Trends into Wearable Hair.   We will see if others make it in at a later date.  Writing articles is new to me, but I found I enjoyed the research, and getting them in and out. Unlike the book, which is taking eons to bake, writing needs the time to mature.  It calls for a patience, particularly the book, that I didn't know I had.  Kind of like child rearing.

But back to the magazine.  Log on and see what you think.  Let them know what you would like to know more about.  http://www.thecuttingchair.com/.  Let's help make this ambitious project a great success.

The Luckiest Hairstylist Around

I met Rowan Gabrielle at the Jennifer Butler event in Mill Valley.  I thought to myself, this is a woman who walks to her own beat.  She isn't trying to be somebody she isn't, and yet, she was open to learning (a quality I happen to treasure).  She dressed in a unique way, (untrendy), with garments that exuded quality, the made-by-hand kind of quality.  She stood tall, lean, and quick.  Her energy was fluid, her eyes soft.    She wore her wavy hair long, to the middle of her back, the crown was heavy, and limp.  She wanted her hair cut into a shape that would keep her length in tact, and yet freshen it up.  She was open to my ideas.  We talked, as I cut, and I was blown away by her large scope of vision.  In fact, one of her projects which came to her in a dream, was to photograph people in their color, in the elements, on a vision quest.  Check out www.rowangabrielle.com for photos that will blow your mind.  I trimmed her ends, shaped it, and softened the front.  Layers at the crown of the head about seven inches, connecting to the length, down to the middle of her back.  With the weight released, her natural wave moved into "S" curves all around her head.  I cut a soft fringe around the front, opening up the right eye, connecting down into the longer lengths on the other side.  Lovely.

She had so much to say, and yet she exuded a quiet strength, a noticeable regal quality. She was somebody you want to know, and talk with, about everything.  She is a photographer, philanthropist, the head of a eco-leather business, called Organic Leather, founder of Urth.TV, and so much more.  She is from the UK, and has great ideas, but they don't stop there. 

 I've never met a woman, who does exactly what she has set out to do in the magnitude that she does, she travels the distance to see her projects through.  And still, she is full of graceful, solid, energy that is not weighted down by her journey, and she looks forward to the next adventure. 

After a completely satisfying, and compelling conversation, she gave me a copy of a book that her and her husband, Ayman Sawaf, self-published.   This book has me completely intrigued to read, it's called Sacred Commerce:  The Rise of the Global Citizen.  I'm anxious to give it to several people I know.  Check it out.  www.SacredCommerce.com

I have the best job around.  Thank you Rowan.  I'll look forward to the next time.

A Tech Geek and/or a Hair Piece Guru

Okay.  Now I have ideas of what I want to do on this blog, pictures, sound, movies.  I'm ready to personalize this, and attract more viewers.  I have the color scheme, I'm working the tape recorder at work, I'm going to have a theme per month and interview people, while having there hair done.  But do you think I  know how to do any of it.  That would be, "NO!" So, anybody out there know of a tech person, that can teach me a few things?  I need somebody now.  Somebody that can do a little research as well.  Send that person my way please.

It's just like the creative process to throw a few wrenches in the mix, and you've got to work with them.  Same with the hair.  I'm working on my concepts for this shoot coming up.  I've got hair everywhere in my dining room, I've got head shots of the models wearing the clothes for the shots, taped to the wall.  And pins, hair elastics, grips, thread, hairnets, combs, brushes,  and a can of hair spray, on the dining room table.  I'm executing a few ideas.  One of the models, I feel I need to see again, the picture is not telling me much.  I visualize something very different for her hair, but I am not sure her hair will accommodate my wishes.  I need to talk with her.

I've teased, sprayed and stuffed a hairnet with hair, to make stuffing for a hair piece I want to add on the one of the models hair, but it's still not quite large enough or, holding the strong shape I want.  Any of you hairdressers out there know how to work with hair pieces?

My daughter worked right besides me, asking me "Mama, is this how you tease?"  She had it right.  I took a picture of one of her do's, I'll post soon as I get the photos.  We have two digital cameras, I broke one, and it's being repaired.  My partner had the other at work, the old regular camera needs a battery.  Thankfully, I had a throw away camera to at least capture some snap shots of the style concepts I'm working with, to show Juarez.    We are back to the technologically challenged part of the story.

A New York Calling

I'm having the itch to move to New York.  I know it is a tough place to live i.e. weather, expensive housing, and noise.  Could I actually break into the hair world there?  This desire has nothing to do with practicality.  It's purely a feeling that perhaps I've outgrown this area, and standing behind the chair.  It would not only be a jump professionally, but the challenge could be quite stimulating.  I'm wanting to move into the editorial world, styling hair for fashion photography, and New York is where it's at in the field, or LA.  But LA is still west coast.  In order to go, I must really develop a great "book", and establish and nurture relationships there.  And I still want to freelance write as well. Can a family of three actually live comfortably there?  How much does one need to make to be comfortable there?  If I go, I want to live in the city, just for the experience, although I hear Brooklyn is great.  But I've always lived in the burbs, and if I'm going to go east, I've got to be in the city.  I want to study more with Giovanni Giuntoli.  He is a gifted hair artist, and a kind person, and I think can take my work to a whole other level.  I'm still integrating what I learned in his workshop three years ago.

Three years ago, in that class, I had the feeling that editorial was the direction I would head in.  And now, I am becoming more serious about it.  I told my partner a couple of days ago, don't worry, last month I wanted to move to Mexico, and this month it's New York.  Tomorrow may be Paris...well, as a matter of fact, Paris is one of the cities included in the master plan.

Could I just travel there instead of moving?   Perhaps.  I do plan to do hair for fashion week, once or twice a year.  I can see how it feels,  how viable,it is.  Does anybody have a relative there, or currently travels there regularly?  Are there any hairdressers reading this who know the industry there?  I'd appreciate any feedback.

Going feels like an expansion into fully realizing myself as a creative person.  It excites me to no end right now.  Creating beautiful hair, inspires me.  

Editorial Learning Curve

I'm working with hair pieces for this shoot coming up, now on six models, instead of the original five.  I just got the photos of the models dressed in some of the clothes.  Very trendy!  My goal is to execute hair that completes the picture.  I want the finished styles to compliment the total look, but I also want to challenge myself to be creative, and think high fashion.I'm looking forward to this shoot, to developing my skills of hairdressing for camera.

I just completed a shoot on Thursday.  The team-talented photographer Christian Pollock, stylist Krystle E. Hatchett, and her wonderful assistant, and I, are all in the process of developing strong "books".  We tested two models, one lovely female, and one Italian male.  It took me four hours to complete the models.  I felt less pressured about time, even though I know I must improve my time, and will, eventually.  More important to me right now though,  is the ability to execute the concept. 

Now, the stylists were more involved in assisting, and assuring I got the concept, which I was really grateful for.  I don't know if it is normal to have the open dialogue, but it felt necessary to know what the picture was in their head.   I was grateful for the feedback, and communication, I don't know how it could have happened any other way.  Krystle had a strong sense of what she was doing, and what she was going for, and her lovely assistant Kory was a dream.

We had fun, and I learned a great deal.  In case of low lighting, bring readers that are at least 200's.  Practice, practice, practice on as many , and as many looks as possible.  I experienced utter discomfort at times with my learning curve, humbling to say the least.  I need to develop my eye, to know what I am looking for, and how to achieve the end result...only through experience.   I certainly was unabashed to ask for advice.  It's just the way it is right now.  But also I felt self-assured in my abilities to communicate, and work with a team.  Christian was great to work with, easy going, and I like his work a lot, he's got a great eye, and definitely an upbeat manner about him.

I didn't stay for the shoot itself, as it was after 8:00 pm, and I needed to head back to the East Bay.  But the models looked great.  We created a 40's look, i.e. soft wavy hair, on her, with moist, clean makeup on her, and rough, gangster look on him.  I look forward to seeing the shots, and will be sure to post them.  And I want to work with Christian again.