Stepping Out on Faith: Andrea Fairweather Bailey

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on celebrity makeup artist, Andrea Fairweather Bailey of Fairweather Faces.  

Passion: Makeup Artistry

Former Job:  Dancer/Actress

When did you discover your passion for makeup? 

I discovered my passion for makeup after college. However I was always interested in color. As a child,I used to draw and play with crayons. As a teen, I would do my nails and my friends' nails. I still get excited when I see colors in any form: sunsets,flowers,makeup colors,nail polishes,handbags,etc.

What career field were you in before stepping out to start your own business?

I was a performing artist-dancer/actress, before I started to do makeup as a profession. I was working at a makeup counter in a department store prior to starting Fairweather Faces.

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?

The 'breaking point' that moved me to start Fairweather Faces came in the form of frustration. I was tired of having my ideas used and not receiving any compensation or credit. I was also disgusted with the prejudices within the industry. Often times, women of color do not get their fair share of compensation nor accolades within the beauty world. I just had enough and felt it was time to step out on faith and move in the direction God was leading me.

What has been one challenge in stepping out  and running your own business?

One challenge I have faced in running my own business is creating a balance to please others. The challenge to take care of the clients and my artists was constantly on my mind where I just could not allow myself to relax. It was difficult.

What has been the best part? 

The best part of owning Fairweather Faces has been to witness the beautiful transformations of the clients and the growth of the artists. It is a priceless experience when you have made another happy because they look and feel beautiful.

What advice would you give others ready to step out? And specifically those who are interested in becoming a celebrity makeup artist?

The advice I can give to anyone who is ready to step out in their respective field would be to have a strong relationship with God. It is vital to be able to carry out one's purpose in life, have peace and guidance along the way and have a refuge to heal. The best decisions I have ever made came directly through prayer and meditating on God's Word. I have seen the power of it and witnessed my dreams (which I thought at times were impossible) become possible because of my faith in God.

My advice to those who are interested in becoming celebrity makeup artists is you must develop a thick skin. It is never about you. It is always about the client. It is a profession of service.Your talent can make or break their image. Therefore you must stay current and strive to always give your best.  The talent is in your hands.

To check out more info on Andrea and Fairweather Faces, check out her website: www.fairweatherfaces.com

And while you are there, make sure you show support and pick up some of her fabulous Fairweather Faces makeup brushes! I got my set last week and love them!

BROOKLYN JUNE 4th! Dont miss it!

I will be participating in CLB: The Ultimate Trunk Show on June 4 in Brooklyn, NY along with alot of other great designers!! Dont miss it! See info below!

THE ULTIMATE TRUNK SHOW
Saturday June 4, 2011
4:00pm – 9:00pm
 
Dumbo Loft
155 Water Street & 160 Water Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Ultimate Trunk Show has just multiplied by TWO!  With two neighboring venues and twice the amount of unique and unparalleled designers and boutiques, your shopping experience has been taken to the next level.
Catering to you like only CLB can, enjoy barber service provided by Teddy from MTV’s The Shop, hand massages and manicures, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and of course our ULTIMATE GIFT BAGS ~ all compliments of Chris Leeann Boutique.

Happy Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother's Day, I am featuring some of my great readers (who happen to also be wonderful mothers) and their kids!  God bless all the great mothers!!  And a special shout out to my wonderful mother, Helena Hurley! Love you! :)

April & son, Maurice

Brandie & daugher, Kennedi

 

Tish & son, DJ

 Sheneida & daughter, Kaylah

 Sheneida & mom, Mrs. Curry

Tenesia & sons, Ian & Ahmad

Nneka Nicole & daughter, Zoe 

(yup we have the same name :) 

Nikita &daughter

Melissa & daughters

 Sabrina & her mom 

 Tisha & her children, Jamal, Ceiarah and Asia

Me & my momma! :)

Nneka Saran MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST

Nneka Saran MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST! 

Know a great mother? Nominate her to win a $50 Gift Certificate from NnekaSaran.com! TO ENTER: Email (nneka@nnekasaran.com) me why you think the mother you nominated is deserving of the prize! Remember you CAN NOT nominate yourself! :) Contest open until Saturday at midnight!

 

Stepping Out on Faith: Tiffany Freeland

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on Tiffany Freeland, owner and senior pastry designer of Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio based in New York. Some of her noteworthy clients include: Nicki Minaj, Lil Jon, Terrance J, Jesus Luz, and NFL All Pro Dwight Freeney.

Former Job: Fashion Stylist/Accounting
Passion: Baking

When did you discover your passion for baking? 

I've been baking since I was a kid with my grandmother which is who the business is named after, Ilene Miriam Warren. She taught me how to bake from scratch, so Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio has that homemade taste that most franchised bakeries lack. At the same time, customized designs from popular children's characters to leading fashion inspired items, take your sweets to another level. When you get an Ilene Miriam product, you know it's going to taste as good as it looks. 

What career field were you in before stepping out to start your own business?

I have a fashion background. I'm an FIT Graduate (FMM Major) and have worked as a fashion stylist and as an assistant brand manager for luxury brands previously. Surprisingly, my most recent job was in the Accounting field.

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?

One day, I posted a picture of some Chanel inspired cupcakes on Facebook and the response was amazing. That's when I realized that I actually had a good thing going.

What has been one challenge in stepping out and running your own business? 
My biggest challenge was growing the business while still maintaining a full time job and raising my one year old daughter. Juggling many things at once leads to a lot of sleepless nights but my eye is always on the big picture. 

What has been the best part?  

The best part is being able to express my creativity. Its exciting to get requests for unique ideas. I enjoy the challenge and put my personal touch on each order. I.M. allows me to also extend the opportunity to other creative women. The business has grown to the point where I can assemble a team. Jo-Laine Duke Collins, a phenomenal Event Designer and Aja Whitaker, a talented up and coming pastry designer. Great women who are talented, dedicated and driven! 

What advice would you give others ready to step out?

Have faith in yourself, your team and your products/services. Its also important to have a great support system. Keeping positive people in your circle will allow you to deal with the many highs and lows of starting a business. A strong team is crucial in small start up businesses. Each member has a specific piece of the puzzle to cover. Collectively, we perform as a complete finished product. Lastly, it's important to stay drama free. There are times where your limits will be tested but if you stay true to yourself, everything will fall into place.

Check out some of Tiffany's awesome work! 

For more info on Tiffany and her pastry studio, check out her website:

www.ilenemiriam.com

Daily Affirmation

One of my friends forward me Daily Affirmations everyday which are written by a woman named Donna Stallings based in Richmond, VA.  I always forward them out to my friends as well because they are always so great.  I particularly love today's daily affirmation so decided to share it! Stay encouraged and be blessed! :)
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Waiting on God is one of the most difficult things to do; especially when the desired outcome appears to be within your reach!  However, God knows exactly when things are supposed to happen and He won’t let them occur before their time.  You must trust Him to do what He knows is best, and then get in position to receive what He has in store for you. Don’t let your fears hinder the blessings God has for you.  It may be scary stepping out into the unknown when your past experiences make you fearful and anxious.  However, God is with you, and able to see you through it all!  “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.  For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”  Be Blessed!!!   
Hebrews 10:35-37

My Thrift Store Find for $3.98

So the other day while driving past my fav thrift store, I noticed a chair sitting outside.  Now I had no intention on going to the store that day but they sit alot of the furniture on sidewalk ...prob to bring people in ...and the detail on this chair back caught my eye. I instantly envisioned a color to paint it! It was $5 and the whole store was 25% off that day! So I got this beauty for $3.98...cant beat that with a bat! Stay tuned to see how I re-do this one!