Why do I want to be part of "Spread the Love" and What do I hope to get out of this Journey?

Matrix's campaign to "Spread the Love" in 2011 is a huge opportunity for anyone to advance their career.  The education and training that will be provided is unimaginable.  The experiences that I will gain from such exposure is something that I have only seen in my dreams!  I am anxious for the new direction my life will take in the fast approaching 2011!  I anticipate the inspiration I will receive while being mentored by numerous industry professionals.  I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.  I try to invision all of the places that "Spread the Love" may take us and I realize that this is unlike anything I have ever done before!  I am serious about developing my technical ability and learning more about haircare.  Furthermore, I am also enthusiastic about enhancing my skills in business and networking.  Throughout this journey I hope to obtain the knowledge necessary in order to reach my future goals and continue as a leader in the beauty industry.  I'm a "Git-r-done" kind of girl and I want to do this!   

If you could have dinner with an industry celebrity or icon, who would it be and why?

There are so many talented and creative professionals to choose from, but my first thought was Anthony Moscolo.
Anthony Mascolo is a hairdresser from London, England. He has won the title "British Hairdresser of the Year" three times, and is currently the International Creative Director for TIGI Haircare. TIGI's website has a page called  TIGI Professionals which provides biographies of their team, there you will find descriptions of Anthony including "Anthony Mascolo is like the Ferrari he drives: fast moving, extremely creative, innovative, cutting-edge and passionate." Other websites such as UKHairdressers.com describe Anthony as "Motivational thinking, creative direction, artistic interpretation, image making, innovational idealism, educationally sharing, inspirationally caring, photographically artistic….sheer genius"
 If I had the opportunity to sit down with him, I would most likely ask him many of the same questions that "Spread the Love" has asked us.  I would want to know in his own words what inspires him and how he is able to then process those ideas or feelings into full collections.  I would appreciate any advice or direction he could possibly give to me, concerning life and the risks he has taken that have brought him to where he is today.   
This past March 2010 was my first time attending America's Beauty Show held in Chicago.  I earned my admission to the show and my stay for the weekend through my beauty school's "Star Student" program.  At the show I was lucky enough to camp out third row center at the main stage. It was there that I was mesmerized by numerous demonstrations and performances by well known haircare companies and industry celebrities.  Anthony Moscolo and his creation of Cirque de TIGI was absolutely mind blowing.  It was not just an average runway show, not like the ones we may be used to, one new or trendy hairstyle after another dramatically walking the stage. No, this was a complete "Las Vegas" style performance, a type of extravaganza!  Music blaring, multiple costumed performers and models executing their choreography simultaneously.
Since then I have contemplated... How does a person in the beauty industry go from graduating beauty school to becoming a person like Anthony Moscolo, on stage at an international beauty show.  It is in my opinion, that he has reached a level of superior talent and recognition, even in the company of his own peers.
Therefore, it would be my pleasure to someday share with Anthony Moscolo the impact that his creation of "Cirque de TIGI" and his Portfolio have made on me as an individual and my professional goals!

What would your best friend say about you?

Why choose just one best friend to help me "Spread the Love;" when I can share with you a whole bunch of my friends that have something to say!

Make your own picture slideshow

November Special

Please join us at Hair Decisions and Oasis Spa during the month of November!
Save $10 when you experience both a "Pumpkin Power Mask Facial" and a "Autumn Pumpkin Pedicure."

"Pumpkin Power Mask Facial" $55
This facial moisturizes the skin, eliminates impurities, increases collagen and stimulates circulation.

"Autumn Pumpkin Pedicure" $45
Your feet are masked with our pumpkin moisturizing treatment and then massaged using "Hempz Pumpkin Spiced Latte" moisturizer

New Clients, ask for Jema and receive $15 your first visit!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

About 1 in 8 women in the United States (between 12 and 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.  About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.  A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.  All statistics were gathered from http://www.breastcancer.org/

Breast Cancer is a condition that unfortunately touches the lives of many people.  If we all do our part to aide in the advancement of research and care, we may be able to continue moving in a positive direction.  During the month of October, Hair Decisions and Oasis Spa is offering Redken ShadesEq Temporary Haircolor Services complimentary in exchange for a donation to the "Susan G. Komen Foundation."  This service includes a detailed analysis of the hair and its color; as well as a customized haircolor formulation and application.  Feel good and look good making your contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness, come visit me today!

Let's Get it Straight!

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy is all the rage.  It reduces up to 95% of frizz and curl by penetrating the cuticle with keratin.  This treatment also blocks the effects of humidity and leaves the hair softer, smoother, and shinier.  Unlike other salon services, the more you treat your hair, the healthier it becomes!  Results typically last 3 to 5 months.

I have completed the training and I am now Certified to perform the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment.  Come visit me and as an Introductory Offer, Hair Decisions and Oasis Spa, is also sending you home with the Keratin Care Shampoo and Conditioner complimentary!  Mention my blog and I will be pleased to give you an additional $15 off!

This is a co-worker of ours used for the in-salon training

Create "Punk" Layers

I recently watched a Rusk Educational DVD titled "Bob and Beyond," and then performed the haircut on my mannequin.  The haircut is demonstrated by Rusk Artistic Director, Sandra Yu.  In this training video Rusk shows how to take the classic bob to the next level.  Learn how to execute the quickest and most effective way to build a geometric bob shape with disconnection.  This haircut will also give you a good opportunity to practice using your alpha and beta blades, or the texturizing shears of your choice.
 
First start in the front using Rusk's "Beyond the Fringe" Technique.  After establishing the bangs and face framing, move to the center back below the occipital.  Maintain length  in this section, but create layers by using the same principle found in a non-parallel increased layered haircut.  Reserve a panel on each side behind ears, this will add to the disconnected appearance.  Now break up the ends using your alpha blades.  Move up to the apex and create a 1sq. inch guide using your beta blades to keep length and break up the end 2 inches.  Connect your apex guide to your occipital guide using radial partings or a beach ball type method around the back of the head. Omit the panels behind the ears.  At this time continue using your beta blades, but think to yourself "Connect those guides using texture and broken lines."  Finish  back in front at the fringe and sides by dropping the perimeter and texturizing the ends.  Blow dry in a way that will enhance volume, and style with product that will define the various lengths.

You now have a new approach to shaping those "Punk" layers!  Try this on your own and submitt your photos to be recognized on this blog!

  

Don't be scared to use black eyeshadow!

Today I would like to provide you with a quick, yet effective, easy eye application using black eyeshadow.

Step 1: Do all of your usual prep work (ex. eye base, concealer, liquid foundation, powder).  In these photos I have applied all other cosmetics except for my eye application.

Step 2:  Using your choice of mascara, apply as many coats as you normally would.  I have used 2 coats for myself in these photos.

Step 3: Using a petite angled eyeshadow brush, apply a small amount of black eyeshadow starting at the outer corner of the upper lid and following along the lash line to the midpoint of the lid.  Repeat procedure at the outer corner of the lower lid.  You may go back over the black eyeshadow using the pad of your finger to smudge the product in order to create more of a blended or "smokey" effect.