"Vision without action is merely a dream"

Hello All!

Long time no write!

Yes, that is my fault, but I hope you all have been well. I wanted to give you guys an update on what I've been up to lately.

First, I have been really focused on becoming a healthier me. I have really put a strong focus on my eating habits. Also, I have been attending a Spin class and Body Pump class about 3-4x a wk. So far, I have noticed MAJOR changes in my body, for the better!

Now on to makeup!!!! I have FINALLY decided on what kind of Makeup Artist I want to become. This has really been a task for me. My fear was that I would be confined to a box, a one trick pony; you get the idea.

One day last week while waiting in the grocery line, I looked at the magazine racks and thought, "wow, it would be really cool for my work to one day be on the cover of one of those!". Then, I noticed, none of those cover girls had extreme makeup on. They all had clean, natural makeup that enhanced their God given beauty. Thats when it hit me! I want to be an enhancer of beauty; I want my work to be relevant in 10 years;  I WANT THE COVER OF VOUGE (if Kim K can, so can I)!!!!

I will not be a "beat face artist", there I have said it. No offense to those of you ladies who take pride in this statement, its just not my lane.

As an African American MUA, it is often assumed that I only handle other "black folk". I want to be known for making EVERYONE beautiful. To be frank, I want to be rich. I want magazines/TV shows to seek me out because I am able to handle any client that sits in my seat.

My dream is not be be famous, but to be known. I am currently working towards getting out of my own way and getting out of my comfort zone. I have a vision that is in need of some action, so here goes nothin'!

Until next time...

**Smooches

Interview: Marisa Ross, MUA

Hello all!

I am SO excited about my very first Makeup Artist interview. Many of you may already know her, seeing as her following on Instagram alone is over 16k! This Atlanta based artist is an amazing talent. She has been linked with the likes of Traci Steele, DJ and now reality star, WNBA star Skylar Diggins and Angie Stone and many others! She was gracious enough to take time out and do this interview for us. So, it's my pleasure to introduce Marisa Ross, MUA! Enjoy!

1. As makeup artist, we have a love for makeup that no other could understand. When did your love for makeup start? 

I always liked makeup from when I was a kid even though I was a bit of a tomboy. I would wear my older brother's clothes but smuggle my mom's Sky blue eyeshadow to school in my backpack and put it on in the bathroom. 

2. Congratulations on your eyelash line, RisaLashes! For those of us who may be interested in starting our own line of makeup or lashes, what are some of the obstacles we need to look out for?

Thank you! Me and my business partner Janna worked so hard on the line and it's going better than we ever hoped it could. The amount of positive feedback we're getting is amazing. Definitely be prepared to have a lot of late nights and early mornings. And Murphy's Law is so true: when something can go wrong it usually will so always have a plan B.

3. As Makeup Artist, we are our own business, how important is professionalism when going to a makeup job? 

Extremely. If you're not professional no one will want to work with you and word travels fast in this industry. The two biggest things are always be on time and have a positive attitude.

4. As makeup artist our client base is the thing that keeps our business alive. How can a beginning artist build their clientele?

That is THE hardest part of being a makeup artist. Creating and retaining clientele. Number one thing to new artists is do not charge cheap rates just to attract people. Ask working artists in your area what their rates are and charge the average price. Never below. Are those looking for a discount artist even the type of clients you want? No. You want someone who will value your work not just is looking for a deal. 

5. Makeup Artist are our business’, how important is professionalism when going to a makeup job? 

Extremely. If you're not professional no one will want to work with you and word travels fast in this industry. The two biggest things are always be on time and have a positive attitude.

6. What is one makeup product you just absolutely can not live without? 

Mascara and concealer. I know you said one but I need both lol

7. Don't worry, I know how you feel! Any particular brands you are fond of?

I like Chanel Le Volume mascara and MAC Prolongwear concealer. 

THANK YOU so much for taking the time to interview with me. You have been such a sweet person to work with, I can't wait to come to NYC and take one or your makeup classes!

Hope you enjoyed this interview! Please follow @itsMarisaross on IG for bookings or to sign up for her makeup classes in NYC in March 2014. Her skills are SICK! 

Until next time....

**Smooches**

"Better late than never, but never late is better"

Hello All,

IMMMM BBAACCCKKK!!!

First off, I have to apologize for such a long break. I have neglected my readers and left you wondering WTH!?! I have to admit, I suddenly became jaded with my blog. Mostly due to my lack of confidence in my ability to maintain your attention. In these last couple of months I have been able to really look into myself to see what my insecurities are, and face them head on. In my hiatus, I have found a new sense of what I have to offer the beauty world and you, my reader.

This post is simply a return to work notification. I will be posting at least one blog EVERY week. I need  for you to hold me accountable; email, Instagram, Facebook, HOWEVER you need to reach me, reach me.

Like everything else in my life, I had to find out that this blog will not become successful with half of my attention. Idea's will not just come come to me, I have to search for them. Here are a couple things I have thought up so far:

1. Well Known MUA interviews
2. Product reviews
3. Face for the occasion
4. My favorite faces of the week
5. Q & A from my readers

And much, much more. I have to thank you for coming and reading my little ol' blog, one day you will get to say "I was there when she first come back" lol.

Here's to US!!

**Smooches**

IG: mandapanda_23
Facebook: Manda B.
Email: abrooks106@gmail.com