I Want to Be: A Make-Up Artist (MUA)

Carla Scott of Divahology

“Being ready is always better than getting ready”-Carla Scott, Professional Make-Up Artist

In continuing with the “I Want to Be” series, which highlights professions that people may dream of doing, we go from barbershops and hotdogs, to getting your faces “beat”! I had a great interview with Carla Scott, who is a professional make-up artist (MUA), and she shared some really great tips. Apply these tips not to become a MUA, but for your life!

Carla Scott, born and raised in Baltimore, is a self-proclaimed, “salon baby”, growing up around cosmetology. While Carla had worked in hair and make-up for years, Carla took a step of faith, and left working in health care, and decided to actively pursue beauty and fashion. In 2011, she moved from Baltimore to Charlotte, and from an acquaintance, she was introduced to photographers, and that started her career. Although she was self-taught, for over 7 years, she wanted to take it to the next level, as well as be able to teach, Carla became certified in advanced make-up artistry, air brushing, and lash extensions in 2014.

Carla points out that getting certified is great as a business, but do not stop working because you may not have the certification. She states that people should “continue to practice skill, technique, and learn as much as you can.”

If make-up artistry is your DREAM occupation, Carla offers these tips for you:

1. Identify what you want to do: Carla stated that some people may want to do make-up for themselves, and their friends, which requires no certification, but if you want to take it to the next level, and advance your skill set, look for certification programs, obtain a cosmetology license or an esthetician license, as some organizations may require you have them.

2. Find a mentor: Carla pointed out that a person who is interested in the business, should identify a person who is actually in the business—they can show you tips/tools of the trade, as well as their story in how they grew in the industry. Carla also states that “it doesn’t have to be someone you know. Social media offers you a chance to follow someone within the industry, learn from them, and you may not actually meet them. “One great point that Carla raised was to purchase any books or other information that the person you are following may offer-“you purchasing the information is not just investing in them, but more so investing in YOU!”

Carla also wanted to relay this as well: “Learning from them should not be mimicking their work, but rather, applying it to your skill set, and make it your own.”

3. THE.WORK.: Carla points out that you should “perfect your craft, even when you may not feel like it.” She illustrates that you should practice on your friends, family—any face that you can work on. Carla blew UP my phone when she dropped this jewel: “BEING READY IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN GETTING READY.” Carla shared with me of a time where because she was ready, opportunities made themselves available. Imagine when those opportunities presented themselves, and she wasn’t ready? She might have missed out.

4. It is important to brand/network: Carla added this point-“Being a MUA is great at this time, because the social media networks are free, and it allows you to market/brand yourself, network, and get clients beyond your local region” Carla also dropped this—“YOU ARE YOUR BUSINESS-be a representation of what you want people to know about yourself-if you are a MUA, show MUA. Promote yourself-post your business info, tips, and network locally in the industry, not just MUA. Do not limit yourself.” (Man, are you guys listening?)

5. Patience and Passion: “Do what you love “, make it your business, to be about your business, “make money and profit” are some things that Carla emphasized. In our conversation, she highlighted something that resonated within my soul:

“Passion and patience go hand in hand; when you are passionate about something, you see it, but it may not come together at the time. Keep with it-you may not have the clients, you may have invested a lot of money, and you haven’t seen it manifest, but trust yourself, have faith, and patience. “

 Carla points to her strong faith that has gotten her through the tough times. “It is very easy to quit-have that passion and patience to get through it.”

As always, thanks for reading.

Carla Scott is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist|Motivator| Beauty Director, and owner of Divahology Glam Artistry. If you want to contact her, you can do so on these avenues:

 Email: divahology@gmail.com   Phone: 443-794-9744 Instagram: divahologygb

Facebook: Carla Scott  Twitter: DivahologyMUA Google+: Carla B. Scott

I Want to Be: A Hot Dog Vendor

Aaron and his hot dog cart, in downtown Baltimore

For the last couple of years, there has been a vendor that I see weekly, without fail, outside of my job.  Characterized by a colorful umbrella, and huge signs, Aaron has posted in the same area for years. Prior to that, his carts were seen on college campuses, and other government buildings.  Most of our conversations have surrounded music, or even different types of ways to top a hot dog (I prefer the “Coney Island” hot dog).  Recently, Aaron took a vacation to London (yes, London!), and before he left, I wanted to pick his brain about what would a person need to do, to become a hot dog vendor. Here’s what he shared:

1. Location, Location, Location!: Aaron stated that to have successful customers, you must have a successful location.

2. Plan EVERYTHING: Aaron says that he wanted to own a hot dog stand since college. While everyone was attending job fairs, he was writing down ideas, pricing information, marketing strategies, and scheduling.

3. Do your research: Figure out what exactly you need for your vending license, what is the sales tax in your state, and requirements for selling food.

4. Be prepared to fail: Aaron wanted everyone to know that “do not think that everything is going to work out. Have back up plans, and also, possess the ability to get knocked down, get up, and keep your focus on your goals.”

As always, thanks for reading.

Garry

P.S. If anyone, after reading this, starts their own hot dog cart business, could I get a hot dog named after me? Names like the “Big Garry”, or the “See.Plan.Do. dog” would work…right?

I Want to Be: A Barber

There are many occupations that people would love to be involved with –bloggers, hairstylists, trainers, coaches, as well as a host of other dream jobs/careers/hobbies.

Here is the thing-the occupation that you may have daydreamed about CAN BE A REALITY! There are people (some you may know), that are in the fields that they have stopped dreamed about, and started making it happen. To bring home this fact, this series, “I Want To Be” will be highlighting people already IN these positions, so that 1- you see that it IS doable, and 2-learn from the tips that they have generously offered. The bottom line is, there are MILLIONS of people living the lives they have envisioned. Why can’t YOU?

Mr. Rauf Smith has been cutting hair since the age of 9. Now, Rauf is now the owner of The International, a barbershop located in the Waverly area of Northeast Baltimore. Have you desired to be a barber, or to just  the art of cutting hair? Rauf has offered the following tips:

1. Be an apprentice/Enroll in a barber school: By being an apprentice (learning under the tutelage of a Master Barber), or by attending classes at a barber school, they will equip you with the knowledge to equip you to be a barber.

2. Know your tools: Knowing how to effectively use guards, clippers, shears, combs, and other equipment, as well the proper way to sanitize your tools, is critical in keeping you and your clients safe.

3. Study & Practice: Although Rauf has been cutting since he was a kid, he says his STILL studies new styles, and different techniques.

If you have ever desired to become a barber, here you go!

As always, thank you for reading.

Garry

Rauf Smith is the owner and of The International, where they believe that “EVERY MAN NEEDS A HOBBY. EVERY GENTLEMAN STAYS WELL GROOMED.” 

Location: 

3122 Greenmount Ave 

Baltimore, MD 21218

443.239.6579

 Hours of Operation

10am to 10pm Monday through Friday

8:30am to 5pm Saturday

10am to 4pm Sunday

Stone Soup: A Letter of Thanks

Months ago, I was online, and saw a great idea that would help out the community. They were called “blessing bags”, and they provided essential items (soap, snacks, toiletries etc.) to our homeless brothers and sisters.  So as I did previously, I put the word out, and again, the response was awesome! We were able to not only meet our expectations of the amount of “blessing bags”, but we exceeded it! We even had other various items to donate.  Again, here I am, simply saying thank you.

When I received the donations from some of you,  I often heard, “I wish I could donate more”. This reminds me of an awesome story, titled “Stone Soup”:

There once was a traveler who came to a small village, tired and weary from his long journey. The traveler did not have anything to eat and hoped that a friendly villager would be able to feed him. He came to the first house and knocked on the door. He asked the woman who answered if she could spare just a small bit of food as he had traveled a long journey and was very hungry. The woman replied, “I’m sorry I have nothing to give you. I can barely feed my own family.”

So the traveler went to another door and asked again. The answer was the same: “I have nothing to give you.” He went from door to door and each time was turned away. Undaunted, the traveler went to the village square, took a small tin cooking pot from his bag, filled it with water, started a fire and dropped a stone in the pot.

As he boiled the water, a passing villager stopped and asked him what he was doing. The traveler replied, “I’m making stone soup. Would you like to join me?” The villager said yes, and he asked if carrots were good in stone soup. “Sure,” said the traveler. The villager went home and returned with carrots from his garden to add to the boiling water.

Soon, another curious villager came by and was invited to join them. She went home and returned with some potatoes. A young boy passed by and soon joined the group, bringing his mother and dinner plates from their home.

In time, a crowd gathered with everyone offering their own favorite ingredient: mushrooms, onions, salt, black pepper, acorn, and squash. Everyone wanted to be part of the creation. Finally, the traveler removed the stone and declared, “The stone soup is ready!” And the whole community joined in a feast where there was none before.

While it may prove difficult for one person to take on a task, when the entire community gets involved, anything is possible. Any donation, whether big or small, is a blessing. I sincerely thank you for your donations, and adding to the pot.

Amazed,

Garry O’Neal

P.S Here is the picture of the completed bags! We donated the female blessing bags to the House of Ruth, and the men blessing bags to the Helping Up Mission, both here in Baltimore, Maryland. You can also check out my Facebook page, CommUnity Action of Baltimore for upcoming community projects!

LEGACY

 

“It is time for me to create a new legacy”

“If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you give for today?”-Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis, the legendary linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, announced his retirement this week. As a native of Baltimore, and a HUGE fan of the Baltimore Ravens, this news is bittersweet- I am always happy when an athlete can make a decision to leave the sport under their own power, but to realize that #52 will NOT be coming out of that tunnel next season was a saddening thought. To the city of Baltimore, Ray Lewis is MORE than just a football player; he is active in our community, and a great motivator, and as you will see in the following clips, not just to his NFL brethren, but to everyone.

Here he speaks to Miami Hurricanes…

Motivating Stanford Men’s Basketball team…

…and him talking with the people of Baltimore, after the unveiling of “Ray Lewis Way”

When I think of legacy, I think about people like Ray Lewis, a great leader who combined his character/integrity with his talent. It is rare to see an individual posses BOTH. Michael Jordan had great TALENT, but he wasn’t the type of teammate that could make everyone greater (Kobe Bryant, who idolizes Jordan, even mimics his attitude towards his teammates). Even in his controversial Hall of Fame speech, Jordan rips some of the people he interacted with throughout his career. Lance Armstrong, who won 7 Tour de France titles before being stripped of them due to doping, repeatedly denied the drug use, created LIVESTRONG, and had people backing him in his efforts despite evidence that investigators built against him(even I had a LIVESTRONG wristband). Now, months later after being stripped of his titles,and publicly denying any use of drugs,  it looks as if he is going to confess.

Legacies are not just reserved for people who are great athletes; everyone can create a legacy (whether positive or negative). My son is my legacy; the things I teach him will be the blueprint for how he looks at the world, which he can bestow onto his children. Legacies aren’t just something that we can wish for; you have to work at the legacy you want to create. Author John C. Maxwell believes that you must create a list that asks the question “What must you change in the way you conduct yourself so that you live that legacy? Your list may include behavioral changes, character development, education, working methods, relationship-building style and so on. Only by changing the way you live will you be able to create the legacy you want to leave.”

I thank Ray Lewis for the 17 years he has spent as a Baltimore Raven.

With these things in mind, what will be YOUR legacy?

As always, thanks for reading,

Garry

P.S.  LEAVE.YOUR.MARK.