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