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

Breakdowns (And how they can lead to BreakTHROUGHS)

 

Recently, my check engine light came on. My wife and I were on our way to the airport to start our vacation when it happened. My car would jerk and hesitate, and even refused to start at times, which needless to say, was very frustrating. It was frustrating, but I still put it off- I went out with my friends, even when I realized that my warranty covered it, I STILL didn’t act with the urgency and respect that my main mode of transportation required. It was only when my car cut off at a red light that I got it repaired. Now, I am fortunate to say that my car is back to its optimum level, as well as my confidence to speed take a casual drive through the city. While my car was the center of a breakdown, I offer you a reflection of breakdowns, and how they can lead to breakTHROUGHS:

• Recognize that there is a problem: In breakdown, SOMETHING is wrong. In vehicles, we have lights, buzzers and indicators. In life, it may not be a light or a buzzer, but there are indicators. If you feel that you are “stuck” or you seem disgruntled at work, in relationships, and other areas, then take that as a sign that there is a problem (i.e. breakdown).

• Identify the problem: When my check engine light came on, I went to get it checked; I stopped by my local auto parts store to diagnose the problem. A computer was hooked up to my car, and my car told the computer what the problem was. We also have that capability! Right now, take a piece a paper, and write down areas that you wish to improve. See- pretty easy!

• Act with Urgency and Respect:  As I wrote earlier, I had problems with my car, but I blew it off, even when I knew it HAD to be done. I paid for my neglect when my car stalled when I needed to meet with a client. When there is a breakdown, make sure you treat it as soon as possible, and with the urgency and respect it deserves. Remember: “When you’re dying of thirst, it’s too late to think about digging a well”-Chinese Proverb

• Seek support: My mechanic Perry has been my trusted mechanic for all of the cars that I have owned. He no longer works in a shop, but he still fixes cars. When I went to him with my problem, he was able to fix it, and send me on my way. When breakdowns happen, it is critical to get support from trusted individuals who have your best interest. It seems that more people air their personal issues on social media, which doesn’t really do anything except people know your affairs (reread that).

• Breaking Through: I felt bad that I neglected something that was important to me. While we have more than one car, my wife, son and I often take trips in my car. How would I have felt if my car broke down while only my wife and son were in the car? What if there was an emergency and my car was in breakdown? My resolution for dealing with the car resonates to other areas as well. From this experience, I learned these valuable points, and I have made a resolution to not procrastinate. When breaking through a situation, it restores your confidence, happiness, and other positive feelings. It is easy to look at a situation and only view the negative, but what about the lesson? “The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small”–Wittier Bynner.

As always, thanks for reading,

 Garry