The Miss America pageant was this weekend in Las Vegas. This is a great article via CNN about the 2nd youngest winner in the pageants run. 17 year old Teresa Scanlan of Nebraska. Follow all the updates and news at http://www.missamerica.org/ .
On the surface Miss America is about gorgeous dresses, hair and makeup. But it is the encouraging of young women, and women alike, to take care of themselves as well. In all areas of their lives. Finalists are chosen not only because of how they are put together, but of aspirations, community service and platforms. Bettering themselves and the world they live in.
I am all for strong, confident, self-driven women that don’t take no for an answer. Making a name for themselves. That is why I love what I do. Makeup can give that extra boost of encouragement, even ever so slight. Playing up the already natural features and confidences of a woman. It’s something so simple, that can be something so great.
I love hearing how everyone gets started in the makeup industry. Learning their stories. For me, I was always doing makeup. My own. Never really focused on using the skills I acquired, through trial and error, on anyone else. I made my fair share of makeup mistakes when I started wearing it. I think everyone has. Trends are great, but they don’t work for everyone. I learned that quick.
I worked for Stila cosmetics, and then MAC cosmetics. Great experiences. I learned a lot about color, theories, and application techniques. Although both companies had a different foundation which they built their brand, having the diversity helped me realize what worked best for me and my work. Continuing to learn and create new looks is part of evolving in the industry.
I am grateful for all the skills I have acquired and all the experiences I have been a part of.