Single mom, school, work, photoshoots, and how?

This morning as I spoke with Nelly, a very kind lady. She was attempting to sell a natural weight loss product with great enthusiasm. Because it worked for her, she guarantees 100 percent it will work for me. Now Nelly, I have no doubt it does work for I, myself have seen the end results of all your clients. Hmmm…it made think advertising how much they attempt selling things to you because THEY KNOW IT WORKS, YOU”LL BE SATISFIED I GUARANTEE. And how is it that they sell with such great enthusiasm? Well, because for themselves they tried it, loved the end results, and it worked! BAMM there you go.

I work with people most of the day. Now I have to admit on a daily basis I am asked or they question this…Single mom, school, work, photo shoots, work!!!! How in the world do you do all this? Not only my clients but  family, friends, as well as ordinary people tend to ask me this.

"A & J Glam Squad"

9:30 am this morning, I sat patiently waiting. A couple minutes later and there she appeared- short edgy hair, perfected make-up, elegantly dressed in black, and the cutest cowgirl boots-which I want! JESSICA. I knew she would not let me down.

Beach Ball.

My world  of color is much more than mixing developer and dye together and throwing it all over the hair. Rather, my world consists of mixing shades while adding my secret touch which enhances each shade. The art of it all, is the tension which you give your brush-while applying the dye, the consistency of the hair dye, and the foil placement-you have to use your imagination.

If you were to ask someone what color your hair was, most likely they would reply...brown, it kinda looks red, or even it kinda looks green, or simply it is just blond, or it is black. However, when someone asks me I see a chocolate brown with red violent tones along with all of its many other underlying pigments. In this style I love the Orchid Red which was used.

The beauty of this style is that no matter which way you part it the appearance is always different.


Here is my finished product-beach ball :)

82 days of Inspiration and Childhood Memories.

"We played with Barbies when we were little girls because we thought they were the coolest toy ever created—we still think they are. Our wardrobes consisted of side pony-tails with big bows and flowery, spandex shorts that our moms would pick out for us. Oh...and I can't forget those dresses in all their ruffles galore. Looking back at pictures I realize our mom's needed some serious fashion advice. I remember playing countless hours of candy land because it was the only board game I owned as a kid. As little girls, Alejandra and I were inseparable. We're cousins. She was my partner when I liked to watch back-to-back episodes of Arthur, my movie buddy when all we had to watch was Angels in the Outfield and Lion King, and together we endured the ultra salted potatoes my older sister would make us when she would babysit. Fast forward nine years later and here we are sitting in a Pollo Loco booth after years of going off our separate ways. We no longer let our moms pick out our clothes, our Barbies are safely stored in our garages because we refuse to sell them, my sister no longer makes salty potatoes and our ruffle dresses...well, let's just say we traded them in for ones that don't make us look like birthday cakes. Over every bite of chicken goodness we indulged in the memories of our childhood. She openly shared of her pregnancy at young age, the abusive relationship she was in with her child's father, her search for love, and her longing to reestablish her relationship with her Heavenly Father. Not too long ago I received a message from her on facebook (Oh...the powers of facebook) where she described her thirst, her longing, and desperation to makes things right with the God she had forgotten about. Little did she know, however, that on a Thursday night young adult's bible study I convinced her to go to with me, her search for love and forgiveness would end. She would again find herself at the feet of the One who had been waiting for her for so long. A prodigal daughter had come home. And there, sitting in an empty Pollo Loco, after the study, bawling out our eyes over rice and guacamole sauce I wanted to get up on the table and bust out some dance moves. I was happy I didn't though because one of the employees was already looking at us weird. Alejandra, thank you SO much for showing me that brokenness is the perfect way for God to show me that He is able and I am not. Thank you for showing me that weakness is acceptable and that being a control freak is never good. Thank you for our Monday devotionals where we gush on the Word with the occasional cute boy talk. Haha Oh...and THANK YOU for being my very own personal, fabulous hair stylist hahaha I love you!" -Fernanda.

Yesterday, during my lunch break at work, ofcourse my phone magically took me to FB. I came across that particular note which brought tears but of joy.
This Summer, I was honored to work with amazing people. One of them was Fernanda who we all know will become one of the most inspirational writers. I have to admit I was pretty thrilled when she asked me to do her hair and make-up for her shoot for the simple fact in 9 years we had not hung out:) Brilliant and determined young lady she is.With her lovely voice she used to sing with a band named Enkairos and continues today locally. This fall she will be receiving her B.A. in English and this Summer she had the opportunity to do some mission work in Mexico. She also teaches Sunday School at her local church. And next month she bearly turns 20!!!! Great multitasker she is which makes me see how with God all things are possible.

Summer of 2010 I will never forget.Not only did I take my skills to the next level but I learned so much as a person. Now stay tuned for my 50's Bride, which I am thrilled about! I have been feeding my brain with every magazine, webpage, book, and even films ;)


My message to Fernanda: You know those overly salty papas were the best, The Angels are still loved! And I can never say thank you enough! I love you too!

ps. after the next devotional I am bringing the barbies over hehehe

And here are a few make-up shots of we did.... Pictures Provided by ArlethGPhotography

Hair Dilema Days

Hair dilema! Today definitely was one of those days so called Hair Dilema Days. I tend to change my hair alot, and this morning I woke up just ready for that slight change. As individuals, sometimes even the most minimal hair change is much needed. It is part of our personality and many times we get bored of things staying the same. When behind then chair, I can see clearly on my clients faces. The slightest trim, or even the addition of a fringe makes them smile from ear to ear. I can always tell the difference from when a client walks in to the shop to when they walk out. They might be having the worst day perhaps and getting their hair done is like a relief and somewhat makes them feel better. I love it! I am happy to say that my hair dilema of today was resolved :) And here are the rest of the Bridal Shoot pictures....

Buzzzy Bee.

"I had two make-up consultations and in both they made me look like an Oompa Loompa." Those were the exact words of Lola when we meet up for her bridal make-up up trial. This Sunday, it was a privilege to make her feel gorgeous on her big day!

Indeed, this month was been quite an adventure! Perhaps because on a daily basis I have been in every city you could possibly think of. From site to site like a headless chicken- except with site of direction. Tonight, I am trying to decide which was the best part of today, whether it was meeting up with my cousin at Starbucks for coffee and devotional, running around MoVal on a ribon hunt for a bouquet, working as a team with the most beautiful people, my cousin walking in on some random guy peeing, or meeting T-bone the Christian Rapper lol. I say all! What an awesome Monday this has been! Actually this whole month :)

And finally, here it is a preview of my modern bride hair and makeup! The rest will be posted later this week! Arleth great shots as usual!!!!

Photoshoot Excitement

I am neurotic when it comes to hair. I was at the grocery store yesterday and I saw a girl with uneven orange tone highlights and it literally made me shriek! I just wanted to sit her down and hook her up with some free highlights. I notice every flaw, every detail and it can drive me crazy sometimes!

I can't help it- hair and makeup are in my veins. These last couple of nights have been sleepless brainstorming on different ideas for an upcoming photoshoot. Can't wait to post the pictures up because once again my ideas will turn into reality before my very eyes...wahhaahhaahaahaa! Stay tuned!

Ally

Here is a recent makeup shot...enjoy!