"Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not"
At just 4yrs into my career in the beauty industry I have participated in many different aspects that the industry has to offer and have seized as many opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I've trained with multiple brands, worked and attended hair shows, done hair and makeup for photoshoots and film sets, worked backstage for fashion shows, became a REDKEN artist, met some of the biggest names in the biz, and the list goes on. I'm extremely thankful for all the experiences thus far and I would like to note that I've never been above WORKING FOR FREE, as a matter of fact, much of the work I do is FREE!
How do you build a business, support a family, and make money when you're working for free? Balance. Work enough paying jobs to support your free work. Sounds simple, huh!?
Throughout my career journey I've been asked over and over again, how do you do what you do? How do you get opportunities? How do you have the time? Will you let me know if you need help?
I'm ALWAYS willing to help people as I hear of different opportunities, but so often when they realize they are not getting paid they can no longer help. I understand that sometimes without compensation it's hard to financially work it out. There have been many times that I did not have the funds but I had already committed to the task so to preserve my name and reputation I just had to make it work. I understand that sometimes timing doesn't work. What I don't understand is people who consistently bitch about not getting opportunities but pass up every single one that is presented to them. Do you really want the experience or do you just want it handed to you?
Opportunities come from the reputation, rapport, and integrity that you build. This includes following through with assigned tasks, being on time, producing great work, being a team player, and being accountable. Your character will always shine brighter than your work and that's what people will remember.
I work for free on many projects by choice, but WITH A PURPOSE. I know exactly what I want for my career so I'm willing to do what it takes to get the practice, experience, and network with individuals to get my name out there to get paid work! What people fail to realize is, in order to get to where you want to be you have to know where you're going and take one step at a time. Take the opportunity, give it your all, build relationships, be authentic and true to you and the work will come. It may not be right away, but trust the process and I promise the right thing will fall into place for YOUR JOURNEY!
