Working in the world of a fashion, beauty, entertainment, commercial and of course my lovely brides, I’m always asked the most wonderful and interesting questions.  Some are just simple and others are heartfelt, mind-blowing and just plain ol’ funny.  And my distinctive laugh always creeps to the surface.  So here are a few that I wanted to share:

1.  Chenese how old are you for real, you look really young to have done makeup for so long?  OMG,  you wouldn’t believe how many times I’m asked this question, and when I give the answer  people gasp in amazement… I’m 38!

2.  How did you get started?  Actually there were many roads that led to where I am today and of course I had a really bad passion for makeup when I was a teenager and got on many punishments to prove it.   Man did I drive my mother crazy.  So of course as I got older I would always got compliments on how my makeup looked.  But one day some friends of mine asked me to join them in auditioning to be an extra in a music video.  So I did and we all made the cut.  Asked to be on set camera ready, I beat the heck out my face (that’s a makeup artist term meaning I glammed it out like crazy).  Anyway the director kept giving me compliments on it asking if the makeup artist they had on set did it as if he was giving her all the credit of a good job and I looked at him like “what/who” more like dumbfounded if you will.  And said no I did!  He looked liked at me and gave me the “wow” eyebrow raise.  But once I walked past the makeup station I just about passed out…seriously my legs got numb for a quick second.  From there I went back to that same director asking all kinds of questions in between set takes and got an ear full of information each time, and he really didn’t mind.  From there I studied, practiced on just about everyone, friends, family members, my daughter who was only 5 at the time and I even gave ambush makeovers to strangers on the street.  I later trained with over 5 cosmetic companies, had a personal professor in theatre that gave me private sessions and so much more to be educated and here I am today!

3.  When should I book you for my wedding?  ASAP.  Being that I only do 1-2 weddings a day I’ve found over the years that if you wait and price shop leaving a few days, weeks or months to go by that date is¬†later gone.  I get booked months (sometimes a year) in advance for brides so the sooner the better.  Okay, how?  To book me is quite easy.  Select the “Services & Fee” tab and scroll down to “Book Your Date”.  There you can pay your deposit safely online and download the password protected contract.  Once you’ve filled out the contract it can either be mailed, emailed or faxed.  The deposit ensures the booking of your wedding date, leaving your remaining balance due no later than 1 week before the wedding.  A final invoice will also be sent to you as well.

4.  I’m getting married in another state, do you travel?  All the time!

5.  Do you have a minimum?  Yes.  My minimum number of people to service is 3 (which includes the bride), but I have made a few exceptions depending on the brides situation.

6.  Is it required that I do a trial run (consultation)?  It’s always good to schedule one but not required.  Not all of my past brides schedule consultations, which is really a huge compliment for me because they trust my skill, education and talent so much that they don’t need one, even though its a plus that you do.  I’m always open to meet who I’ll be beautifying on their wedding day, so even if one isn’t scheduled a brief face-to-face meeting is just as good.

7.  What are your rates?  My bridal brochure is very detailed in giving rates for the bride, bridal party, etc.

8.  How long will my makeup last?  The products and techniques I use have true longevity, and have been tested to meet those requirements.  The only thing that will need touched-up is lipstick or gloss, in addition to having pressed powder and/or blotting tissues on hand to take the shine off of the sides of your nose, middle of the forehead and chin.

9.  Do you sometimes skip using airbrush?  Of course.  Airbrushing is my #1 preference but if a client would rather I not use it, then having makeup applied traditionally is not a problem.

10.  Will I have to come to you?  No.  My services include that I come to your place of preparation.  But I do charge a lesser amount than my “Blushing Bride” package for a bride that can’t spend as much money and can come to me.

11.  I heard you sometimes give discounts.  How can I get one?  Please contact us via email for current specials and promotions.

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If you have any further questions, I’d love to answer them, so feel free to reach me by phone or email any time.