Greetings Beauties!

I am thrilled to share my first experience at New York Fashion Week with you all. I had the opportunity to join the April Love Pro Makeup Academy with the fashion platform Art Hearts Fashion February 9-11, 2018. Two weeks prior to the event, I was notified that I would be apart of the team. Nervousness and anxiety quickly came over me. Am I good enough? Will the other artist like me? Then I remembered that I wouldn’t have been referred or selected if I wasn’t talented. So I paid my airfare, rented an Airbnb, packed my bags and I was on my way to The Big Apple without looking back.

Fortunately for me, I was able to catch up with old college friends before my first day of work. I had a great time chatting and dancing the night away.  The next morning, I woke up with a knot in my stomach. I couldn’t believe it… I’m working NYFW… In REAL Life! I walked into the Angel Orensanz Center with an open mind. I unpacked my kit and started to set up… Before I knew it, the models were walking in. It was literally like a reality show or something; Total Makeup Boot Camp… Do You Have What It Takes? lol Our Lead Makeup Artists April & Jen checked our progress and made sure we were getting each look done quickly and flawlessly! Every once in a while, April would ask artist to assist backstage for makeup touchups. She requested that I help during the Project Cancerland Show Featuring Ana Ono Intimates. I was so inspired by the women and stories that were presented. All of the models were cancer survivors and were proud to show off their battle scars. In that moment I realized that I was exactly where I was meant to be. I’m a Makeup Artist from Chicago, accomplishing my goals, and inspiring others to do the same. I still feel my heart flutter when a client or model looks into the mirror for the first time and love what she sees! NYFW owes me NOTHING! I look forward to working again in September… Its going to be awesome.

J.E’lise

XO