The 3 Causes & 3 Cures for Bloggers/Vloggers SLUMP!

Hey Blossoms,

I'm a blogger and vlogger and I know exactly what it feels like to be in a slump and over time I have been able to pinpoint EXACTLY why! The 3 REASONS why many are in a never ending slump and I'm going to help you BLAST them away so that YOU can get back to being a more creative you!

"Busy, Busy, Joy, Joy...umm excuse me that's not how the song goes!"

CAUSE: LIFE

Life gets busy we all know that. Sometimes we get so busy we forget the things that we used to do that brought us happiness, joy, peace and tranquility. I know time doesn't stand still for anyone BUT that doesn't mean we have to be active every second of the day. What's a better feeling than accomplishing a goal and being productive? Being happy and joyful AND accomplishing a goal and being productive!

CURE: Stop and smell the roses.

I love blogging and vlogging and sometimes I too can feel I'm not doing enough when I know I am.

Can't a girl do it all I ask? ALL the time? The logical answer is NO!

"I work HARD! Oh really? That's nice because I work HARD & WELL!"

CAUSE: Working Hard

Just how it's important to work hard it's important to work WELL. Do what works best for you! Yes I know everyone around you seems to be moving faster (Google "best blogs" and you'll get 944 million examples of what everyone else is doing!) but don't let their speed dictate your wellness. Move at the sound of your own drum. Whether the beat is fast, slow or intermediate!

CURE: Working Well

"Be YOU. Simple but true."

CAUSE: Losing your grip on your individuality.

 It's so much easier to do that nowadays. If you are in need of motivation find it within yourself. Think of the time when you were at your absolute best. Draw from there and use those internal memories to manifest into present actions.

CURE: Love you and Love what you do and it will love you back!


THIS I am sure.


That is ALL!

Are you in a bloggers or vloggers slump? What has worked for you?

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

PRO MAKEUP ARTIST EXPLOSION: THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO

NATURAL HAIR UPDATE: 3 MONTHS NATURAL!!! SEE THE GROWTH!!

Hey Blossoms,

Time flies! It seems like just yesterday I big chopped all my permed ends off! I big chooped 3/23/11, just 3 days after I officially declared myself "ALL NATURAL". I was disappointed to find that I still had permed ends and so thus the reason I have 2 dates that are dear to me.

Amazing things have been going on in my hair follicles. My hair has been growing ABOVE average and it's more coily, stronger, shinier and softer than EVER before.

Just before 2 months natural I decided to try Senagalese Twists as a protective style. I was referred to a salon in NYC by Jenell of KinkyCurlyCoilyMe. I kept this style in for 5 weeks and the result was growth and length retention!

Below are a series of photos showing my hair the day of my BC and 3 months later! The growth has been rapid & extreme!

WOW! I'm super excited about it all! Especially the nape of my neck and my edges.

During the past 3 months I have tried my hand with a few protective styles: Synthetic Afro puffs, Afro half wig, Senegalese Twist & Marley hair buns. I believe all has helped in my growth retention. I let my hair "breathe" often. Besides the Senegalese twist which I had in for 5 weeks the other styles lasted no more than 3 days.

I am very excited and proud of my hair. It's thicker, stronger, healthier, shinier, softer and LONGER!!

Huge thanks to this product:

IT works! IT's inexpensive! And it's easy to find and ships quickly! A true review will be done. But as Grandma always said "The proof is in the pudding!"


Thanks for following me in this journey thus far. Stay tuned for updates as well as my "secrets" to hair growth and hair health!

Have you used Jamaican Black Castor Oil? How are your natural hair journeys going?

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO: BLOGGERS EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW!

THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO TWITTER GIVEAWAY!!

Hey Blossoms,

I am in CHICAGO!!!!

Today is Day 2 of the Makeup Show! I'm super excited and I have a treat for all of you!

A TWITTER CONTEST!!!

SanTara of Www.thegorgeousingredient.com  will be TWEETING LIVE from the Makeup Show CHICAGO!!

Here's how you can WIN some great products!!!

All have been featured as some of James Vincent, Creative Director of the Makeup Show picks for the Blogger's Preview Makeup Bag!

OCC, Ruby Kisses, Parian Spirit, Senna, Dinair, MUFE, EyeKandy, Crown Brush, LitCosmetics, Embryolisse, The Powder Group and so much more!!

YOU COULD WIN!!!

Here's how!

FOLLOW SanTara on Twitter @thegorgeousblog and RETWEET, RETWEET, RETWEET her MAKEUP SHOW HIGHLIGHTS!! 

Be sure to include this hashtag #SBB in the retweet so that I may keep tally...if you do not include this hashtag I will not be able to count your retweet! 

The person with the MOST retweets will WIN THEIR PICK of **ONE** awesome product!!!

There will be a winner for DAY 1 of the Makeup Show and a winner for Day 2!

So RETWEET! RETWEET! RETWEET!



You'll be learning at the same time!

GOOD LUCK!

Until Next Time,

Sherry Blossom

PROFIT SERIES: How To Make $1000 A Month As A Freelance Makeup Artist

Hey Blossoms,

So by now I hope you've read my blog post "How To Make Money As A Freelance MUA" in that post I discuss and break down 10 steps you can take to make money.


 In this post I'm kicking it up a notch, delving into my secret "how I make money" box and sharing ultra specific ways to not only make money but make $1000 a month. If your a full time makeup artist you have the potential to make much more. If your a part time makeup artist like myself this would be an awesome supplement to your salary from your full time career.


 I will break down what to do in a series of blog posts  so bookmark this post, click on "Follow This Blog" because there is more to come and YOU DO NOT want to miss out!

CRAIGSLIST: 

Craig is a cool dude. I've never met him but I've met his best friend: EARNING POTENTIAL!

If you have never heard of Craigslist.org please become very familiar with this website. Besides being a cesspool of raunchy and downright sinful personal ads this place DOES have much to offer.

Once you steer clear of the personal section and tear yourself away from the barter and the free sections (trust me they can be addictive. The gems you can find!) make your way over to the GIGS section.

The gigs section is amazing. You can literally find ads offering any and every type of job you can think of. From corporate offices to a college kid looking to pay someone to write their paper(I've considered but that's CHEATING!) . It's all there and for the taking!

Where the fun comes in!

You can make your search very specific including a state and city and even a neighborhood! Then you can add search words to really narrow the choices down and increase the likely hood you'll see an ad for a gig your interested in.

Type in: Makeup, MUA & Makeup Artist

 This will give you all the jobs with those key words in the title AND the text of the ad. The more specific you are in your search words the narrower your choices will be so it's imperative you search using all these keywords (NOT AT THE SAME TIME!). Be sure to search through all these variations since Craig (he's still a cool dude!) has it where it will not automatically know your still referring to makeup and may not pull those ads right up!

Money doesn't worry about grammar , People do!

Its TRUE. Money only cares about commas and I'm helping you to get at least one comma a month ($1,000). Don't worry about titles (or slight spelling errors) remember Craigslist is definitely for the person on the go! Very few ads are lengthy and very professional. Most get straight to the point especially about a makeup gig. And just like the ad that's how you want your money: STRAIGHT TO THE POINT (or bank).

Be warned!

Many of the gigs are last minute (thus the spelling errors) posted in the wee hours of the morning by a person frantic because their MUA cancelled and they MUST find a replacement by sunrise!!! Thus, calling for a MUA to contact a number or to email with rates and portfolio link or a simple email stating "hey, my name is (your name here) and I'll take the job. contact me ASAP at  ### ### ####" from you is sufficient enough.

Don't judge a book by it's cover or in this case it's generic title

Again creativity is lacking on Craigslist so to be sure you don't miss the gig or opportunity of your dreams read through EACH and EVERY ad available that pops up.


Money has no expiration date but being broke does!

Don't be afraid to go back through old ads and contact the poster and ask if the job is still available the worse they can write back and say is "no!" (actually the worse is they NEVER write back leaving you in limbo wondering.. LOL...ok I'm joking..kind of)

Be open minded or the only thing that will be opened are continuous "Final Notice" bills!

Some of my best photo shoots, most amazing clients and lasting connections were from people I've met from gigs I got from Craig (There he goes being awesome again!) be sure to keep in mind that many ads are created by third parties and the idea, concept of the shoot and other details may be lost upon the person putting up the ad (I know it's foolish but it happens) so decide if your interested when you actually TALK with the person behind the actual gig or at least a competent assistant.

HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT I MEAN (This IS an ACTUAL AD!!)

After clicking on the state and city I wanted. I went to the gigs section and typed in: makeup artist. A long list of ads came up. This ad was posted in the evening and is an older ad on the list. The ad reads (I have removed specific names and websites):

In need of a model and MUA for a resort and swimwear line shoot (The location of the gig is placed here)

Jane Doe (#######. com) will be shooting line sheets on the evening of June 7 in a studio in ####### and is in need of a model and a makeup artist that can also do light hair styling. The budget is not large, but it does pay. Please respond to this post with your portfolio for consideration and to discuss $ amount. Additionally, to view the photographers work please visit #######. com. 

It confirms every single point I've made above. If you want to make the money you'll learn how to navigate these ads and respond accordingly!

If you think with an open mind perhaps you noticed that this gig could ALSO be an opportunity to get a TEAR SHEET!! The poster is shooting FOR A RESORT and a SWIMWEAR LINE, both could yield brochures, ads and other published work!! Or did you notice that perhaps there is an opportunity to network for FUTURE GIGS with the RESORT or the DESIGNER for the SWIMWEAR!    THINK SMART!

FUN FACTS:

•  My first job in Corporate America I found on Craigslist. 
• My current residence I found on craigslist. 
• I once got someone an entire living room set FREE(you guessed it!) ON CRAIGSLIST!!! 
• Do you get my point???

DISCLAIMER: No where on the world wide web will you find ANY GUARANTEES and my blog is no different. I'm  giving the tools, ideas and even steps I'VE TAKEN  TO make money. However, the money won't fall into your lap without being PROACTIVE!. So don't whine "Sherry Blossom, I didn't find not one job!" Because I will say "Well you didn't look HARD nor WELL enough!"


Now enough talking! Go out there and start making money!!

Don't worry there is more to this series and collectively you'll be well on your way to making $1,000 a month as a Freelance MUA.

What's your experience with Craig and his list?..Lol.. Let me know!

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms

THE MAKEUP SHOW: You won't BELIEVE THIS!!!

The Makeup Show NY Day 2: HEAR FROM INDUSTRY POWERHOUSES!

WHY I WRITE: 5 TRUTHS MOST PEOPLE CAN'T HANDLE...

Hey Blossoms,

I first stumbled upon this question "Why I Write" on a fellow bloggers page as a tag blog post. Although I wasn't tagged I asked if it was okay if I tagged myself she replied sure and to be sure to tag other people.

Around this same time I received a blog award from a fellow blogger for having a blog with great writing content. This award was geared to bloggers with under 500 blog followers. I was taken away with her kindness and promised to "Pay it Forward" to other deserving bloggers as someone had done unto her. I'll share more about that award in a later post.


Well life is forever changing and during the brainstorming phase, I decided to deviate away from the tag and write freely on the "Why I Write" topic. After some recent events I see answering this is more imperative than ever before. BUT I am prepared because I have 5 truths most people won't be able to handle...

Why I Write?

Let's begin shall we....

"I'm NOT selfish! YOU ARE!"

I blog because I'm unselfish. So many thoughts, ideas and opinions run wildly through my mind daily and much of it was shared with me and benefited me greatly so I have this desire to share the wealth.

I know when many people are helped they initially want to keep everything to themselves. They fear sharing because they don't want anyone else to benefit from the wealth of knowledge that they received. Not me! I am unique and we all process information differently so I'll share the wealth but that doesn't mean I won't kick up dust while I'm maximizing on it you just may have to dust yourself off.

My belief is "do unto others as you want them to do unto you. Some people just didn't get the memo!"

 I can't tell you how many times I've received valuable information from someone generous enough to share. There is this motto going around: "pay if forward!" , to me this means to give the gift that keeps on giving...basically to share with others what has been shared with you. This is something I try to accomplish within each and every blog post. If what I write helps one person I am beyond ecstatic!

To explain, a commenter wrote to me stating that they had recently quit their job to work full time as a MUA almost 3 months ago and have yet to see actual profits. This person wrote that they have been afraid that they didn't make the right choice by pursuing their dream. They had stumbled across my blog and after reading my blog post will NOT give up and will keep trying harder to make it!

After reading that I was taken aback! THIS is WHY I blog! I felt validation, excitement, sadness and joy all at the same time. I was sad that this person was so close to possibly giving up on their dream. Validation that writing of my own experiences truly can help and inspire others. Excitement and joy that I was able to "pay it forward!" My blog followers and YouTube subscribers definitely give life to my passion and I thank THEE!!!

"You really want to compete with ME?! That's funny. Your really NO competition AT ALL!"

Whether we know it or not or whether we may want to admit to it or not everyone competes with someone or something. I write and deep down inside I'm competing with every magazine that hits your door step and every blog you follow. I want to tell a story that relates to you like no other. I will want to  go down in blogger history! 


Now don't get me wrong, every blog has something to offer and I don't directly compete with any particular magazine or blog. What I do is make sure I have great content, make sure I'm consistent and regardless of how much popularity I receive I make sure to remain grounded. To never forget "where I came from". I'm simply, a girl who had a story to tell and was partaking in a journey she never imagined she'd be on as a freelance MUA and beauty blogger in NY!

Not all competition is bad competition. I like to think of competition as healthy challenges and I approach each with the same ferociousness as the last. I want to constantly improve. It's MY MANIFEST DESTINY! If I pass someone along the way I'm fine with that as long as I didn't step on them in the process. If I've earned it fair and square it's cause for celebration. My all time biggest competition is MYSELF! No one I repeat NO ONE is more competition than your very own self! I am my own worse critic cliche but true so each blog post has to be better than the last. Each word and sentence is calculated to tell a story in the exact way I've felt and/or experienced it, no holds barred. So each post I write, each time it's viewed, each time it's commented on, each time it's shared throughout the  bloggersphere, Internet, forums, chats, groups, Facebook, Twitter and other social medias I am proud because I've beat the "competition": ME and I've earned it!

"You can't buy genuineness but I'll cash your practice checks!"

Simply put I DO NOT blog for money! No one can pay me enough for my wealth of knowledge hidden through out the tabernacles of my human brain. Truly priceless and it will forever remain that way! My knowledge that is. However, if I receive compensation for my blogs success that's no different than a doctor receiving a salary for his/her success in diagnosing/treating their patients or the presidents salary for leading/protecting our nation. We all know that what they do is worth far more than they make! That is the meaning of priceless!

"Repetition is the best teacher. So copy me, just NOT verbatim!"

I write to be an example to others thinking of taking this journey that it CAN be done. I believe it is safe to say that I single handedly helped to inspire a handful of bloggers, new and old alike to remain on, do more of, or start to blog. It's refreshing. It's popular. It's therapeutic. Oh heck, it's a fad. A fad that is temporary to most but permanent for me! It just so happens my lifetime passion of writing is now a fad known as blogging. And my lifetime passion of talking (seriously I LOVE to talk!) is now a fad known as vlogging. I don't need to be coaxed or pushed to write, ideas flow out of me like digested food: always swiftly and not without causing a stink! In this context, stink is a GOOD thing! I practice what I preach on my blog and can find happiness in the fact that people want to see more of me <----> my blog 

ME<--->MY BLOG

I AM MY BLOG

MY BLOG IS ME

If they can't be interchangeable something is NOT right...

Yes I'm ready for the comments. I want to know if you can relate to these 5 truths or have you ever wanted to scream them or something similar out as loud as you could ,so no one ever underestimated your intention again? These have been hovering in the depths of my mind for some time. I am no longer unsure of whether I should share. This is what makes Sherry Blossom...Sherry Blossom. 

I hope you understand better why I write. It's not as cookie cutter as many assumed. It's so much deeper than that. Now tell me why do you write?

Until Next Time,

Later Blossoms!

The Makeup Show NY Day 1: AMAZING CAMEOS & HIGHLIGHTS