Tuesday, February 22, 2011

PIGEONS and PEACOCKS

I get a lot of questions as to why there are peacock feathers on my website (www.annastinamakeupartist.com) and on my business cards.  When I decided to finally indulge on this crazy passion of mine as a makeup artist, I wanted it to be special.  I knew there were going to be times and times still ahead where I would question myself on why am I doing this and am I good enough.  There are some days I want to throw in the towel and put my head under my pillow and never come up.  Knowing myself, I knew that I would have days like these…and that is where the peacock feather comes in.

A couple years ago, I was going through some tough issues, and through that I found an amazing counselor.  I love her so much because even though she is nothing like me, she gets me.  I can’t fool her and she calls me out if I am wrong.  I love that!!!  About a year ago, I was getting out of a business venture and was feeling like a total failure.  One day in her office, she said something to me that at the time I did not know, but would be the foundation of my makeup career.  She asked me if I heard the analogy about Peacocks and Pigeons.

She said that there are usually two types of people in this world, there are the Peacocks and the Pigeons.  Pigeons are those who are very happy in their lives, they go to work, come home to friends and family, and then repeat the same thing the next day.  They are very content, stable and happy.  We need Pigeons to keep the world moving.  She said most people are Pigeons and are very happy being Pigeons.

Then there are the Peacocks.  Peacocks are those who push themselves and want to make a difference in people’s lives.  They are the ones that if they have a dream or a passion, they go for it, even if they fail.  Peacocks are constantly defining who they are and what they want to be.  They are usually never content because once they reach one dream, then another one becomes the object.  They tend to be stubborn because their dreams are so vivid and real. A Peacock loves to sparkle and be noticed but no one is born a Peacock.  When a baby peacock is born they are dull brown and yellow in appearance.  After they develop and mature, then they start to grow their colorful tail feathers.  Our tail feathers come with experience and learning how to deal with life situations. 

In the end she said “Annastina, you’re a Peacock”.

So when it came time to choose a website design and business cards, I knew it had to be the peacock feather because I needed something daily to remind me why I was on this path.

There are days that I have to deal with judgment or people who just don’t understand my dream and that’s okay.  Not everyone is going to get it or see my vision.  And on those days, when I want to go hide under my pillow and feel like a total failure, I have to remember that I am a Peacock and that there is a reason I am following this dream of mine.  The most successful people in this world failed 100 times before that one dream became a success and changed their lives.

If you are out there and following your passion and there are days you are feeling insecure, someone is making you feel less than or you just want to give up, remember that you are a Peacock and there is a plan for you, you just have to show your feathers and go for it! 

Hugs…

Annastina

ps - When I tell this story to people I always get the question “Well what am I?  A Peacock or a Pigeon?” and I always answer with the same response…”Only you can decide which one you want to be, because the Pigeons love being Pigeons and the Peacocks love being Peacocks!”

Monday, February 14, 2011

Review on Dinair Airbrush Makeup

A couple weeks ago, I went down to Hollywood to take an airbrush class at the Dinair Airbrush Studios.  I have heard amazing testimonials from other makeup artists about this company and knew that I had to learn from the best.

At first, I have to admit I was not too excited to go…James and I were in the middle of moving and my mind was all over the place.  When I went down, I was thinking of just getting through the next 4 days so I can get back home to take care of my life. 
I really thought I was just going to learn how to use the airbrush gun and all the basics.  Within in the first 10 minutes of class, my whole outlook changed!!  This was such an amazing class, I don’t even know where to start.
You get to learn every aspect of airbrush makeup.  You learn foundation, contouring, eyes, lips, cheeks, tattoo coverage and even fantasy makeup!  They teach you how to use, clean and maintain the tools.  I really loved the Dinair makeup products too.  I have used other airbrush makeup before and this has been the best.  I love that it is non-cakey and you get a true flawless finish.  I have very oily skin and the foundation stopped the oils from coming through.  And the best part, I could rub my hands on my face and it was not coming off!  BUT then at night when it was time to wash my face, it came off so easily with my face wash.  I actually wear the airbrush makeup on a daily basis because it has done wonders for my skin.  It feels tighter and has cleared up some blemishes.
You also learn how to do full body spray tans and offer the kits at a super low price!  I was SOLD!  And the Hair Bling…now naturally my eyes are attracted to anything that sparkles…so I was instantly interested in this!  They show you how to put it in the hair and ever since I have had it in my hair, people are constantly stopping me!  I love it!  Another aspect of the class is they teach you how you can sell the airbrush kits yourself…a whole other business aspect.  I really loved that the trainers were there to help YOU build your business.
I have to say the best part about taking the Dinair class, was the Dinair family!!!  They were all so amazing and so helpful!  Dina, Al and Julie make that company what it is today.  After the class, my friend and I, had the opportunity to go to dinner with Dina, the owner of Dinair, and Al and were able to really talk to her on a personal level.  Her advice was priceless!!!  She has been in the business forever and I felt like a sponge…soaking up all her words!
This class was more than just airbrush, it changed my outlook on this whole industry and I was so excited to come home and get going!
I RECOMMEND that if you are a makeup artist or just interested in makeup that YOU take this class.  You will not regret it.
I have to end this with my thank you’s…thank you to Rebecca for waiting to take this class with me…it would not have been the same without you and I had a blast!!!  Thank you to the whole Dinair family, you guys really make that class.  Al and Julie, you make it fun and so interesting!!! And to Dina, thank you for all your advice and answering all our questions.  Thank you for the Price is Right tickets and to give us that experience!  You all are amazing!!!
HUGS…
Annastina

Friday, February 11, 2011

Introduction

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!

So I have finally decided to enter into the world of blogging!  This is a HUGE step since I have been wanting to do this for awhile now but the fear of “will anyone read it” or “do I have anything to talk about” has stood in my way.  So I am pushing fear aside and moving forward.
I am sure like everyone’s first blog, this is more of an introduction into my world. So here we go…
Hello, my name is Annastina (think Christina, but take the Chris out, add Anna and you get Annastina).  I am in love and obsessed with colors and textures.  I love anything bright, beautiful, and that has bling!  As a little girl, I would go to the craft store with my mom and I would have to touch EVERYTHING!  Just to feel the textures…fabric, feathers, beads…whatever I could get my little hands on.
Another obsession of mine is my job as a makeup artist.  I love being able to create and transform faces with makeup.  Since I was little, I was always putting makeup on myself or my dolls.  It took me awhile to pursue this passion and dream of mine, which I will talk about in a later blog but other than marrying my husband, it was the best decision I have ever made.  Let’s just say, it has brought me back to life.
So what to expect from my blog??? Well makeup, of course!  I will be doing reviews on products and talking about my career and what a whirlwind this chapter in my life has been.  I also want to talk about different chapters in life that we all go through…the triumphs and the falls.  Everyone has issues or problems they deal with on a daily basis, but how you deal with them will mold you into the person you will become.
One of my all time favorite quotes is from Marilyn Monroe… "Everyone's a star and deserves the right to twinkle."  I am hoping that this blog is my turn to give a little “twinkle” to everyone.
This picture is a favorite of mine.  I was 3 or 4 and was caught by my mom (that’s why I am crying) after I went upstairs to take a nap but instead got into her makeup and decided that myself, my teddy bear, and the bed needed a makeover with her red lipstick!!!
Hope you enjoy!
Hugs...Annastina