Tag: work

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When Did You Know That You Were Going To Be An Entrepreneur?

img_1653As Nicki Minaj would say, I Been On…In 2007, I was interviewed by Strive Magazine on rebuilding my brand in a new city after losing my home and 3 makeup studios in New Orleans. Being an entrepreneur has always been my thing. Besides being a Celebrity & Entertainment Makeup Artist, I am also the Co-Founder of Entitled Beauty a luxury mineral makeup line, and I’m the Founder of Beauty Blueprint, where I teach aspiring makeup artists/ hair stylists the business side of the industry and how to elevate them to work in their field. Being on social media with 47,400 followers on Instagram, I’m also being called an Influencer.

A Boss is something I’ve always been and I have never let my health (Lupus) stop me. Using words like “I Can’t & I Don’t Know How” is not allowed in my home and I don’t have sympathy for someone who cries about a headache or upset stomach. Being an entrepreneur is only for hard working individuals. I still have a few more things under my belt. With one being joining the committee for the first ever Danbury Fashion Week here in Connecticut, so I’m on the board and of course I’m handling Hair & Makeup, and A Blogger Kick Off Party. This is taking place July 24-29th and I’m so proud of it.

Can’t Stop One Stop, my old boss Diddy taught me that…oh peep the hair in 07 💇🏾‍♀️💜

Thanks Sam for putting me in your magazine ❤️

So my question to you is, when did you know that you were going to be an Entrepreneur?

 

 

 

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Flirty Friday Working NBA All Star Weekend In LA

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The first day of NBA All Star Weekend is finally here and I am ready for it. Before I start my day, I’m on my computer checking on my makeup line Entitled Beauty cosmetics. Johnny and I talk business and go over any emails that came through since yesterday. Then I get ready for my first full day.

Today, I get to meet my team for the first time. Looking at their pics on Instagram and talking through emails and texts is not the same. I have them meeting me here at NOMAD Hotel to pick up their credentials and parking pass. Then, we will head over to the Microsoft building to set up to do hair & makeup.

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Once everyone picked up their items my assistant/intern Bailey and I was was driven over. So who’s Bailey? Bailey is an aspiring makeup artist from Michigan and she is going to go through my Beauty Blueprint program for 3 days. My goal is to teach her what it’s like to work as a Entertainment Makeup Artist. This field is different from a salon, weddings, department stores, and Instagram makeup artists. This is something a lot of aspiring makeup artists have to learn, the different types of artistry. So, instead of just asking me questions through SKYPE about the business side of makeup, Bailey is  actually getting her hands dirty and learning how much work goes into working on a live TV show. The production life is no joke and as crazy and fast pace it is I live for it. Plus, it’s nothing like seeing your work later on screen.

After getting set up, our first set of talent came to the glam room to get her hair and makeup done. First up was Lauren Braganza, what a sweet young lady who can SANG!!! We also got to meet her mom Patty, what a lovely woman. She definitely get it from her mama.

While Ira & Phoebe worked on Lauren, Jessica, Bailey and myself headed over to the Convention Center to get 2 more ready. Actress Dascha Palonca and Rachel DeMita, a former basketball player, model, Vlogger, sports host and media personality. I’m so excited that I got use my makeup line, Entitled Beauty on these FAB ladies. I used my Bold Liquid Lipsticks, my Glamxurious Lip Glosses, and my Spotlight Highlighters on their eyes and cheeks. I brought enough for all of us to use on the talent and dancers all weekend.

Everyone looking good! Why don’t you give Entitled Beauty cosmetics a try to see if it’s worth having in your makeup bag.

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We made it through the first day, Friday’s are always quiet but plentiful. Meeting more team members tomorrow. But tonight Bailey & I is going to a private viewing of Kendrick Lamar concert. Free drinks & food!!!!!!

 

This is how you end your evening!

 

 

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Heading To LA To Work The NBA All Star Weekend

img_1538-1Heading to Los Angeles and I couldn’t be more excited, warm weather and chill energy. Like music group Tony Toni Tone sang, “It Never Rains In Southern California”. This will be my 10th year working The NBA All Star Weekend and my 2nd year being the HEAD OF HAIR & MAKEUP DEPARTMENT. So many reasons why I’m so anxious this year; My team and I will be using Entitled Beauty cosmetics on the talent and dancers. I have an old girlfriend, Jessica Deben working on the team with me. I’m going to see my little sister Star this weekend. 10 years of working with the NBA Team I get to see everyone, their my friends in my heart and lastly I’ll have warm weather for 5 days and 4 nights. Honey, I don’t know how to act to getting out of this cold weather up here in Connecticut. My body will catch a break, my lupus hate winter, it slows me down.

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I was excited to see that Jetblue was showing “The Wizard Of Lies“, I have been wanting to see this movie since it came out in May of last year. I’m so curious about how Bernie Madoff, pulled off this Ponzi scheme robbing his peers of $65 billion. Both, Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer did an amazing job. Definitely a movie worth watching especially if you love films about Wall Street.

I made it, I made it to my hotel, The NoMad Hotel Los Angeles. I’m not going to say nada about this glamxurious hotel. I’m going to let the videos and the pictures speak for me. This should be my residence when I return to LA. Yes, I’m flirting with moving to LA because the cold weather is literally killing me.

Getting some work done by filling out gift cards to everyone that will get a Entitled Beauty cosmetics lipstick. These are going in the NBA goodie bags and I have to hurry to write them because Jeff is about to deliver the bags.

Made it to the Staples Center, The Microsoft Center and the Convention Center. Had to set up the hair & makeup room and learn how to get around the tunnels. Grabbed a quick snack from my room since I haven’t eaten since yesterday. Good ol Funyuns and a Mountain Dew did the trick. When headed back to the hotel I shared a ride with Marion & Willie (he’s the man).

Still more Entitled Beauty work to get done and more bags to fill, these last four was for; Fergie, Kevin Hart wife, Andra Day, and Queen Latifah. While in the production office I grabbed a small snack, couldn’t resist.

Now that I’m off, I was craving fish tacos and I found Chicas Tacos, one block away from the hotel. So, I walked over there for dinner and order 3 fish tacos and a Mexican street corn spread with sour cream on top. Ok, can I say DELICIOUS!!!!

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Now it’s time for some ME TIME. I been waiting all day to get myself in this wonderful tub. A glass of rose champagne and silence is all this girl need.

After I brushed up with Terra & Co Charcoal Toothpaste and flossed with their charcoal dental floss, I was off to bed. Tomorrow is the first day of NBA All Star Weekend and I want to get at least 8hrs of sleep cuz after tomorrow I won’t sleep until Tuesday.

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Throwback Thursday, Beauty Influencer Share Blogging Experience

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Working on my blog at Hotel Zero Degrees in Danbury

When I started my blog Sept 2007 it was because I wanted my family, friends and clients to keep up with me after Hurricane Katrina. Never did I think that others would want to read about my life on my blog, especially doing the horrible time of losing my home and my makeup studio. There have been times when I dropped the ball and wasn’t consistent with my writing because life was busy and I was trying to re-brand myself in my career so I put my writing aside. Plus, I never thought my writing was any good because I write how I speak (bad English…lol). If I knew blogging was going to take off the way that it has I would have been a full time blogger long ago. I didn’t know to keep up with my google analytics and changing over my blog from blogspot to wordpress that I would lose my numbers.

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Working with Football Player Reggie Bush

So, I got back into blogging and kept it authentic sharing about me and Inside The Life Of A Makeup Artist. As the makeup industry became popular again, my blog took off again. Everyone wanted to know what was I using on the celebrities at Sundance Film Festival, at The Golden Globes, at NBA All Star Weekend and other major assignments I was working doing makeup.

Influencer Brandy Gomez-Duplessis for Floafers 1
Wearing Floafers

Readers wanted to know details, what I was wearing, what I was eating, what makeup brush I was using, what skincare I put on clients, what hotel I was staying at. That can sometimes become scary, like when I had a stalker followed me while on a makeup tour. Yep, the police was called and everything. So, I shut down all of my social media platforms out of fear.  But you know me, I was like I won’t let fear stop me ( even though it did…lol),

L'OREAL Paris Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis name Golden Globe Awards
Featured on AOL 

I started back up and my blog took off again. It got to the point where I was featured on AOL as one of 15 awesome people to follow during the Golden Globes. That one feature and features like that are what keeps me going everyday with my blog. Knowing that readers wanted to follow all of my journeys from the good and the bad. I picked up new readers when I started sharing about my health with having Lupus, Lyme, and RA. I picked up new readers when I worked on an MTV Hip Hop show, I picked up new readers when I worked with Covergirl at Ipsy Gen Beauty NYC and just recently I picked up new readers working on the Bruno Mars 24K Magic Concert Special for CBS.

So on this Throwback Thursday, what from your past keeps you motivated? Thanks AOL Editors for selecting me as one of the 15 people to follow for the Golden Globes (…they are coming up again..hint hint wink wink…lol)

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Connecticut Bloggers “Holiday Soiree” At Flora Restaurant

img_6165-2Tonight I’m headed out to Connecticut Bloggers Collective also known as Connecticut Bloggers Babes, Holiday Soiree bash. I’m just so elated that Connecticut have a great group for bloggers from all over the state. When I first moved to Connecticut one of the first thing I did was look on the internet to see if there was any blogging group. I actually found one and then later discovered Connecticut Bloggers Collective. In August of this year I went to their first brunch for the bloggers in Connecticut and about 25 bloggers showed up. Tonight, about 100 bloggers turned up and out at FLORA Plant Food + Drink. Besides attending the event, we at Entitled Beauty was also one of the sponsors for the VIP goodie bag. My date for the evening was Connecticut Lifestyle Blogger Pam Rosario with PR*Love *Style* Life.

 

 

It’s always nice to attend events that catered to bloggers because we can just be us and not worry about pulling out cameras for everything. Yes, we do live in the moment we just have an eye to live in the moment faster and then we capture it to share with you all. My table crew for the evening was Pam from PR*Love*Style*Life, Christine from Vigor And Vogue Blog and Gem with Food Drinks Life. Later cousin Ilse with Live Learn Luxe It will join us, she was stuck in that horrible traffic.

 

First thing first, cocktails please…I ordered the Hibiscus Cosmo and the girls all ordered the Apple Cider Sangria.  My drink was ok so later I ordered my signature a glass of prosecco.

 

I was a little worried at first because I saw the word vegan when I looked up the restaurant because I don’t eat healthy. I was like I’m not going to find anything that I would want to eat. But I found 2 dishes that I event went back for seconds. It was the COD and the fried cauliflower. Can I just tell  how delicious both dishes was. So if you see this on their menu GET IT!

 

Now our table is complete. Ilse finally arrived you know we’re always together, Nicole from Nicole In Colour and PT Tran from Phasion Therapy.

 

Some of the ladies (@Simply_Bonita  @theheartofaflower@nicoleincolour  ) enjoying their Entitled Beauty mineral liquid lipsticks that was in their goodies bags.

 

Christine & Nicole are putting on their Entitled Beauty mineral liquid lipsticks…Entitled Beauty Babes

 

 

@naomiperk let me personally put her Entitled Beauty mineral liquid lipstick on her

 

In my goodie bag I luv my gift from April Marin these fab black Furry Paw Gloves. If you like these gloves and watt to do some shopping, Use coupon code: CTBlogger.

I also received a sample size Body Serum from Java Skincare. I love their products this Serum is great to keep my skin from looking dry and ashy.

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That’s a wrap! A beautiful evening hosted by the fabulous Nonee. Thanks for putting all of Connecticut amazing bloggers together.

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The Young Woman’s Guide Official Trailer

A friend of mine Nicole Collins, reached out to me yesterday while I was on a photo shoot for Entitled Beauty. She text that she finally has her webseries up on YouTube and if I would share with my followers. And I promised Nicole that I would support her passion by posting on my blog what she’s working on. Cuz that’s what friends do.

So here is her personal healing project that she turned into a mini docu-series for the web. Nicole will release it on YouTube January 12, 2018 but you will get to see her work in advance. A sneak peek at least.

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Bruno Mars Viewing Party At Sylvia Also

img_5054Date night to the city is always a treat and tonight my date was my daughter. I thought it would be fun for her to get out of the house and meet some of the crew members from production that I often work with. I knew Bruno Mars and The Hooligans was not going to be there but it was such a great group of people to celebrate with on something that we all did together. So I was so excited to receive an invite from Angela, the Field Producer and Casting Director for the show. I definitely wanted to celebrate with the person who brought me on, William The Line Producer. He’s such an amazing guy and very talented at his craft.

 

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We arrived at 9pm on the dot to Sylvia Also in Harlem and drinks were already flowing. Everyone was in great spirit and excited about watching the show. Of course the food was catered by Sylvia’s Restaurant. I love the edible 24k chicken she served and all the Bruno Mars theme drinks.

Last call as I sip on my champagne while dancing my way out the door.

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Beauty Influencer Day At Beauty Expo In New York

 

Once again I’m headed to the city to attend a private luxury beauty event hosted by Beauty 2. It’s always an honor when I get invited to these exclusive events. Being a Makeup Artist, Beauty Editor & Expert I have to stay on top of what’s new and what’s coming out in the beauty world so going to these beauty events help me to stay current. As a beauty influencer my peers are looking forward to me sharing honest feedback on beauty products. I invited my gal pal Ilse who’s a lifestyle blogger to attend with me because I knew she would really enjoy getting great content to write about.

So come along with me and let me show you all of the great new brands we met at the luxurious Beauty 2 event while sipping on champagne. Thank You Beauty 2 for creating an experience for us beauty lovers it was such a glamxurious day!

Next time I’m bringing a larger bag for all of the goodies I received.

Arriving to BEAUTY 2

Mythologie New York is a organic skincare line that makes botanical facial oil

Christine at Hynt Beauty showing us the different lipstick shades & the high pay off

One Over One has such a great idea for that effortless makeup look

One Over One is all about simple makeup, if you luv tinted moisturizer you will luv this

BOTANE is from South Africa and they focus on optimizing the immunologic power of the body

Cleo & Coco Natural is 100% natural/vegan charcoal deodorant and body powder brand

Sigil Scent is a unisex long wearing natural fragrances for the body

Java Skincare is a green coffee infused skin care that’s all natural

Battington Lashes is 100% handmade silk lashes that could be worn up to 25 times

Lust Cosmetics is a luxury nail lacquer that’s vegan, cruelty, and gluten free

Revival Body Care is a all natural skin & hair care that’s eco-friendly and cruelty free

Stiks Cosmetics is all about being tech chic using the one handed method to open product

Spongelle Beyond Cleansing is a body wash infused luxury buffers

Biodara is a eco-conscious organic luxury skincare line for auto immune warriors

Enamour is a minimalist natural skincare line for families

Gold Label Cosmetics is for the ambitious beauty enthusiast

dome BEAUTY is for the everyday woman who love long wearing products

CLE Cosmetics is a luxury sleek makeup line

SKOT Beaute is inspired by travel & ancient beauty rituals

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Getting Ladies Makeup Ready At The Plaza Hotel In NY

Waking up early to work today at the posh and luxurious Plaza Hotel is a perfect setting for this beautiful Saturday morning. When I arrived champagne was already being served. So I know this is going to a great day. I always love doing makeup on women who really understand my artistry is a gift. They value my talent and made a fancy party around it just so I can do their makeup really touch me.

How will you be spending your Saturday?