this is why I love my job.

THIS will get me through my crazy wedding sesson; a facebook message from a bride of mine who got married about five years ago brought tears to my eyes:

"Hey Nancy! Bear with me for a second...I feel like this might be a bit of a ramble, but I have a point, I swear!

So I've been pretty stressed lately and my face is pretty much as broken out as it ever has been. I don't wear make up often and I've been using Bare Minerals for the last year or so, mostly just because it's what my friends use. I feel pretty uncomfortable and out of my element in Sephora and other make up places, so I always find myself a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to go or what to grab. Needless to say, my self-esteem has been a little bit down because of my broken out face and I'm out of the Bear Minerals I was using anyway.

Last night, Nick (my husband) convinced me I should really go get some new make up. We're on a really tight budget because we're in the process of adopting, so I have been saving $12.50 per month putting it in a category called cosmetics. I had a really important interview today so I figured what the heck, I've been saving up for it anyway. I checked out your blog and recently someone asked you about foundation and you recommended Laura Mercier creme smooth foundation. You also recommended Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage concealer in another post; both of those recommendations came from questions that I felt somewhat applied to me.

SO...I took the plunge last night and bought both those products. As I was getting ready for my interview, I applied the new make up and I felt AMAZING. Honestly, I feel more confident about my face than I have in a long time. I'm typically the kind of person that takes her make up off immediately upon entering the door home, but I'm leaving it on until Nick gets home so I can show him- that's how much I love it.
Okay, I said I had a point, and I meant it! When I used you for my wedding, I felt great. I loved my make up and didn't have to think twice about it all night. I understood the importance of having a great make up artist for such an important event. Otherwise, make up didn't really play a big role in my life. What I learned in the last 24 hours (which I'm sure you already know, but I just wanted to tell you!) is that what you do can honestly create such great change in a woman's self esteem and self image. I want you to know how much I appreciate those blog posts and what you do. THANK YOU!!!!! (and thanks for sticking with me through the babble!)"

-Kelly

The perfect pick-me up

I love what I do and feel so fortunate to have a successful business, particularly in this economic climate. But any small business owner will tell you that no matter how much you adore your job, you have days where you wonder if it might just be easier to work for someone else again-you know; health benefits, paid vacations, weekends off...
Today I was having one of those days because I am feeling particularly overwhelmed.
Then lo and behold, this arrives in my inbox.


"Hi Nancy,
I am writing to thank you for the incredible job you did on the makeup for my July 4th wedding! After not sleeping at all the night before, you did an unbelievable job of moisturizing and covering the dark circles under my eyes! I should send you a copy of the before and after pics! I am so glad that we chose to have you there for the full day "red carpet treatment" package. My eyes needed serious attention and retouching all night long, and I would have been lost without you!
I knew I would love my bridal makeup after our trial run! However, with seven friends, my sister, sister-in law, mother and mother-in law in the group, it was amazing to have each one of them LOVE their makeup too. As we got onto the party bus and headed out to pictures, the bridesmaids were all saying how beautiful they felt and how much they loved their makeup. In fact, the girls were still coming up to me saying "best makeup ever" long into the night. We couldn't believe how well it lasted (they had all been worried about getting it done early in the day for pictures).
I agree with all of your clients who find you to be a relaxing and calming influence on the day of the wedding. We also found you to be very reliable, talented, and fun! We had a great time getting ready the day of and loved having our makeup done. Thanks so much for adding to the happiness (and beauty) of my wedding day!
Sara Ramprasad (Forrester) and the entire bridal party! "


Thanks Sara-you rock!!!
(forgive my shameless reprinting of this rave. I just couldn't resist.)