She had a Geisha theme, and wanted to have two models body painted to match her theme. I sat down and desigend a few ideas. Here is what I came up with:
Yalonda confirmed the designs, and I got all my supplies needed. I ordered the Best Body Paint, Ben Nye Magicolor Body Paint, ( you see more on that here) and got it two days before the show due to shipping delays because they were waiting on two more colors.
I had asked a few people to be my assistant, but none of them could make it, so I went solo. Sunday morning, I met at the salon and they treated the crew and models with breakfast complete with eggs, pancakes, sausages, bacon and grits. A perfect start to my day! That was pretty much ALL I ate that day too!
We got to the Hampton Convention Center right before noon and got set up. With all kits in hand, strapped with my makeup bag and painting supplies, I managed to get everything in with one trip also thanks to a few models that helped me carry! Everyone was so nice and really enjoyed meeting everyone!
The set up was really nice for the audience. Although I wish I could say the same thing for the backstage area, we had a section for us that was the size of my bedroom, which is about 11ft by 15 ft and there was what seemed like thirty of us crammed in there!
There was only one outlet too, which made me grateful that I packed a surge protector cord with me with 10 extra outlets which I am sure the stylists were happy about too so everyone could plug in their tools and cell phone chargers! My phone ended up dying and I just tossed it in a bag. hahahaha!
I got to work right away painting my first model, there wasnt alot of space- but we made it work. My airbrush was clogged and I simply didnt even have enough time to switch nozzles or hoses because I had to get the first model done by 4pm for prejudging!
Here is the finished look of the first Geisha- She is wearing underwear but she opted to go topless and we used tape for the top which I painted over. I added more details than my sketch, mainly because the mody is a bigger canvas than my small sketch.
My second model came just after prejudging, so, I got to work on her right away so that we would be done by the time the show started and we were meant to go on. It took about 3 hours- it took me a while mainly because I had to stop and keep mixing colors. But she turned out amazing- she had on underwear and a bra, it was a bit of a challenge to paint over the material of the undergarments, but I got it to work.
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| Models with Angela Stuckey-winner of the Bronner Brothers Hairshow in Atlanta |
I ran into some friends from school! Here some photos of me, friends and models of Shadez of Beauty and just pictures of backstage.
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| Bryant Murphy and I |
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| Rock Mims and I |
The performances were simply breathtaking! I loved the whole atmosphere of the show. I was able to watch all 4 top competitors and I was impressed with it all. The costumes, the choreography, THE HAIR, the stage presense......It was sooo exciting. The fashion of all the viewers in the audience too, I was really inspired by all the fashion I saw in the crowds. I saw more people too that I knew in the audience from school.
After the performances, we all waited IMPATIENTLY for them to announce the winners- and Guess What???? The Stylist I worked for, Yalonda from SHADEZ of BEAUTY WON!!!!! We all jumped and screamed and ran on stage- It was soooooooo amazing that all that hard work paid off. I am so happy that I was apart of this team and was able to experience a hair show in my local area.
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| Yalonda Billups in the middle holding her Prize Check for $10,000 |
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| I got a chance to hold the trophy :) |
Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.
Arthur Ashe quotes
Arthur Ashe quotes
Surrender to Your Inner Artist
Brennan Crick, aka Cr1k is from Newport News Va. This young artist in a graphic design world started off as a graphic designer. Currently Designing for AKOO (T.I.'s clothing line) also designed for other urban brands such as Playcloths, Azzure, shmack, and Imperial Junkie. From there, knowledge was gained to have the resources to come out with an independent clothing brand. With screen printing as a background, Cr1k built his own screen printing press and stared International Rebel Club clothing out of his garage. Rebel Club is a brand of independence and following no boundaries or rules of fashion. No trends or fads. A street wear brand that has a statement that says "we answer to No One" 
Crys Woodard is the owner/designer of LEGTALKINC llc ~New York. Crystal knew at she was destined to be a fashion label owner. In 2007 She moved to Atlanta GA were she attended Bauder College and came up with the concept of making glamorous and fun simply designed-but stunning leggings for women. During her stay in Atlanta she would make party dresses for special clients there, one, which includes Lisa Wu from Atlanta Housewives. Over time she took a much greater liking to making herself fabulous leggings to wear out to enjoy Atlanta’s nightlife, something cute and simple-which describes her style. She then took her business up North to New York in 2009 and that’s where she received her first wholesale order and has been booming every since. LEGTALKINC is now carried in different boutiques in Texas, NY, GA and now Mississippi. Gaining the attention of a few industry socialites like Tae Hackard and Lola Monro (just to name a few of our clients) we are continuing to provide excellence in style with our brand! LEGTALKINC LLC is an upscale brand that displays its identity to its buyers/clients by offering high-end fashionable leggings. We take pride in how our leggings are designed. The prints, style and fit are fabulous! This is our slogan >>> “We are a Lifestyle! Live it…” 
