It's that time of year, when I remember the jobs I worked on. And the people, the moments that touched me the most. I was fortunate to meet and work with Lizzie Velasquez for a editorial spread for People Magazine this year. I was familiar with Lizzie's story but naively walked into working on such an important campaign, (and wished I was better versed with her story). She suffers from a rare congenital disease which, among other symptoms, doesn't allow her body to accumulate fat. She was inspired by bullying to become a motivational speaker. Even from posts on instagram, facebook and twitter showcasing her story and her beautiful soul, she fights daily. A fight that I have, like many others dealt with in life. But she is making such a huge impact on the world, with others in various global campaigns to fight anti-bullying. I am so lucky to have met her, worked with her, and continue to help spread her infectious love. From the bullying she encountered as a child, to late teens. Her words to these bullies is simply to love them. It's so easy to lash back at the world, at people for making you feel lesser than. Especially seen online. When people like to act differently than normal, or have other identities to do so. Lizzie's strength was so eye-opening. While we were taking photos, strangers would come up to her crying, thanking her for helping them, their children and the for helping make our world a better place. She also has a documentary out called "A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story. It was absolutely amazing. More people need to see this documentary. More people need to love each other. Myself included! I falter, I fight negative thinking every day. I know the rest of the world is as well. It's just weather people want to realize it or not. Be sure to check out her Video Blog Page here Lizzie Velasquez.
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Along with the adventurous television shows, commercials, music videos and photo shoots, I also work with brides. Lately bride-to-be's have been contacting me non-stop. I'm not complaining by any means, but balancing weddings with a month-or-so long film is very difficult. I don't want to leave anyone stranded. Brides can be tricky to squeeze into any schedule. This season is filled with beautiful bride-to-be's and wedding parties, that I get to work with. A makeup artist/hair stylist really wears so many hats on every type of job. For a bride, a makeup artist can help her/him plan their special look, and just being there, (as a sounding board and confidant) for them. From keeping them calm and comfortable, to keeping the bridal party and mothers happy. But at the end of each bridal beautification, the reward is always there. Seeing the tears of joy, the support and the magic of it all is just amazing. I also get to be a personal makeup artist and/or hair stylist for my long time friends for their big days, that is more magical than words can fully describe. Fall has been filled with those memories and moments. To the right was a very special one of those moments, Jessica, a best friend of almost 20 years got married to Mark Tsai, at the Hollins House in Santa Cruz, CA. Her wedding party consisted of family and friends of hers that I hadn't seen in years. It was SUCH a special day. I even cried after I did HER makeup, I am so happy for my gorgeous friend, for everything she and Mark have accomplished and the wonderful people they are. I am a very lucky girl to have been a part of this day. Makeup by myself on bride and bridal party. Hair for bride by me, bridal party hair by Camilla Betteridge, (San Francisco, CA). Cari Wible is a photographer that I have worked with for a couple years now, she has been mentioned in previous blogs. She asked me to be a part of her "The Great and Powerful Oz", themed and styled Wedding photoshoot. It was fun being able to help Cari in her beginning stages when she needed it. It was only common sense to bring in a hairstylist friend in on the fun! We have such awesome images coming, but we were fortunate enough to have The Austin Wedding Guide publish these three photos on a page in their fall/winter 2013 magazine. A little birdy told me The Austin Wedding Guide is going to publish more images on their blog, and there could be other wedding blog submissions, be sure to keep on the lookout! Photography by Cari Wible, shot on location at TerrAdorna in Manor, TX. Models left to right; Lola, Ana and Shelby. Makeup by me, Hair by Stephanie Marlar. I found that I also have 2 other images in the Austin Wedding Guide. Both shoots also by Cari Wible. I have posted another below, shot on location at BeeLavish Vintage Rentals, Model; Elizabeth. Gown by Juliana Azar, Makeup and Hair by me. It's so interesting how much wedding work I have had this year. Almost as if planning my own wedding, has made some cosmic connection with other brides to be. Super fun wedding fall/winter! Until next time... |
Jessi Pagel is a makeup and hair artist working in commercial, lifestyle, corporate, editorial, tv and live events. This blog has everything from how-to's to the adventures of her life and works in progress.
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