My creative mind seems to almost always be in overdrive. Even if I am not physically up to par you can believe I’m spending what energy I do have on artistic ideas. Like everyone deserves a vacation, I needed a much needed break from work behind the chair, work travel and photoshoots. In addition to being physically exhausted, I was also mentally worn out. I had an upcoming vacation planned to clear my mind and to give my body much needed rest. I had frequented New Smryna Beach, Florida with my husband Eric almost annually. We have skipped a year here and there but always return to this peaceful, low key beach town.

Last summer, Eric and I rented a beach house right on the shore. In the morning we would venture out with our dog Cupid and head straight for the beach. It was there laying after around after a few days. I had visualized a beauty collection I wanted to create when we returned home. Beautiful woman on the sand… The big inspiration came from my wet feet touching the sand when we were walking the shore. I love how small fragments of shell and rock would remind on my skin. I thought how beautiful this would look on the skin of models with gorgeous updos.

Images by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio

When I returned home from vacation, I started to story board my ideas to share with Genna Yussman Greene and Isidro Valencia. I would spend several hours practicing hairstyles on hair mannequins. I would then take photos with my camera to save for reference. I also spent a lot of time making custom hair extensions as I knew I would need a lot in a variety of different hues to compliment the models I would need to book.

I ended up booking four models from the region, Laura Kirkpatrick, Tyra Burton, Abbie Purdie and Katie Leigh Tarr. I needed models that had long necks and sharp features. I was so lucky with the girls that were confirmed for this project.

Each model took no less than four hours for hair and make up prep. The photoshoot was booked for two days exclusively at Absolute Studio . Each hairstyles was so technical requiring three hours. Model, Tyrah’s natural hair was first blown straight then ironed using Redken’s Iron Shape 11. Hair pad were used to create her asymmetrical mohawk. Hair pads were used on each models, including Laura who had two oblong hair pads to create her updo.

I used so much hair spray. Redken’s Fashion Works 12, Control Addict 28, Triple Take 32 to created these masterful hairstyles. I set the models hair with various curling irons ranging in different diameters to control the hair and to create volume. The use of hair extensions allowed for more density and to create some soft, color variations on each hairstyle.

Genna spent some time creating soft, “net” tops she constructed for each model. Isidro practiced the make up for the skin using spirit gum. We end up using super fine sand along with gold dust. The make up was clean and gorgeous with each model having a soft, youthful glow. The aquatic, summery, florida vibe was in full effect.

This photoshoot was two full days of work but the final outcome was worth all the sweat and tears. During the first day of shooting we were struck with a severe storm. We lost power temporarily and had to move electronics since water had started leaking in our studio. Without electricity I was freaking out because being a hairstylist requires a lot of heat styling. Fortunately after an hour, power was restored without issue and we resumed were we had left off.

Believing in Mermaids and Sirens, I decided to title the collection, “Sirens of the Shallows”. Originally pitched for competition I decided to try submission for publication. Our collection was picked up for print of the entire collection in the September 2019 beauty issue of Picton magazine. I was beyond happy with our collection and grateful to our team and thankful to Picton magazine for publishing our collection.

Credits

Models

Laura Kirkpatrick @laura_allstar

Tyra Burton @tyramonique

Abbie Purdie @abbiepurdie

Katie Leigh Tarr @kt_tarr

Photography | Styling | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Hair | Creative Direction | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

One aspects about photoshoots I truly love is that each one possess an amazing story. From start to finish there are challenges, discoveries and unexpected wins. The beauty from inspiration to end result is where the magic lies.The challenges we all had on set regarding the storm only made us work harder. I am grateful to all who collaborated on this beautiful collection.

BTS making of “Sirens”

I had really wanted to create a collection that would showcase my braiding skills. I remember I wanted simplicity for styling with a strong visual neck piece. I also wanted to work with models that possessed the texture of hair ideal for the collection I wanted to bring to life

This collection was 1 of 5 shoots executed in the winter of 2016 for NAHA 2017. Although it was not nominated, I submitted the collection for publication and was honored to have it grace the pages of American Salon Magazine.

In the past few years I worked with photographer, Clay Cook (whom I was nominated for a mens award in 2014). I had booked make up artist, Isidro Valencia and designer\stylist Genna Yussman Greene. Everyone was on board and loved the concept.

For booking the models, I had couple in mind that I had recently worked with on other shoots. I was so happy when they all agreed and were available on the day I had set up with the team.

selfie with model, Myah Danielle Winbush

Practice was imperative and I chose mannequins that had hair similar to the models I had booked. I spent a few weeks practicing different looks on them. I would at some point finish the look somewhat satisfied and wood return the following day to see if I was still feeling the hairstyle. If I didn't speak to me, I would redo the stylet. If it did then I sought to enhance the overall look.

I practiced the styles for several hours over a couple of weeks on Pivot Point Mannequins. I would send text images of my mannequins to Clay and Isidro so they would have an idea of where I was taking the hair.

photo of my mannequin image by Derek Hibben — photo of my mannequin
image by Derek Hibben

The Day of the shoot was on a Sunday at Clay's studio. I made sure to have lots of food and drink on set for the models. The shoot lasted for a total of 7 hours with at least 2 hours prep for each model. Wardrobe was easy as all models would be adorned with the large necklace. I remember being exhausted with tired hands after the shoot but I was happy because I knew we had made something amazing.

I tend to always overpack for photoshoots so I had plenty of hair extensions, irons and products at hand. The fun part is always creating the mess but not so much the clean up.

Tag team with my bestie and make up artist Isidro

I invited Derek Hibben on set to take bts images and he did an fantastic job. The looks were inspired by Asian and African hairstyles and from my own imagination.

Having a team is so crucial, I love working with Isidro he is able to balance the hair with the appropriate make up. Genna always have amazing ideas and always has really unique fashions and accessories. Working with Clay is always a pleasure, he has a great eye for balance and brings his creative touch to every project.

On model Centria I flat-straighten her long hair using Redken's Iron Shape 11. I deftly cornrowed her hair with Braid Aid 03 on scalp then transition the braids off scalp. I secured a high bun on top with elastic cord and adorned it with some of the smaller braids securing each layer with Fashion Works 12. I finished the look with Control Addict 28 and lots of Shine Flash 02.

model Centria Kaprisfinal Image Clay Cook — model Centria Kapris
final Image Clay Cook

Centria image by Derek Hibben — Centria
image by Derek Hibben

On model, Tyrah I diffused her natural texture and used clips and the heat of the hair dry to create and sustain the separation (space) in her rounded hairstyle. I then applied Hardward Gel 16 styling gel to create the braided veil. I did tiny brides around her hairline then forged them together at certain points with black rubber bands. I finished the look with Control Addict 28 and Shine Flash 02.

model Tyrah Burtonfinal image Clay Cook — model Tyrah Burton
final image Clay Cook

Profile shot of Tyrah and the "braided veil"

For model, Myah I did a directional blow dry the cornrowed her hair with Braid Aid 02. I added several wefted hair extensions that were micro crimped using the Sam Villa Texur Iron and formed into a disheveled, textured bun. I used Fashion Works 12 to separate the style and finished with Control Addict 28 and Shine Flash 02.

model Myah Danielle Winbushfinal image Clay Cook — model Myah Danielle Winbush
final image Clay Cook

For make up I gave Isidro free range. I had sent him only a couple inspirational images. I only request a strong lip of which we choose a bright tangerine for contrast. He created a beautiful arched brow and soft smoky eye. Post shoot Clay asked if I would be open to Black and White and I agreed as it would give a strong effect.

NAHA make up artist, Isidro paints model, Myah

Model Tyrah with close up of make up and braided hair veil

I submitted the images to Amy Dodds of American Salon Magazine. She loved the images and asked for them exclusively for print in the August 2017 issue. I was thrilled as was the entire team. Seeing our work in print is an amazing experience I am so thankful to Amy and the team.

Credits

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Photography | Clay Cook @claycookphoto www.claycookphoto.com

Make up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Styling | Genna Yussmane Greene @gennayussman

Assistants | Hunter Zieske @hunterzieske

| Louis Tinsley @louistinsley

Retouch | Jordan Hartley @jordanhartleyretouch

Models | Centria Kapris @cen_tria

| Tyrah Burton (Heyman Talent Agency) @tyrah_burton

| Myah Danielle Winbush @myahdanielle

I am so grateful for everyone involved in this project.

Below is the bts making of video of "Twisted Roots"

Twisted Roots Behind the scenes video