Well I decided to start a blog so here is my first post. The last four weeks have been crazy busy and I had been meaning to some how showcase my experience. Better late than never I say.
I was named one of The Next Best Thing (NBT) by Redken based on several hair color & styling challenges I had to post on Instagram for several weeks. The prize for winning would be an all expense trip to L.A. for a week of educational and inspirational experiences for six winners.
Redken NBT 2017
I figured I had nothing to lose. I was so happy when photographer and designer Genna Yussman Greene agreed to shoot and style all the shoots. I booked three make up artist and a total of six models for each challenge.
Selfie with Model, Maryah Walters make up by Kelsey Taylor Fell
Genna and model, Alexis Underwood make up by Isidro Valencia
on set with Genna Yussman Greene & Isidro Valencia
Selfie with model, Alexis Gibson Make up Andrea Ahl
When Redken announced the winners. I was overjoyed as was Genna. Whether I won or not, I really just wanted to do the photoshoots and I love a good challenge. Winning the contest meant a lot to me and I was fortunate that all my clients willingly rescheduled their appointments.
my winning images make up by Isidro Valencia, Andrea Ahl & Kelsey Taylor Fell.
models L to R Rebecca Bien, Jacey Calloway, Maryah Walters, Samantha Roman, Alexis Gibson & Alexis Underwood
Flying to L.A. was so exciting as I had no idea what the week would entail other than the itinerary that Redken had emailed to me. Other than two of the winners I had never met the other winners. After spending a week with a group of people you really get to know them. I had a wonderful time meeting and spending time with Redken artists Kyle Pinneo, Nikki Diederich, Aundreya Shae Rich, Woodward Bartlet and Cheryl Bakke.
Venice Beach
Redken hosted us at the Standard Hotel in downtown L.A. I went to the rooftop upon arrival and greeted the other artists that had arrived. After a cocktail and meet and greet I retired to my room. The next day was a free day and a group of us went to Venice Beach to enjoy some sunshine. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel to get ready to meet Rodney Cutler at the Kimpton hotel rooftop party.
The rooftop party hosted several make up artist, fashion bloggers & social media influencers and the NYX cosmetics top six make artists and the Redken social media team.
with Rodney Cutler
Rooftop Red carpet with Rodney and the winners
The next day we had a photoshoot mentored by Rodney at Bangstyle's office in Encino. We spent the entire day with the lovely staff of Bangstyle as well as photographer, Clair Huntsberger and NYX cosmetics make up artist, Susan Alba. Rodney gave amazing advice but didn't try to take over. My model Maria, was very sweet. I did a layered dry cut on her hair and created a wet like hairstyle with braids and elastics.
on set with Model, Maria Martin and Photographer, Clair Huntsberger
Nikki doing touch up on set
Doing hair on set
Aundrey doing touch up on set
The Bangstyle Photoshoot
The day was a lot of fun and Bangstyle provided some awesome greek food and Sam Villa sent all us his new curling iron!! I was very happy with the images Clair took of Maria.
Image by Clair Huntsberger, model Maria Martin, make up Susan Alba
Image by Clair Huntsberger, model Maria Martin, make up Susan Alba
Selfie with model, Maria Martin
With The Bangstyle Crew
Redken NBT 2017 winners photoshoot with Bangstyle & Rodney Cutler