Welcome to KHI Birthday Week!
In January 2011, I decided to follow my dreams of photography and entrepreneurship and hit the ground running before I even knew what I was getting into. I don’t say that in a bad way – from then all the way to now, this journey in photography has been one of the scariest, happiest, most thrilling, and most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had in my life.
And I wouldn’t give any of that up for the world! #KHIBirthdayWeek is all about celebrating the past and looking forward to the bright future God has in store for us!
I am SO excited to bring you some of the best and most valuable expert advice from a wonderfully diverse panel:
LaKeisha Pickens, 28, of North Little Rock, AR has always had a passion for fashion. Having a career assisting people in finding those looks for all occasions is a joy for her. Her main focus it to help enhance that inner person by portraying it on the outside. Her motto is: “Let’s find that inner you and let it shine through!”
Sammi Bivens was inspired to begin her own company in the spring of 2011 and believes she made one of the best decisions of her life in doing so. Tainted Rose took off when Sammi hosted a Shop and Sip jewelry party. She says that due to the outstanding support and abundance of orders she received from her first clients, she embarked on the journey of creating her own website. Since then, her clientele has skyrocketed and has given her the opportunities to serve as vendor for many local fashion events all over Arkansas. Sammi’s products have also adorned celebrities such as Willie (of Day 26) and Miss Mykie (former host of 106 and Park)
Brittany McFadden is a native of Little Rock, AR. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2012.
While in college, Brittany was involved in various organizations and clubs which didn’t allow much time for a job. Needing extra money, she decided to try her hand at makeup. She became a member of Black Essence Modeling Team where she was able to practice her styling and makeup application skills. She also because a member of the John McLinn Ross Players in the University’s theatre department. There she was able to take a theatrical and television makeup course under the instruction of Cheryl C. Collins.
She then went on to use her skills at weddings, various photoshoots, and for the Beta Pi Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and their annual Fashionetta fashion show in 2012. She had also, and still to this day, works with Kortney Hinton Images. “The key to great makeup is great skin care.”
Selina Mahone is an Arkansas native who graduated top of her class from Thelma’s Beauty Academy in 2003. Shortly after graduation, she was hired at Dillard’s as a Beauty Advisor for Lancome Cosmetics. It was there that she discovered her passion for makeup. This passion has taken her from Evansville, IN to Los Angeles, CA where she served as Beauty Consultant for Clinique Cosmetics, Freelance Artist for Lancome Cosmetics, Sephora as a Color Specialist and artist at Eclectic Salon. She worked with many high-profile clients before relocating back to the Arkansas where she is employed at Sephora, The Diamond Salon, and serves as an Education Artist for Stila Cosmetics. Her motto is “The face is my blank canvas in which I can create a masterpiece.”
Throughout the week, we talked about the most practical ways to help you look and feel your best – whether that’s in your everyday life or when you’re getting prepared for your latest photo session! Enjoy!