| Q: First, thanks for taking time out of your busy | | | | posting flyers with photos of my work. Then a |
| schedule to share your insights. I know weekends | | | | wedding here and there. I attended, and still do, |
| are a busy time for you. | | | | every trade show, every fashion show, and |
| A: The busiest. The beauty industry is not | | | | traveled constantly between Washington D.C. and |
| nine-to-five by any means. G&E Kouture spends | | | | New York City. I am an active member of the |
| its weekends at runway events, fashion shows, | | | | Chamber of Commerce and attend as many of |
| pageants, weddings, proms, and even backstage | | | | its networking events as possible. |
| at off-Broadway theaters. It all happens on nights | | | | Q: What inspires you? |
| and weekends, but everyone knows that how it | | | | A: The challenge of coming up with different |
| goes. We live for it. | | | | techniques and looks. Every person's look is so |
| Q: You've built G&E into a successful skin care | | | | different that I can't help but get excited about |
| and beauty consulting business. What can you | | | | the creativity involved. I get really energized |
| share about the journey? | | | | seeing the look on someone's face when they |
| A: Students at cosmetology school need to be | | | | look in the mirror after a makeover. |
| willing to sacrifice their time to work up a clientele. | | | | Q: What's the best advice you can offer a |
| I've lived in this area for years and rely heavily on | | | | student who wants to attend the best beauty |
| my contacts to bring in new business. And I took | | | | school? |
| on every job that came my way, some without | | | | A: Without a doubt, choose the right cosmetology |
| pay, just to build my portfolio. If there was a | | | | or esthetician school. One on the cutting edge of |
| special event in town, I was there to market my | | | | make-up and skin care, with great references, |
| talents. | | | | and with solid job placements. And don't worry |
| Q: What types of jobs? | | | | about the high cost of tuition. An accredited |
| A: I started while I was a student at the beauty | | | | school will offer financial aid to help offset costs. |
| academy, visiting salons and day spas, asking for | | | | You've got to make an investment in your future. |
| freelance work. I picked up a few proms by | | | | |