What makes a great educator? Pt.1

Just to be clear this is NOT an article about ME as an educator. Nothing makes me more uncomfortable than talking about myself, or listening to someone else talking about themselves for an extended period of time....so rest assured that is not happening here. Nor is this a ploy to give myself some gold stars and get you to sign up for our workshops (Haha, can you imagine? I'd be thinking "nice marketing, but what an asshole"). The purpose of this article is to spotlight the difference between a good educator a great one, who we become attracted to versus who offers long term learning benefits. I would like to tell you about some of the great educators in my life, and what they did that really resonated with me, helping to form me into the artist and mentor I am today. I definitely assimilated a lot of these amazing attributes into my style of teaching because of the powerful impact they had on me. The intention is to recognize in yourself what educators are best for you, so you can choose appropriate education for yourself and learn how you can use it to be a teacher in your own area of expertise.

To give you an understanding as to why this subject is so important to me (aside from the obvious...duh, I'm an educator), I'll give you a brief background of my struggle with learning. I'm gonna have to talk about myself...ick...but it helps to make a point, so bare with me.

We have all heard of ADHD, yes? Of course you have, nowadays people diagnose it like they diagnose the flu. But I was "for reals"  diagnosed with ADHD when I was 7 years old, medicated, and went to therapy before anyone even knew what the disorder was. I still have it today, minus the hyperactivity, therapy, and no longer need to be medicated. The disorder involves an imbalance of neurotransmitters that can cause hyperactivity and concentration problems. This means I have a lot of trouble focusing and staying organized. Being a child with ADHD prior to anyone really understanding it or how to deal with it in educational settings, I was commonly viewed as having a behavioral problem. In addition to being the problem child of the class, I was an enigma in that I had a 120 IQ but my academic performance could not surpass a C+. I had problems absorbing the material the way it was taught, but if I could absorb it I grasped the material better than most in my class. Breaking through these obstacles would take two very important factors: a fierce will to not give up on myself, and amazing teachers.

The teachers that made an impact on me needed to go above and beyond using the characteristics, values, and virtues that would be important to anyone desiring a great education. I'm going to pinpoint these traits for you, and tell you about the person who delivered it flawlessly:

Patience/meeting me where I'm at.
Part of the reason why I did so poorly in grade school was because teachers didn't take the time to investigate what I was dealing with. I couldn't sit still in my seat, and I could answer questions with A+ aptitude but testing and listening for directions barely gave me a D. It wasn't until I went into the 4th grade and met Mrs. Belkin that I not only realized I was smart, but capable of doing things like other children...we just had to find different ways of doing it. Mrs. Belkin almost never yelled at me where so many in the past had. She sat with me and had me read and solve problems separately from the other class mates. She asked me what my favorite subjects were, and put me in a special reading group with only 3 other kids. Later I found out this was a group for kids with accelerated reading skills. We were given more complex reading comprehension, but we read to each other in a smaller group for better focus. For the first time, outside of art classes, I got all A's and B's. It was because Mrs. Belkin took the time to investigate what type of learning model worked best for me, was patient with me, and met me where I was at rather than lumping me in with everyone else where I (and my potential) often got lost.

Break it down for me, one time
My 5th grade piano teacher, Ms. Giordano, also understood that I needed to learn differently. I could barely read notes let alone play while reading them. In addition, my ADHD came with extreme impatience and frustration. So, Ms. Giordano would break the process into parts for me and have me master one thing at a time. She would always tell me what I was going learn each day, and what I would get out of each lesson. Of course, I have now forgotten most of what I learned at age ten...but at the time I was playing Bach and Beethoven when at first I could only play Chopsticks. Now, when I see "educators" who "teach" by giving vague demos, assuming that just showing a look with their talent makes a good teacher, I get a little annoyed. If you don't break it down and explicate the process, the material isn't relatable. Only a small percentage of people will grasp just by watching, most walk away saying "That was amazing, but I'll never be able to do it". In that case the job of the "educator" was not done! If people don't walk away with a new approach or understanding of the material, what's the point?

Don't let me get away with shit
I learned early on it's okay to struggle. Struggle pushes you to think outside the box and use more of your brain to problem solve. It may come to a surprise to some that I used to get defeated very easily. If I couldn't figure something out I would start a pity party in my head that I couldn't learn the way others learned and I am doomed to not succeed because of my "curse". Dramatic, right? Thankfully there were a few teachers along the way would not let me get away with that shit. The true saviors didn't allow me to use a road block as an excuse, but wouldn't give me the answers either. The person who continues to do this for me today is my mentor, Gary. He never lets me get away with anything...which is why I continue to call him whenever I get stuck. He let's me be my quirky, creative, ADD self. When shit gets tough, he supports me with compassion, but pushes me to solve the problem. Everything is "figureoutable".

I have a few more stories of great educators to share in my next blog. I really want to convey the difference between good educators and great educators. We didn't get the chance to choose who taught us as children, but we do now, and I want you to understand what makes the best educator for you. Stay tuned for part 2!

A cure for the hoarding makeup artist

As I unpacked my kits from the myriad of traveling jobs I've had recently, I realized I have enough makeup for 4 makeup artists! I also realized I have a tendency to hold on to products that are no longer relevant to what I do, and have such an over abundance of that it's hard for me to keep track of what I really need. As I began the process of purging I understood more clearly there has to be a better way to manage this. If I could simplify what I have, I wouldn't hate packing my kit as much when I have a job. If I became aware of everything I have, then I wouldn't have those moments of panic that I forgot something, and wouldn't need to pack unnecessary things that make my load unbearable.

How the hell did it get this way?

I have mentioned in previous posts how blessed I am to have companies who believe in my work, and believe in supporting makeup artists that will use their product in dynamic ways. I have been so grateful to have companies sponsor me through the years with new products and a yearly gratis. For a long time I'd think "I'll gladly take it all, because you never know what you are going to need" but now I have an over abundance of product from companies like Temptu, Make Up For Ever, OCC, MAC, Royal and Langnickel, Naked, Stila, Bare Minerals, Sigma, Embriolysse, Avene, Mehron, Sephora, Cozzette, Maybelline, Face Atelier, Skindinavia, World Body Painting and more. I collect it all, ultimately using about 70% of it, and now always being able to test my new products right away. Some of you are probably saying "I'm sorry but I don't really see a problem. In fact, I wish I had this problem." Well aside from have too much and not knowing where to put it...Here is the issue:

Stop being a philandering product whore, and make a commitment!

In order to minimize your kit, find products you love and rely on. There must be 500 million red lip colors out there, but it only matters which matte, cream, and gloss versions you can count on. Same with foundation! You probably already know which liquid, cream, and tinted moisturizers you love, so why would you keep looking to add more? Sometime there are holes (I haven't yet found the perfect concealer palette) but once you find your long lost love, what do you do with the old ones? Of course I am always trying new products to know what's out there and popular...but if you are getting products just for the sake of it, you are wasting money, valuable kit/closet space, and creating clutter in your physical and mental space. It's the same scenario as when you have four sets of shampoo and conditioner in your shower because you were dazzled by a shiny new product before you finished the old one, and thus started your collection. So, find your loves and stick to them, and find a system to filter out old products.

"But I don't want to get rid of it because you never know when you'll need it..."

Ok just stop. That tripe is a hoarder's anthem. That same shampoo/foundation/red lipstick...you know  (and I know you know!) will sit there well beyond its expiration date, taking up physical, mental, and energetic space. Yes, you spent money on it...so either use it up before you start something new, or hand it off to a friend, someone who is building their kit, or throw the damn thing out. Abundance is not owning tons of things, abundance is letting go because you know there will be enough. Create a system of what to do with old products. Whenever I buy a new pair of shoes, I promise myself I'll get rid of an old pair. I have been known to have trunk sales and giveaways with friends and interns. Keep the flow of energy moving...that which comes in needs room, so other things must leave.

Get off the "kid in a candy shop" syndrome.

I have learned many years ago, before entering a trade show/makeup boutique/etc with too much eye candy for my wallet and closet to realistically handle, I go in with a clear goal of how I'll come out. I take inventory of what I have and what I need, staying committed to accomplishing a purchase where those needs are met. Research and refine your choices rather than taking something home with a "we'll see" attitude. I imagine this tiny little Baptist preacher sitting on my shoulder as I walk through the aisles "Thou shalt not be tempted! Stay back demon! This is not what you came here for! The path of righteousness is the path of...well just keep moving...you do NOT need another f-ing Zuca, you already have 3."

Distinguish what you want vs. what you need

One of the best things I have ever done was sit in a seminar of one of my colleagues teaching kit focus. I learned so much from the minimalism of artist friends like James Vincent or Kevin James Bennett that I could essentially cut my kit in half. As true artists, we can mix and tweak so many products to do more for us, and create less volume in our kit. Figuring out how to dilute containers to palettes and forcing yourself to structure those palettes with the most essential colors, is key to a lighter load. Interestingly enough you could do an entire makeup with a blue, red, yellow, black and white flash colors for any skin tone. Not the preferred way to do it, but it is possible. So what do you really need in your kit versus what you actually pack?

Be ready before you're ready - pack ahead to avoid anxiety

I have been hired to do jobs everywhere from men's grooming to full body paint with fx and hair. Obviously, different jobs need different kits, and you should still be prepared just in case. You know the essentials you will need for a beauty job, and what you would add to that kit if it required tattoo coverage. You also know the add ons needed if a natural beauty look turned creative. I have learned from other artists through out the year to have these kits ready to go so you can easily add or subtract a zip-pack or two and be fully confident you have what you need. I pack for fashion week one week before. Knowing I'll be working with at least three brands, I make sure my must-have essentials are set, compact, and easy to convert no matter what brand I am working with.

In the end, the main remedies to cure hoarding tendencies have to do with editing, condensing, an abundance mentality (in your inventory and in all material things!), a clear purchasing focus, and the ability to pack smarter...not harder. Or is that heavier?

Too much education out there! How do you choose what is right for you?

It has become more apparent to me this year than ever that there is an overwhelming amount of people and organizations offering education to our industry. More than I've seen before, people are tapping into teaching as another way of making money. Since it is easier for people to communicate to an audience by way of online marketing, webinars, YouTube, online deals and easy registration programs, there are less hoops to jump through when producing education events. But this recent surge in educators can be a problem: so many choices in your face at all times makes it hard to choose, and creates a "dime a dozen" mentality, turning education offers into white noise. You may be familiar with the Facebook group called MUA Workshops Workshops, which is a constant rotation of new events, seminars, membership programs, YouTube channels, etc. I know if I post something there, within minutes it will travel far down the thread until someone likes or comments on it.


I often read through the offerings and select what I would actually choose if I were seeking education in makeup or hair, and would like to share how I make those distinctions. Luckily, my dear friend Michael DeVellis, owner of The Powder Group (of which most of us are proud members!) has already addressed this subject; He offers very clear points and questions you should ask yourself before deciding to invest. Be thorough, and make sure - as with anything - that you are getting immense value from your investment.

I've gotten so many messages lately about the huge amount of education out there in our industry these days and how can one tell the difference between what would be a great investment and what is a waste of time. So I thought I'd share a few points to consider:

- Who are the clients of, and what is the experience of, the educator? Do you aspire to have their career?
- Are they a true expert in the area they are teaching in? Check their website, CV and bio for up-to-date, relevant experience.
- When was the last time they worked on a shoot, film, show, project - versus just teaching about it? The industry changes - they need to be current.
- Are they an experienced educator as well as makeup artist or hair stylists. Just because you are a good creative talent does not make you a good educator.
- Does the cost of their program seem fair for their experience and where the event is being held? Are their cancellation policies fair?
- Are they toting an old success story as their entire basis for being a teacher? What have they done lately?
- Do they have a website and proper business set up to produce these events? Are they insured to produce such events?
- It's hard to judge integrity, ethical behavior, good industry etiquette and so on from a Facebook message but do your homework. The worst thing to do is take advice from someone who behaves badly, is negative or uses manipulative means by which to build their business. Learn from those who you want to be like. 

I hope this helps! Happy learning!
Michael DeVellis
Executive Director, The Powder Group

I would not say anything different! The only thing I would add:

- If you have an opportunity to go experience the facilitators first hand (trade show presentation, or a less expensive seminar) feel free to test the wares first. You will energetically know if this person is right for you to learn from, so you feel more confident in investing.

- Also feel free to make a list of what you want to get out of your experience, and if the promotional material isn't clear that is what you will be getting, contact them. Their customer service will also be a great indicator as to whether or not your needs will be taken care of.

In the end, you will learn something from every decision you make regarding your growth in business, so do not let the process paralyze! Keep moving forward! Enjoy the start of your new year.

Resolution VS. Commitment

As 2014 comes to a close we're are looking back at the last 12 months. What was this year about? What did you say you would do? What did you actually do? What were your successes? And what were your biggest challenges?

It's this day of the year that millions of people decide to create "resolutions" for the next 365 days/52 weeks/12 months. Quite honestly I have never been into resolutions, they kind of seem like bullshit to me. The actual definition of a resolution is not what everybody thinks it is:

A res-o-lu-tion  noun: The act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc.: the act of resolving something: an answer or solution to something:

Our version of a New Year's resolution is a secular tradition in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self improvement that they will carry out for that year.

The problem I have found with creating these "promises" is that we often end up disappointed in ourselves when we cannot keep them. 365 days is a very long time to commit to a drastic change you made overnight. Human change does not come from a promise we make to ourselves because we think we should be better than we were yesterday; Human change comes from the guts of creating a commitment, and a vision to carry it through.

If we actually were making a resolution, we would be in the act of resolving the problem that stands in the way of being who or where we want to be. Be in ownership of creating the steps between who you currently are and being a healthy person, being someone who makes more money, being someone who spends more time with family, being someone who does everything/anything it takes to have the life you want.

So if you are in fact going to be making resolutions you are passionate about, ask yourself: are they "it would be nice if..." promises, or actual commitments? Is 2015 your year? How committed are you making that happen? How do you know if you are committed?

Your are committed if:

• You have a clear vision of what it is you want
• You are ready to do hard work in order to get what you want
• Obstacles along the way do not stop you, they prompt you to find another road on the map
• When you get stuck, you find support
• You are willing to be vulnerable (yes you may actually cry a little bit)
• You are willing to take risks
• You are willing to be uncomfortable, be judged, and...some people may not like this... committed to you.
• You are ready to be fully responsible for making it happen - No one else, YOU
• You understand that you may fall on your face, and that is okay
• You are okay with not doing it perfectly, because the only way to do it with perfection is to do it shitty first...
• You may not know how, but you're committed to having it happen anyway, no matter what

You are not committed if:

• You have no vision as to where you see yourself
• You make a promise because someone else thinks you should, not because it's important to you
• The first moment it gets hard you give up
• THE FIRST MOMENT IT GETS HARD YOU GIVE UP
• You give yourself back doors like saying "I'll try", "I'll see what happens ", "I hope"

• You base your success on what others do or don't do, say or don't say
• You allow time, money, knowledge, experience, (fill in the blank), be your excuse as to why you cannot stay committed
• You are unwilling to be vulnerable, be wrong, fall on your face, look bad, be judged, or do the work
• You resist making a plan that will guide you
• You are not willing to find another way if the plan you made doesn't work out
• Reading this makes you feel guilty rather than motivated

In the end my friends, hard work, drive, and seeking support is the formula to defeating what you think is overwhelming and impossible. Words must be followed with integrity and action because you are worth it. Stay committed, and keep company with those who will push you, and be honest with you. Things may take longer than you want them to but hold your seat and stay focused on the goal, and you will get there...don't give up!

I and The Body of Artists salutes you, wishes you prosperity, passion, and commitment in 2015. We will be here creating some crazy shit in this upcoming year! I hope you will join us

Please enjoy some of the things that inspired me during 2014:

DEFEAT THE ODDS WITH BLIND PASSION

(Sargy Mann's paintings regularly selling for upward of £50,000 (US$80,000).

(If cannot see, click here)

FORGET WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT DISABILITY

(make society's stigma, into society's desire)

(If you cannot see it , click here)

NEVER GIVE UP!

(you might cry, but will have no excuse after this one)

(If cannot see, click here)

Feedback: Are you brave enough to ask for it, and smart enough to demand it?

Most human beings have a natural positive reaction to praise and acknowledgement, and a resistance or fear toward constructive criticism. Often people are disappointed when they receive none of the first, but are more than happy to receive none of the second. Recently I have been both the receiver and giver of "feedback", and as much as I am utterly uncomfortable in both scenarios, I have built a muscle over the years allowing me to put both experiences in the category of "essential growth process".

As entrepreneurs we have an ethical and social responsibility to provide excellent customer service. It is essential to our brand elevation and presence. Further, it is what we deserve and expect for ourselves.So, why as a human being would you not want to provide that for others?

When you are offering a service or are working on a team, your performance, efforts, and ways of being are the anchor points to an excellent experience by others.This will dictate more business down the line as people will hire you again, and refer others to work with you. If you promise to deliver something, you are responsible for meeting your word about that product...not just by basic standards, but standards of excellence. If for some reason you are unable to deliver something in excellence, be prepared to receive feedback about it.

Feedback does not make you right or wrong, nor is it good or bad - feedback is information. Feedback is a mirror image of what you are putting out so you can compare it to your original intention and commitment to what you said you would deliver. True integrity even values what you didn't say you would put out, but what should be expected as quality customer service. Constructive criticism is a blessing for you, and a tool with which to learn, adjust, and redeliver your work at its optimal potential.

So why, when we are presented with this awesome opportunity for feedback, do we often react in anger, rejection, fear, defensiveness, projection, embarrassment, and negativity? Because somewhere in our minds at some point in our lives we started to develop our "ego". Ego has a lot of negative connotations attached to it it, but is defined as: the part of the psychic apparatus that experiences and reacts to the outside world and thus mediates between the primitive drives of the id and the demands of the social and physical environment...What the hell does that mean? Ego is about self assurance balanced with social acceptance, and how they feed off one another. The panic mode we go into when someone criticizes us is primed from our wanting to feel we did our best, and if we perhaps did not, protect the idea that we did, so we look good. We are often embarrassed and thrown back in the face of criticism, and when we are not aware we are not delivering the best experience, we automatically want to defend our honor. Because of our egos we thrive on praise because we see it as "good", and we reject criticism because we see it as "bad". But let me ask you this: Would you prefer for people to blow smoke up your ass, allow you to produce or behave as mediocre, so you can feel "good", OR would you be willing to risk feeling a little uncomfortable, and take responsibility for what you could deliver so you can be extraordinary? I will assert the latter.

While producing and developing programs and workshops, I will always question my participants. How was your experience? What did you love? Did we meet your expectations? What was missing for you? What would you like to see more of? Would you refer us to others? The answers may not be pleasant - though I hope they will be - but I am looking for common concerns and grievances that need to be adjusted. I try my best to remember to keep my emotions out of it and look for golden nuggets to use and change for the better. This absolutely goes for personal relationships too; my closest friends are people who support me by lovingly acknowledging my efforts, but also aren't afraid to tell me when I fuck up.

Further, don't get chickenshit around giving feedback either. You cannot complain about anything unless you do or say something about it. If you are offered a service, and it is not delivered in excellence, how will they know unless you tell them? You deserve to get a top notch experience, whether you are paying a lot or nothing at all. But if you are putting money down, and not being responsible about being vocal of exactly what you want and expect, then do not complain when you don't get it. Nothing makes my eyes roll more than incessant bitching with no ownership of how you could have made it different. Some people were not educated with the same ethics as you, but you learn over time with referrals and experience who to work with and who not to.

So how can you use feedback to elevate your business, your customer experience, and even your personal relationships?

• Remember feedback is not good or bad, right or wrong. It is simply information.
• The best businesses (and people), are not afraid of receiving feedback. In fact, they look for it, and base the elevation of their business on it.
• When receiving and giving feedback, try to extract the emotion out of it. A dissatisfied customer will have an emotional reaction. However, if you can read between the lines and see what it is that actually needs an adjustment, putting your ego aside, then you have an amazing tool at your disposal.
• Be responsible about how you give feedback. If your intention is just to bitch and make a point, don't bother. Your biggest possibility to make a difference will be lost in translation if your behavior sucks. Give feedback with the intention of caring that the other person or business will grow because of it.
• Be responsible about how you receive feedback. If your emotions begin to cause a reaction that initiates defensiveness, stop, count to 10, take deep breaths and say to yourself, what can I learn from this? How can this inspire me to create a better experience?
• Have gratitude for your feedback, even if it stings like a bitch. Down the line you may realize that this was one of the best things that could have happened for you.
• Take what you need and leave behind the rest. Not every bit of feedback you receive has pertinence.
• You will know deep in your heart which feedback is most important.

In the end we all need to be self-cleaning ovens. Sometimes we can only count on ourselves to allow for the biggest growth. Remember what customer service is for you. If you wouldn't settle for anything less than the optimum experience when purchasing a service, a product, or a relationship with another human being, then you absolutely must hold yourself to the same standards.

The Glorious Release of Completion

Coming to the end of a year we often look back at all we have a accomplished (or not accomplished) and we weigh our lives against how far we have come…

If I ask myself what the most satisfying, joy-inducing experiences in my life are, I'd say spending quality time with the people I love and fully completing ongoing projects. Anything that gets in the way of these I identify as a challenge, and the struggle to overcome it effects me emotionally. Though I will always find ways to be with my loved ones, it's completion that's the heavy hitter for me.

Completion releases energy. When we invest energy in a plan, our energy is tied up until that action is finished and also acknowledged. Each time we complete a plan, the accumulated energy is released, blasting us into an even larger orbit of action.

Incompletion makes it hard for us to get out of bed. Our minds are filled up with all the things we have to do...so full in fact we can't manage to do any if them.

A lot of times I experience incompletion as a failure: I have failed to do what I said I would do by the time I said I would do it. I cannot move on to my next if I can't complete the now. But incompletion is just a hole in a glass - We cannot fill the glass until we repair it. Patching up the hole is completion. It does not mean we've failed, rather it just simply means there is a call for change in how we've been doing it until now. Think of your goal plan like a relationship: At first it's exciting and easy to find the passion in it...but when shit gets rough and times are hard, it's time to reconsider our commitment. Either put a ring on it or go your separate ways!

This coming Monday The Body of Artists leadership program will honor it's second team of artists graduating the 18 month program. These ladies have come such an unbelievably long way since they began their journey in 2013. They have pushed through unbelievable challenges, experienced some great successes, fell on their faces, gotten back up, and broken through obstacles to become the dynamic professional make up artists they are today. There are probably still some things they would say they have not "completed" as they imagined at the beginning of their program... But does this mean they can't move forward to the next stage of their lives and careers with a feeling of accomplishment?

Let's examine some steps of completion as an actual practice:

Acknowledge what it is you are incomplete about. (without judging the facts or yourself)
No judgments. Just say what it is, no feeling guilt over it.

Acknowledge what HAS been accomplished.
Whether you believe it or not, you have accomplished something with this goal. What was it? How can you acknowledge yourself for that?

Acknowledge what is left undone.
So what's left? What is still incomplete?

Ask yourself if there is a next action to take. If so, write it down and schedule it.
Take action NOW. Put it in your calendar. Make a phone call, write an email, have a conversation ... But do it right now....go ahead...we'll be here...not going anywhere...

Ask yourself if you truly want to finalize this goal. Are you really passionate about this being done?
Maybe you notice you have a strong resistance to doing this (for reasons other than you have been overwhelmed or there's been a few roadblocks here or there) or that you are totally not feeling the goal anymore. It was a good idea at the time but you've moved on...so just declare it COMPLETE. Say it's done and move on!

Is there anything else to say or do that will leave you empowered? If so, to or with whom? Say it, do it, or schedule yourself to do so.
Is there a confidence issue at hand? Is there a person who seemingly stands in the way of your path to completion? Remember your commitment. Do you want to cross the finish line or not? Make your vision bigger then your circumstances, and push through! In other words, knock off the bullshit and do what you need to do, or don't complain.

Finally....MOVE ON!!!

Are you selling out on your dreams to pay the bills?

"Where's my next check coming from?"

If you are Freelance makeup artist, (or a freelancer period) that question is probably not only familiar, but brings a disdaining shudder to your whole body.

When we have it good we wouldn't trade our freelance career for the world. The freedom to make our own schedule, the luxury of saying no to work without penalties, the possibility to make in one day what you might make in a week elsewhere (that's the best), having a business that is your own... Doing what you love.

But when shit gets tight we often ask ourselves "If only I had that weekly paycheck, something I could rely on". In a moment of down times, there are days we'd give it all up to just feel secure and know we can pay the bills. Sometimes it gets really scary...if you can't make your rent or you have more than one mouth to feed.

So how do you not sell out on your dreams and your vision in order to be responsible and take care of yourself? 

Well there is no straight token answer that works for every scenario, but when you are caught up in those scary moments, in the middle of the storm, there are options to could consider that will keep you on the path to your dreams, rather than turning around or getting stuck.

Change your life? Change your mind.

First before anything we need to be aware of where we allow our mind to take us. It is the number one factor to getting to the other side of a challenge, any challenge, especially a financial one. Most will give up or resign their efforts because their mind tells them: it's too hard, it's not possible, maybe I wasn't meant for this, maybe I don't have what it takes, I'm not good enough/smart enough/young enough/experienced enough, I can't do it alone, my family comes before me, I'll never be rich, money doesn't grow on trees...etc. 

At the time these thoughts are very real and seem to be the truth. But the truth is, if we allow these thoughts to be what rules us, we could never have a fighting chance to break through our financial obstacles, or any other obstacle.. The mind is so powerful, we need to understand that what we think is all we will see.  Despite the evidence, we need to start focusing more on thoughts of prosperity and abundance in order to materialize it.  Most will say I need to experience abundance before I believe it, but it's actually the other way around. In order for it to manifest, put your thinking to the test.

I Will Persist until I Succeed

One of the most unfortunate things about working through a financial challenge is people are often easily defeated when the bank account is close to 0.  I myself have found that my stamina and energy and positive thinking is the hardest to push through when I'm stressed out about my bills and my financial commitments. Not only do I experience feelings of hopelessness, but also question my self worth. What did I do to get myself here?  It's at these critical times where giving up and deciding a freelance career is not for you and a full time job may be the safest route is common. But if in this moment you can see the situation as just a set back rather a sign of defeat, you get an opportunity to learn - the best lesson available, and you can use this vulnerable moment to propel you forward.

 When Sandy hit us in 2012, I lost about $7000 in revenue because Halloween was practically cancelled in NY. I was counting on that money for so many things, it was a devastating loss. To add salt to the wound work was unusually slow the following months. I found myself curled up in ball on the couch numbing out to Netflix movies with no energy, no inspiration, and fighting thoughts of taking a part time job. One day I decided I was sick of feeling this way and being a victim of Sandy or any other circumstance that seemed to hold a poverty cloud over my head. So I started to meditate. I practiced thoughts of believing the work was coming to me, not just menial work but work that was inspiring and lucrative. At the same time I started calling people. I called people or companies I owed money to and explained my situation and created agreements. You'd be surprised how understanding and compassionate people can be if you learn to ask in a powerful way.  I then started creating a workshop and called colleagues, letting them know I was available for things, even assisting. Then in January the flood gates opened, And I made more money in three months than I had a very long time.

This is because I stayed committed to my vision and would not give up. Commitment is all about seeing your destination and not being attached to how you get there. Riding through the storm and having faith that if you're careful you can make it all the way through. Not being ashamed of asking for support or doing whatever it takes to get you to the other side all the while keeping thoughts of positivity.

Stay Committed to Your Decisions, but Stay Flexible in your Approach

Now as I said before, I put down my ego in times of stress and really got connected to what are all the possibilities of creating money rather than the ones that I am most accustomed to. A lot of people who are in financial straits will be stuck on only making money in the way that they normally would: getting calls from clients who will hire you to do make up, or get a full part time job. For me it's not even a matter of pride to not take a full or part time job; sometimes it's about staying on track for what I'm currently building, and to take a job with another person may deter me from focusing on building my brand, my portfolio, my business plan etc. I often need to take a look at what I'm doing, ask myself if it's working, and what are other ways to approach both receiving income, spending income, and saving income.

Receiving income is what most people focus on, but how you handle the money once you have it is a huge factor in the fluidity of your funds. People assume that 100% of your check should go towards bills/food and then what's leftover goes to recreational activities or items. That is one approach. Have you ever attempted creating a budget? (I know, total "yuck". What do I look like, an accountant?). But being aware of the monthly ratio of what you take in versus what you spend could help you make informed decisions on what you can spend money on. Subtle cut backs can make a huge difference down the line. Also putting away money for a rainy day, may be the thing you thought anal people did, but if you put 20% or even 10% of every check you received away and didn't touch it... that could be your saving grace for those intense lull periods where panic takes over your rational brain.  People do it for taxes, when they want to go on a kick ass vacation...why not think longer term?

Oh What the Fuck, Do Whatever it Takes

This has been a mantra I have gone by and taught with for over 5 years, and has literally changed my life forever.  We think in a small box a large percent of the time, and it is in times of crisis where our brain pumps into overdrive based on the need for survival, the most amazing creative and intuitive ideas spring forth. You honestly would be surprised at the lengths someone could go, that you would go, if it meant everything.

Back in 2009 my hubby and I were confronted with a very serious and unexpected legal issue.  We had to come up with over $15,000 in less than two months to hire a lawyer who could help us sort it out.  Its the kind of news that grips you with the kind of fear and panic that paralyzes you. Both my husband and I had to hit the ground running to come up with some solutions to create money quick.  I went everywhere I knew with my usual approach: followed up with immediate clients, called some friends to see if they knew of any jobs...I kept hitting walls. I was at the precipice of going back to finding work at a makeup counter, which I hadn't done in over 5 years. Just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with working at a counter, but it wasn't what I wanted to do. So I got some coaching from someone and they put me on a challenge.  They asked me to make a list of 50 things I could do to create money (that were legal of course).  I rolled my eyes at first but of course agreed to it.  At first I couldn't get past 21 things.  I ran through the obvious things...doing makeup, teaching classes for brands, teaching private clients, body painting for events, for campaigns, doing face painting for kids parties, for adult parties, do brows, give hair cuts...but when I tried to stop there my coach wouldn't let me.  He said keep going until I hit 50. So I forced myself to think outside of the box.  It wasn't easy but I came up with another 30. Some were silly, but the ones that counted were in that last 30.  Design, produce and facilitate your own workshops, Design Classes/programs for other companies, assist with product development, paint murals, create Halloween event...When I completed my list, my coach then challenged me to email the list to 20 people who I would inspire to hire me for one or more of the things on the list. I said "What?!". He simply answered " How important to you is it to make money right now?." I breathed deep, and got to work. These were not some sales emails... I got real, vulnerable, but connected with people powerfully who I knew could hire me or get things started.  In one month I made an extra $5,000, next month same, and the rest we borrowed from our 401K.  And thank goodness, because that lawyer did an amazing job and cleared us of a lot of unnecessary crap. Not to mention half of the things I created to make extra money ended up being permanent money making options that I still use today.  All because I was committed to getting to the other side, not giving up, not being stuck to one approach, and having the attitude of O.W.T.F.D.W.I.T.

 In a world where there is so much available to us, and where we can use our gifts of creativity to come up with unlimited options, there is almost nothing we can't conquer.  We all have our vulnerable moments, but in those powerful moments we can make choices that make us stronger or set us back.  Money is not a force that rules us, it is an energy, and a tool that we can make a partner, or a nemesis. Which would you choose? Which do you choose?