Last year, my friend Cody asked if I would do her eye makeup for a wedding that she was a part of and I reluctantly said yes. While I genuinely wanted to help my friend, not to mention that I loved watching makeup videos on YouTube and thought it would be so cool to have the opportunity of being a makeup artist someday, I was freaked out and thought for sure I wouldn't be great at it. However, after completing her eye makeup, she loved it and I was all the more hooked with makeup! She later suggested that I should do the makeup for her friend who was soon to be married. I thought she was out of her mind.

That being said, and after much deliberation, it was a year ago (on October 5th) that I finished my first makeup job on a beautiful bride! 

The photo collage below showcases just a few of the sweet faces I've had the honor of enhancing this past year!

I love being a hairstylist, but I've included my new passion for makeup. I've experienced hard and sad changes in my career, but those changes have definitely opened up a new door of opportunity for which I'm so thankful to the Lord for giving me. Pursuing makeup has taken time, effort, research, practice, money, and a lot of pep talks (and hugs) from others, but I've enjoyed every step of the way!

In my pursuit, I have also found a few things out about myself. I think that’s common when we step into something new. To be completely honest, I have experienced so many thoughts of doubt, comparison, and a lack of confidence during this venture. Having the opportunity to do makeup is so fun and exciting, and I don't think I do a horrible job, but I'm just one of those people who is extremely hard on themselves—and possibly a little too meticulous and OCD for my own good. ;) Any job requires training and levels of expertise, and when you teach yourself, that looks like frequently practicing on others, researching through books, and watching YouTube videos. I still have so much that I want to learn, that during this past year, I wouldn't even call myself a makeup artist. I didn't think I should call myself that (or even #hashtag it) while just starting out for fear that any classroom or apprentice taught expert would think it ridiculous if I did. I do think anyone should take the responsibility to hone their skill set to a respectable level, but now that it's been a year, I've learned that I need to celebrate the knowledge that I have attained and learn to accept others' praise for a job well done in their eyes—and honestly, believe that myself. Humility is key, but beating yourself up because you aren't someone else is destructive to your soul. Hello! You were never meant to be anyone else but YOU! Yes! Be responsible, actively pursue, research, take classes, etc.—but your identity is in Christ, the glory is His, and despite whatever your career may be, your skill set has been gifted to you for a unique purpose. I will continue to learn and grow, but comparison will always be the thief of joy (that Teddy Roosevelt knew some things, I tell you).

This past year has been amazing and I'm incredibly grateful for the people and the opportunities the Lord has placed in my path. I have received SO much encouragement, affirmation, and support from my sweet co-workers (especially my girls--Cody, Shelbi, and Colby), friends, clients, my mom, and most of all, my husband!

 It means the absolute world to me and my heart is thankful for you all!