Do What You Can.

Giving back is essential to the growth of any community. Making sure you are doing your part  can be overwhelming  when you may be facing issues of your own, and/or raising a family and having a full time job. Many people live a "full plate" life and feel that there's  no time or not enough money to make an effective impact in the world around us when it comes to community service.  To this I say, in the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "Do what you can, where you are , with what you have", charity starts at home. Make sure you live your life in a way that would inspire others. Make sure you are raising children that will be contributors to society. And lastly, look within yourself for the special talents you make have that you can easily share with someone in need. One of the many ways I give back is by using my God-given talent as a makeup artist to help women who are battling cancer. Showing a woman, who has lost all her hair, how to put on lashes and draw on eyebrows helps them feel more like themselves and gives them the confidence needed to fight the good fight when battling cancer. Ask yourself, What's my gift and how can I share it to help someone else?

Mrs. Northeast International 2015

  It is such an honor to hold the title of Mrs. Northeast International 2015 and to be able to represent the Mrs. International Pageant system. I love this system for many different reasons: the ability to challenge yourself to be the best you possible,  the opportunity to share your passion for causes that are near and dear to you, and meeting women from all across the world who inspire and motivate you. As a married woman, this pageant  also gives me the chance to go for my dreams while celebrating the beauty of my partnership with my husband.

   On July16th, at 6pm, I will be holding an empowerment seminar at Castle Couture in Manalapan, NJ. I will be talking about my platform The Esther Project (a global women's empowerment movement), The Mrs, Miss & Miss Teen International Pageants and how you can be Empowered Through Pageantry. And for all you future "Mrs", here's a couple of Bridal looks that can be found at Castle Couture.

The Power of Makeup

As a makeup artist, I get to transform women of all different cultures and nationalities into the best versions of themselves. Using makeup to enhance your appearance can put you in the best light  to make a positive impression when meeting new people. If you are unsure about what type of makeup to wear or how to apply it, check youtube for makeup tutorials. You will find an assortment  of instructors ready to help you put your best foot forward.
  Here I am at an event hosted by Dress for Success, ( a non- profit organization that provides interview suits, boosts confidence and provide career development for women in low income areas), where I am giving makeup tips to women looking to re-enter the workforce.

Using your Power to Empower.

  Going through bumpy roads and learning lessons from them is what life is all about. Imagine a life where you were never challenged? I'm a true believer that everything in life happens for a reason. When you are facing a road block try to step outside of yourself to truly find the testimony of your test. And when you find yourself stronger and smarter than you were before, share those lessons with others so that they too, can find the strength to make it through a tough time. Here I am sharing my life lessons during an Esther Project Empowerment Event.

The Power of Empowerment!

The more work I do with The Esther Project, the more I realize the importance of the work. We all have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. The person you see everyday when riding the subway, your hairdresser or co-worker can be in desperate need of empowerment. If you, yourself are not living in the light of empowerment, how can you recognize the need in others?
   The Esther Project encourages and inspires you to live a life of empowered purpose, so that you can inspire and empower others.The way to change the world is to start with the "man (woman) in the mirror"!

Kick Cancer Overboard Advisory Board

It's been 5 years since the start of Kick Cancer Overboard, a charity that sends cancer affected families on a free cruise each year. I remember when my friend and co- founder Donnalyn Giegerich Zapcic, who survived a bout with cancer, ask me to collaborate with her to help people find hope when they needed it most. We both understand the importance of maintaining a positive frame of mind when you are battling cancer, and what can be more positive than spending time with your loved ones & creating memories on the vacation of a lifetime.
   In the course of 5 years, we have raised enough money to send over 100 families affected by cancer on a free cruise! I am very proud to announce that I am not only a spokesperson for KCO , but I have just accepted a seat on the advisory board to do my part to make sure that KCO continues to grow and help as many as possible find hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis. To learn more about our effort please visit KCO at www.kickcanceroverboard.com

Castle Couture: Modeling Eve of Milady

Empowering Young Minds

Here I am speaking some words of empowerment and encouragement to some darling little ladies who will grown up to be dynamic grown women. #iamesther #empowerment #queen

Empowering Women, My Crowning Moment & Birthday Cake, All in One Day!

Empowering women through the power of makeup is a true passion of mine. This passion led me to donate my services to the beautiful contestants of the Miss, Mrs & Miss Teen New Jersey International pageant. I was able to help my sister queens look and feel their best in order to "Rock the Stage". After the pageant I was "crowned" Mrs. Northeast International 2015 by my beautiful friend, Danielle Micale Mrs. Northeast International 2014. I love being surrounded by all my lady leader sister Queens. In addition, I was surprised with cake & the ladies singing Happy Birthday to celebrate my turning 44!  Female empowerment at it's finest! #iamesther #empowerment #queens

Teen Vogue Fashion Charity Event

When Teen Vogue Magazine decided to help up and coming designers by having a fashion charity event, I jumped at the chance to donate my time and services as a stylist/makeup artist, to empower a young woman who was selected to attend the charity event which featured many notables in fashion including designers Zac Posen and  Jessica Simpson. I would like to say a special thank you to Sandy Foley of Flair Designs, who added me to the team for this special event which took place in NYC.

Lady (Happily) Sings the Blues!

My career has given me the awesome opportunity to work with some dynamic people. One such occasion was when I had the chance to do a magazine layout with Richard Pryor Jr., son of the legendary late great Richard Pryor.
  The shoot took place at The Metropolitan Room in NYC. As we were shooting I had the honor of hearing behind the scene stories of Richard's dad & Diana Ross on the set of Lady Sings the Blues ( one of my all time favorite movies). It was a great shoot, great day with great people.