Hi, I'm Julie ... artist, photographer, potter, etc. I am so happy you are here! I consider this blog my creative journal where I can share my recent work, ideas and dreams, and lots of little details about my life. Please make yourself at home. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a photographer, or just a visitor, I hope you will find inspiration here and even become a friend. |
So I have been keeping a secret. I started something new in my life! I have only shared it with a few people – most have been excited and encouraging. One was unintentionally discouraging and I let that discouragement have too much power. Have you ever tried something new with your life? It can be really scary. I hate to even admit this, but I have allowed fear to keep me from sharing this really awesome new piece of my life. So today is the day I kick fear in the face and tell you what this is all about!
I have started a new business as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant!!!
My story actually begins over three years ago when I found out I was pregnant with Eleanor. I gradually just stopped wearing makeup and eventually stopped taking care of my skin. After two babies and riding the rapids of motherhood, I had completely given up on my face … and it showed. Birth had caused broken veins in my cheeks, consistent lack of sleep had caused dark circles under my eyes, and not washing my face every day had caused my pores to look larger. Every time I looked in the mirror I saw the damage the last three years had imparted on my skin. And I was reminded that not only was I looking bad but I had not been taking care of myself.
In comes my friend Katy – who is one of the most informed, positive, happy, and beautiful ladies I have ever met. Katy is a Mary Kay consultant and she offered to give me a facial. That was this past December. I purchased the Timewise “Miracle Set” because God knew it would take a miracle to improve my damaged skin. But I didn't realize that God had plans to work a few other miracles in my life.
So a little miracle began. Less than a week after using the basic skin care set I began to see significant improvements. Now, three months later, the dark circles are gone, my pores are refined, the red broken veins have disappeared, and I have been wearing make-up on a pretty regular basis. But that's just the icing on top. The real miracle is that I've been feeling really great about myself. Every time I look in the mirror I see that my skin is healthy and glowing. And there is that little reminder that I am worth the minimal time and cost required to take care of my skin in this way.
It sounds so “salesy” but this product seriously improved my sense of self worth. So that's where it started. I attended a few Mary Kay Girl's Nights Out with Katy and I quickly realized there was something more here for me. I was so utterly impressed by this group of women. They were successful, empowered, inspiring, and completely uplifting to one another. I knew I wanted to be counted among them. At this season of my life I need this kind of leadership and example of excellence. But the most exiting element is that I have a serious heart for helping other women discover self worth and reach excellence in their own lives … and the Mary Kay opportunity provides seriously awesome avenues for growth in that very kind of leadership.
And then comes in the fear. I think most people have an inner critic but I have to tell you that I think` mine is exceptionally good at making me feel really bad. Thanks, but no thanks. I have to make a serious effort to dismember those rotten thoughts and it is hard work. So I'd like to just get a little transparent and lay it out. Here are many of my own doubts and fears surrounding this new business venture followed up with some truth.
Do I not have enough going on in my life? Yes, I totally do. I have two kids, two pets, now two businesses (in two different states), two homes (we're in the middle of a move), and one really hard-working, supportive husband. Time management is BIG. Mary Kay emphasizes that how you run your business is a reflection of how you run your life. With that, the company's philosophy on prioritizing life with God first, family second, and career third is really teaching me to manage my time and create a work load that suits me.
But I'm not a trained makeup artist. No I am not ,and I'm not trying to be! I have a lot of amazingly talented and educated makeup artist friends in the wedding industry and what I do is no competition to them. I am a beauty consultant which means my job is about informing people on skin care and providing a service. Mary Kay is a product based business which is totally different from a skill based business like being a makeup artist.
Umm, what about your photography business? So yeah … my photography business is still totally going strong. I have slowed things down quite a lot in the past three years so I could “focus” on being a momma. It has proved to be a perfect fit for my life as a creative outlet for me and a supplemental income for my family. Mary Kay really brings something totally different to my life. And I'm actually really excited to see how I can weave these two businesses together.
I am afraid people will think I am always trying to sell them something. I do not want to be that person! I did not join to simply make money (although that is a pretty awesome benefit). The product is making a big difference in my life … and I want to share that with anyone who is interested! I think women deserve to feel beautiful and celebrated … and the Mary Kay community definitely brings that to my life. I am also really encouraged by the opportunities for leadership and empowering other women. I mean – who makes it their job to achieve their dreams? Mary Kay said if you can dream it you can do it … and that idea is pretty much what the company is built on.
So without further adieu … I am officially open for business!!! You can visit MY MARY KAY WEBSITE HERE where you can order lots of amazing products … or contact me to set up a free facial! I would love to send you samples or have you as a face model for our weekly girl's night out! Please hit me with your questions and let me know how I can serve you!