Keep Calm & Give Thanks!

Hey beauties! This week has been crazy with Thanksgiving, my 23rd birthday, and tons of work! Thanksgiving is always the time that it really begins to feel like the holidays. I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with your loved ones and favorite people. I spent my Thanksgiving (which happened to land on my birthday this year) in Westchester at my family’s house, stuffing my face with fatty foods, opening gifts and appreciating my loved ones. This time of year I tend to reflect on my life and what I’m thankful for. 
  • My family, who love me and support me unconditionally no matter what

  • My amazing friends who I adore dearly

  

  • Andrew, who always seems to guide me in the right path

  

  • My furry friends whom I’ve adopted and love so much and for all the cute things they do, that melts my heart every single day

   

  • The little things in life that make me happy like my daily morning cup of tea

  • Opportunities and experiences that have come my way

  • The support of all my readers & followers that constantly motivate me to work hard and be successful!

 
I am also thankful that I celebrated Thanksgiving not once but twice this year. The day after Thanksgiving I did makeup for an amazing fashion show/benefit, that Rose Kneer put together for Adopt-A-Solider Platoon.
On my way, I couldn’t help but admire the sunset!
For me this event was like celebrating Thanksgiving twice, because it made me realize, and appreciate life and everything in it. The show was hosted by actor and comedian Carlos Gonzalez and co-hosted by Mrs. NJ America 2012, Robin Vitale. Here’s a photo of my Logo on screen of the show…
The show helped raise awareness and funds for deployed soldiers in need. The mission of Adopt A Soldier Platoon is to improve the morale of service men and women, as well as their families. There were amazing performances, and some great designers that blew my mind! Recording Artist Apryl Evans performed and her voice was unbelievable. David J. Bixler who was an injured Colonel during his third tour in Afghanistan, made an amazing speech that was really moving. He shared his reasons for joining the military, and his dedication to fight for the freedoms that have been afforded to him. He described how he felt guilty taking advantage of the freedom we are all given without doing something to earn it. He didn’t complain once, he was very thankful for the Adopt a Solider Platoon contributions. It’s the smallest things that makes the biggest differences, for these soldiers.
I attended this event to do makeup for models, and after David’s speech, I realized I was there for SO MUCH MORE.
  
It made me thankful for everything I have in life, and motivated me to help. During the fashion show part there was a designer that immediately caught my attention. I liked how she came backstage and introduced herself to me, and described to me what looks she wanted me to create on her models. Her designs were lovely. The makeup she chose was bold. Bold blue eyeliner. But… I couldn’t help but notice her age. She appeared to be very young, and made it almost unbelievable that she was the designer! Well, my assumptions were right. Her name? Jazmin Brown. Her age? 14 YEARS OLD! Such great talent at such a young age! Check out this commercial her work is featured in! 
 
  
Alexandria Gilleo: Your such an inspiration, I can’t believe how young you are! What age did you start designing?
Jazmin Brown: Thank you. I started designing about two years ago, at the age of 12. I started off modeling first, then became a designer. I was also on the Tyra Banks show when I was 11 years old. 
 
AG: Ah, something we have in common. I was also once a guest host on the Tyra Banks show ! What is your biggest accomplishment?
JB: My biggest accomplishment was definitely getting booked with Kraft foods!
 
AG: What was it like filming and being chosen for the Honey Grahams commercial?
JB: Amazing! I was sent to San Francisco to film the commercial. My designs were featured in NJ Fashion week. It was a great experience. 
 
AG: What projects do you have in the works, and where do you see yourself in 5 years?
JB: Right now I’m working on my pieces going into boutiques. That’s what I’m working out now. In the future I see myself having my own boutique. I make all the kids pieces myself. For adult wear, I’m still learning. Right now I have someone sit along with me. 
 
Other designers included Dana Bands, Nikkay Fashions, HR Fashion, E & J Bridal Boutique, Stache Haus, Jerzy bling, and a few more. I was truly honored to work this event! This week, I also was booked to do makeup for a music video. Fun! Love these types of jobs. Incredible singer, Michelle Sangalli called me to come on set of her video and do makeup and hair. I got to work with director Edwin Escobar, for the second time. His work is great and I love working with him. He means business! I also got to meet Christopher Lykins, the male actor in the video. He is a model and upcoming actor. Look out for him in tv series Revolution, and movie Safe Haven. Here’s a photo of some of the crew.
 
I am so thankful for my career. I truly love meeting so many different people, and working with young talent CONSTANTLY!
Again, I hope you readers all had a great Thanksgiving. Christmas is next! Christmas is no doubt the most exciting time of the year! I adore everything about this season, except the cold weather 😉 I decorated the whole house, and very excited that I put up my PINK Christmas tree in my closet room. Along with Victoria Secret gifts under the tree (Yes, I’m stocking up on those secret reward cards!) Here’s some photos of my week and Christmas decor! Enjoy!
Celebrating my 23rd Birthday!
  
Christmas Decor! A stocking for Andrew, LaLaa, Buddah, Sonny, Banks, Tom & myself 😉
  
Thanks again for reading! Next post will be on Wednesday ! Xo!
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Author: muahbyalex

I’m Alexandria, a 22 year young, New York based makeup artist making a name for myself in the fashion & beauty industry. I’ve always been the type of person to go after my dreams. I always loved art growing up, and for me makeup became my art. I consider myself a beauty therapist, tea drinking, event coordinating, very quirky, karma believing, yoga practicing, animal lover who adores fashion, nature, traveling and experiencing what life has to offer! I’m very hard working and have even received awards for it! I have raised over 30 thousand for charities including art scholarship funds, and St. Jude Children’s research hospital. I’m here to share my business, makeup tips, skin care advice, fundraising tips & ideas, local businesses and places I love, what really goes on behind the scenes as a makeup artist, my personal experiences & travels, beauty pointers to my clients, brides, friends, family, and any others that are interested in reading! I have tried, tested, succeeded, loved, disliked, and failed many, many products and brands over the past couple years. I will share them all with you, hoping you can enjoy some of the products I obsess and avoid buying some that I haven’t loved. I’m so lucky many of my favorite companies, brands and businesses have contributed to my blog and donated products for myself and others to share and review. <3

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