Another year has come to an end...
What a great and challenging year 2014 was. From family events, new clients, a change in my professional career, the passing of my grandmother, my oldest starting kindergarten...the list goes on.
When I look back on the the things that have been huge impacts this year I can't help but be thankful for the life I have. As hard as losing our grandma was on the family, we have, without a doubt, become closer because of it. My uncle continues to battle cancer as we speak, but with a brave woman at his side, he is getting the care he needs and the love he deserves through such a difficult time.
Leaving my seven year position at a company I have grown with over the years was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. This last year caused struggles within the work place that pushed me to figure out what was truly important to myself and the good of my family. As of September I have been a full time stay at home mother, and part time makeup artist. With leaving my full time position at the office I was able to redirect my work path back onto makeup, like I had intended after I graduated high school. I tell you, it is a tough business. So much extraordinary competition out there. I am happy to say that things are going well for my business and with every slow month, there comes a busy one right around the corner.
I have had the opportunity to meet many new people, work on a diverse array of different clients and have booked plenty of 2015 weddings that I am greatly looking forward to.
With a new year comes new challenges, and new adventures. With plans for renting out a cabin in the Okanagan, travelling to Hollywood to celebrate a family wedding and all the fun in between. We have hopes of selling our town home and expanding into a house that fits our family better, something that scares me more than you know. It is hard enough keeping 1500 square feet of home clean...and we want more?!? Yet, I do look forward to making a new house a home for my kids.
My youngest has turned from a baby into a little boy, which feels like over night. Learning new things everyday, recognizing numbers, controlling a game remote better then I ever could and reminding my husband and I that two year old's are challenging. Although, we know that the "trying three's" are just around the corner...so he can remain two for as long as he wants!
My oldest, the five year old going on fifteen, has excelled in kindergarten. Showing compassion for others, an easy going attitude with lots of friends and a great thirst for knowledge. Always asking questions and wanting to learn more and more...and more. We envision great things for him.
Personally, I have had a lot of time to reflect on myself. Am I being the best mother? Am I being a supportive wife? Am I a generous friend? Am I a caring daughter? These questions cross my mind all the time. Bouncing around in my head like a ping pong ball. All I can say is, I try. I make an effort to remind myself that I can be better. Anyone can be good at something, I want to be great.
As a makeup artist, I want to see my career expand in 2015. Having a larger clientele means staying even more organized, a lot more emails and an abundance of shopping for new and replenishing products for my kit. I plan to take this challenge head on. Priding myself on being personal and organized within my makeup career is what I believe provides me the bookings I receive. A distracted, impersonal artist will not be used on multiple occasions, regardless of their ability to do makeup. You need the personality behind the art. If I can make someone comfortable and taken care of...I have done my job.
So, 2015, you are welcomed with open arms.
Happy New Year to all you beautiful people out there. I hope your challenges are minimal and your adventures are exciting. Cheers!!
-Caitlin J
