I never thought I would appreciate ‘heat’ so much as I am beginning to here in Wisconsin. I hail from the sunny shores of Trinidad, and there was never any shortage of sun! Having gone through my first full Fall, Winter and Spring seasons here, I was shouting from our rooftop, “BRING ON SUMMER!”. Never again will I complain...it’s too hot! I’ll admit...there are days when my heart feels it, but I never let it travel to my mouth!
But today...today is another particularly lovely day. Not even my heart feels it’s too hot, so it must be just right (for me anyway). Sitting out on my porch, the skies are faded blue, the sun is high, and the breeze reminds me just ever so slightly of a caribbean breeze. I spent most of the morning indoors comforted by the a/c, but peeking through the window seeing the gentle movement of our maple trees made me want to explore outside for a bit. It dawned on me…”Better enjoy every ounce of this now, because it won’t be long...it won’t be long…”
I’ll admit to you now that most days I write for my blog, I am feeling particularly pensive. Certain thoughts are usually on my mind, and while my two favorite people (Andrew my husband, and Michelle my sister) to bounce these thoughts off of, are usually readily available, many times I wonder if I should pen them as well.
What’s on my mind today? My dad and my sister’s wedding speech delivered just over a year ago. Andrew and I celebrated one year of marriage this past Sunday 26th July, and in true anniversary fashion, decided to watch our wedding video. In watching it again, a flood of emotions took over my body. I was laughing...I was crying...I was laughing while crying! I couldn’t understand which to feel at any given point. Funny enough, my feelings that night, were exactly mirrored by the image of that girl walking up the aisle to Piano Guys’ ‘Simple Gifts’. Between you and me….I cried alllllll the way up the aisle, and alllll the way through the ceremony with some awkward laughs in between (especially that moment when Andrew admitted to me and everyone he was giving me and his LAST tissue). But I digress.
As we listened again to the speech segment of the wedding, the waterworks erupted again as I felt my family laid my heart open to Andrew and our guests. Do you ever get amazed by what people see in you...in those moments when you aren’t even deliberately showing it? I think that means that either your family and friends know you all too well, or how you look, act, feel, represent become all muddled into your outward image, thereby giving people a pretty accurate perception of who you are. I think this is a deep down, personal philosophy of mine from since I was young, and perhaps has led me to this career today.
My sister compared me to the guileless puppy, while my dad described me as unconventional and untraditional. I still chuckle to myself about Michelle’s reference to puppies, knowing full well that I am in fact in love with them. I may have even mentioned it in a previous post (which kinda proves my obsession now lol). But I thought more about why she did, I realise that all puppies probably care to let you know at any point is “You’re awesome!” They are excited at your presence, and want you to know it! Sounds silly, but that’s how I feel about ImaGen and my clients. The sheer joy I get when others see the light! “But you’re awesome!” Is what I want to scream. I’ll work hard to get your attention, and to even earn your trust, all in a very open attempt to get YOU to see how amazing you are. Now, I promise I won’t jump and slobber all over you on our first meeting, but I assure you, once you take that step to work with ImaGen, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader and friend. And if you’re anything like me, we know that sometimes that’s all we need in our corner as we take certain steps to wrestle with our challenges.
My dad throughout his speech called me his unconventional daughter. Apparently, I chose the road less traveled in my hobbies and interests growing up, and to this point as I pursue my career. What I was grateful for was my parents absolute support despite my failures, my over-excitement, my tumbles and yes...my victories. I couldn’t be more blessed when it came to the support of my parents as I stumbled my way through my awkward youth, uncertain teenage years, and exploration of my passions. They knew...this girl aint going to be a Doctor, a Politician, a Lawyer, an Accountant, a Banker….. And trust me, to each their (respectfully) own! I admire all such positions and thank God there are those who I can trust in other areas of my life. But me...they knew I had to be around people and in some way, make them happy...much like puppies :)
I mentioned to a friend today that I was considering getting more practice in makeup artistry, and I may apply for a Makeup Artist job in the area. She joked that I’d love the opportunity to get more products (which duh...I would!), but my honest response was that I find soooo much greater joy in giving my client the mirror after that final sweep of blush. The smiles, the tears, the laughter, the shock. My makeup artist ‘genre’ so to speak is Simple, Elegant, Natural Beauty. Teaching makeup application (just as with personal styling) as part of ImaGen gives the person a chance to see their own natural beauty. At that point, it isn’t about how well I, Genelle did her makeup, but how this person can see herself now. My aim is to make her feel beautiful, but also to make her feel herself.
An Image Consultant isn’t the MOST unconventional job, but it surely isn’t what people expect to hear when they ask what I do. And many times, it takes a much longer explanation for eyes to be opened for sight on what it actually is. I’ll admit, a lot of times I simply reference ‘What Not To Wear’ and it all makes sense! I was so deeply touched by many an episode, that it truly inspired me to choose this road ‘stylishly’ ;) less travelled.
And so as I continue my own journey on this slightly rocky, unstable, joyous path, I remember to focus on the beauty of the faces I’ve worked with. Those who literally transformed before our very eyes, those who discovered ‘the real her or him/’, those who said “I can smile in the mirror now”, or those who discovered the art of dressing for the job they want, and who they want to be. If you’re reading this, and you ever experienced this with ImaGen, thank you for being my reward throughout this uncertain journey.
Mission: Style Possible, Round 1 ended a couple weeks ago, and I was so touched by what some of the participants had to say, I thought I’d share snippets of their journey as well:
1. Organisation = Easy, breezy dressing!
From start to finish, and beyond, I am very grateful for the info, tips and all round support in upgrading and stabilising my wardrobe. Each mission brought me closer to pretty much my ideal wardrobe, and the best part is that I didn't have to throw out my entire closet to achieve this. After analysing my different styles, organising my current closet and just two shop till you drop days, oh and lots of capsuling, getting dressed is quick, fun and personally satisfying. Yes, I like the comments and compliments I get for my outfits but there's just something as I said, personally satisfying, from successfully managing another aspect of my life. It's just basic efficiency, with a flare of fabulous! Thanks ImaGen! :)
2. I signed up for M:SP not really knowing what to expect. Once we got started, I found myself eagerly looking forward to each mission. Genelle knows her stuff . She gained my complete trust. What I appreciated most was her honesty . I ended the process more knowledgeable about me. I look forward to putting into practice all that I have learnt. Thank you, ImaGen!
3. M:SP has been great! I got way more than I expected. In fact I've been both proud and impressed by ImaGen and all that she put into it and her ability to magically see what would work for both someone's frame AND personality. Maybe God will hear my prayers and I would be able to head up to Wisconsin for a Personal Shopping trip :) (You know what...she got her wish! She comes in tonight, and we have 4 fabulous shopping days ahead of us!)
Want to learn more about Mission: Style Possible?
But today...today is another particularly lovely day. Not even my heart feels it’s too hot, so it must be just right (for me anyway). Sitting out on my porch, the skies are faded blue, the sun is high, and the breeze reminds me just ever so slightly of a caribbean breeze. I spent most of the morning indoors comforted by the a/c, but peeking through the window seeing the gentle movement of our maple trees made me want to explore outside for a bit. It dawned on me…”Better enjoy every ounce of this now, because it won’t be long...it won’t be long…”
I’ll admit to you now that most days I write for my blog, I am feeling particularly pensive. Certain thoughts are usually on my mind, and while my two favorite people (Andrew my husband, and Michelle my sister) to bounce these thoughts off of, are usually readily available, many times I wonder if I should pen them as well.
What’s on my mind today? My dad and my sister’s wedding speech delivered just over a year ago. Andrew and I celebrated one year of marriage this past Sunday 26th July, and in true anniversary fashion, decided to watch our wedding video. In watching it again, a flood of emotions took over my body. I was laughing...I was crying...I was laughing while crying! I couldn’t understand which to feel at any given point. Funny enough, my feelings that night, were exactly mirrored by the image of that girl walking up the aisle to Piano Guys’ ‘Simple Gifts’. Between you and me….I cried alllllll the way up the aisle, and alllll the way through the ceremony with some awkward laughs in between (especially that moment when Andrew admitted to me and everyone he was giving me and his LAST tissue). But I digress.
As we listened again to the speech segment of the wedding, the waterworks erupted again as I felt my family laid my heart open to Andrew and our guests. Do you ever get amazed by what people see in you...in those moments when you aren’t even deliberately showing it? I think that means that either your family and friends know you all too well, or how you look, act, feel, represent become all muddled into your outward image, thereby giving people a pretty accurate perception of who you are. I think this is a deep down, personal philosophy of mine from since I was young, and perhaps has led me to this career today.
My sister compared me to the guileless puppy, while my dad described me as unconventional and untraditional. I still chuckle to myself about Michelle’s reference to puppies, knowing full well that I am in fact in love with them. I may have even mentioned it in a previous post (which kinda proves my obsession now lol). But I thought more about why she did, I realise that all puppies probably care to let you know at any point is “You’re awesome!” They are excited at your presence, and want you to know it! Sounds silly, but that’s how I feel about ImaGen and my clients. The sheer joy I get when others see the light! “But you’re awesome!” Is what I want to scream. I’ll work hard to get your attention, and to even earn your trust, all in a very open attempt to get YOU to see how amazing you are. Now, I promise I won’t jump and slobber all over you on our first meeting, but I assure you, once you take that step to work with ImaGen, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader and friend. And if you’re anything like me, we know that sometimes that’s all we need in our corner as we take certain steps to wrestle with our challenges.
My dad throughout his speech called me his unconventional daughter. Apparently, I chose the road less traveled in my hobbies and interests growing up, and to this point as I pursue my career. What I was grateful for was my parents absolute support despite my failures, my over-excitement, my tumbles and yes...my victories. I couldn’t be more blessed when it came to the support of my parents as I stumbled my way through my awkward youth, uncertain teenage years, and exploration of my passions. They knew...this girl aint going to be a Doctor, a Politician, a Lawyer, an Accountant, a Banker….. And trust me, to each their (respectfully) own! I admire all such positions and thank God there are those who I can trust in other areas of my life. But me...they knew I had to be around people and in some way, make them happy...much like puppies :)
I mentioned to a friend today that I was considering getting more practice in makeup artistry, and I may apply for a Makeup Artist job in the area. She joked that I’d love the opportunity to get more products (which duh...I would!), but my honest response was that I find soooo much greater joy in giving my client the mirror after that final sweep of blush. The smiles, the tears, the laughter, the shock. My makeup artist ‘genre’ so to speak is Simple, Elegant, Natural Beauty. Teaching makeup application (just as with personal styling) as part of ImaGen gives the person a chance to see their own natural beauty. At that point, it isn’t about how well I, Genelle did her makeup, but how this person can see herself now. My aim is to make her feel beautiful, but also to make her feel herself.
An Image Consultant isn’t the MOST unconventional job, but it surely isn’t what people expect to hear when they ask what I do. And many times, it takes a much longer explanation for eyes to be opened for sight on what it actually is. I’ll admit, a lot of times I simply reference ‘What Not To Wear’ and it all makes sense! I was so deeply touched by many an episode, that it truly inspired me to choose this road ‘stylishly’ ;) less travelled.
And so as I continue my own journey on this slightly rocky, unstable, joyous path, I remember to focus on the beauty of the faces I’ve worked with. Those who literally transformed before our very eyes, those who discovered ‘the real her or him/’, those who said “I can smile in the mirror now”, or those who discovered the art of dressing for the job they want, and who they want to be. If you’re reading this, and you ever experienced this with ImaGen, thank you for being my reward throughout this uncertain journey.
Mission: Style Possible, Round 1 ended a couple weeks ago, and I was so touched by what some of the participants had to say, I thought I’d share snippets of their journey as well:
1. Organisation = Easy, breezy dressing!
From start to finish, and beyond, I am very grateful for the info, tips and all round support in upgrading and stabilising my wardrobe. Each mission brought me closer to pretty much my ideal wardrobe, and the best part is that I didn't have to throw out my entire closet to achieve this. After analysing my different styles, organising my current closet and just two shop till you drop days, oh and lots of capsuling, getting dressed is quick, fun and personally satisfying. Yes, I like the comments and compliments I get for my outfits but there's just something as I said, personally satisfying, from successfully managing another aspect of my life. It's just basic efficiency, with a flare of fabulous! Thanks ImaGen! :)
2. I signed up for M:SP not really knowing what to expect. Once we got started, I found myself eagerly looking forward to each mission. Genelle knows her stuff . She gained my complete trust. What I appreciated most was her honesty . I ended the process more knowledgeable about me. I look forward to putting into practice all that I have learnt. Thank you, ImaGen!
3. M:SP has been great! I got way more than I expected. In fact I've been both proud and impressed by ImaGen and all that she put into it and her ability to magically see what would work for both someone's frame AND personality. Maybe God will hear my prayers and I would be able to head up to Wisconsin for a Personal Shopping trip :) (You know what...she got her wish! She comes in tonight, and we have 4 fabulous shopping days ahead of us!)
Want to learn more about Mission: Style Possible?
Want to know what else you can get with ImaGen Services?
Our 'unconventional' final shot of this magnificent day :)
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