To Inspire is to Move...
To inspire is to “"is to influence, move or guide.” And, in three days at The Powder Group’s The Business Forum LA this last month, that’s exactly what happened with me. New life, new calls to action, new relationships, new opportunities, new ways of being…were all inspired.
As soon as the program was announced, I knew I had to be a part of it. Where else would I have the opportunity to be in a room with a few dozen other participants and have intimate, open conversation with 20 of the most respected leaders in our industry? Many of the presenters conquered the status quo and led the charge in forming that which is our industry today. I simply couldn’t pass up this opportunity – to share and be inspired in such an intimate setting.
The first day set the tone for the next three days with virtually the first words out of opening presenter and Local 706 President Sue Cabral-Ebert’s mouth were, “I was raised with two words that weren’t allowed in my family, ‘Can’t’ and ‘Hate.’ Imagine the world that opens up for you.” Sue not only provided clarity about being in the union and its pros and cons, she also shared with us what it was like to be one of the only female makeup artists in a world which was almost exclusively men. For an industry, and room, now dominated by women, it was compelling and inspiring as a woman to be present to the arc of Sue’s path leading her to where she sits now as President of Local 706.
I appreciated the generosity with which all of the presenters gave of themselves. It was fascinating to hear about their beginnings and it’s easy to get lost in the sum of these artists’ accomplishments, while their challenges, defeats, and about-to-give-up moments are oftentimes unknown. I appreciated knowing that they were still present to their challenged beginnings and offered words of wisdom and advice to push us through our own. From The Powder Group’s Michael DeVellis and James Vincent contributing their wealth of knowledge and guiding the conversation with legends and leaders of our industry like Maurice Stein, Leonard Engleman, Eugenia Weston to the dynamic and engaging sessions by some of the most sought after and vibrant working talents today like Alphonse Weibelt, Trefor Proud, Kathy Jeung, Sarah Lucero, Patty Bunch, Debbie Zoller, and Joanna Schlip.
From the other side of the brush, the event provided a focus on constant education, growth, and development. I hunger for education and everything Michael, James, and The Powder Group produces because it is so forward thinking, but more so because it’s for artist entrepreneurs, by artist entrepreneurs. So in a world where it may feel like it’s not enough to be good artists, spending time and learning from photographers, agency owners, and marketing and social media strategists like Albert Sanchez, Pedro Zalba, Madeline Leonard, Timothy Priano, Kimberly Borger, and Lianne Farbes was of immeasurable value. They shared views on what it is to be a good artist and business person in the flux and flood of audacious artists.
In a time when reality stars are role models and what determines one’s value as a makeup artist is the number of likes one gets, it’s fascinating to see the plethora of aspiring makeup artists emerging; and only in a room filled with The Powder Group members could these words by, Academy and Emmy Award winner, Trefor Proud truly be heard. “I would rather be hired as a ‘makeup artist’ than a ‘makeup personality.’ People aren’t interested anymore in being a good and capable makeup artist; they just want to be famous.” With such powerful words came a newfound responsibility in me to be more than just a great artist and The Business Forum LA gave me the most amazing tools with which to do so.
All in all The Business Forum LA was rich with knowledge, commitment, stories of overcoming challenges, and great, great artistry. And, if I could be so bold as to sum up what the presenters had to say about what it takes to be a good makeup artist today, it would be this: Do good work and do whatever you need to do to have that happen. Be kind. Be a team player. Respect others and respect yourself. Be open to what others have to say and leave your ego at the door. And, most of all, be authentic, act with integrity, and nurture your passion. It’s the only thing we can control and if we honor that, I firmly believe everything else will fall in to place.
I am The Powder Group.
Marlu A. Soria Los Angeles, CA www.marluasoria.com
The Business Forum LA was held November 8 - 10 at the beautiful Stila Cosmetics corporate training center in Glendale, CA. The program was produced by Michael DeVellis and The Powder Group and sponsored by Stila Cosmetics.