My story
I can easily trace back to where my journey and fascination with the art of makeup began. I grew up in a three woman household with my mother and godmother, in the 70's, entrenched in the disco era. My mother and godmother were true Disco Divas and had a passionate love of makeup, vintage styles, stiletto heels and Candies that were at least 4-inches high! If it was befitting a fashionista, it was befitting my mother and godmother!
My mom was very creative, a hairstylist at one time, and she had a love of art and interior design. My godmother loved it all and was also wildly creative, but most of all, her beauty products. She was always on the cutting edge! Whenever a new product launched, she would race out and buy it and give it a try on her beautiful porcelain skin. Makeup was her passion, and her makeup bag was a treasure trove to me.
My mother and godmother were my best friends and my teachers. I watched and I learned. They used Lancome, Chanel, Estee Lauder, and Elizabeth Arden-a far cry from the Wet and Wild products I was using. I love to try it all when it comes to makeup, and Wet and Wild has some great products, but sometimes you just can't beat the classics.
Not only did my mother and godmother teach me about makeup, but they were also passionate about skincare. Long before the information we have now about sun damage and skin cancer, they were slathering on the sunscreen and protecting themselves against the harmful and aging rays of sun.
As you can see, I'm a pale little Italian, and while all of my Italian friends were getting sunskissed, I was being lathered in SPF 50, wearing big hats and reading magazines under the umbrella. I can look back now and thank my mother and godmother for all of the protection, but at the time, I was none-too-pleased. I thought I was missing out! Little did I know how much I would cherish their care and concern later.

My Experience...
I have been a makeup artist for 18yrs, and I find that makeup, at its core, is all about confidence. It's about bringing out the features that you admire in yourself, wearing a color that draws attention to your eyes, or a splash on your lips to make you feel special;sexy;pretty. I love makeup because it can be anything you want it to be. Classic and simple, elegant, old Hollywood glamour, flirty and fun, cutting edge, polished and sophisticated...your options are only limited by your vision and creativity.
Evan after 18yrs in my trade, I continue to learn new skills every day from the best teachers-women of every race, creed, and age. Over the years I've trained with the best, and honed my skills in various brands including MAC for 7 years, Estee Lauder for 3 years, and Nina Ricci. I've worked in print, TV, fashion shows, salons, and day spas, prom and costume events, little girl's makeup parties, countless photo shoots, and more recently, Boudoir Sessions!

My movie star moment, a lasting memory !
One day , when I was still a novice, my boss sent me to the Ritz Carleton in DC to do someone's makeup for a special gala event that they were attending. I had no idea who I was going to meet and was a bundle of nerves, heart racing, when I finally knocked on the door. Lo and behold, Charleton Heston, Moses himself (I grew up Catholic, can you tell?), answered the door. I fought the urge to fall to my knees! As it turned out, I was creating looks for his wife and daughter-in-law that night, attending what I believe was a charity event.
He led me to his wife, a petite and very naturally beautiful woman, sitting in a gold chiffon designer dress. She was sweet and gracious, and as I finished up my application, I asked If she liked her look. She told me it was lovely, but I felt as though the beauty underneath was far more breathtaking than anything I could ever create. She was in her late 70's and I was captivated by her spirit and goodness. As I was touching her upand making conversation, I asked her "Mrs. Heston, what is the key to a happy marriage?" She seemed to be an expert, after all, having been married to Charleton for what must have amounted to forever.
She answered me with a lovely twinkle in her eye and said "Honey, anything you set out to do takes hard work and dedication. You have to throw your heart into it and never give up, and then you wil live Happily Ever After."
Her words resonated with me and I've spent the years since pursuing my dreams, never giving up, and dedicating myself to makeing people feel special. Today I do 200 weddings, boudoir sessions and events a year. Six years ago I took the leap into designer jewelry and now design one-of-a-kind pieces for my brides and their bridesmaids. I throw spa parties and jewelry trunk shows every month at client's homes, and my very own Boutique Online store is now OPEN!!!! Go to http://www.nicolesnaturalskincare.com to see my full skin care and all natural body care line! I will also be launching jewelry collections, bridal pieces, art work for adults and magical art for children and lets not forget Boudoir Feature sessions! Enjoy!!!!