A long time ago, well before I opened my own studio, I knew next to nothing about the beauty industry or how to enter it. I had a passion for hair and I wanted to make it my career, but I had no idea how to achieve that. Luckily, I discovered Crystal Wright’s amazingly insightful book The Hair, Makeup, and Fashion Styling Career Guide. Instantly, this book became my bible. I read it from cover to cover, and now years later I’m a celebrity hairstylist with my own studio. I’m living my dream and I’ll never forget how much Crystal Wright contributed to my success.

Before becoming the full-time author, speaker, and mentor for aspiring artists Crystal is now known as, she was an agent representing photographers and artists in the beauty and fashion industry. Once she became successful, she was eager to help fledgling artists by writing down what she’d learned about the business. At first she expected to create a 16-page manual outlining how to create a portfolio and land an agent, but instead it ended up becoming a 180-page book. Years later, she’s still adding to her workbook, which is now in it’s 5^th edition and is 400-pages!

As a young hairstylist, I became obsessed with the book when I started reading it. I learned aspects of the biz that I never even knew existed. It taught me how to land jobs, find agents, test with photographers, and build my portfolio. And as I’ve grown as an artist I still reference it to make sure I am taking the proper steps to sustain my career.

One of the most exciting moments of my professional life was when I got to meet Crystal Wright—when she became my agent! That’s right, as a stylist in my twenties I was able to impress Crystal with my portfolio—after using all her tips of course. It was a great victory for me and propelled me into one of the most exciting times of my life.

As I said before, Crystal Wright is no longer representing clients since her books and workshops have become such huge successes. But I wanted to encourage all the hopeful hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers out there to read The Hair, Makeup, and Fashion Styling Career Guide. It is an unrivaled guide to a career in beauty that is invaluable to the up and coming artist. And you should most definitely check out her 3-day workshop, which provides even greater insights to your dream career. Who knows, you might even see me at one of her workshops. I’ve sat on one of her workshop panels as an industry expert.

To learn more about Crystal Wright and her amazing book and workshops, visit her website here. And after you’ve read some of her stuff, share with me what you’ve learned in the comments!

Making others feel beautiful is why I love my job; but when my work can actually save lives, I leap at these opportunities with blowdryer in hand. Last week, Norma BLAQUE Studios teamed up with meningitis survivor and Mrs. Ethnic World International 2012 Daisi Pollard Sepulveda when she attended the National Meningitis Association (NMA) Give Kids A Shot Gala on April 23. As an inspiring—and fashionable—advocate for awareness of this horrible disease, styling Daisi ended up being one of the most rewarding assignments I’ve had since we opened our doors. Before I tell you who she was wearing and how their collaboration is helping the cause, I need to share with you what I’ve learned about meningitis and meningococcal disease.

Meningitis is a deadly disease that strikes nearly 1,500 Americans a year, and 11 percent of those infected will die. Meningococcal disease, sometimes called bacterial meningitis, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that may cause death or disability within hours. Adolescents and young adults are at greater risk for meningococcal disease than most, accounting for 15 percent of all cases. One out of 7 who get the disease will die. Among those who survive, approximately 20 percent live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, loss of kidney function, or limb amputations. And one of the most upsetting aspects to meningococcal disease is that it is often misdiagnosed because its early symptoms are much like those of the flu.

I was devastated when I learned this information, but luckily there was a glimmer of hope. These horrible illnesses can be prevented. Through routine vaccinations at 11-12 years old with a booster dose at age 16, meningococcal disease can be prevented in preteens and teens. But because awareness of this information is not widespread, hundreds of thousands of Americans continue to suffer.

And that’s why the National Meningitis Association exists: to raise awareness and make these vaccines available. Last week, on April 23, hundreds, including survivors and celebrities, gathered at the iconic New York Athletic Club on Central Park South for the Give Kids A Shot Gala gathered to celebrate the NMA’s tenth anniversary and bring attention to the importance for parents and students to be educated about its symptoms and how to prevent infection. Celebrities such as Charlie Sheen, Susan Sarandon, Steve Buscemi, Ed Harris, Felicity Huffman, and William H. Macy were in attendance.

Daisi was in attendance, named as Honorary Committee Member for the Give Kids A Shot Gala. A survivor of Bacterial Meningitis herself, which she contracted in 2006, she teamed up with designer Laurie Elyse who created a special dress featuring the real stories and photographs of lives touched by meningitis. Literally draped in the stories of victims and survivors, she celebrated their lives and helped raised funds by bidding the garment at the NMA Gala’s silent auction.

Prior to the event, Daisi was looking for a team to do her hair and makeup for a photography shoot to promote the gala. We were blessed when she chose Norma BLAQUE Studios as the artists. I didn’t know much about meningitis before meeting Daisi, but she taught me so much and was an absolute pleasure to work with.

She was such an inspiration, and I will never forget what her goal for the event:

“The biggest message I want to share is about survivorship,” she told me. “I want everyone to know that you can survive this disease and do something creative with it. This dress is something beautiful and I am glad to share it with others.”

To complete the look we went Hollywood with a Veronica Lake wave. She looked glamorous, perfect for the evening.  Check out the images of Daisi below and let us know what you think of the look. And make sure to read up on the gala and learn more about the National Meningitis Association’s Give Kids A Shot Gala. It’s a cause you should be aware of!