Welcome to the first Monday of 2016. I have a feeling this year is going to be phenomenal!
 
Remember what it was like to be sweet 16? I used to spend hours writing in my journal, doodling my dreams, thinking about what my life would be like in college, do I really have what it takes to join the military, wondering who I would marry, and how many kids we would have. Although, it's been many years since I was 16, I still yearn for those care-free days of doodling and writing in my journal.

As this year turned over, I grabbed my cup of coffee, my calendar from the shelf and reflected on 2015. Paging through my notes I noticed it missed an element of me, my silly doodles and scribbles of fun To-Do's. It was full of serious lists and action items. I'm glad I busted my butt in 2015, and very happy with the results of my goals and intentions. However,  this year I will grab my colored pencils and doodle in more fun time with family, friends and 'me' time. I sure said 'no' to many social invitations this past year and I'm ready to play a bit more and enjoy this sweet '16. Here are highlights from my 2015 calendar, sharing successes and some challenges I faced and what I learned.

1. The Stick With It® palette launched in the Arts & Crafts: I have remarkable customers; many are very creative in make-up and create beautiful works of art in jewelry, scrapbooking, card making and painting. They discovered that a variety of small items could be stored safely and securely in the palette to assist in their creative process. In January, I launched at the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show with great success! What I learned: I love being around creative people more than anything, the way they uniquely see the world and are able to create an extension of their vision into something tangible. It gives me a deep sense of purpose that I created a product that helps them bring their visions to life.
2. Finally, we have our first new color…Sea Glass: For IMATS (International Make-up Artists Trade Show) I hand-painted four colors to test what colors people would like. I dressed up as a 50’s housewife and presented the colored palettes in white baker’s bags as freshly baked goodies from my workshop. Hands down Sea Glass got all the attention, and I worked with my manufacturer to produce the color in plastic. What I learned: Speak up! I had a little bit of push back from my manufacturer to do a custom color, but I knew I had the right color selection. Very glad they worked with me, because it is a gorgeous color and a beautiful case!
3. Featured in a National Magazine: After launching at the CHA, Threads Magazine did a nice feature of the palette in the New Notions section of their Aug/Sept issue. They made it into a cute little sewing kit. What I learned: I already knew this…but it was a good reminder to follow up, follow up, follow up. There is a difference between being assertive verses being aggressive. The ladies at Threads were fun to work with and I’m very appreciative to gain national exposure.
4. My website and logo got a makeover: When I first launched my focus was using the palette for only makeup and makeup essentials. Now that the palette can basically be used in a variety of industries my branding need to reflect that too. For the website we moved away from the pink color and went with a more gender-neutral blue and for the logo we made it more contemporary and smaller, more discreet. What I learned: I thought I was failing because I didn’t nail my branding perfectly the first time. The truth is my branding was spot on the first time, the second and now because I’m listening to my customers and following their needs.
5. Our family of stores is growing: This year we doubled our sales from last year and picked up 7 new stores. What I learned: I know the pain points my customers face because I hear their frustrations. I truly enjoy helping people and teaching them how to use my product. It ties in with my sense of purpose above in number 1.
6. Faced my fear of public speaking: I was a finalist at the InnovatHER competition funded by Microsoft. The finalists presented to a panel of five judges and an audience of about 60 people. Although I did not win it was a remarkable experience to pitch my idea. Shortly after the pitch competition, our local news, CW6 selected Hera Labs to showcase women entrepreneurs in recognition of Women’s Entrepreneur Day. As a member of Hera Labs I was invited to present my product. It was a really fabulous experience, especially to share that moment with my friends and fellow business owners. What I learned: I actually enjoyed it! I realized my fear of public speaking was nothing to be scared of. When you know your topic, practice your presentation and gain experience it becomes so much easier. Now, I look forward to the next opportunity.
7. I turned 50!!: It’s a milestone that I believe I’ve arrived at gracefully. What I learned so far:  I learned I must slow down and breathe. Seriously, you hear it all the time and when you have a To-Do list a mile long you think, "Yeah, I'll do that when I get to Yoga class".  I found myself walking fast, driving fast, talking fast, gotta-get-it-done-yesterday attitude and it was burning me out. By moving and thinking more mindfully, I hope it will add many healthy, happy and appreciative years to my life.

 
As I closed the final page of last year, I reached for my newly appointed 2016 calendar. I filled it chock-full of events, goals, intentions, aspirations, potential dates to see family and friends and left room for some doodling. 

​I wish this New Year will be your sweet ’16, filled with prosperity, love, confidence, and fulfilled sense of purpose.
 

This summer has been unlike any other, in a profound way. My business is growing and I celebrated a significant birthday feeling healthy, vibrant and appreciative for all that I have. July and August have proven to be remarkable so far. 

I mention having tenacity frequently, having stick-to-it-tiveness and focus because below are examples of what the pay off is. Frustrating at times when the pay off is never seen or really delayed, but I still do my homework, due diligence and follow up to actively pursue my goals. Delayed response is a common thing to deal with and I've learned to have lots of patience. I must admit, this year the universe has sped up and great things are happening.

This spring I ran into the beauty editor of LASplash magazine while shopping at Nigel's Beauty Emporium in Hollywood, CA. Being a makeup artist himself, he was impressed with my palette and interviewed me for his column. It's now published and you can read it here at LASplash. At the end of July, I drove up to Salt Lake City, UT to attend a Mixed Media event with Sierra Pacific Crafts and met some amazing store owners and crafters. Keep your eyes open for my video on Scrapbookexpo.com! In addition, on stands now is Threads Magazine Aug/Sep issue featuring the Stick With It palette front and center in the Notions/New Tools section!!  I love how my palette has morphed from being strictly a makeup palette to a multipurpose tool for many creative endeavors!

So this summer has been really busy, but a little fun was thrown in the mix to keep my sanity. Thank goodness for great friends to celebrate my birthday with and Vegas conveniently located between San Diego and Salt Lake City. (I'm on the left)

Well it certainly has been awhile since I've posted on my blog. I've been one busy little bee this year, buzzing around with some fresh ideas to share with you. Notice anything different? We changed our logo and update the website! Why? Because change is good and we have some great changes coming your way!

This year began our launch in the wonderful world of Art & Crafts. That's right! The Stick With It palette can be used in a variety of ways. I attended the Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show in January. The Stick With It palette was received with a warm embrace. Please see the Arts & Crafts page on my website for reviews and ideas that might spark your creativity. Stick With It palette is now available on Scrapbook.com and Amazon.com !

There are many similarities between the industry's of Makeup and Arts & Crafts.  Many brands have cross-over products between these two. Since launching the Stick With It palette the #1 request I get from both industry artists is to create a BIGGER palette! 

Currently, we are working on a 3D printed model of the new larger size. After listening carefully to my customers, I have selected a size that fits nicely in your hand with some added features that will blow your mind! 

Before we finalize the design I want to hear from you! Let me know any details or features you would like to see added. Email me by Monday, May 18th and my team will take a look at all your feedback.

I'm considering a KickStarter Campaign. This way, you will be able to pre-order the palette and support it coming to life. I need your help, so please follow me and share on social media. I will be showing the new 3D model at upcoming trade shows. Find out where and when on my FaceBook page. Stop by and drool!

I created the Stick With It Palette to help me organize and store my eyeshadows and blush pans without the hassle of magnets. However, people are discovering other uses for the palette! Here are some ideas and our latest video that may spark ideas for you.

Any componentry will stick! Use the palette in the open position as a temporary surface to work from. Set in your individual clamshells of makeup, pop open the lids and go to town using it as an easy, accessible palette.  I had a flight attendant tell me she did not want to empty out her makeup bag on the airplane bathroom countertop, so she sets her items on the palette. Because it clings, she did not have to worry about things falling onto the floor. 

Here double-ended makeup brushes and stainless steel implements stay secure (no worries, the brush bristles will not stick to the surface). Use a palette to keep hair clips, bobby pins and plastic combs handy and sanitary.

Need easy access to office supplies? I keep mine in the car. If you are into arts and crafts that require storing beads, crystals or any small parts the palette is ideal for these projects.  Enjoy the video and please share your ideas! 
Video courtesy of Ana Jasso Image Management

Do this. Do That. Don't do this. Don't do that. Blah, blah, blah!
Either this is what we hear from others or it's what we tell ourselves. It can be the voice of reason that helps us determine what is a good idea and not so good. It can also be a judgement statement that holds us back from becoming our true selves, second guessing our dreams and goals. 

We can be our own worst enemy to question what we want because we are scared of failing or making a fool of ourselves. Sometimes the people in our lives are judgmental and it takes strength to really believe in yourself to take action. There is so much freedom in living your dreams. I've done some risky things in my life: joined the Navy, sky dived out of a perfectly good plane, para-glided at the famous Torrey Pines glider park, learned to ride motorcycles, quit my corporate job of 14 years to be an entrepreneur, and traveled to Europe on my own. I made those choices because it gave me freedom from my circumstances, or a sense of freedom and self-expression.

For all the adventures I've had, two years ago I did something out of character. I did a photo shoot with my friend *Nikki. It was not your typical head shot setting, as you can see! It was shot at an old, do-it-yourself car wash. I was happy with my life, in love and in great shape. I wanted to capture that moment in time. Plus, I had complete trust in Nikki's talent and her sense of humor made it outrageously fun. When I received the proofs I was surprised. I never saw myself like that and it made me feel beautiful.

Many of us question our beauty or our capabilities, because of what we were told growing up or what we learned to tell ourselves based on our perceptions. The gravity of this negative mind chatter can be subtle, a passing thought to quickly ignore. However, it can also be debilitating to a point it effects ones self-esteem and self-worth. Similar to other adventures I have had, having the experience of the photo shoot definitely raised my perspective!  On that summer day I gave myself permission to have fun and be brave. And now, the courage to share this with you. Give yourself permission to take risks both personally and in business! You will surprise yourself with what you are capable of and how it can make you feel. Be brave, stick with it and find the things that express your freedom!

*photo courtesy of Nikki Incandela photography

Hey there beautiful! Summers coming and time to stock up on essentials to protect our gorgeous outer beauty. We buy sunscreen to deflect those harmful UVA/UVB rays and bug spray to keep those nasty critters at bay. However, all year long we need to preserve and protect our inner beauty sanctuary. Sometimes we get caught off guard by people that are just negative. Especially, when their arrows of anger or judgement are aimed directly at us! This uncomfortable energy can leave us with a deflated sense of self, even for the most optimistic among us! Since running off to Target to purchase "Coppertone Shield of Negativity SPF 50" is not an option, please watch my interview with Amy Chang, MFT. She brings up three key points to keep you feeling empowered and confident without a burn or a bite on your inner beauty!

Great testimonial from South Africa! "Using the Stick With It palette has been such a wonderful experience! It has made my job a lot easier when it comes to organisation and customization of my palettes. The fact that it is not magnetic is great because it makes my kit that little bit lighter and when it comes to carting around huge kits, it makes all the difference. Thank you Monetta for such a great product!"  Suaad Dawood, MUA Cape Town, South Africa. 
Click here to visit her site.

When I started my business I reached out to many people mainly through my networking groups and still continue to do so. One of the ladies I met runs a marketing company and over the years has had the help of many makeup artists assist her for TV interviews and promotional shots.

She graciously emailed over eight Makeup Artists and asked them to check out my site and contact me. Only one responded! That one person, who was intrigued enough to email back was Melissa Street. Melissa has been a makeup artist for over 25 years and knows her stuff! I've know her for about a year now and she truly understands the needs of the industry.  She has two YouTube Channels, Epic Makeup where she takes you behind the scenes and Greene Street Beauty where her and Kim Greene offer artistry advice, mentoring and much more! In the attached video she explains how she incorporates the Stick With It palette into her actor's bag when working on movie sets. 

Tenacity can get you where you want to go! I have a 'Stick With It' story to share. At a trade show two years ago I approached Vincent, the owner of Alcone Company, the largest makeup supply store in New York City. I showed him my palette to see if he would be interested in carrying it in his store. Well, he was very busy, didn't really show much interest, handed me his catalog and said to email him. I had just started reaching out to stores and quite frankly was a little intimidated to contact him. I taped my logo on to the cover of the catalog and pinned it to the bulletin board in my office. I looked at that for a year and knew I would contact him when I was ready.

The following year, I was working at The Makeup Show in LA. Nigel's Beauty Emporium invited me to promote my palette at their booth. Guess who had a booth directly across the hallway? Yup! Alcone. It was Saturday and we were slammed assisting LA's top MUA's with their shopping spree. I could see Vincent was focused and it would not be a good time to approach him. I thought to myself, I'll wait until the frenzy slows down and talk with him tomorrow. 

Over at the Nigel's booth I sold my heart out of my palettes, my feet were killing me from standing all day, I was starving and looking forward to putting my feet up in my hotel room. Once I was back at my room, I glanced over the room service menu, mehh... nothing sounded good. I made my way downstairs to the bar, bellied up for a chilled martini and dinner. After settling into my bar stool and gaining sensation back in my toes, guess who walks into the bar? Yup! It's Vincent. I decided it's now or never. Tomorrow might be just as busy as it was Saturday, make your move now! I ended up having a great conversation with him and his lovely wife, Tricia. They both agreed to carry my palette in their store. 

It's been one year now that Alcone Co has been selling my palettes. Funny how things turn out. This weekend is The Makeup Show and Nigel's did not have a spot for me at their booth, so I called up Vincent to see if I could promote my palettes at his booth. It took a couple of phone calls, emails, persuasion and tenacity, but I did it! I'm in... I know being there is a privilege. You'll never know how bad my feet are killing me by the size of the smile on my face. 

"You only get out of life what you put into it, so Stick With It!"

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