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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Ah, the red-eye flight and yes, my eyes are red! I left San Diego last night at 10:45pm and now I'm sitting here at 6:15am at the Miami airport. Then one more flight to see my mom for Christmas. If you travel, you need to know about minimus.biz! They are the world leader in all things travel size. Click here for their holiday gift guide, our palettes made the list! Plus, I wanted to share with you three key items that I routinely pack for all my trips.