Kendry Bird Lands in NYC!

I have arrived in NYC for New York Fashion Week. A very busy schedule of shows lies ahead, but I will do my best to document lots and share with you!

Make sure you're following me on Instagram @kendralsaunders and on Twitter as well: @kendrybird

Tomorrow the madness begins!

Instagram's Martina Gutfreund: Social Media, Chantelle Winnie, and Handling Stress

Every now and again you bump into a social media account that just changes your life; whether it's a Twitter account that makes you laugh until it hurts, a Youtuber who gives the actual best tutorials on hairstyles, or an Instagram star who makes you want to up your makeup game, sometimes you just find a go-to favorite. For me, one of those go-to favorites is Martina Gutfreund of instagram/enchanted.forest
Martina is many things- part modern fairy, part hippie, part artist. She creates paintings, jewelry, and beautiful pictures that she shares on Instagram, all from her stunning Canadian homeland. Her 25k+ followers know they can look to her for inspiration in magic, purple hair, great lipstick, and brightly colored paintings, and there's a sense of easy girl power about her circle of friends and social media presence. And she loves sci-fi! (Super excited about that, as a science fiction author myself). I reached out to her for an interview, and we talked about cultivating a social media brand, spirituality, her favorite model, and how she upkeeps her gorgeous hair...

I’ve been following your Instagram for quite some time, and have found myself having the following conversation with friends, “Look at this… isn’t this beautiful? This girl is amazing.” You’ve curated such a beautiful, peaceful social media presence, both because of the content of your pictures AND the color palette. What is your secret to making a cohesive Instagram presence?

I definitely started my theme from the very beginning and improved the quality of what I was posting over time by browsing through popular blogs and other Instagram accounts. It really helps when you can take inspiration from other popular photos and re-create them in your own unique way! I figured I wanted to share the things that I found most important in my life, which are art & the environment, so most of my photos generally relate to those themes. I’m not sure why my colour palette is so cohesive, I’m not the best at editing so I will give all of the credits to my camera and the Valencia/Aden filters. The best tip I would give, is to choose a theme that you seriously enjoy in your own life, so that creating the photos never becomes a chore… the only times I struggle are when I can’t find the time to paint enough new stuff!

You are very interested in spiritual matters. Do you have any rituals for happiness or peace when you are feeling stressed out?

To be honest, I have very strange spiritual views; they can appear very dry to most outsiders, but I find a lot of comfort in my ideas of existence. Usually when I’m getting overly stressed, I just remind myself that I’m a tiny blip of nothing in the midst of more nothing in the grand scheme of things, really what I’m going through is just another incredibly insignificant moment within the space-time continuum. It sounds a bit dark and pessimistic, but man the universe is immense and there is so much more you could be doing than spending your energy stressing over little things. I’m not sure if I’m making much sense at this point, but being so incredibly infinitesimal tends to put things into perspective.

What is body confidence to you, and what do you do on days where you feel less confident?

Ahhhh the never ending struggle of body confidence! This is a tough one for me, as I have really only begun taking confidence in my appearance and personality in the last 2 years or so. It is a constant battle to stay positive about those aspects and truly love myself, I’m not even sure how to define what that would look like if I were to ever achieve it. I suppose not putting myself down would be a good start; I usually deal with it by throwing on a flattering outfit and doing some stellar makeup. It’s not the best solution, but it’s something that has always worked for me… I know it’s a Band-Aid more than anything else, and that can be bad when those feelings build up over the years of being covered up and pushed aside.

Stellar makeup and a standby favorite outfit do it for me too. No shame there! Your hair is gorgeous. What do you use to upkeep the color?

 

Ooooh noooo, not this question! Well, I dye it about once every 2 months with Manic Panic dyes, but it’s really my washing habits that keep the colour. I wash the actual dreaded part once every 10 days or so with a really gentle dread shampoo and lukewarm water, so the colour lasts foreeever. My non-dreaded section gets a lot more attention though since I hate it when my hair feels greasy, so it’s usually really faded compared to the dreads.

(Some of Martina's beautiful creations)

You make jewelry, but do you have a favorite jewelry designer? Clothing designer?

Hmm, I would have to say my favourite jewelry designer is Studiolil on etsy (her insta is just @Studiolil ) she makes the most beautiful septum rings! I bought my first one from her when her shop was just starting to gain traction around 2 years ago, and I am so impressed with how much her work and business has grown since then. I can’t say I specifically have a favourite clothing designer; I do a lot of shopping in second-hand stores or re-purpose old unwanted items from family members. I really admire anybody who sews or crochets their clothes from scratch, it such an amazing skill set to have. A few of my favourite instagrammers that do this are @cosmicsun_ & @voodoufairy & @maya_gipsygreen … they’re all so talented!

You live in Canada, and in the winter, it looks like you live in a snowy fairytale. How do you keep to your aesthetic in winter?

It’s a little tougher to keep up in the winter, since most of the flora and fauna disappear under the snow and I can’t find as many interesting things to photograph. I try my best to travel to the Rocky Mountains on a regular basis, since it’s so incredibly gorgeous there year-round. I guess things just get a little less colourful for those months, I really love the beauty winter, but it’s that dreadful grey period that kills me. Right before the snow and right after the snow…everything looks so dead and lifeless - it’s honestly a little depressing for me during those few weeks.

(Just try to tell me that this isn't a winter fairytale!)

What are your go-to natural remedies and tricks for when you have a cold?

I am a stubborn nut when it comes to sickness, I will do all it takes to let my body fight it off without any help. I recently tried that and ended up sick for 3 weeks; eventually a pretty little hospital trip made me take some antibiotics… not kidding when I say stubborn! Perhaps it’s a sign that I should start to use some mild herbal remedies?

Ouch! Yes, herbal remedies for sure... Sambucol, vitamin C, and Zycam are some of my standbys. Who are your female heroes?

I’m not really sure how to answer this one, I want to come up with some big name that people will resonate with, but all I can really think of is Chantelle Winnie. She is an international model from Canada who was born with Vitiligo and has become such a positive role model for anybody struggling with low confidence related to appearance or bullying. I mean she’s obviously freakin’ gorgeous, but I love her level of maturity and depth when she’s speaking about contemporary issues – definitely somebody to check out if you haven’t heard of her!

What is the greatest life advice a woman has ever given you?

 

Yikes! I don’t have a very fantastic memory when it comes to the specifics. I suppose I can definitely look to my sweet Mama for the best life advice, she’s the only one that kept telling me to stay true to myself and pursue what I’m passionate about. I highly doubt that I would still be painting and creating if it wasn’t for her constant support many years ago… believe it or not, I was actually trying to go into business school before pursuing the arts.

What would you like to say to all of your many, many fans who follow you, create art inspired by you, and love your pictures?

A lot. Too much, so get ready for some soft cheese, because what you have done for me has melted my heart! You guys have no idea how much my perspective on both my career and self-image has changed since gaining a presence on social media. I’m quite an introvert so I never had much outside input on my work besides family and a handful of peers, having the encouragement and support from thousands of people has really helped me break out of that shell. It feels amazing to finally have the confidence to bring my work to festivals and display it for so many people to see… and to actually be able to talk to strangers (that has been a struggle my whole life, but interacting with all of the beautiful souls via the internet has helped my socializing skills immensely – people are pretty cool I guess!) hopefully it will all stick for a lifetime! I will be forever grateful for the endless kindness I’ve been shown, and am on a mission to internalize that and continue to pass it on to others for as long as I can. I want everybody to feel that they don’t need to put up walls, and can be comfortable with who they are… so thank you all for showing me so much love, you’re absolutely amazing! <3

Fun questions:

If someone wrote a science fiction or fantasy book based on your life, what would you want them to name you?

Ha! This is a great question since I’m a huge fantasy and sci-fi fan - I’m going to have to choose wisely. First off, I’d obviously be some sort of weird creature, because I’m only human in this particular reality… hmmmm. Zorbina of Blagdalon! Blagdalon being my home planet, which is covered with small tree caves that each hold a different dimension within them. I think I’d probably be covered in lots of eyeballs and would resemble a sea cucumber or starfish… Zorbina seems to suit that!

Pretend MAC cosmetics is going to make a lipstick for you. What color would it be?

It would be a pink & purple pastel glitter galaxy!

Finally, what is your current favorite:

lipstick: I mostly wear Sephora’s nude shade of lipstick with a darker liner underneath; I’ve been trying to rock a more natural look lately 

book: Shantaram by Gregory Roberts

song: Dubuasca by Bassnectar

drink: Sparkling rose lemonade

online store: Rage On

 

Find Martina on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/enchantedcosmos

Find her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/enchanted.forest/

Find me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kendralsaunders/

 

Listen to Martina's current fav song:

Why You Don't Harrass A Sci-Fi Author

So yesterday I had a little run-in with an annoying stranger on Facebook, and I posted about it. The post was picked up by Buzzfeed and spread rapidly on the internet. For some reason, though, this morning the post had vanished.

I'm uploading it here, for your sharing and laughing pleasure.

Stranger guy sent me a bunch of annoying "hi" "hi sexy" "what's up?" messages, which I didn't answer, plus pictures of his face, over the span of about three months. Over lunch yesterday I had this conversation with him:

THIS is why you don't mess with a feminist sci-fi writer! ;)

Check In With Kendry Bird

Just went on a scouting trip to NYC to look for a room. Along the way, I also attended a rooftop party at Top the Standard, which was amazing... disco balls, dancing, delicious drinks, and a hot tub! So fun. I can't wait to move to NYC <3

 

 

 

Lyn Vargas of House of Beauty.co: Smart, Tough Advice on Business, Makeup and Marketing

It's not every day that you get to speak with a woman who is not only an artist, but also a business owner- and a marketing genius! Lyn Vargas has built her brand of colorful, highly-pigmented lipcolors from the ground up; she dreams the colors, creates them, sells them, and markets them to the fashion-savvy around the world. Instagram stars from England and Sweden post selfies wearing House of Beauty, right along with girls (and boys!) all over America, the company's country of origin.

House of Beauty is a joyful company that offers a riot of colors that will look beautiful on dark and light skintones alike, and all skintones in between. They even offer opaque gold lip colors, the likes of which you're seldom to see anywhere else!

Just as importantly, House of Beauty rejects the secretive business model of brands who separate themselves from their customers like royalty behind a castle moat. HoB not only allows all reviews, positive or negative, but they encourage them, and promise never to delete or hide any negative reviews. That's strong belief in a product!

Below is my interview with Lyn, where she talks some very in-depth suggestions for women considering opening their own business, how she creates her lip colors, and her relationship with beauty bloggers the world over...

1. Why did you decide to create such bright and memorable colors?

 I wanted to have a broad range of colors to cater to every personality and all walks of life. When I use to be a beauty blogger, one of my favorite  things to do was create lip art, but found that I could not really find lip colors to use for my art. So I would make my own mixtures using lip pencils, eyeshadows, NYX milk pencil, and clear gloss to create my own creamy paint. I also loved being able to create different looks and get into character, so as an artist, a lot of this is what inspires me now. I want to create colors that are your standard wearables, but I also really wanted to offer unique colors for artists that they can use so the possibilities would be endless. Like paint to a painter. My lip hybrids are so versatile and that's the beauty of it. I also love the idea that people are stepping out of the box, wearing colors that they wouldn't normally wear. 

 

I also must give credit to my ex manufacturer. Some of the colors that are bold and colorful that you see in my line have been reformulated from when I carried her line when we had a partnership. So in truth, colors such as Aquarius and Taboo for instance were colors she manufactured to me prior with her lip creams, but when I became an independent company, many of my customers asked for those colors to come back and I made a new and improved reformulation using my own recipe. 

2.When did you first decide you wanted to go into business for yourself?

I always wanted to but in March 2015, I was kind of forced into it. I started my business with a silent partner and before it was House of Beauty, my old line was called Premium Vanity. My ex manufacturer ended our business relationship abruptly. I had quit my full time job to focus on my business, so when she no longer wanted to do business with me, it was either sink or swim. I could not risk not being able to put food on the table or a roof over my kids' heads. So I worked hard. Through constant trial and error, I did not give up until I finally created a lip formula I was in love with. This was the birth of House of Beauty and (of me) being the sole owner and sole creator of my line. Everything started to fall into place. One door closed and three more opened. I was blessed with GOD guiding my hands and also the support and help I got from my husband, my company PR Kathryn, and the help of Courtney that created my website, even my promoters. Everything fell into place and led me to where I am now.

3.What is your advice to ladies who have a dream they want to turn into a business?

My advice is to motivate yourself to achieve your goal. I see a lot of girls that say I dream about this and I dream about that, yet they don't make any effort in trying to make their dream come true or they try a little and at the first sight of trouble, they give up. Unless you won the lottery or something, your dream is not just going to fall on your lap. You have to want it enough and actually do something about it to make it happen. Dedicate yourself and your time and take that step after step closer to your goal until it happens and if it does not do well, then at least you tried! So have that drive and be strong because the beginning is always the hardest part.

 

Secondly, based on past experience, it is best you work on your own. If not, then make sure you have contracts. If you're getting products from a private label or private manufacturer, make sure it is done in a professional manner. Even contact a business attorney or a business savvy friend who has a lot of knowledge on how to start your own business the right way. Educate yourself and believe in yourself. You won't know unless you try.

4. Bold eyes and bold lips at the same time... yes or no?

 

As a makeup artist, usually the answer is no. Usually, you would tone down your lip color when pairing with bold eyes and visa versa, but when doing editorial looks or you feel a bit dramatic why not? As long as it compliments each other. 

5. What is your personal favorite lip hybrid from House of Beauty?

That's like asking me what my favorite food is. I have so many. Really it just depends on my mood. I can't answer that, they're my babies I love them all.

 

6. How does it feel to see bloggers around the world wearing your products? Is it still exciting?

I love it!! Yes it is exciting to me. I'm still in awe when I see orders from all around the world! 

7. You create House of Beauty products by hand. Where do you draw inspiration from when you are creating a new color?

I am not really the type of person to stalk companies and be like, "Oh let me see if I can dupe that". No. To me it is like the art of cooking. Being a mixologist. I see ingredients in front me and I am like ohh I wonder what I would get if I mix this and that together? Or ideas will just pop up in my mind. Sometimes my own taste in colors inspire me, the season we are in or I may even have customers suggest a color and I try to satisfy that. Majority of the time, my imagination gets the best of me. 

 

 

8. In the past, there were not enough colors formulated to fit women of color, and many women were frustrated about the small amount of choices they had. Are your colors rich enough for women of color to wear confidently?

Absolutely!! They love my colors and leave amazing reviews on my review page @hob_reviews on Instagram. I carry a broad range of colors, almost 75 and growing! Many of them are so rich and pigmented that they will compliment darker skin tones.

9. That's amazing to hear! So... you feature pictures of fans wearing your products, via social media. How can fans get featured on Instagram?

They can simply use my hashtag #houseofbeautyco and/or tag me in the photo for a chance to be featured. Just a little hint, I love swatches, product shots and clear photos :)

10. What is the most memorable thing a woman has told you about life?

I must apologize, I honestly can't remember off hand anything memorable. Life itself has taught me about life. 

11. Who are your female heroes?

First and foremost, my mother. My grandmother and my aunt.

12. What do you do on days when you don't feel confident?

Sometimes, I fix myself up because it makes me feel better and puts a little pep in my step, or I speak to my close friends/family to help ease my insecurities. 

13. Fun questions:

If you could make up Heidi Klum or Jennifer Lopez, who would you choose and what House of Beauty products would you use on her?

Definitely Jennifer Lopez. I saw her rock a yellow color, so I would definitely use Kill Bill. Also Fusion, Seductive, Dragon, Spank My Pank, Nude Brulee, Kathryn and Chiffon.

14. If you could spend a day with Jon Snow (Game of Thrones) or Han Solo (Star Wars) which would you choose and why?

I would love to answer this but I do not know who they are because I have not watched either. So sorry! Maybe if you asked which out of the two brothers from Supernatural lol.

15.Finally, what is your current favorite:

Mascara: Maybelline Blackest Black Mega Plush Volume Express

Book: The Bible

Song: Energy by Drake

Website: Houseofbeauty.co

 

Buy House of Beauty products

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Visit Kendra's Instagram

Lyn's current favorite song:

The Girls Got It: Sexism in America's Next Top Model and Project Runway's Current Seasons

Reality TV presents a subjective eye on real humans doing semi-real things. And, despite the comments that Matt McGorry has dealt with about the choices of his very-much-fictional character on Orange is the New Black, most people watching reality TV know that they're seeing a filtered version of life.

Project Runway is a show that offers a lens into manic time schedules, difficult fabrics, and colorful designers. The show wheels between utter brilliance (the Ultimate Hard and Soft episode of Season 11) to downright silliness. We've seen 'heroes' and 'villains' on the show; we've seen triumph and heartbreak. We've seen artificial moments created entirely for sympathy or laughs, and we've seen some surprising glimpses into humanity.

With that understanding in mind, S14 of the show has brought us some classically wonderful Project Runway elements already: an unconventional challenge (greeting cards!), and some kickass women designers (Ashley! Candice! Laurie! Amanda!) It's also brought us the necessary evil of groan-or-giggle-worthy product placement, and the unnecessary evil of sexism on the part of the male designers.



Take a gander over at this season's America's Next Top Model, and you see the same thing on both accounts.

So what's up with this sudden strong trend?

Over on ANTM, we have a grungy greaseball of a beach bum pretending to help a woman he's super interested in banging, and then talking about her behind her back. We have a Fedora Guy suffering from a possibly terminal case of I'm a Nice Guy syndrome, making catty comments about a female contestant's fake boobs and how you can't trust women with fake boobs. Both of these wonderful examples of masculinity also repeatedly remind us that they are horny and not really that picky about which female will hurry up and relieve their condition.

Women should be pretty, but not too pretty. They should be around, but not win the competition. The second they put up any kind of fight, the once 'hot' women are suddenly unattractive, not all that talented, and need to go home. Having an opinion is abrasive, being quiet is vapid and empty headed.

Maybe I expect a bit more of this sexism from the boys over on ANTM, considering many of them are young and aggressively straight, but it's disappointing to see these comments and views carried over to Project Runway. Edited to add: I'm mainly speaking of Joseph's decision that his opinion is the only one that matters and that his female team-mate needs to do as he says, and nothing else, dampen her personality, and basically not speak when someone asks what they're doing, and Jake's temper tantrum about his female team-mate having ideas about their outfit.

Many of the Project Runway viewers are not upper class buyers. They are working class people who spend 8-10 hours a day working in a store or office, who watch the show with a glass of wine, and who vote in the polls, talk about the designers on social media, and turn up to events when the designers finally get a small show or clothing line. They are the people who hand over their hard earned money or credit card to buy a piece from their favorite PR designer. As such, many of them are choosy with their hard-earned money. And many of them are women. These women don't want to spend their money on a designer who clearly looks at women as lesser beings in this modern year of 2015.

Sometimes I hear gay men say something along the lines of, "But I'm gay! I'm not being sexist, I just don't like women!" This is absolutely not, in any way, a good excuse for acting as if your male parts give you better tools for solving problems or creating art, for controlling the 'wild females' in your midst, for cracking jokes about their menstrual cycles, for calling them false endearments with a snarled lip, for laughing at them for 'just being girls'.  This does not save you from one very important fact: You are still a sexist.

#teamladies

Upcoming Fun Stuff!

Hello everyone! Hope you've been enjoying your summer.

I have lots of great content coming for you soon, including an upcoming interview with Lyn, House of Beauty's awesome owner, and an interview with one of my favorite Instagram personalities, Martina of https://instagram.com/enchanted.forest/

Other upcoming topics for posts include tips for having 'fun' colored hair, and discussions on the relationship between weight and fashion, as well as consent in fiction.

Make sure to check back regularly!