The original layout of MMF at 102 Milton Avenue

Our product lines grew, our staff grew, our services grew!  But we managed to cram it all into our little space in Ballston Spa.  It’s not that I didn’t look for new spaces over the years.  Deep down, I don’t think I really wanted to move.

So many memories, so many mistakes, so many triumphs, so many new friends.   I even remember the years when I would work till late into the evening and fall asleep in our waxing room because it was too late, or I was too tired or it was too cold to go home.

I realize too that finally I have to say goodbye to Nancy. Some of you may or may not remember my original partner in MMF.  Actually MMF was her’s first.  It was then named “Fabulous Faces.’  Nancy Closson and Sherry Leung started Fabulous Faces and asked me to come aboard many years ago, but they really started the company.  Soon after, we changed the name to Make Me Fabulous.  Somehow from that point on we knew that we would touch much more than faces, we would touch lives! 

Well, long story short, the first year on board, I did 3 weddings, the next year 6, the following year 14.  After that I lost count!  I took on the risk of opening the shop in 1995.  Nancy was now an employee, but always a partner.  Sherry went on to do great things at Clinique as a Northeast Regional Training Director ! 

Suzan Truax, who is our senior makeup artist, came on board soon after we opened the shop in Ballston in 1995.  Actually she came on board when we had our first location. I called it… the closet… which was located in Malta Commons.  Actually,  I really opened the space on Milton Avenue for Suzan!  She didn’t want to work in a closet anymore.  Ha, ha! 

After Nancy’s death in January 1997, after many years of battling cancer,  Suzan came back for good.  Suzan and I have now been working together for over 15.   Yet, even though Suzan was back,  from that point on,  MMF’s success or failure was solely on me!  My mom kept telling me “slow growth is better than uncontrolled growth,”  and unlike my usually soft nature.  She kept telling me “don’t worry business will  make you tough.”  Hopefully, now I am just a nice balance of both.

 My beautiful husband, David, was there to pick up the slack at home and then left his job of 16 years to be the main parental unit at home with our 3 children. He was always there by my side, helping, whether he wanted to and definitely sometimes when he did not!  I had employees making over $1000 per week at times and I was making nothing.  Those years were the worst!  But I somehow remained passionate about the clients, the beauty, and the business.

David now runs a successful personal training business and has a location in the Chocolate Factory that is bigger than our current location!! Progressive Fitness Training

By the end of 2011, we had nearly a half million dollars in sales and services in that little 600 square foot space.   We were also named one of the Hot 100 Salons in America , several months over by Beauty Entertaiment Magazine.  I knew I had to make the move I had put off for years.  I started aggressively looking for a new space late in 2011. Ultimately, I had only to look in my backyard.  Our current landlord had another building around the corner.  The current tenant, Elliott Property Services was willing to give up half of it and our landlord and Elliott  would take care of all the renovations!  It was a match made in heaven and I didn’t have to go far!  It was time and all felt right!!  Besides we would be near some of our favorite places to order lunch:  The Whistling Kettle, The Sunset Cafe, and Front Street Deli.  Although we may finally cut back on our coffee consumption, we promise to continue to visit Coffee Planet often 

So on March 5th, myself, my amazing staff and hopefully… our husbands and boyfriends… are moving 6.5 years of memories and milestones!  Tripling our size and relocationg to  32 Front Street, Ballston Spa.  

32 Front Street In Progress

 check out more about MMF and our expansion at:

 http://www.theballstonjournal.com/2012/02/something-old-something-new-for-make-me-fabulous/

First off about a year ago, I received a call from some of the industry’s top wedding professionals.  They were starting up a new non- profit organization of  the Best of the Best wedding  and event professionals committed to excellence and ethical standards in Upstate New York.  Well they not only wanted me to join, but also sit on the Board to help formulate the standards for all the hair and makeup professionals and help create the by-laws and social gatherings of the group. It was a daunting task that has taken us hundreds of hours especially by founding members Anthony Commisso of Tuxego in Latham, John Dabiere of VideoCraft and Micheal Gallitelli of Metroland Photo.

Well we voted to call the group “The Society of Wedding and Event Professionals of NY” or SWEPNY.  WWW.SWEPNY.ORG

The founding board of SWEPNY.ORG  at launch at  Experience, Schenectady, NY

Like Us, Follow Us, Watch Us, Join Us

Well, not sure if you knew, but Angela, our senior stylist, is also a Northeast Color Educator For Schwartzkopf, our color line.  Well she was informed that Make Me Fabulous, has received Diamond Salon Status! What does that mean.  Well we do ALOT of color services and are committed to knowing our color line through practice, training, and education. PRETTY COOL.  All of us at MMF have access to a color educator everyday right in our salon and if you have never met Angela and would like to… you had better call  soon, because it now takes about 3 weeks just to get in with her!

Some of you have been asking…where is that perky voice of Jessica???  After doing every job imaginable and being the perky voice at the other end of the phone for two years.  We finally convinced her to get her beauty license.  She is almost halfway through and you will see her assisting on weddings as well as in the shop. In fact she is doing so well at the Paul Mitchell School in Schenectady, they recently awarded her by sending her on a trip to California to train with the top beauty professionals for Paul Mitchell for 4 days!  But we already knew she was fabulous.  She recently did a makeup application for an upcoming bride and the bride began to cry.  Jessica said, “ What’s wrong.”  The bride replied, “I Love It!”

So who are all the new faces at MMF : 

Sweet and soft-spoken, Kristin, is manning the phones.  A former employee of State Farm and MMF bride herself, she is highly skilled and knows the MMF bridal planning process first hand .  She has tons of hair and has had almost every service we offer as well!

Emily- Former counter manager of Clinique at Boscovs in Clifton Park for 6 years and recent beauty school graduate.  She has the strong Clinique roots that Suzan and I had and a sweet kind spirit.  Another must to work for MMF too! She is super talented and eager to jump in to help in any way she can!  Her brow waxes, blow outs and makeup applications are stunning already! Emily also adores doing facials.

Vicki – Has 13 years experience, and comes from one of the best salons in Latham.  Our friends at Changes.  She resides here in Ballston Spa, so not having to travel down the northway made sense if she could work some where fabulous like MMF.  She is with us full- time and does hair, makeup and waxing.

So if you can’t get an appointment anytime soon with myself or Angela.  Give Amy, Vicki or Emily a call 885-2929.

What’s new from Bumble: 

• Clear the way for shine: Sunflower-powered cleansing helps dissolve dulling residue and preserve natural oils to let hair positively sparkle.
• NEW high-shine glossing mist delivers all-day gleam, controls flyaways and creates excellent separation and dimension without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.

Who: Those who crave shine.

                                                                When: Anytime after styling, to shine on (and on…)

How: For high shine and flyaway control, mist directly onto dry, styled hair. For separation, spray in palms and detail with  fingertips. Layer over any product. Use sparingly.

• Butylene Glycol - restores moisture to damaged areas
• Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol and Ceramide III -  restores hair’s natural protective layer 

• Gives hair that elusive, undone-yet-done quality, with a hint of grit, hold and a tousled, shine-free finish.

Who: Anyone. All it takes is the right attitude and application.

When: Anytime (as long as hair is damp).

How: Work through damp hair (a must). Start with a small amount and build. Let sit a minute, then loosen and ruffle, freehand. Apply at roots for extra lift. Use a diffuser for more volume all over.

And New From Bare Minerals

Long wearing Lip color from BE is here!   These feel so creamy and cushion-y on the lips that it’s unbelievable…and the shine! It’s not quite patent-leather shine, but it is a high shine finish. The applicator, it’s a flexible paddle that allows you to apply Pretty Amazingwith precision. The tip is just thin enough to allow you to line your lips with it as well. I don’t detect any fragrance or flavor, so this should be a good fit for just about anyone. bareMinerals really outdid themselves this time! $16

 For a perfect Pink Nude lip, Try Free Will with Dani Buxom. 

Benefits

• High-impact color & insatiable shine
• Luxe creamy texture for a luscious glaze
• Precision applicator sculpts & accentuates every curve of lips

See More of Andrea and Mike’s Stunning Wedding at:

http://www.mattramosblog.com/andrea-mike-saratoga-museum-of-dance-hall-of-springs-winter-wedding/

See More of Brianna and Mike’s Snowy Wonderland Day at:

http://clarkwalkerblog.com/2010/12/hall-of-springs-wedding-photography/

See More of Bre and Josh’s Winter Wedding at:

http://www.traceybuyce.com/bre-josh-saratoga-springs-new-york/

See More of Pam and Adam’s Fabulous Snowy Saratoga National Wedding at:

http://www.joeelariophotography.com/pam-adam-saratoga-national/

Additionally, Make Me Fabulous artists were busy working on some amazing commercial projects. Again for the second year we were hired to work on a week-long campaign that will include all video, print and web material for Saint Peter’s Hospital.

We worked in collaboration with professionals not only from Saint Peter’s but also from Time Warner Production Services, Media Logic, Gary Gold, Taylor Morrison and a Steady Cam operator.  The video portions of the shoot were shot on a “RED” Video camera.  Apparently this is a pretty big deal camera and was used to film movies like “The Social Network.”  Here is a photo of the RED also set up with the steady cam apparatus on set:

The same week we were working on the St. Peter’s Shoot we were also called out to help out with the Glens Falls Hospital Video Campaign.  Let’s just say the MMF Team met some amazing caregivers that week!

Well, I have been reviewing new and upcoming textbooks for Cosmetology and Esthetics schools produced by Milady for a couple of years now.  Well this time when it came time to produce their first Makeup Artist Training Textbook, they not only asked me to review it, but also asked the MMF Team to do all the makeup in the book. Well the book won’t be out until February 2012. So we will have more photos then.  But for now here is some of the scoop:

We worked all week at the studios of Visual Recollection in Saratoga Springs, NY. Daysha and partner Tom are nothing less than fabulous and sooo sweet!  We collaborated on material with authors, Michelle D’Allaird of the Aesthetic Science Institute and Aleish Pierce, Celebrity MU artist and Esthetician from Los Angeles, California.  Not only did we provide the makeup services for the book, but our hair stylists Angela and Amy were also on hand to provide the hair styling for the final photos for the book. Can you say OMG! And Fabulous!

This will certainly be a career defining moment to remember for me. Here is a photo after a long day shooting with my new soul sister both in spirit and makeup Aleish. Let’s just say we bonded over all things makeup and I miss her!

Finally, new at the boutique.  Bare Minerals Skin Care is a definite hit.  We have loaded the shelves at MMF with this all natural Soil based wonder product.  The original Active Soil formulas have been repackaged and new products have been added to the line.  We at the boutique are all hooked.  No parabens, artificial ingredients or preservatives.  It is gentle yet extremely effective.  Can you say Miracle and Love it!

Experience our revolutionary new skin care line powered by our proprietary miracle ingredient RareMinerals Complex-clinically proven to deliver brighter, younger-looking skin and that famous bareMinerals Naturally Luminous glow. Learn about 100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex from one of our BE specialists at the Boutique.

Kristin by www.sethgphoto.com / Hair by Angela / MU by Suzan

Elaine by Joe Elario Photography/Makeup by Kyle

http://http://www.joeelariophotography.com/engagement-shoot-with-elanie-dale/

Photo by Joe Elario Photography / Hair and MU by Alayne

http://www.joeelariophotography.com/engagement-shoot-with-elanie-dale/

Still one of  the Salon City publishers Hot 100 list,  in this September’s  issue of  Beauty Entertainment, MMF receptionist  and bridal coordinator, Jessica and Alayne are both featured.  They recently interviewed Jessica again for an upcoming issue!  The Hot 100 listing can be viewed at.

http://www.saloncity.com/Default.aspx?tabid=73&article=102

actual issues can be picked up at Make Me Fabulous in Ballston Spa

Well photographer Kermit Hayes has been doing quite a few of his Facebook-Fabulous sessions.  Fabulously, you get a real fashion photoshoot with wardrobe, hair, makeup and  a professional photographer for the most fabulous facebook photos ever! Guess who he chose to be the hair and makeup artists for the sessions.  Yup, MMF.  Check out some of the sample print ads!

Marnie by Kermit Hayes / Hair and MU by Alayne

Estella by Kermit Hayes/ MU Kyle / Hair Alayne

Debra by Keermit Hayes/ Hair & MU by Alayne

And one of the most beautiful weddings this season.  Danielle’s family rented a  gorgeous home in Lake George for her Traver’s Day wedding.  It was just perfect for her wedding day preparation and photos. Danielle is the last of 4 daughters to get married, so her dad greeted us at the door saying ” The wedding’s canceled.”  Actually it was all in good fun, but that was what he said when he greeted everyone for his baby’s big day.  Danielle’s family is from Puerto Rico and Matt’s nationalities are Jewish and Italian.  So apparently they call Matt’s mix on Long Island, no not “Jersey Shore, “  but… a “pizza bagel,” so cute!  Either way Danielle kept saying how handsome he was all day.  I couldn’t wait to see the pictures myself!  They are a stunning couple!!!

by Joe Elario Photography

Styling by Alayne / Photo by Joe Elario Photography

by Joe Elario Photography

By Joe Elario Photography/ Hair & MU by Alayne

Check out more photos of them at their fabulous photographer’s blog:

Since it is “Summer in Saratoga” and it is the “Summer Place to Be.”  Many of the events we were invited to be a part of were all around my own Fabulous stomping ground.  As many of you may or may not know.  It is a tradition to wear a fabulous hat to the Saratoga Flat Track.  So we were invited by couture retailer “Fancy Schmancy” and photographer Kermit Hayes to help photograph their fabulous custom made hats.  We shot 60 different hats on model Liz in a few short hours.  If you have never been to Fancy Schmancy, it is so worth a trip.  Every dress, hat, piece of jewelry, handbag, or pair of shoes are original, couture and there is nothing like it in Upstate NY !

www.fancyschmancycouture.com

Kermit Hayes for Fancy Schmancy

Next, former bride and Frank Adams Staff Member Laura Mullin invited us to help she and staff jeweler Betsey become Models for David Yurman Jewelry at the Saratoga Polo Club.  First off sweet Laura greeted Kyle and I with lunch from Putnam Market on Broadway in Saratoga. The staff at Frank Adams worked so closely together to make the event a success.  They are all like family and it was apparent how much they care about each other and their roles at Frank Adams

Next, I was invited by friend and colleague Denise Eliopolus, Owner of Something Blue Bridal to be her date to the Induction Ceremonies of Michael Jackson into the National Museum of Dance .   Well the best part, other than meeting brother Marlin Jackson, Sipping on Moet while watching dancers from Step Up 3 and Dancing with the Stars, was getting to go shopping at Something Bleu for the perfect dress just minutes before stepping out to the event. Photos of this event can be seen at Imagine Portrait Studio’s website at the following link.

http://imagineportraitstudio.photobiz.com/cart/event_welcome.cfm

Ok so we had to have a little fun in Albany too,  The New York Players invited Alayne to help out with the new promotional photos of the band, atop of Dale Miller Restaurant with photographers, Joe and JP of Joe Elario Photography.  Always a fab time when you have that many musicians in one skyline.

I also worked on bringing some great new products to the boutique.

My obsession with growing my own lashes and doing it in a natural way , brought LASHEM to MMF.

Lashem is paraben and prostaglandin free

Lashem is one of the most natural eyelash growth products. It is specially formulated with a patented technology that does not require any preservation chemical and still have a longer shelf life. They are very effective to use and can show results in only two weeks unlike other eyelash growth products. The natural ingredients used in its manufacturing such as Goji berries, cranberry, green tea and grape seed fruit extracts cause no irritation on the area of application.

Products that contain prostaglandin can cause a change in the eye color of the user and is some cases, can also affect the eyesight. It becomes inevitable for women to carefully check the ingredients of the eyelash growth product before applying them. Lashem products are free from prostaglandin and do not pose any risk to the eye color or the vision of the user. Those who use contact lenses can also safely use lashem because they are ophthalmologist-tested to be non-irritating. Even if women use eyelash extensions, they can apply Lashem products without any risk of irritation or eyelash hair falling out. 3 month size  is $85.00

You can safely grow longer eyelashes with Lashem.

Here is the beautiful trailer and some photos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO72J0JdBzE

   The women who played this revolutionary ghost, Mrs. Oberting, is  stunningly beautiful.  You would never know from these photos.

Also, have been working really closely with Kyle on how to change her edgy MAC style into the softer sophisticated MMF style.  We both learned that they are definitely two different animals.  So Kyle has been testing alot.  Here with photographer Eric Truax, and model Bree,  I think she displays that she can definitely transition from one to the other seemlessly. 

And Finally, A very special bride marries into a very special family.  Many of you may remember a very special Mona Ghazi Dudek from Last November, She is Joe Elario Phoptography’s biggest Blog Fan and we had the pleasure of getting to know her family.   Well when brother Neema announced he was getting married they called on the Elarios and MMF to work our magic again!

Mona From November 2009

Well, might I add that new sister-in-law Clarissa is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and we were delighted to get to reunite with them all again in celebrating the addition of Clarissa to the family.

Senior Makeup Artist Suzan and New MMF Stylist Angela were there at the Hotel to get the bride, her mom and Neema’s mom ready while Mona and Gita got ready at the shop.

To see more check out:

http://www.joeelariophotography.com/clarissa-neema-saratoga-national-museum-of-dance-2/

Next week is another busy commercial week.  We are shooting another Mooradians Commercial, Some fashion still’s for retailer Fancy Schmancy and a Fashion Show in conjunction with Frank Adams Jewelers, David Yurman Jewelry and the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.

The first is of our Suzie working it at the Colon Club photoshoot in early June.  A project we do every year and you have certainly seen me talk about it in the past.  It is not only a project we are proud to be a part of, but one of the most fun and memorable weekends.  It changes your life! 

 http://www.cbs6albany.com/video/?videoId=110995493001&lineupId=1143371293

And a little video by my friend

Kevin Craig West.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=411878186810&ref=mf

I worked on a photshoot for some headshots for a fellow actor, friend and writer of Kevin’s named Susie Griswold with photographer Kermit Hayes.  OMG she is just the sweetest thing… and boy did we make her look fabulous!

So I can’t even begin to express my amazement at how many stunningly gorgeous brides we had in June.  Could it be they are all:

1) Just that gorgeous!

2) We are really fabulous!

3) We get to work with the best photographers in the biz!

 4) All of the Above

I say number 4!  So here we go!

First a whole slew of beauties with photographers

 Clark + Walker Studio

Ok Yeah, nuff said Arianne is just that stunning! As well as beyond chic!

And below Laura, There are brides from NY to Boston emailing to get photos of every angle of Laura’s low side twisty bun to recreate for their wedding!

And the following day was Brigid, who had another version of the low side bun.  An absolutely gorgeous day at the Inn at Erlowest on Lake George.

Speaking of hair, here is an update on wedding hair trends I received recently from celebrity stylist Frank Barbosa:

Romantic and Relaxed Frank Barbosa, celebrity stylist and go-to wedding hair guru at Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup in Newport, RI, says that bridal hair trends aren’t what they used to be. Whether your client opts for an updo or a chignon or chooses to wear her hair long and loose the trend is moving away from super formal styles to more relaxed, romantic looks. “The modern bride does not want to be overdone—her style should look effortless,” Frank says, adding that a lot of women who come into his salon choose to wear their hair down with playful but polished waves. If it’s pulled up, an easy-going braid adds a romantic touch. “The most important thing is that you make the true, natural beauty in your bride shine through,” Frank adds. Once your bridal client’s big day is booked, make sure she schedules at least two pre-wedding hair appointments with you—one to test out and fine-tune the style and another about a week prior to the wedding for a trim and/or color service.

So Lets See some long and flowing:

Wanna know how I got to be the Makeup Artist for News Channel 13, WNYT… Well it was because of our next bride’s photographer Tom Wall.  When WNYT was looking for a new makeup artist.  Tom recommended me after working on a couple weddings together.   After a few test runs with the anchors, reporters and Tom.  I got the gig.  That was several years ago now.  How time flys.

Here is what Jennifer had to say about her experience with MMF after her original artist was hit by a car and unable to do her wedding:

“I just got back from my honeymoon and couldn’t wait to send a quick thank you. I booked with MMF to do my hair and make-up for my June 18 wedding. Erin was originally intended to come but obviously couldn’t. Amy, Angela and Kyle were the women who ended up being assigned and I couldn’t be happier with the job they did. They were all so sweet, friendly and fun. They were nice enough to accommodate last minute requests and they made the day as calm as could be. They’re all more than talented! I’d also like to say thank you to Jessica, she handled the ‘emergency changes’ with such professionalism and kindness. I can’t wait to recommend you guys to all the brides in the area! Jennifer Esposito (Stanley now )”

Kali, at Top of the World in Lake George, by Mainframe Photography.

OK this bride was actually from May.  I grabbed it for her gorgeous Kim Kardashian style hair.  Styled by Erin of MMF just before her bike accident that took her out of commission.  She promises to be back by September.  We miss her!  by Joe Elario Photography

OMG, I just loved this bride.  Nicole is so real and sweet.  The morning was so enjoyable and calm! She never even previewed her hair and makeup with me.  Just trusted the photos from the blog of her ever popular  photographer,  Joe Elario Photography.

We also received two really cool newsworthy items to blog about!

Still on the Hot 1oo this month…we also received this phone call:

Jessica (our super perky and fabulous receptionist and bridal coordinator) got a call  from the editors of Beauty Entertainment and Salon City. They are doing a feature on Salon Receptionists and want a picture of her! OMG, 2010 is the most fabulous year ever for MMF! So grateful!

And;

OMG, OMG OMG!! Make Me Fabulous has been ranked one of the Top 10 Bare Escentuals accounts in Upstate NY and Alayne and Suzan have been chosen to attend an invite only corporate training academy to become Corporate Certified Bare Escentuals Specialists!!! Over the Top Excited!!

First up the NORI’s.  http://albanyadclub.com

Congrats go  the following 2010 award winners in which Make Me Fabulous was the stylist on:

Mooradians Retail Television Commercial – Award Winner – Produced by Time Warner Media

The Colondar- www.thecolonclub.com - Award Winner – Troy Burns, Behan Communications

Saint Peter’s Hospital – Finalist- Time Warner Media

Northeast Parent and Child – Finalist- Time Warner Media

We were also  invited to be the stylists for the Nori Award presenters and the models for Ursula of Switzerland. Kyle and Alayne were on hand for the event.

Next Alayne worked with www.jefffoley.com on some print work for the NYS Bar Association.

 

www.jefffoley.com

www.jefffoley.com

Alayne at work for NYSBA by www.jefffoley.com

Also this year we were once again invited back to work on one of our favorite projects and and 2010 award winner the Colondar produced by thecolonclub.com.  This year Suzan of MMF spent 3 days in Huletts Landing, NY with 12 survivors of colon cancer and the entire colondar staff. It is a project that will forever change your life and the team welcomed Suzan into their colondar family with open arms.  Alayne was able to get there in time to shoot the cover shot of annual cover model Erika and also sip on a few frozen margaritas!  Photos unfortunately won’t be available till January.

Also Welcome another new stylist. Angela Nickels.  Angela has been a stylist for 8 years and is currently the Schwartzkopf color educator for the Capital District.  Angela, called us one day and said, I have heard so many great things about you and the vibe there is so great.  I wanna work there!  Don’t let her sweet and gentle demeanor fool you .  Angela is the self-appointed music maker for MMF and is referred to as the “hair genius” by her peers and clients.

And a few recent brides:

 

 

Photo by Heather Bohm Tollman stylist Alayne

 

 

Nicole by Clark + Walker Studio, stylist Alayne

Photo by Heather Bohm Tollman, stylist Erin

This bride, Lisa will also be featured on an upcoming episode of  ”Say Yes to the Dress.”

Alayne and Catie having fun at Kali's wedding

and finally by baby Haley came home from her first State Pageant with yes…4 crowns and 9 trophies!!  OMG she looks so grown-up. But Oh what a fun girly weekend we had, minus that speeding ticket of course!

And my god daughter Carlie came home with 12 trophies and 10 crowns all thanks to our dear friend, and very special coach, Kathleen

 

Another fabulous article came out by www.sosara.com  Apparently we held on to our Hot 100 status in the issues of Beauty Entertainment and Salon City trade magazines for April!

Here is the article and the actual link to it!!

http://sosara.com/2010/04/30/ballston-spa-salon-named-1-of-hot-100/

Ballston Spa salon named 1 of Hot 100

BALLSTON SPA (April 30) — Hollywood … Manhattan … Las Vegas … Ballston Spa?

All of them are home to one of the nation’s Hot 100 salons, according to Salon City and Beauty Entertainment magazines. In Ballston Spa, it’s Make Me Fabulous — ranked 77th.

Make Me Fabulous was already well known to brides up and down I-87. While the salon does all of the usual beauty services — cuts, color, hair extensions, makeup, manicures, pedicures, airbrush tans and so on — it has become a star in preparing bridal parties on the big day.

“We do over 200 weddings a year, so we really have a little niche in that area,” salon owner Alayne Curtiss said. “That’s where we stand out.” 

Make Me Fabulous owner Alayne Curtiss’ salon has been named 1 of the nation’s Hot 100 by Beauty Entertainment magazine.

The salon has a team of 17, and it travels for onsite hair and makeup preparation.

“We’re all over the Capital District,” Curtiss said. “We’ve done weddings in Long Island, Plattsburgh, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont.”

Curtiss said this is because women from throughout the Northeast visit the area to be in bridal parties.

“The Adirondack area is really starting to become a destination wedding site for New York City brides,” she said. “People in that bridal party will go home and remember us and tell their friends.”

The downstate brides are willing to pay travel expenses for the Make Me Fabulous team — including a night in a hotel. Even with the travel expenses, Make Me Fabulous is competitive with the city’s salons.

The Capital Region’s cost of living is 1 of the reasons 3 area salons made the Hot 100, said Marri Aviza, owner of 73rd-ranked Rumors Salon and Spa in Latham. Brooklyn Attitude in Saratoga Springs is 83rd on the list.

“We can remain reasonable without sacrifices,” said Aviza, who added it’s easier to shine in the Albany area than have to battle for attention in the highly competitive New York City market. “It’s a great place to live and run a business.”

But being so close to Manhattan allows stylists to easily head to the city for trade shows and advanced training.

“It isn’t hard to go there and learn about the latest styles and trends,” Curtiss said.

Curtiss has been learning about styles and trends since she was young. As a kid, she was the one at slumber parties who would do all of the other girls’ hair and makeup. After getting her bachelor’s degree in marketing, she came home to help her mother with the family restaurant.

But after the restaurant was sold, Curtiss followed her passion — entering the beauty business. She ended up spending 14 years with Clinique. She had to return to college to become a licensed esthetician.

Once again, she came back to Ballston Spa, this time to start her own business. Since then, she has not only thrilled brides but has done work for national magazines and advertisements, guests on the Rachael Ray show and Larry King Live and the on-air personnel at Channel 13.

“I always loved doing this,” she said. “I just never dreamed I could make a career of it.”

For more information:

• Make Me Fabulous, 102 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, 885.2929
• April’s Hot 100 salons
• Rumors Spa and Salon, 594 New Loudon Road, Latham, 786.1777
• Brooklyn Attitude Hair and Body, 135 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 580.0016

For commercial projects I had the opportunity to be involved in the 2010 American Cancer Society Gala. This year’s  award ceremony, fundraiser  and video presentation were held at the Hall of Springs  in late April. 

Without being involved in this project I would have never known the  amount of support E. Stewart Jones has given to the cancer community.  This man and his family had gone through a  long painful struggle losing wife and Mother, Penny,  to ovarian cancer and E. Stewart has made it his mission to support those suffering in our community with cancer.  There was not a dry eye in the room as we taped Mr. Jones telling his story and reaffirming his commitment to stop this disease and those who suffer from it! 

I also traveled to Newburgh, NY to film an entire 3 year marketing campaign for Walden Savings Bank that included Print and  Video shots between multiple locations around Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Walden, NY.

In addition, Suzan, Erin  and I shot some additional video spots for the NFIB, Pre-Approval opposition,  Excelsior College, Broadway Auto Clinic and Long Energy.  Pamela and I also traveled to Boston for advanced airbrush tanning training.

Also,  been doing some intense beauty testing with photographer Kermit Hayes!  OMG,  I cannot wait for you to see these.  It may be a bit because Kermit is a perfectionist with the camera and the mouse!

I was also asked to be a founding member in two new exclusive wedding associations.  One of which I was also asked to be a board member! They are SWEP-NY - Society of Wedding and Event Professionals and NYWB -New York Wedding Boutique.

We also began our wedding season with some really fabulous weddings:

The first was Kelly Harrigan, Kelly was photographed by Hayden Yund   Hayden is the daughter of one of my makeup mentors.  I took my first makeup class from her mom who is now a successful commercial stylist and her father is a long time photographer, writer and editor for the Times Union.  What a lovely woman, mother and photographer Hayden has become!

Photo by Hayden Yund Photography

Also, A wedding I’ve waited for since last year.  Danielle Brock, photographed by Matt Ramos. You may remember the wedding of Ashley Papa, last November also photographed by Matt.  Well Danielle and Ashley are great friends and I got to see them BOTH again! Oh and did I mention that Danielle’s images are so gorgeous her wedding has been chosen to be featured in the New York Post.

Matt Ramos Photography

Also the wedding of Kathleen and Chris, photographed by Alisha Clark of Clark+ Walker Studio. Kathleen’s kitty never left her side the entire morning as we prepped for the big day!   

Clark + Walker Studio

Clark+ Walker Studio

Just love my new pink brushes, that MMF bridal coordinator, Jessica gave me for Christmas! 

Our girls also had a great time  at the Glen Sanders Mansion.  The team did a fabulous job.  It was a  first with us, for our new MMF girl Kyle.  Kyle has so much experience. She has worked for MAC and Clinique in the past and loves working with our brides.  JP of Joe Elario Photography  loved Kyle’s work and that of our ever fabulous Erin as well.

Joe Elario Photography

I grabbbed this photo too, because I loved this pink bouquet by the newly wed Kris Ann Elario of Fleurtacious 

Joe Elario Photography

Ok so in the midst of all this…my baby,  Haley,  qualified for a state pageant at the end of May, so we had to have a photshoot for new headshots and get this… I’m already booked on weddings that weekend so I had to hire a pageant coach and hair and makeup person to take my place.   I am hoping to make it in time to see her crowning!! 

Dan Doyle Photography

Dan Doyle Photography

Dan Doyle Photography