EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

This is late stage capitalism. As a human and an artist, it is constantly on my mind.

I’ve been working as a professional in the beauty industry for approximately twenty five years. I’ve monetized my art professionaly since I was 13 years old. My scope and level of creative experience is extensive. I mean this literally. I’ve been doing this THING for so long - I have lost track of the actual years and dates I started. I’ve personally watched beauty history evolve - baring witness to its many stages of change.

I love the real side of beauty with all of my heart. The side rooted in human-hood, connection, rebellion and artistry. The side that cares about people, first. The side that tells the truth.

For me, that’s what beauty is. A physical expression of our humanity. Our tether to each other.

Yes, for me - it has always been this deep.

In recent years, the landscape for artists and creators working in beauty has changed dramatically. My prediction is - we are about to enter another big shift. The energy is changing. The next five years will reveal a kind of reckoning - and a return to honouring the craft. Working as an influencer / content creator / beauty professional is going to become more and more challenging without a rooted, empowered understanding of one’s personal and professional values, and a deep commitment to integrity.

Transparency has always been marketed as important, but it has also been easily fabricated.

I believe that’s going to change.

For honest artists like myself, this space has felt very frustrating for a long time. The more you learn about how this industry works, the harder it can feel to build something real and viable, but I do have hope that honest artists will ultimately prevail.

Dare I say - the audience is ready for us now.

MY VALUES

My professional work - both online and off - centres the artist. I am passionate about empowering people to stand in their artistic power and autonomy - not just in hair and makeup - but in all artistic mediums.

Artists matter now more than ever. Our viability matters. We are naturally discerning and rebellious. We are empathetic and deeply connected to what makes us human - and we are always ahead of the rest of society. We see the truth first, before anyone else.

The protection of that discernment is incredibly important to me.

The art you make is the result of an investigative journey inwards. If you are an artist, you cannot quit or give up, try as you might for ease, comfort and stability. To be an artist means to step into your own chaos - and that will always create conflict - both in yourself and in the world around you.

Rest assured - as an artist, you will always come back to making what your soul WILLS you to make.

My goal is to give artists permission to keep making art.

CURIOSITY

I like to joke that I am a small child.

I am also a late bloomer.

My father instilled in me, a true sense of wonder - and I am keenly aware that my creativity is far more powerful and productive when I lean into curiosity. For that reason, I will never stop being a student. It doesn’t matter how much I know, there is always more to learn.

INCLUSION

Inclusivity is important to me, not just as a concept - but as consistent, daily action. I am deeply committed to doing the work to dismantle white supremacy - both inside of me, and in the work I do as a beauty professional on a daily basis. I understand that beauty IS politics, and that everything is connected. As an artist, I play a vital role in the larger political landscape. I am engaged and aware, and I will not look away.

As a mentor, it is my responsibility to model inclusion in real time. I recognize and acknowledge my place of privilege in the world, and in my lived experience. I am steadfast in my belief that every artist - no matter their personal and professional station - matters, and deserves reverence. The idea that anyone can reach success in the beauty industry alone is an epic fallacy. I refuse to normalize industry standards and behaviours that continue to perpetuate harm, and I am committed to naming and dismantling that harm at every opportunity.

HONESTY

I need to tell the truth. I mean that in a literal sense.

As someone with medically diagnosed ADHD, I become physically unwell at the thought of myself and others purposefully telling a lie. My ADHD symptoms often manifest with and through Injustice Sensitivity - and the truth for me, has always been an essential tool for protecting my well-being and my power as an artist.

I will tell the truth to my own professional detriment. I have established a clear, actionable pattern of this case, and will continue to uphold this value as I grow.

THE RULES

Free Work - It Takes What It Takes

I do not accomplish “free” work on deadline.

I am at a point in my career where free work is optional. I do not need to build a portfolio. I do not need exposure. I am an experienced, accomplished visual artist with a reputation and body of work that speaks for itself.

I have worked incredibly hard to build a sustainable career in beauty over a prolonged period of time. I have invested not only in myself as an artist, but in this industry as a whole - multiple times over. I no longer feel obliged to prove my worth.

When I work for free, I am doing so voluntarily - and because the work itself reciprocates an aligned sense of value that builds on my purpose - either by collaborating with wonderful humans, giving back to my community, inspiring and educating the next generation of professional visual artists, or simply creating and spreading joy and a sense of adventure.

This is not only a rule, but an affirmation I repeat daily.

I do not rush the work. The quality of the work itself is a direct result of the time and energy I put into it.

Great work travels faster and farther - no matter the platform.

PAID WORK

I ONLY TAKE 3 PAID ADS PER MONTH

EVERY AD GETS FOLLOW UP CONTENT

EVERY AD MUST RESPECT MY TESTING POLICIES

I take limited ads per 30 day period - encompassing all platforms. Ads are obviously and properly disclosed.

PRODUCT TESTING FOR ENDORSEMENT

I abide by testing policies for product endorsement. This helps me stay organized.

I am committed to exploring beauty products as a professional first, and consumer second. Taking adequate time to test and work with a product ensures I can stay true to my values when creating content. I apply these testing policies regardless of if I receive PR, when I am collaborating with a brand, or if I have purchased the product personally.

  • I require three weeks to test a skincare product that contains active ingredients. This includes sunscreen, moisturizer, makeup remover, cleansers, serums etc.

  • I require a minimum of two weeks to test makeup complexion products. This includes foundation, concealer, skin tints etc.

  • I require a minimum of one week to test colour cosmetics. This includes lipstick, lip gloss, blush, bronzer, contour, mascara, eyeshadow etc.

  • I require a minimum of two weeks to test makeup brushes and other professional style tools.

As a beauty professional and educator, I may still choose to endorse a product I don’t personally like or use for the benefit of educating other artists in my community. I may endorse a product that I use in my professional kit exclusively - for the purposes of education. If such a case occurs, I will disclose the fact that I do not personally like or use the product, and why.