Modeling 101: Advice on Auditions

I am not an expert on this stuff, but I have had some successes in the last couple of years when it comes to nailing auditions and landing jobs. Highlights from my modeling career include doing gigs for Disney Aulani, Macy's, Manuhealii, American Eagle, Phillip Morris International, Hawaii Fashion Month, and the Hawaii Visitor's Bureau, to name a few. Over drinks with my lovely mentor and friend, Kelly Mitchell, a couple weeks back, Kelly told me that people probably want to know what it's like to work as a commercial model, land paid jobs, go through auditions, etc. I never really thought about it-- but it dawned on me that I would have LOVED any kind of advice when I first started doing commercial modeling in 2012. Auditions and casting calls can be scary! Thus, this blog post is happening.

Hawaii Fashion Month Runway Show 2013

The modeling side of my life (a hobby for me and source of extra cash)...it may look glamorous and all glittery and fun and puppies and flying unicorns-- but it really isn't. It's pretty tiring, competitive, takes major persistence and hard work.

I'm going with a list format for this post. People like lists, right? Lulu's audition tips:

1) First, get an agent. You have a LOT more clout with representation and comp cards (AKA composite cards). I love my agency Niche Models and Talent, but there are a handful of other agents in Honolulu that are awesome.

2) Be physically fit and ready at all times. Straight up truth right here-- you have to focus on your physical health and appearance ALL. THE. TIME. You need to make sure your skin is taken care of, your nails are manicured, hair properly groomed, you're getting enough sleep, etc. Many auditions happen last minute. The last casting call I went to, I had less than 12 hours notice. I have even gotten calls from my agent 30 minutes before an audition-- so I am always maintaining. This is something that is both good and tiring. Good, because it makes you very aware of health and your body, what you eat, how you present yourself, etc. The bad part? I get really tired. Sometimes I don't want to eat a salad. Or shave my legs. Or look cute. I want to eat pizza and watch Netflix for 3 days straight. Just sayin.

3) Be OK with rejection. You aren't going to get most of the jobs that you go to casting calls for. It can be frustrating, but don't beat yourself up. You have to just keep trying. There are a ton of beautiful, wonderful, talented people in this world and you are one of them-- but not every campaign is for you. In Hawaii, I usually don't get much local TV work, for example, because they want someone who is "hapa" or more "local" looking. The gigs I land are casting calls for Caucasian women. That's my niche. And there are many different niches. Campaigns call for a range of ages and ethnicities. You don't have to be super model status to get jobs in modeling. I just hung out with a successful model who was a local, 50+, average business man. He lands jobs because there are not a lot of models in that demographic. Be yourself. Be optimistic. Rejection will happen, and that's ok.

4) Dress the part. If you have information about what the shoot is going to be like, show up to the audition dressed for that role. Outdoorsy? Selling Yoga wear? Don the yoga pants and Nikes.

5) Don't be stuck up. Be nice. SMILE. I find that it is the most insecure, unsuccessful models that walk into casting calls all cocky and rude. They don't say hi to the other girls, they look pissed off, they seem like they don't want to be there. Don't be one of those chicks. People will brand you as a prima donna or a diva. People like nice people. Nice people get referred for jobs. Personality comes through in auditions, on camera, and on film. Don't be stuck up. Be nice.

6) Don't ever arrive late, always be early. This one may seem obvious, but seriously, don't be late. Some casting calls are open, some calls give you a specific time to be there. Either way, arrive early. Get comfortable with the environment-- it soothes the nerves to get there early, get a nice parking spot, touch up the chapstick, take some deep breaths, walk in polished and first in line (some calls, the lines can be ridiculously long and you will wait for hours!).

7) Introduce yourself to everyone. Talk to people! Don't do it obnoxiously, but when you are sitting next to a couple nervous models in a reception area, it helps everyone to introduce yourself, ask about people's agents, where they are from, etc. Break the ice. You never know who you will meet, and there's a lot of really friendly people in the "industry." Referrals happen a lot in the local Hawaii market. Models help other models out sometimes. It's camaraderie, and it's fun. Make the most of the casting calls and get to know who else is out there. It's fun to make friends and compare notes! It's a great way to get advice, too. Not only that, but for some casting calls you will be paired with someone and asked to do some kind of "scene." The last one I did, I had a "husband" and we were "on vacation in Hawaii, watching dolphins, with delight." The one thing that made it easier was the "husband" I had to act with had become my friend in the reception area. I knew where he was from, what he did for his day job, we cracked jokes, and he had the same name as my brother, Justin. So Justin and I kicked that auditions' butt.

8) Be adventurous. Example: I am scared of heights. Legit scared. Recent audition? Zip lining. commercial. Go big or go home. Get out of your comfort zone and push your limits!

9) Keep your look consistent. You need to look like the person on your comp card. Don't do dramatic hair coloring, tattoos, piercings, etc. if you do-- you need to redo comp cards and make sure your agent knows that your look has changed.

10) Love your agent. Keep in good communication with your agent, ask for advice, and send them thank you cards when you get paid work. Good relationships with your agent will ensure that you stay on their "radar" and that they think of you when potential work opportunities arise.

11) Finally, it's OK to be nervous. Know that most people in the room with you are nervous too. The more casting calls and auditions you go to, the easier it will be for you to relax. :)

Aloha Sailor Runway Show at Trump, 2013

Your hair will thank you.

I was fortunate enough to receive an awesome Klout perk a couple months ago, a brush. Boring, right? Anything but! Let me tell you, I now keep one of these brushes in three locations: bathroom, purse, car. The brush goes by many names, one of them being the "Tangle Teezer." 

Background: I dye my hair religiously. I flat iron and blow dry more often than I should. I jump in oceans and get salty and dry my hair in the warm Hawaiian sunshine. All this combined means my hair kinda well- sucks a bit. Hair is not happy. Definitely not healthy. I have issues with breakage and tangles. I deep condition all the time to combat the damage I inflict on my golden strands. That being said...

This brush has made a HUGE difference in my hair health and I will never change hair brushes again! My hair easily brushes and detangles, hair breakage is minimal, and overall my hair health is 100% better than it was before I started using this brush. I highly recommend! 

Google it, the brush goes for between $8 and $25 - I got mine off Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+tangle+teezer&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=31796005742&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16021810339390471037&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_7i80kdbnnm_b 

No joke, and I'm not being paid for this post, I'm obsessed with this brush. In the past month, I have recruited two people into this new brush club. Now we are all die hard fans. That is all. 

A day in the life of Lulu, a synopsis of my aloha Friday.

5:15 a.m. Friday. Aloha. I wake up, happy, but not a morning person. 

Walk my shitzu, Roxy (proud dog mom). 

Scoop poop into floral-smelling pink poop bags. 

Half-awake, appreciate the stillness of Honolulu pre-dawn. Paradise. 

5:45 a.m. Shower, using lush cosmetics "grass" shower gel (euphoric-highly recommend). 

I have a networking event at 6:45, so hair washing is out of the question today (females understand). 

5:55 a.m. Check news headlines on my iPhone. I want to know what's going on in the world. 

6:10 a.m. Makeup - on. The older I get, the less Makeup I wear, for some reason. 

6:20 a.m. Pencil skirt and silk blouse? Check.

6:25 a.m. Purse check-- Fail. Only two business cards. What kind of marketer am I? 

6:28 a.m. Haul butt to office. Grab business cards. Open outlook. No time to reply to anyone. 

6:35 a.m. Cruise downtown (slamming Mountain Dew, aka breakfast) head to a PBN "Women Who Mean Business" networking event. 

Already traffic? K. Takes forever, but I'm in paradise. That's Honolulu. Entertained by KCCN banter. 

7:00 a.m. Arrive at Plaza Club. Grab name tag. Take picture of epic view of Chinatown. 

Twitter, foursquare, Facebook....and I forget yelp. Darn (social media nerd slash first world problems). 

Next two hours? 

Meet amazing people, see old friends, meet people IRL. Get inspired by a panel of leading business women. All the while, avoiding ad reps. 

(Shino we need a better picture) ;) 

Did I mention I was energized and inspired? Utterly and completely inspired. 

Notes and takeaways: 

"Be fierce." 

"Don't be afraid to negotiate. Ask for what you're worth."

"Work hard in silence and let success be your noise." (Frank Ocean?)

If you can't handle all you have to do as a woman and leader in business- hire a house cleaner. 

Shave off things that make your life stressful (someday, yes). 

9:30 a.m. back to the office. 

RUN IN HEELS! 

Write press release.

Update web.

Proof eblast. 

Touch base with my amazing team.

11:00 a.m. Lunch at Panya. Laksa. White blouse ruined from spicy, delicious red broth. 

12 noon. Swing by home, pick up Roxy (Fridays I get to bring her to work, best workplace ever). 

12:05 p.m. Back to office, always juggling. Running in heels (that should be my blog name, actually). Fielding phone calls. Avoiding radio ad reps cold calls (I just don't have that medium in my marketing mix this year). 

1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Love my job...enjoy my new office. Turn on Spotify work playlist.

Work: assist, respond, plan, brainstorm, discuss, support, lead, delegate, write checks, and most importantly, listen. 

4:10 p.m. Drop Roxy at home. Put on comfy clothes and proceed to haul butt out the door, again (Roxy is sulking and pissed). 

4:25 p.m. Makiki Nails. Cheap manicure. White polish, cause I saw it on the Peppermayo insta). Feeling fresh. 

5:00 p.m. Home in no time. 

5:30 p.m. Breathe. Shower. Roxy, treats. Makeup, lil bit. Tank top, kimono, shorts, cute sandals, check. No time for hair so, ballerina bun. Bohemian effortless / cute? I'll go with that. Tired, but it's aloha Friday. :) 

6:30 p.m. Head to Hawaii Kai for a triple date (is that a term people use? Like not 2 couples, but 3). 

7-ish....Dinner with the cool kids at Mailes Thai Bistro. Three vodka sodas (Titos is my new fave vodka). 

Eat. Drink. Be merry. Enjoy new friends. Laugh. 

10- ish....head to a friends shop, new location, drink, help paint, be merry. Social media. Instagram my nails cause they look cool....

Midnight...home, chill, laugh, sketch, try to go to bed. Tough for a night owl socialite on a Friday night...

Missed first Friday and have no vodka. What the?! 

Try to sleep? Fail. Insomnia. 

Solution? This blog post. A day in the life, a synopsis. Boring? Perhaps. A great day, indeed. 

Banana, you rocked it.

My blog shouldn't be a diatribe about my awful customer service encounters. I promise to give credit where credit is due. Funnily enough, I have a great experience to share just one day after I banned Kate Spade from my life! Banana Republic, you are doing it right. Last month, I was a hot mess because of you-- but you redeemed yourself today! I'll keep this one short. Or, I will try...

I got stuck in a Banana Republic pencil skirt. I bought it here in Hawaii probably 6 months ago. Banana separates are my work wardrobe staple. The skirt cost me around $50 or so-- not the most expensive skirt, but also not the cheapest. 

I came home from work in July after a long day of meetings and running around in heels. I love coming home and changing into my comfy clothes. Too bad that on this day, I got STUCK IN MY PENCIL SKIRT. You laugh, but it was an awful experience. At the time, I was living alone and had no one around to help. The zipper got stuck completely, wouldn't zip down at all. Ok, deep breaths....

I googled. I used oil. I used WD-40. I used Vaseline. I used pliers. The thing wouldn't go up or down. I called my parents in Japan, total hot mess. They snickered as I explained that it had been 4 hours worth of effort in trying to un-stick the zipper. After a couple glasses of chardonnay and watching the sun go down over the ocean, I grabbed the scissors. Reluctantly and feeling defeated and stressed, I cut my favorite, grey, $50 pencil skirt off of my body. Traumatic. Don't laugh. 

The cool part of this story is that the whole time I was stuck, I was updating my social media (Twitter and Facebook). I was flooded with comments and had friends telling me how to get it off, giving advice, support, laughing with me, or telling me not to shop Banana again! The power of social media never ceases to amaze me.

@BRCustServ tweeted at me. previously, I didn't think large companies actually listened and engaged like that?! They gave me a number to call and told me they would take care of it. And that, they did. After a pleasant call with Bryan from Banana Republic, I received a $50 gift card in my inbox, and Banana retained a customer. It's win-win. Bravo, Banana, for not making me argue with your rep or beg for a refund. I look forward to using my gift card this weekend! 

Kate Spade, I'm breaking up with you.

I had emotional attachments to my watch. A beautiful, big, gold Michael Kors with an opalescent/pearly face. I bought it in a self-pity-sob-fest as a single woman on a lonely Valentine's Day a few years ago...one of those "I don't need a man" purchases. The watch wasn't cheap, but worth every single penny. It complemented my professional work attire and looked nice when I went out dancing on the weekends. A couple of days before my birthday this month, the watch broke. Like, beyond repair, broken. Sad face. Super sad face.

I was super bummed, but then kind of stoked to have a reason to buy a new watch and mix things up. Always look on the bright side, right? I posted on Facebook about the watch and asked friends to give me suggestions on what kind of watch to get. It ended up being between Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Tory Burch. Being my birthday month, I was thinking a splurge was necessary. I googled my pretty pink nails off, and have been stalking this Kate Spade watch for the last 2 weeks. The pink spade and clean lines had me at hello. The $225 price tag is high for me (living in Hawaii, I don't usually have extra cash to buy expensive watches), but, again, birthday month.

But here's where the fight starts...and why this watch is no longer on my shopping list. In fact, I don't even like the watch anymore, how's that!? Yeah, I'm not happy....

I visited the Kate Spade Ala Moana yesterday, ready to try on my "dream watch" and had a HORRIBLE experience. So bad, I won't step foot in another Kate Spade store. And if you know me, that is HUGE. I carry a Kate Spade purse every day (time to change that out), my phone case is Kate Spade. Every Christmas, Kate Spade swag is my go-to gift for girlfriends and my Mom. never again!

I was trying on the watch, looking in the mirror, checking out the size. I have really small wrists, so asked if they could take out a couple links so that I could make sure it fit me. The girl looked at me with wide eyes and said she needed to ask her manager. Strange, I thought. But continued to peruse. And not that it matters, but I had come from work, decked out to the nines in J. Crew and holding Nordstrom and Tory Burch shopping bags. If you are a sales person in Kate Spade, I would think that you take note of that. Perhaps I have money to spend? Perhaps you notice that I asked for that very watch specifically, meaning I had done my research and was primed to purchase?

THEY REFUSED TO TAKE OUT THE LINKS. Say whaaaa?!? So you are telling me that I have to BUY the watch before you take out the links? Um, why would I buy a watch when I don't know whether or not it fits me? I was so irritated- you have no idea. I asked for the manager and proceeded to pull a "Pretty Woman" (as my friend Farrah cleverly coined it).

Kate Spade, I am breaking up with you. You charmed me with your pretty gold and pink watch and lured me into your store. You then provided the absolute WORST customer service experience I have had at Ala Moana Shopping Center. It felt wonderful to tell the sales girl and manager (and about 6 patrons standing nearby) that they just lost a $225+ sale and loyal customer and that they need to take a lesson from similarly-priced boutiques like Tory Burch, who does customer service right. 

Suggestions for Kate: Size the watch if I am seriously thinking about buying it. Why not take out a couple links to make sure the customer likes it? Why on Earth would I buy a watch without seeing if it fits? DUH. Common sense, people. 

You know what I conclude? The watches must be cheap and easy to scratch / break if you are so hesitant to take links out. 

Also, offer me a seat. Let me put down my other shopping bags. Bring me other watches to check out. Size them, take out links as needed, and make sure I am happy. Bring me a bottled water, a la Tory Burch. Treat me like I am an important customer. Maybe if you had done that, I wouldn't be headed to Nordie's today to spend my previously-Kate-Spade-delegated money in a place with better service and on a watch that fits. 

In a competitive marketplace where I have many other stylish options, it is easy for me to decide that you didn't do enough to meet my expectations. 

Just one.

So blog posts don't have to be super deep and insightful, right? Cause this one is not. At all. Just don't want you to get your hopes up. But as a self-proclaimed fashionista, (it's a hobby and passion), all I gotta say is that after over a year of not having fake nails, having been irritated about the maintenance and cost of them, I am totally falling back in love with them. Sure, you have to relearn how you type, button your pants, put on necklaces, etc., get "fills every 2-3 weeks"- the feminine feeling and cost of them is worth the time and investment. I feel like I have cat claws! Great for back scratching but also just to feel good about taking care of yourself. Nice, long nails make me feel glamorous. A little treat after a hectic work day. On top of that, they're a topic of conversation, and they look good when shaking hands, nicely groomed, little bit of swagger as they say. I love getting a traditionally-based design and tweaking it a bit. Fits in with my business meetings on the conservative side, yet displays a hint of personality. Creativity. Extroverted-ness. Characteristics that I find important in any marketing professional. Always be yourself, but align yourself with basic business etiquette.

I go to a place called Makiki Nails, not a fancy joint by any means, but I really like the customer service. Plus, I'm not spending a ton, which frees up funds for paying down my student loans from grad school! I know y'all hear me on that. Fml. 

You want crazy designs? Realistically- Not the place to come. Simple stuff. If I want hello kitty and sculptered bows and whatnot- l will go to kaimuki. However, Makiki Nails offers good color selection, convenient location. Inexpensive service with a smile, I'll take it!! 

The main point I would like to make (journalistically I should've started with this main point) - is that, no matter where you go for a mani- the 'one nail' trend is on point these days. Why be traditional? A Classic French mani with random fingers painted in vibrant colors (and designs if you wanna mix it up!) is where it's at. Any nail shop can do it, and it's  still business appropriate, with a little edge. My only advice is please don't get flowers...So 1991. Soooo over it with all the awesome nail art that is going on! You can do better!! Xo 

Get a reverse French or some hello kitty steeze. Stripes and acrylic bows. Get crazy Japanese style kawaii on those bad boys (see below). But---Flowers??? Please, no. Cause, 2014. Unless you're a tourist here - then get crazy and get a plumeria on that big toe! Go on with your vacationing self. Otherwise, back away from the standard floral cheesy mess. (Not judging, I've been there too!!)!

Final thoughts, Anjelah Johnson. Nail salon. Epic. Fave standup comedy routine. This will make you ROFL and LOL like no other....well, maybe only if you know nail salons, but still. And laugh your butt off. ;) 

Get Cultured at the Honolulu Museum!

Ever since moving to Hawaii 7 years ago, I have been a huge fan of the Honolulu Museum of Art, both the Spalding House contemporary museum up Tantalus and the main museum on Beretania. My introduction to the museum happened when an HPU classmate told me that I must go to ARTafterDARK because it's the place to be, something not to miss. On a college-kid budget at the time, cash flow issues made me hesitate, but I sprung for the ten dollar entry fee and went. I can't say enough about how amazing these monthly events are, definitely my favorite "nightlife" activity in Honolulu (kinda nightlife, more so pre-going out party, as it is only from 6-9 pm). Every event has a different theme, paired with awesome DJ's, live music, dancers, activities, food, etc. Every event is unique and fresh! I've seen fashion shows, live art, body painting and amazing video art projected on the museum courtyard walls. Side note-- the October / Halloween costume event is super amazing.

Anywho.....

A couple years ago, after countless hours devoting time to networking, volunteering, for various professional groups and nonprofits, etc., I decided I wanted to spend my time supporting things that I love....in this case, art. A love of my life. I bugged the museum and volunteered at events for two years with the goal of getting on the ARTafterDARK Advisory Board, a group of up-and-coming young professionals. I am so thankful to say that they gave me the privilege of joining a dynamic, talented, amazing group of people. Hawaii's best! I will co-chair my second ARTafterDARK, POSH, this Friday, 8/29, and I am beyond stoked! It's gonna be dope, and you should really come check it out.

This blog post has two goals:
1) To get you to come to the event this Friday and....
2) to let you know it pays to be a member!! Become a member of the museum for only $25 a year (which gets you free entry to all ARTafterDARK events, free entry to the museum all year, and discounts at the Doris Duke theater. Totally worth the money when you consider that entry to one ARTafterDARK is $10!

This month the event is POSH...and the sponsor is Tori Richard. Plus, they have a new Art Deco exhibit that is killer. Cause it's classy like that. Please join me, grab a drink, and support arts in Hawaii.

POSH definition: Elegant or stylishly luxurious. "a posh Munich hotel"
Synonyms: smart, stylish, fancy, high-class, fashionable, chic, luxurious, luxury, deluxe, exclusive,opulent, lavish, grand, showy, upscale, upmarket 

Origins: The story goes that the more well-to-do passengers on ships travelling between England and India used to have POSH written against their bookings, standing for 'Port Out, Starboard Home' (indicating the more desirable cabins, on the shady side of the ship). Unfortunately, this story did not make its appearance until the 1930s, by which time the term had already been in use for some twenty years. Added to this, the word does not appear to have been recorded in the form 'P.O.S.H.', which would be expected if it had started life as an abbreviation.

Totally unexpected.

Once upon a time, I went through a really tough break up, then a major transition in my life after getting my MBA. For some reason, I got into some kind of a health kick (nightly head stands, dancing around to music with my Bose headphones, eating one scoop rice instead of two, cutting out desserts and just basically being more active...)... And I lost 30 pounds. Growing up as a ballerina, super body conscious, somehow felt myself again. Confidence returned! Modeling when I'm just turning 30?!! Crazy! But with support of friends and Fam, especially my mom and dad, I took some test shots and made it happen. 

I landed a three year contract with Niche Models and landed immediate gigs with major companies. As of late, I find joy in local shows at the trump, the most recent of which being the Lux at the Trump Party at the Trump Waikiki. 31 and modeling with twenty-something's?! I feel pretty proud xo 

Iceland floss. No words.

So my Fam and I walked behind this waterfall in Golden Circle, Iceland. Epic family vacation. Never knew waterfalls could be so huge! 

The epicness of Iceland.

Been wanting to post this forever it seems. Let me just say that my bucket list never included this destination. Hong Kong? Paris? Singapore? Yes, please. When my Mom said to meet the Fam in Iceland I was skeptic...cold just thinking about it. After a few hours in this beautiful country, my Mom was given a sincere apology for doubting her! 

Iceland feels like a movie set. Like the end of the earth. 

I'm outdoorsy in that I like drinking vodka on patios. But, this place?! Changed everything. I'm already planning a trip back.

Must haves in Iceland: 

• Private driver, tour guide to maximize time. 
• Skyr for breakfast every day. 
• Gloves because, who knew, it's cold. 
• $$ because it's pricey. 
• A visit to the HARPA Performing Arts Center (awe inspiring)
• Knowledge of beer sales / hours...because it's wayyyy different there. 
• Outlet adapter, because it's euro steeze. 
• Golden Circle drive. 
• Black Death (just go to a bar and ask for it)!!! 
• Sunglasses for when it's still bright out at midnight....

Rocking the Runway for Manuheali'i

I had the honor of being in the MAMo Wearable Arts Fashion Show, modeling the Manuheali'i clothing line on May 21st at the historic Hawaii Theater. It was such an awesome experience! I was very fortunate to have modeled for Manuheali'i during the 2013 Hawaii Fashion Month, and am stoked to be in one of their TV commercials that is running on KITV. I always light up when people say that they saw "my commercial." It really makes me feel like my hobby as a model is worth the time and energy that I put into it! Things have paid off over the past few years of doing crunches and eating salads.

I love the fashion and modeling world, have met so many great people and worked with a ton of talented and amazing designers, but I must say that working with Manuheali'i has been my favorite. The owners, Danine and Pono, treat everyone with such aloha and grace. They respect all the models and production team for their skill and make us feel like part of the team. Aside from that, they are extremely organized. Fashion shows always get a little crazy and frenetic-- something goes wrong. A show doesn't fit or hair and make-up don't get done-- that is just standard in the industry. The difference is that the people at Manuheali'i face challenges with a feeling of calm and "it's going to work out!" They make sure their models are taken care of (we had VIP treatment during hair and makeup, with fresh fruit bouquets, champagne with fresh raspberries, cheese platters, ahi spread, the works), and they think of every detail. Check out their nice board showing the model lineup! Even the board itself looks cool:

I must thank the wonderful designer who got me hooked up with Manuheali'i, Randie Lunn. She is such an amazing person, filled with aloha, I am so blessed to have her in my life. We have been fashion-connected since we did the Goodwill Goes Glam Show in 2013 and she calls me for gigs ever since. I thank her for seeing something in me. I must say, the MAMo show is an event that promotes Hawaiian Artists-- which I love and am so proud to be a part of-- but I did have some anxiety about being the "only haole" girl in the entire show! She was so gracious and told me that I exude aloha more than anyone she knows! It made me feel so much better!

So, yeah. I love Manuheali'i and their team. And their clothes. And everything about them. I can't wait to do another show for them, if they have me! :)  Finally, the first look I "walked" was pretty nice...but I think I totally rocked that pink dress! It made me feel like Barbie and I need to go buy it STAT. 

Pele Party

The Pele Awards 2014!

Thank you to Bill for taking me to the Pele Awards on April 26th and allowing me to totally crash the MVNP table. 

While I was a student, getting my M.B.A. at Hawaii Pacific University, I was focused on a career in marketing and/or advertising. The one firm that I stalked / admired / adored / followed closely, was MVNP. A friend of a friend was working there at the time and I heard about all their big accounts and insanely creative work. I'm pretty sure I applied with them fresh out of college but never got a call back! While I am happy in my career now, and never ended up at MVNP, I must say I had a blast with their team at the Pele Awards. I loved being around such fun, energetic, creative people. One guy at the table even passed out blinky-light-up plastic ice cubes to put in our cocktails. Ummm these are my people.

The awards were unlike other award dinners I go to for work (save the standard rubbery chicken entree). The venue was beautiful, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, seaside. Drinks served on the lawn, then we went inside for the program. Instead of the standard speaker and emcee announcing the winners, the event was a full-on theater production. It felt kind of circus-like with a ringmaster who presented all the awards. A crew of actors and dancers performed all the way through, and they were awesome. Winners didn't go up to the stage (except the big winners), they simply stood to be recognized. With so many awards being handed out, I appreciated this format because it made things go faster! Also, it was awesome to see the advertisements on the big screen. I am so pleased to have been in a room with some of the most creative geniuses in Hawaii. Maybe I should go into advertising someday...hmm. Check out the list of winners here!

No Drought About It

I pride myself in being a beauty product junkie. You should see my bathroom sink- barely enough space for the new pink lipstick I bought yesterday. 

Good thing I don't have a boyfriend, I don't have bathroom sink space for one. 

Anywho....that being said, I decided that I should share some of my go-to-must-haves, the products that I use and can't live without. Thus, my first fave: LUSH DRY SHAMPOO. Seriously, it changed my life. 

Let's be clear, people, you are not supposed to wash your hair every single day. See, the internet says so. It's bad for your hair! I have totally over-processed hair because I get blonde highlights every couple of months and I also use heat styling tools every day. I jump in the ocean on weekends then lay in the sun with salty hair. When I have fashion shows, my hair gets tortured. The last hair show I modeled in-- hair was fried. Nightmare. I stopped washing my hair every day a couple years back to preserve my hair and maintain it's health and length. I would use baby powder as a dry shampoo. Yes, it's a thing. When I found the Lush Dry Shampoo, the baby powder got kicked to the curb. I use less powder with the Lush product, plus it has a really fresh, citrus smell. I bought the largest-sized bottle I could get, 4.6 ounces for $13.95. Much more pricey than the baby powder, but worth it. I bought my bottle like 6 months ago and still have a ton left. I use it a few times a week, in between washes, and it gives my hair a great texture and volume, while getting rid of oils. It leaves you feeling so fresh, so clean. Ladies, I highly recommend picking up a bottle of this miracle powder. 

Moving platforms...

I attempted to start my blog in December 2013, but chose an awful platform to do so. Thus, I have moved to Blogger, cause that's what my bloggy-type friends said I should do. Here's my original, first-ever blog post:

I have been saying I would start a blog for years. Finally, I present to you, my first post. This is one of my multiple new years resolutions (I know, it's not even Christmas yet). But I feel as though I often have a lot to say, and sometimes no one to say it to! This blog will serve as a kind of diary, but also a platform for me to share my thoughts and tips on the loves of my life: Hawaii, fashion, food, photography, art, travel, shopping, beauty, marketing, communications, social media, and whatever I happen to be loving at any given time. Welcome to Lulu's mind. Pretty entertaining, IMHO.

Hi. This is me.