About me and Answers for Matrix Spread the Love 2013

     Here's the "nut shell" version of me, Paige Peterson. I'm 37 years old, I've never been married (haven't met the right man) and I don't have any children. I was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa and grew up in Wyoming. I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre. Two weeks after graduating from the University I moved to Los Angeles. I had never visited the city, but knew I needed to move there to grow and to work in the entertainment industry. I worked on the television show, "Chicago Hope" for two years and then worked for the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival. Living and working in in Los Angeles taught me a lot about myself and those around me. I learned who my true friends were and are, that ego can get in the way of success and that "trying" is better than "not trying AND then having regret". After 7 years in L.A. I moved back to Arizona to be closer to my family.
     Family is the most important thing in my life. I come from two wonderful parents who have been married for 46 years...rare in this day and age. They have taught me so much about what unconditional love can be. They have taught me to trust my instincts, happiness is a choice we make for our lives and that I can always count on them. I feel lucky to have come from such a solid background and to know that I'm truly loved.
     I hope this gives some insight as to who I am. I'm a good person, strong and determined and ready for my next chapter/adventure/journey. I do hope that Spread the Love in in my next chapter. Here are the answers to learn more about why I want to be a part of this amazing opportunity.


1. Why do you want to be a part of Spread the Love?

Opportunity, opportunity and more opportunity! I want to learn from industry professionals, meet and help people, travel the country and develop my skills as a hairdresser. I love to learn!


2. What does it mean to you to be a hairdresser?

This answer is an easy one for me. I get to be an ARTIST, I get to help others and I get to be happy. I feel that being happy is one of the greatest success in life. Hairdressing is one of my passions. Passion + Hairdressing = Happy

3. What would your best friend say about you?

My best friend would say I'm funny, caring, a hard worker. Also, that I have a contagious laugh. Once I get laughing, most people follow suit.

4. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My family. They support and love me no matter what I do. They give me the "launching pad" to accomplish anything I put my mind to. I'm forever grateful to my family and consistently inspired by their love.

5. When do you feel most creative?

I feel most creative when I'm creating something new...hair design, painting, make-up, etc. I know when I'm in the "creative process" because it begins to feel like, what I call, a "moving meditation". I love and live for those moments. I feel truly alive in those moments.

6. Where do you look for inspiration?

Dreams, nature, film, theatre, art, music. Inspiration is in the everyday. I always get goose bumps when I have inspiration moments.

7. What is your favorite classic hair style and why?

It's kind of funny and simple, but I like the "pony tail". The pony tail can be classic, playful, messy, sleek, etc. The pony tail can also be the start of a great hair design. It's a fun, classic design that will always be reinvented into something new.

8. What do you hope to get out of this journey?

I hope to get a greater understanding of the industry as a whole, to be trained in Matrix products (I'd love to be a Matrix educator), to help other's along the way, make new connections and network and to become an even better version of myself.

9. If you could have dinner with an industry celebrity or Icon, who would it be, and why?

Vidal Sassoon. He's in innovator, an artist and just cool. I had the pleasure of watching the Documentary "Vidal Sassoon The Movie" and was inspired by his life, determination and artistry.

10. If you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?

*Stepping onto my Soap Box* I would like it to be mandatory that all pets be spade or neutered unless you are a registered breeder. I'm a huge animal lover!!! There are too many homeless pets in the world. Spaying or neutering not only helps the pet population, but also improves the general health of the pet. I had adopted an older dog nine years ago who later developed breast cancer. She was 6 or 7 years of age when I adopted her and had been through many heat cycles and had many litters. She was fixed before I adopted her. I learned from research and from my Veterinarian that the earlier you "fix" your pet it lessens their chances of developing breast or testicular cancer. My "Daughter dog, Maggie was cancer free when she passed away and battled breast cancer like a champ. Animals are so precious and give their owners unconditional love. Owners need to unconditionally love their pets back. I feel that if someone wants to be a pet owner they should be responsible and give the pet the best care, home and health possible. *Stepping off Soap Box* Thank you. :)

What is "Love"?

I had the funniest dream the other night and woke up with such an understanding of what LOVE truly is...at least for a little while. The dictionary describes love as...

/lʌv/ Show Spelled [luhv] Show IPA noun, verb, loved, lov·ing.

noun

1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3. sexual passion or desire.

4. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

5. (used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?

 

Nowhere on this list is the "energy" of love. In my dream I was a part of "love". It was an energy being shared from one being to the next...a light, an energy that beamed from our entire human existence. I'm not saying that the dictionary isn't correct, but I don't feel like it encompasses the essence, the core of what love is. Love is hard to describe. I love my parents, my friends, my pets, my hair products, my shoes, etc. Love is very different for each category.

 

This weekend I filmed my submission for the Matrix Spread the Love campaign. I REALLY want to be a part of this and grow from this experience. Between my dream and this campaign I thought about love on a different level. Can you love a stranger? Can you love someone you've never met? Is love pure energy that comes from being in contact with another soul? Can love change your existence?

 

I know I can love a stranger or someone I've never met. That's easy for me. I love them on a basic human level. The other person lives on this planet and I love them as a human. I feel that love is pure energy and that it can be felt from any other being. Love is trust, a safe place, a place where you can truly be yourself, your spirit is free. I do think that love can change your existence as a human being. When I come in contact with another person I love, I get a positive feeling, thus changing my existence in that moment. Love can change a person on a long term level as well.  

 

I love that love can make things better, change someones attitude, make someone or me feel better. I have found that I must love myself first before I can share my positive love with others. I'm thankful to have learned many love lessons and to have the "knowing" that love can do so much more than what is described in the dictionary.

 

As for today, it's time for me to get myself together, go to work and spread the love to others in my life and those I haven't meet. What is so wonderful about love is that the more you put out "there" the more will come back to you. In conclusion....there really is no conclusion...love is love...no matter how you define it. Love is love. Love is good. Love is energy. The definition will still be a mystery. A mystery that I love. ;)

Vision Boards are Gooood!

I like vision boards. They seem like silly collages until you really put some thought into it. I remember when I was in high school my basketball coach used to make us lie down on our backs on the free throw line and visualize the ball slipping from our fingers, flying through the air and swooshing through the basket. We'd then stand and try to do it. My shooting average improved almost every time. Visualization works.

I feel it's time to put together a new board to represent my future, my career, my relationships and what I want for my life in general. All good things. I have two previous boards and as I take a took at them...some of my direction and priorities have changed. It's funny to see how I've grown in just the past few years via these boards. It's time for a new direction and a new vision. I'm excited to see what the future holds. My vision for my future is grand. Time to start a NEW BOARD for the rest of this year and 2013!!



2011 Vision Board. Good, but a new one is on it's way!







Spikes and Studs. Trend for fall.

While I was in L.A. over the 4th of July I noticed that all the trendy clothing and shoe stores featured "spikes or studs" for the fall. I've also seen this trend in current magazines...Allure, InStyle, etc. I love the juxtaposition of sweet and tough. Below are perfect examples. I don't know if I could personally pull off the trend, but I'm certainly willing to try. LOVE the shoes!!!

Bumble & Bumble Challenge: School Assignment

Last Tuesday was our final presentation for our Bumble and Bumble Challenge. We had to choose a model and create three separate looks. My partner, Mindy, and I agreed to do an "Alice in Wonderland" theme. The idea was to build upon each look. We couldn't wash the model's face or hair in between each shot. Products used were solely Bumble and Bumble. Mindy prepped with Brilliantine and Styling Cream. The rest was developed with B&B Classic Hairspray. We both like Tim Burton movies and how he captures the beauty in strange and unique characters. So we began with Alice, sweet inquisitive Alice.

Alice's look was created using natural looking foundation, large pink "doll-like" cheeks and big fake lashes. We smoothed the hair and secured it with a classic bow.

The Queen of Hearts was created by applying water based clown white base to the entire face. Red eye shadow was applied to the entire eyelid and she had a perfect Cupid's bow red lip. I crimped her hair and secured it into two large rolls on each side of her head.

My favorite character to create was the Cheshire Cat. I got to touch base with my theatre roots and truly create. The Cheshire Cat is a mischievous animal and I wanted to create a character that was intriguing and frightening. I loved this project and using my creativity. All in all, this project was a success.

Cosmetology to Asthetics: Lesson learned

I have NO idea if anyone will actually read what I have to say, but I certainly enjoy writing...when I have the time. The past month has been a little crazy...school, zone 4, group projects and work. I've enjoyed every minute but it's hard to find the time to slow down and reflect on the journey. In the past month I've found that I REALLY LOVE HAIR. I was accepted into a "cross over program" at school that allows Cosmetology students to receive additional education through the esthetics's program. Even though I have enjoyed the process, one this is for certain. I prefer to do hair. I love that you can transform a client right away and see results. The sculpture of hair is what I like. This program will look great on my resume and I've learned the lesson that I prefer Cosmetology over Esthetics's for my future. I have two weeks left in the spa to perform facials, waxing and tinting. It will go fast and I'm ready to be back on the floor. All in all, lesson learned.

Pureology's new SUPREME HOLD hairspray.

 I recently purchased Pureology's new super hold hairspray.
The can clearly states "supreme control" and I was a little sceptical. Uh no, this hairspray means it when is says "supreme control". A small amount will hold for a very long time. I currently have short hair and this spray will hold through 110 Arizona heat and ten hour school days on the salon floor. Love this new product from Pureology.

My future is so bright that I got a free scone!

How can I be a blogger when my darn router is broken. I've been fiddling with computer things for a little while and finally was told..."Oh, your router is broken." Great. In the mean time I decided to head to my local Starbucks to write. Cool things is...I got a free pumpkin scone that tastes like Thanksgiving. Maybe I should get out of the house to write more often.
Today I met with my mentor to discuss my future in beauty. The future is bright and I cannot wait. I want to be a Cosmetology Educator and I have a long way to go. I can now say that, at least, I have some direction and know what to do. It's very exciting and uplifting. My past employment outlook has not been that great even though I have a college degree, a solid resume and a winning personality. Now my future is going to be AWESOME and I'm so excited. I'm so glad I made the decision to go to Cosmetology school (Penrose Academy). It's been the best decision I've made for myself in a long time. My confidence has improved and I'm loving every day that I'm learning. I only have six more months to complete my liscence and it's going quickly. Before I know it the year will be done and I'll be another step closer of fulfilling my dream. Alright future...here I come.

Start Bloggin'

I've been thinking about doing this for a while now....blogging that is. I mainly want to tie my posts with my "Born Gorgeous Beauty" facebook page. Since I'm currently working toward my cosmetology license I want to post what I have for my portfolio and to do product reviews of products that I love. This is the start of my "Blog Journey".