I had been praying for the chance to provide makeup services for the Stellar Awards, and it finally came true! I met a barber, Keno Hill, who works with Celebrity Makeup Artist, JK Hunter (out of Nashville), at a New Years Eve Party. I conversed with him during the party and we discussed me coming to his new barber shop, located in, downtown Nashville. After advising him of my goals, in reference to working the 2011 Stellar Awards, he advised that he has worked the Stellar Awards for the past 5 years. He told me that I would need to contact JK Hunter, if I wanted to get put on. So, I tried another lead that I had first, which was the production company that tapes the Stellar Awards, and it failed. When it failed, I called JK. JK said that she had already found her staff for the awards show, but to send her my resume and portfolio and she will consider using me in the future. Now, for anyone that knows me knows that I am a praying child of God. I truly believe that if God says it is for you, then it is for you. There is absolutely NOTHING a man that walks this earth can do to jeopardize it. So, I prayed and left it in God's hands. Two days before the award show, on Jan.13th, 2011, I got a call from JK asking me if I still want to do makeup for the show. At first, I was couldn't believe she called. I knew that it was ALL GOD!!! With no doubt in my mind, I accepted.
I and Thee, a hairstylist out of Atlanta, arrived to the gated entrance of the show on Jan. 15th, 2011 at 11:00am. We waited for JK to come to the gate and let us in. There we received two backstage passes and was allowed entrance. We were located in the "Glitz and Glam" room. JK made a spot for me and I began to unpack my makeup and supplies needed. We waited around until after the gospel stars were done with rehearsal before beginning to get them ready. It wasn't until about 2:30pm, when the first star walked in... Bryon Cage. Later throughout the evening other stars began to fill the room like: Marvin Sapp, The Soul Seekers, Sharri Addison, Lucinda Moore, Donnie McClurken, Bobby Jones, Jessica Reedy, and many more. JK advised that stars will want their face down by her, being that they are familiar with her work, but she will try and spread the stars out between her, I, and another makeup artist that usually assist her on projects name Triece. JK, was very kind and fair, yet fearless. She refuse to let anyone disrespect her staff and came to our defense if necessary. Sometimes stars can be divas and production staff can be nasty; however in this case everyone was wonderful. Everyone was very kind and appreciative of the staff JK put together as a glam squad for the show. We did not have any problems. If there were problems, JK was very professional and never showed it.
So, at this point I am guessing you would like to know who JK, put in my chair. Well, I was able to do Pastor Beverly Crawford, The Williams Brothers, Dietrick Haddon, Mryon Butler, and assisted JK in keeping Pastor Shirley Caesar touched up!!! All of them were a joy to work with and truly appreciated our services. Pastor Beverly Crawford was one of my favorites to work with upon many. She was so appreciative of my makeup artistry and even loved my earrings (pic shown of us to the left of the blog). After she complimented me so much on them and said they would look good with her dress, I decided to let her use them to perform in the awards show. So, when you see her perform when the show broadcast, checkout her earrings!=0) I am working on getting her a pair of her own!!!
So, I wrote this blog to thank JK Hunter, Keno Hill aka "Barber to the Stars", and Central City Productions for the chance at working the Stellar Awards. Special thanks to Keno for JK's number!!!! However, All of this is not possible without GOD!!!
-Blu Artistry
(Me and JK Hunter!!! Excuse my hair!!! It was a long day and I did not know it looked like this!lol)
(Me and Keno Hill. He also cuts India Arie's hair when she comes to Nashville. She is one of my Idols!)
