AleanElston.com

Tag: business

  • Have you taken a look at the @NickiMinaj Summer Collection? Its really cute!

    Have you taken a look at the @NickiMinaj Summer Collection? Its really cute!

    Doing my usual scrolling and checking out various videos on YouTube, I was getting ready to watch a video when the ad for the Nicki Minaj Collection came across my screen. Like most people when those youtube ads come on you wait the 5 or 10 seconds and click forward but this time after watching the required 10 seconds, I like the outfits that I saw. The collection is really cute and fun for the summer!

    My favs from the commercial include the red swimsuit, and the cutoff white shorts with the pockets exposed.

    Check out a few more of my favs:

    Floral Print Crop Top and Pencil Skirt
    Floral Print Crop Top and Pencil Skirt

     

    Cut Off Overalls
    Cut Off Overalls
    Chevron Shorts
    Chevron Shorts

     

    Check out more of the collection here – http://www.shopyourway.com/nickiminaj/store

    Oh and  “Baby Naomi” was servin in that video wasn’t she?!….WERK!!!

  • Taking on projects/clients ONLY because you need the money… #Scandal

    Taking on projects/clients ONLY because you need the money… #Scandal

    For those that follow me on Twitter you know that Thursday nights I’m usually tweeting up a storm during Scandal. This week’s episode “Say Hello to My Little Friends” started out with Olivia Pope and Associates needing money since her client base had dried up after her scandal being outed on being with the president. With that they began to take on a client that they didn’t seem to happy to take on and justified taking it solely because they needed the money.

    I’ve been there before, at slow time in my business where bills needed to be paid and there were no clients to pay me or funds had come in late. There comes a time where things get down to the wire where you worry about paying staff and keeping the lights on etc. etc. and then someone comes along that wants your services but you aren’t really willing to take it on because either its not what you like to do or its not an industry or area that you would like to work in, or you don’t see how this type of client can take your business to another level. But, they have something you need… and that of course is money. What do you do? Do you take on the project and try to get over it as quickly as possible so you can pay those bills and move forward or do you refuse the project and move on to another that may not come along for another few weeks or months?

     

    Decisions, decisions…

    When I think about this, I sometimes think, you gotta do what you gotta do, do the work and move on. But for some reason when I took on clients that I normally wouldn’t during these times, they were the worst clients for me to have, they always seemed to cause me more stress than the projects and clients that I wanted to work on. Maybe its because I didn’t want to work on those projects but I just sucked it up and got the bills paid so I could keep on moving.

    Usually after a lot of those projects were over it seemed like more of the same type of work came along. I would get tons of the type of work that I didn’t want to do, and for a while I would take it on, then I realized there comes a time where you have to draw a line where you won’t do things that don’t have anything to do with where you are trying to go with your company. You have to enjoy what you are doing in order for it to be great and make sure it aligns with your brand.

     

    What about you? What do you do when you have tons of the types of clients you don’t want, that want your services but the types of clients you do want seem to be coming to you in a slow drip? Do you take projects that don’t align with your company in order to pay the bills or do you refer them to someone else? How do you deal with those projects/clients?

  • So I decided to start #Vlogging…

    So I decided to start #Vlogging…

    So I’ve come to a point in my life where I’m like, #justdoit, lol. There are so many things that I want to accomplish and try and see, that If I wait for things to be perfect, it will never happen.

    I’ve always wanted to video blog and I’m stepping out and just doing it and letting it take me where ever it may.

    So here goes!

    The video blogs will be released once a week, beginning the week of 8/5/13 and will cover a range of topics. If there is something you’d like me to vlog about, explain a blog post in more detail, let me know. Comment my posts and videos, email me, tweet me, facebook me send me smoke signals or whatever! The more you talk to me the more I can shape the content to best help you all.

    I hope you enjoy!

    Alean

  • I am a MODEL, not TICKETMASTER… #justsayin

    I am a MODEL, not TICKETMASTER… #justsayin

    Before I get into this post, I wanted to mention that I am still looking to feature exceptional models on my site! If you would be interested in being featured, email me [alean@aleanelston.com] 2 – 3 professional pictures, a brief list of the work that you have done, and tell me a little about yourself and why you would make a great feature. Now on to the post!

    So I’ve been wanting to write this for a LOOOOONG time.

    I’ve been doing fashion shows for a long time both as a model and as a producer and one of the things that I have NEVER understood is when shows expect models to sell tickets to the show!

    There have been shows that I have auditioned for that tell the models there is compensation for modeling in the show. Then to find out in order to be paid, you either have to sell over a certain amount of tickets or you make a percentage from every ticket you sell?

     

    HUNH?!

     

    I am not ticket master! Why am I selling tickets to your show…that is the producer’s job, NOT the model’s! All a model should be doing is MODELING! It shouldn’t be a requirement for me to have to sell tickets in order to get paid. The way I see it, I am doing a job as a model, and for modeling, I should be paid. You want me to sell tickets then hire me to sell tickets, and you’ll have to pay for that too!

    Lets break down the fashion show process, shall we?

    1. I have to get to your casting to audition to be in your show (gas and maybe tolls costs $$)
    2. I get the job, now I may have to attend a rehearsal (gas and maybe tolls is going to cost me more $$)
    3. Its the day of the show, I have to be there early in the morning to get fitted, hair, makeup, for the show to begin later that day/evening – lets assume this takes up 8-12 hours of my day that I could be working a regular job or another gig that is guaranteed to make me some money during that time frame. (more gas and maybe tolls is going to cost me $$)
    4. and you want to tell me that in order for me to get paid, I have to sell tickets?! Tell that to the gas station and the toll booth attendant, cause they got their money, and I need mine.

    Think about it, The venue got their money for the producer to have the show, the makeup artists have to pay for their supplies and time and they need to be paid, a quality photographer need to be paid for their time to be there and edit pictures, and I MIGHT get paid depending on the tickets I sell…

     

    …I’ll pass

    I am not TICKETMASTER, I’m a MODEL.

    #justsayin

     

    Follow me on Twitter – @CompleteBeauty

  • Model Professionalism #modeltip #modeladvice

    It has come to my attention that a lot of models don’t understand that professionalism goes a long way in this business. Maybe its because, a lot don’t think of it as a business, but more so as something to do because they find it to be fun for them and love the attention and the way they look and feel in a photo-shoot. While all of that is fine, one must understand that it may be fun for you, but for others, its a business, lifestyle, and a way of supporting their families. You mess any of that up or you rub someone the wrong way, you can be sure that your fun career will not move and prevent you from moving forward.

     

    Here’s a list of 3 things that models do that industry insiders say can prevent them from working with that model again:

     

    Arriving Late to a Booking

    Personally, I think we can all understand that time is money, in any industry. But what I seem to see quite often are models who think that things revolve around their schedule… Let me be the first to let those of you who think this is the case know: YOU CAN BE REPLACED!!! Sure there are circumstances that may have held you up and prevented you from getting you there on time, but when you decide not to call anyone and let them know that you are running late. You are holding up the production and wasting money and possibly light (daylight) to get the job done! What will usually happen if you don’t call AHEAD of time when you are running late (and by that I mean, call when you know you are running late not when you are running late and its 5 minutes before you are supposed to be there) is that there will be another model willing and waiting in the wings who is available and will take your job. Then because they were such a lifesaver and time saver, they will be called upon for more gigs. Lesson: BE ON TIME and if your not, let somebody know ASAP!

     

    Having an attitude

    TUDE TUDE TUDE!!!!!! ATTI-TUDE that is… It says a lot about your work ethic, your personality, and your state of mind. One thing people must begin to master is the ability to control their attitude in what is often known as checking your emotions at the door. This is very important when on set, or backstage because to be frank, NOBODY CARES about whatever is bothering you!!! There is a task at hand that needs to be taken care of and you need to execute. If you want your bad attitude get in the way of that, or if it rubs someone the wrong way or if you just can’t seem to contain it. Don’t bother coming in. Bad attitude can effect everyone and no one (especially me) wants to be hanging around a dark cloud or negativity. I’ve seen plenty of girls be replaced simply because they couldn’t suck up their feeling about what happened outside of a photo-shoot or outside of a show and get down to business. Attitude is an emotion, and emotions are personal, and Personal issues can inhibit proper business. When you get an attitude remember the saying, “Nothing personal, just business” and get the job done.

     

    Talking bad about others

    NOBODY ASKED YOU!!! Well maybe somebody did ask you… but that doesn’t mean you have to spill the beans about everything that you didn’t like about the way they did things. This industry is very small. Especially if you are working in a particular area, and begin to advance in the industry. you will start to see that you will see some of the same people over and over again. All of those people talk and you don’t need to fuel any fire talking about another one of the members of the already small industry circle. When in doubt about discussing another photographer, MUA or stylist, just smile or look shocked and act like they are the best thing since sliced bread. lol! You never know who is related to who, or could be friends with the person they are asking you about.
    Stay tuned… next tip will about being professional in reaching out about modeling jobs!
    Stay pretty!
    Alean

  • 3 Reasons Why You Didn’t Book That Modeling Gig #modeltip #modeladvice

    1. You showed up to the casting all types of wrong!

    If you wore any of the looks that Tyra is wearing in the above picture, THAT’S WHY YOU DIDN’T GET THE GIG! Let’s go down the line here…

    • If you are attending a swimwear casting, you need to wear a SOLID color bikini under your clothes(preferably in all black or white, stay away from neon colors, stripes and patterns and flashy embellishments), just in case there isn’t anywhere to change. One piece swimsuits or Monokinis don’t really show your shape, they can hide your shape, body flaws and in some cases make you appear worse. And leave the huge hoop earrings and Hater blockaz (huge sunglasses) in your purse, don’t wear them to the casting.
    • Wearing a ton of accessories is a NO NO when it comes to castings. Keep everything to the absolute minimum. Colorful necklaces, huge costume jewelry, and kiddie cute headbands, please leave that stuff at home.
    • Wearing a bad lace-front wig or a hair color that has no business being matched to you for your skin tone. Do I really need to go into details about this one?

    and…

    Did you wear all of the make up you own to the casting, complete with hot pink eye-shadow and lipstick, and lashes that make you look like a puppet? Casting agents don’t want to the “All Made Up” you, they want to see the natural beauty that you really are. Castings are meant for the decision makers to see what they’ll have to work with from scratch, they’ll make you over to what they want you to look like. The most amount of makeup you should be wearing is a light application of concealer to cover up problem spots (or a sheer application of foundation all over your face), mascara, and a neutral lip gloss.

     

    2. Your portfolio/comp-card is wack or non-existent

    I hope this makes since and I’m going to state the obvious here…

    IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PORTFOLIO TO SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO, YOUR CHANCES OF BEING BOOKED ARE SLIM TO NONE!!!

    In the words of Iman, “If you want to survive as a model, you have to be a good businesswoman and understand that your pictures are your currency.” Loosely interpreted, if your pictures aren’t on point, or they don’t exist, you don’t have anything to use to help further your career and make you money! It takes money to make money people! Invest yours in QUALITY photography (stay away from Guys with cameras aka “GWCs” who just want to see you for reasons other than professional ones and take a bunch of “booty” flicks) and watch your return increase. Another note to this: GET YOUR PICTURES PRINTED! I cant tell you how many models I have met that have said, “You can see my port on model mayhem, or on “abc dot com” here’s my account number.” If they wanted to select you based off your pictures on a website, they would have done so! When you meet someone in person, especially at a casting it is expected that you leave something behind (a comp-card or a picture from your port with your info on the back). If you have nothing to leave behind, guess what? You won’t have to worry about getting booked! Be a professional and get your pictures in a portfolio book and make sure you have various looks please!

    A rule of thumb I use when selecting photographers: If their portfolio of work doesn’t look like something that should be in a magazine, I will not work with them. Also, if they are new photographers I’ll consider working with them considering they have grasped certain concepts. i.e. lighting and not cutting off vital limbs and great photo elements to a shot.

     

    3. You’re all tatted up!

    I know I know, you know plenty of models with tattoos that are working, and blah blah blah.

    Well, I have been to castings and on jobs where models have lost the gig SOLELY because they had tattoos that they didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t cover up. Granted that tattoo of Winnie the Pooh on your shoulder blade might look cute to you, but to a fashion designer and her strapless or backless gown, they wont find it as the right complement to their look and thus can result in you not getting booked. Best way to get around this in case you do have tattoos is to invest in Dermablend. Its a brand of makeup that can cover up tattoos and large scars very well. Get in the habit of applying it if you don’t want to be turned down for jobs!

     

    Are there any reasons why you have been turned down for modeling jobs? Let me know, comment below or tweet me with the #modeltip hashtag. 3 MORE reasons will be coming soon!

  • 50 Cent Needs your ENERGY to Fight Hunger [VIDEO]

    Rapper 50 Cent continues to amaze me, and I hope he never stops. He’s definitely one of my favorite business men to follow. If you didn’t know he recently announced the launch of his new energy shot called Street Kings. With every shot sold, a meal is purchased for someone in need. His goal is to feed 1 billion people. Help him out by watching the videos below and like the facebook page. ONE LIKE = ONE MEAL. Like SK on Facebook to give a meal to a hungry child: facebook.com/StreetKing

     

     

  • Businesses who ‘Think PINK’ – Namaste Organic Spa in Ridgewood, NJ

    If you find out more about Canberra Business Valuations, you will know that business services are not uncommon. Any business can offer their services at the normal rate and give a portion of the proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer, but how many do you know of that offer their services for free in order to help those with cancer? Namaste Organic Spa does just that by offering alternative and complimentary services for people who have cancer.

    Marisol Fitzgerald, a Reiki Master and Massage Therapist, made a promise when she began her schooling for massage therapy; her promise was to always leave room in her life to provide her Reiki and massage services to those affected by Cancer. Six years later, Marisol has kept her promise. Even with the pressure of being a mother of four, a business owner, and working seven days a week, Marisol continues to leave time for her favorite patients – those with Cancer and their families. Marisol’s unique ‘Oncology Massage’ at Namaste, combines Reiki, CranioSacral, Reflexology and Massage Therapy. The blend of these unique alternative therapies, create an extremely nurturing and relaxing environment that benefits the mind, body and soul.

    Although most patients and their families prefer to receive their spa treatments at Namaste, Marisol understands that for many patients leaving their hospital room is not a luxury they have during their treatment. For this reason, all of the oncology based treatments can be brought directly to the patient, whether in a hospital or their home when necessary. The only requirement to receive a treatment is a note from a doctor stating you are allowed to receive a treatment. Even if the patient is not allowed to receive a treatment such as a massage or facial, Namaste can provide Reiki which can be performed without touching the body.

    I am a full believer that your mindset can dictate the way your body reacts to being at dis-ease. If you are someone who is always negative and always stressed out, your body will react the same way and help the progression of whatever is making you sick continue to make you sick. The inverse goes for those who think positive, and if you are aren’t… try to learn how to be. If you change your thinking and relax yourself, and make an effort to be comfortable and positive, you enable your body to fight what is making you sick to reflect the way you feel (good) and make you whole again. If you are unsure of what you need to help you relax and take your mind away from the stress, consider treatments from Namaste. If you are diagnosed with Cancer (not just breast cancer) here are details about the complimentary treatments available to you:

    ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE OFF SITE UNLESS NOTED.

    Marisol recommends patients receiving their treatments at Namaste Organic Spa for a more relaxing experience. For convenience of the therapists and estheticians, appointments for these treatments at the Namaste location are preferred. The spa is open seven days a week.

    MASSAGE

    Each treatment is performed by an expert massage therapist, uses the finest and safest natural creamsand oils.

    – Light Massage

    – Namaste Oncology Treatment (combines Reiki, Reflexology, CranioSacral & Light Massage)

    – Lymphatic Drainage

    HEALING

    Allow your mind and spirit to indulge in the best healing practices that will provide anewfound sense of clarity and positively balanced.

    – Reiki

    – Reflexology

    – CranioSacral

    SKIN & BEAUTY

    Experience the benefits of combining nature’s oils with a facial experience from one of ourknowledgeable estheticians. All treatments will only use the safest ingredients customized foreach patient.

    – European Facial (available at Namaste location only)

    – Makeup Application

    For more invormation about Namaste Organic Spa please visit www.namasteridgewood.com

    BE AWARE 🙂

     

  • Trey Songz talks “Chapter 5” and upcoming role as “Ryan” in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D

    No your eyes are not playing tricks on you, you are reading this correctly. Trey Songz will be in the 3D remake of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. As if the singer, rapper, crooner, model, spokesman, and ladies man didn’t have enough to add to his list of titles actor is another that the R&B star is proud to add to his growing business empire.

    Those of you that know me personally know what a Trey Songz fan I am, but to be honest I can’t help but to think that this role if gonna be straight comedy for me when I see this in the theaters! Why you might ask? Well, first off the movie is in 3D, i’m expecting a lot of bloodyness and gore being tossed at the camera… Second Trey has one of the LEAD ROLES and his name is RYAN (like why Ryan out of all of the names, It so does not fit him lol)… I know we have seen him on a few walk-on roles on the small screen but #cmonson are his skills that up there to be in a lead role?! I guess we’ll see next year…and third, its a horror movie, and because its Trey in the movie… I don’t think I’m gonna be too scared, and his facial expressions in the movie are gonna be priceless! LMAO… me and my girls couldn’t take his facial expressions serious in the “Yo Side of the Bed” video when he found out Keri wasn’t coming home… watch the video for yourself and you’ll see what I mean!!! – http://youtu.be/xPd4Qp-Pdew I love him best when he flashes that winning smile!! Lets keep that for a while 😀 Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D is scheduled for release October 5, 2012.

    Sidebar: I wonder if he’ll die first in the movie…. (you all know the black people in horror movie facts, lol, don’t act like you weren’t thinking it!!!)

    But on another note, Mr. Songz has announced the release of his upcoming album which will be released around the same time as the movie, Chapter 5. I’m so curious as to where he is gonna take us with this album. From “Just Gotta Make It” to “Passion Pain Pleasure” you can see how he as grown musically and how many times he has switched up his musical style, but reinventing his brand each time. From my observation of Trey from beginning until now he’s come to understand his business. From the music, to the endorsements, to the deals and collabos with companies and other top brands, I think he realized that there is very little money in music nowadays and in order to keep it going financially and musically, you have to pair your music with other aspects of business and in turn both will grow…

     

    Just my opinion tho…

    Check out what he had to say for himself about it all as he talks with Black Enterprise Magazine:

  • How to Develop a Sexy Elevator Pitch!

    So , as usual, I was supposed to be doing work and I got sidetracked by a video on youtube. This one was about developing your elevator pitch. Terri Sjodin, explains how to break down all of the information you want to get across in a short amount of time into a short pitch that should generate interest in the person you are pitching your ideas or company to. She calls it a “Sexy” Pitch because it should entice people to want to know more.

    Here is the general breakdown of her methodology:

    Approach the person with an icebreaker. Discuss current events, ask an intriguing question, offer a gift (depending on meeting situation), or share a short relateable story.

    When it comes to developing your pitch it should have the following components:

    • Intro – should grab attention
    • 3 body components – persuasive questions, convincing arguments, or compelling ideas
    • a conclusion to wrap up all that you have said
    • and a close – should be a call to action to set up an appointment with the person to further present your ideas

    Here is the video in its entirety for your deeper understanding. Enjoy!