19 March 2024

Who Knows You? Open the Doors to Projects that Money Can’t Buy

Ever hear of the saying “It’s not what you know – it’s who you know?” Well, in the beauty and fashion world, it’s actually “who knows you” that really matters

It’s a stylist’s reputation that opens the doors to projects that money can’t even buy. Geneva Cowen, Artistic Director for Sam Villa, is a NAHA Winner for Editorial http://www.probeauty.org/nahagallery/year/2014/editorial/, and it all started 5 years ago when she made a goal to work with Pascal and Jérémie www.pjconcept.com

As a salon owner and educator based in Anchorage, Alaska, Cowen believes big things happen in small places everyday! “I have grown up in Alaska and have a big family I want to stay close to, so I had to find ways to do what I love locally. I believe anyone can be artistic, have a creative outlet, do beautiful work and get noticed right where they are, and photo shoots are a great way to get your name out there. If you network and collaborate with the right people –makeup artists, photographers and fashion stylists– opportunities open up,” explains Cowen.

The inspiration for her NAHA shoot came from images the photographer, Martin Tremblay www.lepinch.com, saw where models were levitating. So, they decided to turn them upside down and put them in a strange location –China Town– to make it strange and wonderful. “I collaborate with many talented local people, but I would have never had the opportunity to work on a project of this magnitude had I not made it a goal to work with Jérémie and Pascal. The first time I met them I told myself I would work with them and they would LOVE me. It is important to find artists that get you and understand your creative mind, then the magic happens organically,” adds Geneva. There are also things a stylist can do to promote organic growth:

  1. Cultivate relationships with people that are stronger than you in their craft so it is a learning experience for all involved.
  2. When opportunities are presented (even with friends), think of them as a job interview, be your best self… you were probably referred and someone has vouched for you, so make sure their referral is honored.
  3. • Always come prepared, on time, grounded, ready to work hard and check your ego at the door.
  4. • Hair is only one element of an amazing image, when asked to make a change, make sure you understand what is entailed and advise if it is possible to do in the allotted time, if not, offer another plan.
  5. • Always trade contact info and keep in touch with EVERYONE you meet on set to keep yourself top of mind for the next project.

Cowen urges stylists to ask themselves, “Who knows you?” And, if the answer is not many or not the right people, get out there and network and offer to work for FREE to gain experience and develop relationships. The rewards do not always have to be financial, they can be spiritual and creative as well!

  • Credits
    Photography: Martin Tremblay
    Co Art Direction and Stylist: Pascal & Jeremie
    Photography Assistant: Guillaume Lepine
    Retouching: Visual Box and Pinch
    Model: Cath C.
    Hair: Geneva Cowen
    Hair Assistant: Stephane Legros/Sam Villa Creative Team
    Make up: Marie-Laure Larrieu/Joëlle Boucher www.make-up-designer.com

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