Category Archives: Blog

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Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 8 HIStory

This week started out with celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hopefully, you had a chance to enjoy time off or at least reflect on his impact on the world we live in. Sadly, in some instances you can’t see that impact.

Martin Luther King, Jr., original name Michael King, Jr., (born January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.—died April 4, 1968, Memphis, Tennessee), Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. His leadership was fundamental to that movement’s success in ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the United States. King rose to national prominence as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted nonviolent tactics, such as the massive March on Washington(1963), to achieve civil rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

We have so many influential men that have placed their mark in the world because of standing up for what they believe. Below are a few other amazing African American men to remember.

Sidney Poitier, (born February 20, 1927, Miami, Florida, U.S.—died January 6, 2022, Los Angeles, California), Bahamian American actor, director, and producer who broke the colour barrier in the U.S. motion-picture industry by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor (for Lilies of the Field [1963]) and the first Black movie star. He also redefined roles for African Americans by rejecting parts that were based on racial stereotypes.

Harry Belafonte, by name of Harold George Belafonte, Jr., (born March 1, 1927, New York City, New York, U.S.), American singer, actor, producer, and activist who was a key figure in the folk music scene of the 1950s, especially known for popularizing the Caribbean folk songs known as calypsos. He was also involved in various social causes, notably the civil rights movement.

Paul Robeson, in full Paul Bustill Robeson, (born April 9, 1898, Princeton, N.J., U.S.—died Jan. 23, 1976, Philadelphia, Pa.), celebrated American singer, actor, and black activist.

Marvin Gaye, by name of Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., (born April 2, 1939, Washington, D.C., U.S.—died April 1, 1984, Los Angeles, California), American soul singer-songwriter-producer who, to a large extent, ushered in the era of artist-controlled popular music of the 1970s.

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artists:

Marvin Gaye Music (YouTube)

Harry Belafonte Music (YouTube)

Sidney Poitier Films (YouTube)

Paul Robeson (YouTube)

Faith Fitz You, LLC– Official clothing brand launched January 1, 2022

What other influential men have made an impact in your life? Comment below.

NEXT SHOW – JANUARY 26TH AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

Artist Spotlight: Chantae Cann

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Citation:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Grammy Award”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Sep. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/art/Grammy-Award. Accessed 18 January 2022.

Albert, Melissa. “Fred Shuttlesworth”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fred-Shuttlesworth. Accessed 18 January 2022.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Harry Belafonte”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Feb. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harry-Belafonte. Accessed 18 January 2022.

Ritz, David. “Marvin Gaye”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Mar. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marvin-Gaye. Accessed 18 January 2022.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Paul Robeson”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Apr. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Robeson. Accessed 18 January 2022.

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 7- Resolutions, Manifestations and Vision Boards

Have you wrote your vision and made it plain? Have you wrote down your goals or created a vision board?

January 1, 2022 at the strike of midnight, I had a glass of peach wine and my son, Bryson had a watered down soft drink as we said to each other, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Not long after, it was bedtime. We woke up later that day, no resolutions made, business as usual on a weekend- relax, chill, clean up, etc.

I’ve heard it called Re-solutions, so many people make the same resolutions year after year because the last ones didn’t last through the first month. Are you making resolutions? Throughout years past, I’ve had goals. Most times, the few days leading up to January 1st, I look back through photos to remember all that I’ve accomplished in the year prior. It’s very heartwarming to look at that list with a sense of accomplishment.

So in 2021, I:

  • had my artwork, Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi featured nationally with Sarah Norman’s platform
  • had a long-awaited photo shoot with DRL Toons
  • held/shot a gun for the first time
  • was blessed to have more time with my mother, as her Multiple Myeloma went into remission
  • spent more time with my immediate family- Mom, Dad, Tina, Nick
  • wrote more poems, painted more art
  • Lead/Assisted with more Bridal makeup
  • became part of a bridal beauty team
  • rode on a motorcycle
  • traveled to Atlanta and New Jersey as a Makeup Artist for 2 pageant Queens
  • launched beauty/makeup classes
  • started the process of recording music and my poetry
  • co-authored the book, Yonitry

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artists:

Faith Fitz You, LLC– Official clothing brand launched January 1, 2022

All Things NiSi

Toni Jones

Vision Board tips

Courtney K Beauty

Black Girls Rock workout– Tuesday/ Thursday at 11am EST/ Sundays 10am EST

Let’s create our vision boards together! Comment below if interested.

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – JANUARY 19TH AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi- Episode 6: Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi

How it started vs. how it’s going…

Mr. Voight’s art class- Keefe Ave. Elementary school

Leave your feedback below:

I have always been creative, mostly in singing and acting as a child, more talents showed up as I matured. I believe this was one of my first drawings I did that looked like something. I was in Mr. Voight’s class in elementary school, I also did a drawing of DeLeon Richards- Sheffield. She was one of my favorite singers when I was younger, it was great seeing someone as young as me with a record contract. I believe I sent it to her as well, sorry couldn’t find any old photos. My brother was the artist in the family so I stayed to the singing and acting most times. Just like now, I paint when I feel led to; I can’t paint just because.

Betty Boop drawn 12/14/02

I dibbled and dabbled throughout the years, this Betty Boop was drawn on a break from college I think, you know thats been about 20 years ago so I can’t remember. However my mother is a huge fan of Betty Boop. The crazy thing is my mother still has this drawing and the self portrait.

I stayed away from art until my besties, Amie and Betty celebrated my birthday with a sip and paint with Victorious Visions in 2018.

My first 3 paintings at the start of being furloughed due to COVID-19

In June 2019, my sister came to visit me in NC and we decided to do a Sip & Paint with my son. We pulled up a YouTube video, laid out some newspapers and painted (my paining is in the middle). I was furloughed in March 2019 due to COVID-19, so I had nothing but time and space. I decided to get some paint and canvases and pull up YouTube University and painted the 2 other paintings you see above. From there, people started asking me how much and I had to figure it out. With so much stuff going on in the world, I definitely had inspiration, so paintings that came after were geared towards #BlackLivesMatter. The more I practiced; the more I began to try new things.

One of my paintings caught the eye of Sarah Norman all the way in New York. She reached out to me and requested a particular painting or one similar. Sarah was a very integral part in Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi leveling up and realizing my worth. She purchased 2 new paintings and featured them on her show, as well as through her social media platforms. Since May 2020, I have painted over 20 paintings and still going… and still learning. My most recent painting is entitled, “Say His Name.”

Here’s a sneak peek:

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artists:

Faith Fitz You, LLC– Official clothing brand launched January 1, 2022

Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi

Arty Party by Victorious Visions

Sir

DeLeon Richards-Sheffield

Sarah Norman: below is a small clip where my work is featured

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – JANUARY 12TH AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss New Year Resolutions, Manifestations and Vision Boards.

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Through the Eyes of NiSi- Episode 5: Artist Spotlight- The Soul of L.I.V.

Liv Warfield

“L.I.V. talks from her soul…,” I heard these words in one of the first songs I heard from Liv Warfield. It was a live version of the song “Brotha Man.” This amazingly talented woman definitely told the truth and is most definitely one of my favorite artists.

About Liv: “A former track star and gymnast, Peoria, Illinois-born Liv Warfield began building her legend, in of all places, Portland, Oregon. Despite having no formal background in singing, she gained the respect of local superstars and became an icon in her own right.

While she takes cues from musical influences like Nina Simone, Etta James, Sade, Tina Turner, and Mary J. Blige, Warfield has carved out a style all her own, which can best be described as “alternative soul with a lil bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” In 2006, she self-released her debut album “Embrace Me.” By 2009, she caught the eye of the one-and-only Prince and ultimately joined his group the “New Power Generation.”

 After touring for several years and soaking up as much knowledge as she could from the ultimate music mentor, Warfield made her big splash on the national scene in 2014, first as a featured artist for Vh1’s “You Oughta Know” campaign, and then with the release of her major label debut album “The Unexpected,” which was executive produced by Prince. What followed were show-stopping performances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “The Arsenio Hall Show;” a 2014 Soul Train Music Award and nominations for two others; a BET Best New Artist Award nomination; an interview with National Public Radio; and high-profile cosigns from Lionel Richie, Cindy Lauper, and Nancy Wilson of HEART. That same year, Warfield’s performance closing out Essence Fest was hailed as one of the most memorable after shows at the New Orleans House of Blues. In 2015, the accolades only kept growing, with Warfield and the NPG Hornz being named one of the top 10 bands to see at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. It’s no wonder she has left celebrities like Letterman declaring it’s time to “cancel show business!” ~from Liv’s website

I don’t remember the day, nor the hour but I was watching The Arsenio Hall Show and the musical guest was Liv Warfield backed by Prince’s New Power Generation and her soulful background singers singing, “Stay (Soul Lifted).” From that day forward, I have been hooked.

Where it all began…

It’s something about live instrumentation and stage presence… its something about Liv leaving it all on the stage; not caring if her hair is messed up or if she’s making faces- she is providing you with an experience. It’s Liv being her authentic self in her live Instagram videos for Whiskey Wednesdays or allowing us to take a peek inside her experiences, breathtaking views, or simply just living in the moment when the music overflows from her soul.

The amazing thing about having my own radio show, is having the ability to introduce the world to music that I love; to the amazing musicians that I’ve encountered whether in person or through their gifts.

New video: #TOYLAND By Ray Angry feat. Questlove, Black Thought, Marcus King, Pino Palladino & Liv Warfield

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artists:

Faith Fitz You, LLC– Official clothing brand (website will go live) launch January 1, 2022

Marcus Anderson’s Instagram page

Adrian Crutchfield’s Instagram page

Shelby J’s Instagram page

Liv Warfield website– Music, show information, etc.

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2022 LOADING…

NEXT SHOW – JANUARY 5TH AT 10AM EST– www.WDRBMedia.com

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi- how it started vs. how it going?

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Blog

Life as a MUA…She Almost Hit me!

1 Comment

If you follow me on social media, you may have heard me say that people’s experiences directly affect how they react in certain situations. Well the same applies when it comes to clients and their Makeup Artists.

I met a young lady through a referral, unfortunately we didn’t meet face to face right away due to COVID-19. Her wedding had to be postponed due to unrelated COVID issues, but we would soon meet for her bridal makeup preview.

The day finally came for us to get together to test out a makeup look for her special day. Luckily we were able to meet a few times prior. My clients sometimes become good friends, acquaintances and business connects; I love that. Your makeup artist (especially your bridal MUA should be someone that you can trust and feel comfortable with). We had a blast but I quickly learned that I needed to be on guard.

They usually say don’t mess with a black woman’s hair, well you may not want to mess with a woman’s eyes. One might ask, how are you to do eye makeup then?

Welllllllll, this is how it all went down.

Now when I do makeup, I start with the eyes so if there is any fallout, there’s less to clean up and I don’t waste product; however, that may have been to my advantage in this case. So we moisturized her skin, added primer, moved on to the brows and started working on her eyes. We were doing good, laughing and talking, and keeping it moving. I added a liquid eyeliner and some natural looking eyelashes.

Disclaimer: I love a good lash, however I’m not big on the Snuffleupagus looking lashes. I like lashes to look very natural. Most of my clients are everyday women, who don’t wear a lot of makeup (if any) and have found the love of their life and wanting to add a little extra glam on wedding day. We want everyone to see this whole package when the doors open, not just her eyelashes flapping. Her fiancé wants to recognize his/her fiancee walking down the aisle and we aim to make that happen. I digress…

Once my client got used to the eyelashes and being sure she could see clearly, I was ready to move on to eyeliner for the bottom waterline and mascara. If you’ve sat in my chair, I try to get in and get out when it comes to that bottom waterline. No one likes it and that’s when we learn how strong your tear ducts are. I always give a warning that I’m about to go there so that my client can prepare themselves. Sometimes the trick of looking up and the opposite way of the eye I’m working on works, but sometimes it doesn’t. My client almost grabbed my hands as I got up to her eye. She said it was a reflex, I just didn’t want to poke her in her eye. We had a couple tries and gut busting laughs.

Y’all listen, when I tell y’all she had to sit on her hands and we had to count to 3 to get the eyeliner on that bottom waterline. I wish I had a picture but I can’t put her out there like that. I am glad I lived to tell the tale.

Every tip and trick doesn’t work for everybody and you are constantly learning from each experience. Not everyone is okay with things coming towards their eyes. Sometimes you have to get creative, sometimes that area may take longer than for others, sometimes people will cry puddles just at the thought of anything being that close to their eye. My point is I AM CONSTANTLY LEARNING no matter how long I’ve been doing makeup.

Just know, when it was wedding day; we still had to count to 3 but those hands had to be put away first. We had a good laugh and she looked amazing; I just didn’t want a black eye from simply trying to make her comfortably flawless.

Want to hear more about my life as a Makeup Artist? Let me know in the comments below and ask whatever questions you may have.

Always with a Brush,

NiSi