Stylish Stylist Darlene

For this post, I decided to do a Q&A to find out more about Darlene, the stylist and entrepreneur.  I've known her for a while as the witty, always stylish, business-savvy stylist. For this Q&A, I wanted to go beyond the hilarious one-liners (if you know Darlene, you know what I mean) for an informative interview. 

Why are you so passionate about doing hair? 

I feel as though "hair chose me". I would get into all types of "hair mischief" as a kid. I cut my hair and my younger sister's hair when I was 6 and she was 2. I burned my barbie dolls' hair by attempting to curl it. I played with my Playskool "Dolly Surprise" a lot. You could raise the arms to grow & shorten the hair...:-)
What types of hair do you specialize in? 

As a Hair Care Specialist, my motto is "Specializing in all hair types". Although I have certain types of services/methods/techniques I prefer to do, I am able to service clients of all nationalities. I've always had a passion for hair; I only see textures: curly, straight, wavy".
I've heard you talk about the "convertible color", what is that?

It's a fun way to wear hair color, with minimal maintenance. Come and see me for a consult: 904-742-1183

Have you been featured in print, media, or publication? 

Yes. My most recent relevant publishing was in November. I was the Lead Hair Stylist for Tilted Kilt's 2013 "Kilt Girl" Calendar. It is available nationally, in all of their restaurants, over 60 locations. I will be featured in Sophisticates Black Hair Guide soon.
What's been the highlight of your career thus far? 

I would say working on the Tilted Kilt calendar. It was something I enjoyed working with everyone. We rocked it out and had fun!
What kind of training have you had?

I have been trained under various companies/educators, such as: Mizani, Pivot Point, Scruples, Paul Mitchell, SoCap USA, Paris Hilton Dreamcatchers, Great Lengths, SoCap USA, Platinum Seamless, Brazilian Keratin Treatment (Marcia Texiera), Brazilian Blowout & Design Essentials; also training through educators such as Beth Mindardi, Patric Bradley, Martin Parsons & Miki Wright. I was certified as a Gold Key Educator for Kevin Murphy. I was certified as a Gold Key Educator for Kevin Murphy. Although I'm no longer in the position, I enjoy using the products, the people I worked with, and learning so many awesome techniques. I'm not opposed to educating in the future, I just want to focus on branding first.
What can your clients and potential clients expect from you in the future? 

They can expect me to use high quality products and provide them with a high quality service, to the best of my ability. I will also continue to stay on top of my education, and branch out more into styling for Fashion Shows, Photo Shoots, Publications and Special events. 

Do you have a passion for fashion as well? If so, what have you done? 
Yes. I love Fashion. I'd love to get into Fashion Styling, too. I've been told that I have a talent for both Fashion and Make-up. I love them both, however they require a lot of time to build up clientele. (Side note: Here Darlene came up with the concept for the outfit in the video).

Who's your favorite designer? 

Clothing: Tom Ford, Handbags: Tory Burch, Shoes: Christian Louboutin.
When not doing hair, what do you do to relax and unwind?

My interests are very broad, I love traveling, going to events,  going to the beach, playing board games & active games/activities, working out, writing, cooking, and of course shopping! I'm all about enjoying life and the company I keep.
What was the concept for your latest shoot? 

I decided to do a personal shoot. I felt it was time to do something for me! I even had a Fashion Stylist, Johnakeshia Thompson of JakyT. I wanted to look like myself, but with a higher "Wow Factor", but not in an overly sexy way. (And of course show off the "Legs for Days"). My inspiration was a photograph of Brandy, from the Nicole Bitchie blog. I think Brandy has really "grown into her own" so, to speak. She looks amazing now. Here's the link to more of the photos: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9PfyL-Qb2L4/Brandy+Greets+Fans+in+NYC

Make-up by? 

Donna Fowler Kemp
Hair? Style? 

I made the Seamless Hair Extensions and came up with the color palette. Laura Lee Wade installs them for me.
Photographer? 

Corey Focus

Where are you located? 

I am inside of Kimberly Clarke Salon, 1981 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (Right in San Marco Square) The salon environment is friendly, classy, and eclectic. A great place to get your hair done and hang out with the girls and guys.
What are your hours of operation?

I usually work Monday, Wednesday & Friday, by appointment, from 8am to as late as 8pm. I'm also available, by request, for Weddings, Photo Shoots or Special Events, based on availability.

Do you have a website? 

Yes. www.beautybydarlene.com & www.creativehairartist.com

Top: Liz Claiborne

Skirt: Bisou Bisou

Necklace: Provided by Johnakeshia Thompson

Shoes: Qupid

Belt: New York & Co.

Accessories: JCPenney

Lookin' "Suite" in Pink

 Rikki Johnson, the host for the pink fashion show is also a student at Paul Mitchell. Check out her smouldering eyes. Isn't her eyes just everything ladies? She also looks super chic in her pink and black ensemble (even her nails are pink).

 

 The theme for the pink fashion show was 1920s inspired, hence the flapper-esque dresses and the coiffed hair-dos. Notice the pink strand in the second model's hair, if you would like to have some of the same, you can get it here: Beauty by Darlene

Brenna Wofford is an independent stylist for Stella & Dot and also has her own thriving online fashion business: Simply Fashionating (luv that name).

 Brenna and her business associate

Shoe Cam: 

 Pink patent leather Steve Madden pumps. Who is the owner of these fab shoes?

 

 Rikki is working these shoes. Look at the balance. This is no easy feat, I've tried these shoes and not everybody can rock these. Rikki did, flawlessly! She told me where she bought them, if you want to know where, send me an email.

   

                                         Which is your favorite?                                    

These rose gold and silver tinted heels were so cute (this picture really doesn't do it justice). Also, notice the pink flowers in her dress.

Even though these shoes are not pink, I thought they deserved to be featured.

Paul Mitchell School of Jacksonville presented this Pink Express Style Show a benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness month, held at Suite at the St. Johns Town Center.

For more pictures, click this link for: 904 Happy Hour

Certa Magazine photoshoot

    Do you know Certa Magazine? Certa is a fashion and lifestyle magazine with a "New York voice", created by Latoya Donaldson, Editor-in-Chief.

Marienna Rathgeber is a writer, editorial director and beauty expert for Certa Magazine.

                                                                                      

 Marienna also knows how to "work" in front of a camera, check her out here: October issue

Jay McPherson, Styled By Blue, wardrobe stylist and creative director.

When this model, Joelianna McLane first walked in, the word that came to mind was "shy". She is anything but that in front of the camera. Pick up the November issue to see what I'm talking about. She brought fierceness and took direction well, like a seasoned pro.

America's Next Top Model are you watching? Dannie Duprey, is tall, thin and has supermodel in her DNA.

Darlene working her magic in Dannie's hair. The outcome was fantastic and she did it again for another model who is also going to be featured in the November issue. I'm not going to mention any names, but let's just say the transformation was something only a seasoned hairstylist like Darlene could pull off. I'll give you a little hint: it's a male model.

Johnakeshia is a fashionista in her own right. She pulled all the fabulous pieces for the set from local boutiques such as: Boutique 3:16 and Dainty Treasures. Jewelry was provided by Laura Staley and others. If you need help with personal shopping, wardrobe styling or visual merchandising, contact her at: Johnakeshia Thompson.

    Showing their support (see previous post: Show Me Your Pink)

  

                         Hillary Warren, freelance Pro MUA and Lauren K. Valdez, hairstylist and MUA

                                   

                                    

    This tattoo is in honor of Lauren's grandmother, who she used to affectionately call "sweet pea". Her grandmother died of breast cancer several years ago, hence the 'sweet pea'  commemorative.                                                                

Hillary was the only MUA on set and she did an amazing job working closely with the creative directors of the shoot - Jay and Marienna -  to bring forth their vision. Using her make-up palette and special effects, she brought to life works of art.

Thanks to Darlene Smith, Beauty by Darlene, who got me behind-the-scenes access to this shoot. The location was hush-hush and everyone was given strict instructions when it came to pictures being taken, social media information that could or could not be shared.

You can pick up a copy of Certa magazine at Starbucks at the St. Johns Town Center and other hot spots in Jacksonville. Certa may have started here in Jacksonville, but you can find the magazine in other major markets, such as New York; Soho to be exact. If you haven't picked up a previous publication, November's issue is "certa-inly" a must read. If you think you've got what it takes to be featured in Certa magazine, email them at: certamag@gmail.com.

Kara Rountree of Kara Rountree photography was the photographer for this shoot. She is also the photographer for Certa magazine.

Show Me Your Pink

Show Me Your Pink by ubetterwork featuring hot pink heels

This month, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, I'll be on the look-out for fashionable pink apparel, accessories and jewelry.

Interested in adding pink strands to your hair? contact: Beauty by Darlene or attend The 2nd Annual Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon

Fashion Designer Crystal Cooper

Local fashion designer, Crystal Cooper, makes custom designer dresses and red carpet remakes for a fraction of the cost. Her company is Inspired Life By Crystal; a truly talented seamstress with an eye for detail. I was very lucky to be invited by Darlene Smith, to the closed set photo shoot for her clothing line debut.

(Left to right) Darlene Smith, Martha Tellez (model), Crystal Cooper (fashion designer) and Katelin Shore (model)

Darlene sprucing up Martha's hair before the shoot

Martha knows how to work a camera

Dress: Crystal Cooper, original. This is a fun party/cocktail dress. Colors: black trim, lime green with black and white patterns.

Shoes - Michael Kors

Darlene having a bit of fun on set

Katelin gives great angles

 Dress: Crystal Cooper, original. Greek influenced, modern day toga. Color: cocoa with dark brown glitter string to tie.

 Shoes - Guess (see previous post on Guess)

Darlene showed up on set looking stylish herself; Flower and faux pearl headband; Authentic Pearl necklace (imported). Belt by New York & Company. Dress (A "last minute find") from Burlington Coat Factory.

Brahmin bag

Darlene suggested this photo shoot and coordinated the entire event seamlessly. She is a local Hair Stylist and Kevin Murphy Gold Key Educator. She is one of a few that carry the complete line of products. You can find her studio "Beauty by Darlene", inside Mosaic Salon Studios to purchase any product, including, Color Bug, the latest temporary hair coloring craze. The updos were all done without pins or rubber bands. Darlene has a unique method to make an updo "do what it do".

Sarah Dial, owner and photographer at Dial Photography was amazing!

Contact Crystal Cooper for your one-of-a-kind dress/dresses and for red carpet remakes. You can also call: 904-307-6190. 

Hair by: Darlene Smith of Beauty by Darlene can be reached via her website. She used Kevin Murphy products in the models' hair.

Make-up provided by: Erin, of Artistry by Erin. You can make an appointment via her website or in person at MAC, located at Dillard's (Town Center location).