Every Once in a While...

Most the time I need to turn potential clients away. Why? My client roster may be full, we may not be a good fit as a team, or their topic just isn't "newsworthy."

But....every once in a while, I meet someone I would absolutely love to work with. Work with...as in represent them to the media. Sometimes, for them, the timing isn't quite right or certain projects need to be in place before moving forward.

This is the case with Tia Dantzler. I met Tia through Linked-In (a business networking site) and we discovered we're almost neighbors. Tia asked a few questions about how I rep people and I explained the process. After looking through her website I was in awe of Tia's talents. You see, Tia is a celebrity make-up artist.

Well, those of you that know a bit about me, may remember that I am a licensed cosmetologist and had worked with L’Oreal for 7 years in NYC and also freelanced as a make-up artist and hairstylist working with MTV, VH1, various designers for runway shows and of course the never ending head shots for actors and test shots for models. So I know a bit about the path Tia is on and how hard it is to find and book your own work.

Because Tia's clients are the likes of Jennifer Hudson, (see posted image) Chandra Wilson, Barack Obama, Jenny Finch among many others her work is high in demand and she jets from coast to coast leaving behind her husband of 11 years and her two daughters.

I had the opportunity to meet Tia and her husband recently and after talking for an hour or so, I truly hope one day we will work together. I even mentioned Tia to two of my writer contacts and both mentions lead to two opportunities for Tia. So I know she is "newsworthy!"

One she will be quoted on Spring 2008 Make-up Trends for www.sheknows.com and the other is for a feature in Joliet magazine. Which may turn out to be a cover opportunity for Tia, we'll have to see once the publication hits the news stands in a month or two!

So even though she's not a "signed client" at the moment, we're both in hopes that her bookings and future projects will warrant a need for her to have her own publicist. And of course, fingers-crossed, that would be me...

Check out Tia's work at www.TiaDantzler.net

Images: Top - Tia Dantzler Bottom - Jennifer Hudson