Our Story and My open Thank You

Happy Monday everybody.
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. Now Tis the season for those New year's resolutions.  Except that's not what's on my mind. Because as soon as it hits January 1st, I will be celebrating something greater to me, the one year anniversary of our salon. Technically we signed the paper December 29,2015 so that's why I'm writing this a tad bit earlier, that and I'm stuck in a Super 8 in Missouri due to bad weather, so now is my time.
Lee and I left Wisconsin Sunday after Christmas and I wore a mint Columbia fleece that my Mom got me for Christmas. After a few hours into Iowa, my mom had called me and proceeded to tell me how the salon wouldn't be the same without me and how she'd miss me. And I of course would miss her too. I honestly hate being away from the salon. It makes me feel like a piece of me is missing. After we got off the phone, it dawned on me that I wouldn't be there to celebrate our first year of business,  something so important to me.
When we arrived in Missouri,  I was unloading my pockets and pulled out what I thought was just garbage in my pocket. But It wasnt garbage. It was a necklace. A tree necklace. And I instantly knew my mom had put it in there for me to find later on.  My heart sank.

  It was beautiful. Not just because of how it looked but because of all the meaning it had within the silver chain.  I now have something that symbolizes the things that I hold near and dear to my heart. And that's exactly where it will be. On my chest. Feeling every beat.
When I thanked my mom, she told me she had one too.
This necklace  represents so much more than a tree.  It is a combination of:
My mom- my business partner
Our Family Tree- and all the people that branch from it
My Roots- my beliefs
Our Salon.

One year ago, we were preparing ourselves for one of the biggest steps either of us have ever taken, and we were doing it together.  We thought we knew what we were getting into,but really, we on knew 1/4 of it.
Opening a salon in a small town,that is surrounded by many other salons, was a scary thing. Would we succeed?  Would we even get business?  Failure wasn't an option. We didn't just "rent" a salon. We PURCHASED a salon.  There was so much more than reputation on the line.
Then came picking a name. Last year,  trying to find the perfect name wasn't so easy. But this year,  the name couldn't be more perfect. Choosing the name Family Roots was by far one of our best decisions.  The name itself has more than one meaning it. We wanted it to represent a Family Salon, with a family background. (Plus, now Mom can't see a picture of a tree and not want to put it in our salon)

After picking the name, then came all the remodels. And let me tell you, what a crazy ride. We knocked down a very large wall, built it back up, insulated it,  dry walled, painted and and trimmed it out  in just 4 days. That way we could be open for business the following Tuesday.4 days. It took a lot of friends and family helping in different ways and for that we are forever grateful.
With a few more renovations, we waited until May for a grand opening. And the wait was well worth it.
Within our first year of business,  we've donated and helped out any way we could in our community.  Along with that came our Huge fundraiser, "Cutting for a Cure", where we were able to give 70 haircuts and donate over $3,000 to the Meyering family. This event had us broadcasted throughout central Wisconsin! The feeling we got from doing something we love to do, was almost  overwhelming.  And now we have pronounced that as an annual event! Something we started.
I'd be lying if I said there weren't any tears this past year. And I'd be lying if I said  it was easy. My mom and I had a lot of "Mother/Daughter" moments, some good,some bad. But I truly believe it has brought us closer together.  My mom carries a big portion of this business on her shoulders, and one day, sooner than later, I will learn it all too.  We have both learned so much.

To my Mom,
Thank you, for you devotion to our salon. I am so grateful for your love and dedication. I could not do this without you. Truth is, I wouldn't want to do this without you. Thank you for believing. You are my friend, business partner, and the best mom in the world. One day, I hope to be half the woman you are.

To our clients,
This past year has been blessed with countless smiles, priceless stories, and incredible memories.  Thank you for all you encouraging and kind words. We are overwhelmed with the positive responses and reviews. Without you all, we certainly wouldn't have a story to tell.
Thank you for being part of the story.

Let me tell you a little something...

It's Tuesday. Which means, it's my Monday..and it definitely feels like a Monday. And I feel the need to rant a little bit.
As a business owner, I try to be careful of what I say through facebook, so I'm going to do it through my Blog...which will be posted on Facebook..but...oh well. Guess we'll see how many people actually read it.

Lately, my facebook has been flooded with "ItWorks", "Younique", "Thrive", and "Beach Body".
It almost over kill! I get messages on the daily about how I'm a salon owner and would be awesome at promoting these business. No Thank You. Nothing against the product. Just no Thanks.
On top of that, I see people's statuses complaining about people adding them to their groups and how "they don't want to buy your mascara" or "try your wraps". Fine whatever. And then, someone proceeded to tell them to "Get a real job".

Now, I certainly hope I don't come off to people this way. I just want to break something down for you. The difference between my Motives business and your makeup business.

I have a job. I am not a stay-at-home Mom. Chances are, you were a stay at home Mom before you joined the business. (Not that there is anything wrong with it- I think we'd all love to work in our PJS most days) I own a salon. I do hair 10-12 hours a day. I am by no means trying to make a living off my makeup.Those of you who have been following me, know that I have a makeup page, and that I have had this blog long before Motives came into the picture. I went to school for this.

My makeup business is trying to help you guys out! I don't have to "fight" to get people to join my team so that I can achieve a certain status or pay raise,or whatever it may be. I don't get "promoted".
Instead, I get to see the satisfaction on my clients face after a makeover, or I receive a message from someone who purchased the makeup, and they love it. You don't, and will not see me posting all over my page trying to get you to join my team. All I wanted was an amazing product line that I could carry in my salon. In fact- my "commission" from the makeup, goes right back into the makeup. Not once have I put it in my pocket.
The thing about today's "hot makeup business" is, EVERYONE SELLS IT. Soon, you're going to run out of people to sell it to. Soon, everyone will be working under someone, and this business will be a dying fad. Because that's how Multi-Level-Marketing company works. It all started with that mascara. That was the only thing that got the business going. The sales went through the roof, and then came crashing down when everyone and their children bought it. So then they started the makeup line.You think your "Promoter" chose you just because she thought you'd be good at it? You might be. But who is it benefiting from the start? Not you. Your Promoter. Do you get a share of her profit? No, but she get's a share of yours(and if she says she doesn't, she is lying)
. She sure didn't target you as a seller because "you're good at makeup". She used it as a sale point "buy this and be part of my team , you don't need to know anything about makeup". Wake up. That's just it. She targeted you because you don't know about makeup. So you join, use the products and think it's the best thing ever because you don't know any better. Anyone who knows makeup, knows it's not quality makeup. I Did you know the number 1 reason for top promoters quitting that business ? It's because they we're tired of lying about the quality of makeup. They knew it wasn't good and couldn't promote makeup like that. Number 2 reasoning for people quitting:: YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST CUSTOMER. If you don't know what that means , think about it. Do your research people. YouTube is great for that.

Loving and using one product/brand does NOT make you a makeup expert. I have tried soooo many different makeups, but never will I call myself an "expert". Every day I learn something new. If something with motives doesn't sit well with a client, we either trouble shoot or I know enough about other products and will 100% recommend them something else if I think it will work for them.


I love makeup. I truly do. I love testing out products so that people can ask my honest opinions about them. I love when people ask what I'm wearing on my face so I can tell them how much I love the product. I love to bring people in the salon and make over their face. I love getting people ready for their big days.  I do this, because I simply LOVE it. I love the makeup, and I love what it does for people. Not to get rich quick. And I love all of you for following me.

Rant Over,
Happy Tuesday Loves!

Motives Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation Review

Hello Beautiful People! Its been forever and a day since I've sat down to write a blog! Life has been changing and keeping me busy-in all good ways of course! So it feels good to sit here this morning,drinking my coffee, and letting you guys know about a new found love for makeup I have found.

Recently, I have become an owner of yet another business. YES! ANOTHER!
Motives by Loren Ridinger!Motives is an amazing makeup and skincare line and probably the best decision I've made in a long time! Are you on Instagram? Go follow @motivescosmetics . They have more followers than any of the leading name brand cosmetics!
Before I get carried away and tell you about this line, I want to talk about my new favorite foundation and all the reasons I love it.

Many of you have been following me for a long time now,and watched my spend a fortune on products trying to find the absolute best one. You watched me love, hate, and infatuate with many foundations. I would spend  anywhere from $10-$50 on foundations, just for every single one to have a flaw in the end (Except for maybe one). Along with $40 on foundation, I'd spend an extra $40 on a primer to get best results. That was $80 just to cover my face! But I'm telling you,no more ladies! No more spending ridiculous amounts on foundations just to be disappointed. It took me awhile to sit down and write this post because I wanted to make sure I wasnt in the "Honeymoon Phase" of a product, where I love it for a week or two and then notice a flaw.I've tested out this foundation for you guys for a month now.  So are you ready for this? Ready for my testimony and my secret to a flawless face?

Motives Liquid Poweder Mineral Foundation

What is it?

" A 3-in-1 foundation that provides the superior, buildable coverage of a crème foundation while offering SPF and primer, with the natural-looking, sheer finish of a powder foundation. This foundation hides discolorations and covers skin with a fine, light-diffusing layer to minimize pores and imperfections for clear, satiny-smooth skin under any lighting."

In other words,  its a PRIMER, FOUNDATION, and SUNSCREEN all in one!

Say what girl? Get out of town! It buildable, and you can reapply through out the day without looking or feeling cakey.

Benefits

• Created using the newest technology with a built-in invisible shield, rich polymers and silicone that protect the skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
• Exclusive multi-mineral complex helps protect skin and complements any complexion                                              
• Vitamins C&E provide antioxidant protection and vitamin A conditions the skin                                                        
• One step process with primers, silicone and SPF 15 all in one formula              
• Free of oil, wax, dye and talc                       
• Micro diffusers keep skin looking flawless

In Other words. My skin has NEVER reaccted to a foundation so well. Even with a primer, and powder,I found my foundatins melting off around my nose and chin. With this foundation, I have never once applied a primer before hand and my makeup lasts all day! (no exaggeration). 

I easily get clogged pores, and it was mainly from wearing makeup all day every day. But with the Liquid Powder Foundation, my skin still breathes! I always felt like I was taking one step back with my cleansing routine.I'd unclog all my pores, just to see them back in the next day or two.My skin has never felt so good after taking my makeup off!Its smooth and clean.I've noticed my "problem areas" on my face are no longer a problem. No more do I stand in the bathroom squeezing little white heads,because, they simply aren't there!
These are pictures of clients of mine. See how they rock motives? 

The minute you start  blending this foundation, it because  a velvety powder texture. It leaves no residue, cakeyness, or dryness. Most mineral makeup comes in a loose,messy powder version, but this isn't that, and its by far the best Mineral Foundation I have ever tried. Since it is buildable, it's great for touchups at work or anywhere!

Packaging: 

Sleek black tube.

How to apply:

Sponge or foundation Brush

Where can you find it?

http://www.sierrasmotives.com

Cost: $29.95

Rating:10 out of  10

I promise you ladies,this is something you'll want to get your hands on.It has changed my makeup game and I want it to change yours.

L'OREAL Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Hello lovely people and Happy Wednesday!
So I was out shopping the other day, knowing that I was running low on my Kat Von D Lock-it Foundation, I thought I'd just swing into Ulta and pick up my all time favorite Tarte Foundation. However,I was at WalMart first and of  course I found myself in the makeup aisles.
After purchasing and loving L'Oreals Infallible Setting  Spray, I stood in the aisle debating whether or not to pick up the foundation as well. So after swatching on my hand and jawline, I decided to give it a go.And hey, for $12  instead of $38 I wasn't going to complain.

I find this foundation to be very comparable to Mac ProLongwear foundations. I was very surprised on the amount of coverage it came with. It went on very smooth when I used a damp Real Techniques Beauty Sponge. With my KatVonD Foundation I was having problems with oils around my nose.Normally,I do not have oily skin so I wasn't quite sure why this was happening. But I would have a perfect makeup application and within a few hours it would come off around my nose.

I am VERY pleased with the long-wearing capability of this Loreal founndation, and it doesn't come off around my nose! I also love the color selections. They tend to have more of a yellow/warm base which is perfect for my red skin, I can easily say this beats my Revlon Color Stay , HolyGrail.

This foundation has:
Demi Matte/Semi Matte Finish
Wears up to 24hrs
Light texture but full coverage
Oil Control

Pro Matte comes in 12 different shades! I picked it up in shadeGolden Beige and I just love it!
Since this is a matte foundation, those with dry skin should moisturize before hand.
And course, I used the Infallible Setting Spray for longer lasting results.I'm very impressed with this line so far and I'm excited to try more ofit!

Review,Review,Review!( Loreal,Cover Girl, GlamGlow,It's a 10)

Oh my..It's been almost a month since my last post! Why didn't anyone tell me?!
Life has been crazy, and I know I say that in almost every post-but seriously. We have been bust remodeling the salon and I've been working 10-12 hour days. And on top of that Lee and I have been remodeling our new home on our down time because we will be moving in this weekend!YIKES!
Anyywhooo, a couple weeks ago I had a haul video, and if you haven't seen it yet,here it is for you!

I have a a few items to review for you guys! And I thought I would just combine them all instead of doing seperate posts-Doing videos are so much fun and easier but for now, this is all I can offer.So sit back, and prepare yourself for a long, not so boring post!

1. Cover Girl Clump Crusher Extension Mascara
Shout out to my girl Liz( My boyfriend's sister//my twin who is 10 years older) for telling me to put this mascara in my basket. I bought it and it literally sat in the package for 3 weeks before I remembered I had it,I had just found my Too Faced Queen Size mascara that I lost and I wanted to play around with that. But once again, another high-end mascara disappointment. You all know I hate my eyelashes and they suck. Falsies were a go to. But then the heavens (well actually Liz- same thing) pretty much dropped this mascara in my Ulta bag and just like that I have a new favorite. Cover Girl- you really did it this time. I LOVE it. the brush is amazing, it doesn't clump, it volumizes while extending length at the same time. I can apply2-3 coats and be clump free. Like..can we just take a second to thank Cover Girl.

Why I love this Mascara:
Applies Evenly

• Bold Look
• Curls
• Defines & Separates
• Doesn't Clump
• Great Brush
• Lengthens

Cover Girl has a Clump Crusher and then Clump Crusher Extension. If you are interested in this mascara make sure you buying the one that says Extension. This mascara retails at $7.99 and is readily available at most drugstores.


2. Loreal Infalliable Makeup Setting Spray
So  this product was released in stores probably about a month ago but I am still only seeing it in a handful of stores. I have been a lover of Urban Decay Setting Spray for probably 2 years now. But when I was running low on it, and at $30 a crack, I decided to give the Loreal Spray a try instead. Before I begin this review, I just wanted to point out that UD is actually owned by L'oreal, which would probably explain why the ingredients lists for both products are very similar. Both products perform very similarly. I almost don't even notice a difference between the abilities of both products on extending the wear of my makeup. But i will be doing a video soon to go into details about the two.

I just want to say, I love the packaging of this product: sleek black spray reminiscent of high-end products, which fits well within my beauty collection, as space is always an issue,There is no scent I love the price, and it works.
I first saw this offered at our hometown shopko for $18 so I decided to hold off. But then I found it in a WalMart for $15,so I did it,I bought it. If you are looking for a makeup setting spray and not looking to splurge,I would definitely recommend this one. I just want to say a shout out to all the drug store lines for stepping up their game and saving me some moola!

3. It's a 10 Whipped Styling Balm.
First off- I'm all about that pink can. Instant winner. It's a 10 products claim to do 10 things in one product.This product:

• Intensely Smoothes
• Softens
• Hydrates
• Reduces Breakage
• Protects Color Treated Hair
• Humidity Resistant
• Nourishes Damaged Hair
• Prolongs Blow Dried Style
• Smoothes Frizz
• Improves Elasticity

If you color, highlight, use heat products in your hair, you all need this in your life. This is no joke. This product smells amazeballs and a little goes a long way. I've used this product three times now and all I can do is wonder where has this product been my whole life?!  I just put some in after I shampoo my hair and comb it through and let dry. My hair is so soft and silky-its unbelievable!  This is a very new product for this line and I haven't seen it in the stores yet but I have found it on Amazon. I believe it retails for around $20. I get mine for half the price being a professional cosmetologist, but I believe it it is worth every penny. I can't even put into words how much I love this product. If your hair is distressed-you need this,like, yesterday.

4. GlamGlow SuperCleanse Foaming Facewash

So Lee and I are walking around the mall and we pass Sephora. He says to me, "Are you sure you don't want to go in here"and I proceeded to tell him I didn't have a reason to and I have other things on my list today.So we passed by(heartbreaking, I know).Then on the way back through he asked me once more if I wanted to go in and I still said no.Well then I saw a huge sign in the window with GlamGlow on it, but it wasn't their normal face mask. GlamGlow has done another amazing thing...they turned their masks into foaming face washes. OMG. Does anyone else get excited reading this?! Well then of course I had to go into Sephora and I went straight for it, dropped$39 bucks on it and walked out a happy camper.There were no ands,ifs,or buts about it. It was mine.

What this product does(From the GlamGlow site)

Based on the top selling SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, SUPERCLEANSE™ is the natural next step in the SUPER family for problematic skin. The revolutionary daily cleanser transforms from mud into a foaming lather to dissolve oil and makeup—rinsing away pore-clogging debris and impurities. It’s designed to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and create a mattified, super clear 

I'm so happy with this product. I love the fact it is formulated without  Parabens, Sulfates ,and Phthalates . And everywhere you look, it is 5 star rated!I feel like my pores that typically turn into little bumps have been reduced significantly which was my main reason for purchase. It's not too harsh which allows you to use twice a day for best results. I love the packaging of this product..my only concern is traveling. Not that I'm going on a plane anytime soon but I feel this lovely product wouldn't be coming with me if I had too because it is so large..:(   I seriously will recommend this product over and over. However, if you tend to have dry skin, i would look in their blue bottle which is the Hydrating form of this product, which I might try..because..well I can..well I want them all....

Okay,okay,okay.That was only four products but I still have more on the way..like a couple shampoos I've been trying out and some more drugstore makeup. Also-I am very close to an Empties Video! Yayyyy! So stay tuned! 

But in the mean time-Connect with me:

SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON YOUTUBE AND I'LL RETURN THE FAVOR(:

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Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation Review

Hello everyone!  I have tried anand now have fallen in love with a new drugstore foundation! Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation.  I found this product when I was looking for the New Maybelline Fit Me Matte foundation at my local shopko. However,  not surprising, my shopko did not carry it. I turned around in the aisle and found this foundation. And let me tell you, I'm glad I did!
The 3-in-1 Foundation claims to be a Primer,foundation and concealer all in one. Let me just tell you how I really feel about it!

1.) COLOR SELECTION is very great - I use 832 nude beige.

2) HAS A PUMP!! Yay! could never figure out why colorstay couldn't add a pump to their bottle. My only problem with the pump is that it doesn't reach all the way to the bottom. So I forsee getting to the bottom to be a difficult task.

3) LONG WEARING! This stuff does not budge!! I'm talking applying it 7am in the morning, then going through an entire day at the salon.Strangely, it looks even better as the day wears on. You will need a good makeup remover/wipes to remove this as it is so long wearing!!

4) DOES NOT FEEL HEAVY! and I would say it is medium to full coverage which is buildable if necessary.As I have ALOT of rosecea/redness I  like the full to medium coverage! I use my fingers to apply and it goes on wonderfully and easy to apply then set it in with my beauty blender.

5) GREAT FOR COMBO/OILY SKIN - the finish of this foundation is quite matte in comparison to the colorstay which had a little more of a dewy finish.I don't think this product is good for ladies with dry skin as it is very matte and oil absorbing.

4) PRICE - only around $10 which is the same as Revlon Color Stay.

This is seriously an amazing foundation and I find its probably going to be a holy grail of mine. LOVE IT!

New Year Resolutions( 2015)

Hello everyone! It is the new year-which means it's time to make goals to better yourself. I had a hard time coming up with resolutions this year. As much as I want to get into shape- I don't want to be part of that cliché that everyone partakes in. So I thought of a few small things that I can attack.

1. Get rid of/Stop buying clothes

 

2. Boost up my savings account

 

3.Pay off debts

 

4. Eat healthier/ drink more water

 

5.Be the best business owner/partner I can be

 

 

 

1. Get Rid of/Stop buying clothes

This is one my boyfriend and I came up with together. I am a clothes hoarder. Looking around, I cannot believe the amount of clothes I have. My laundry is like a bottomless pit, I constantly have full laundry baskets.And I guess I never took the time to go through my clothes. But when I would go through them I'd find myself thinking "but I might wear this sometime." Ugh. It's such a problem. And then I find myself wanting to buy a new outfit for an event and it all really adds up! So, my goal is to clean out my closets( as hard as it's going to be) and get rid of stuff. And to go with that. try my hardest not to buy new things to replace the old. Not only does buying new clothes take a tole on my closet, but also my wallet! It needs to stop.

 

2.Boost up my savings account.

Okay, if we're being honest, I don't have a savings account. I keep all my money in one account. I like to have immediate access to my money but that's where I get myself in trouble. I want to be able to put money aside and not have constant access to it. I have done really well the past month or so on saving money. I like to leave my tips in a basket at work and not take them home until the end of the week. This way, I can't spend what's in my pocket and it adds up fast week after week.

 

3. Pay off debts.

I have two shopping credit cards. One to Maurices and one to Victoria Secrets. I have good credit so they keep upping my allowance, and both cards sit at $1,000. Now, I have not used the full thousand and I do not intend to. But it is very tempting to just walk into one of those stores and just swipe. So I would like to pay off both the cards and be done with them. And once I'm finished with those cards, I can focus solely on my school loans

 

4.Eat healthier/drink more water.

I am terrible at drinking water. I have gotten better over the past year, but the goal for this time around is to do even better. I had been on a Dr.Pepper kick for the last month or so and that just needs to stop. Today is my first day without a soda when I started the work day. As far as eating healthier, I'd just like to cut back on junk foods and add more fruit or vegetables into my diet. I did start my gym membership back up because it's too cold to do anything outside. Yesterday was my first day back to the gym and I'm excited to see where the journey takes me. However let me just say..the struggle was real. There were a lot of times I almost backed out of going. But I went.Alone. Which is probably the worst part. And there were so many times I just wanted to stop running on the treadmill and go get cheese fries. But I didn't. So go me! One step at a time right?

 

5. Be the best business owner/partner that I can be.

I came into 2015 as a business owner/partner. My mom and I purchased a salon together. At age 20, I have a lot to learn. I think my biggest challenge will be learning not to be so headstrong when it comes to difference in opinions with my mom. I'm excited to learn from her and have her learn from me. I have no doubt that this business will be successful and I'm going to try my hardest and give it 110%. But just know, none of this would be possible without the support from our clients and family.

 

 

 

With all that being said,bring on 2015!

-Sierra