Shine

{ Photo by James Saulsky}

Remember to breath....
Watch David for when to come in...this is the banjo's song too...
This woman is desperate, she's about to lose the man she loves.....
They have to feel that from the first note....

All of this flashes through my mind as I step up to the microphone and sing, A cappella, the first few notes of Dolly Parton's Jolene. I have one chance to get it right. One shot to nail the beginning or the whole song falls apart. It requires preparation, an ounce of abandon and a dash of luck. But none of it can happen unless I look and feel my best.

Whether you're on stage or walking into a boardroom, of which I do both, I think every woman experiences moments like this. The stakes are high, you're exhausted and yet you have to find it within yourself to get it done. Your confidence and savvy have been told by the stage manager it's two minutes to curtain. It's your time to shine.

Shine Blow Dry Bar is now one of my secret weapons when I need a little extra help to do just that. I've been patiently waiting for RVA to get it's very own mecca for fabulous blowouts and makeup design so when I heard Shine was opening I was ecstatic! Maybe it's a job interview, maybe it's a dinner with someone special, heck..... maybe it's just a Wednesday and you need a little pick-me-up. Shine can help you find that little something extra so that the amazing woman inside can shine through.

In addition to their regular services, which you can find out more about here, they also offer fabulous head shot packages designed for the modern woman who wants to elevate her social media brand. Their next date is June 7th so be sure to book soon.

On a recent visit I wanted a little extra sparkle for a show at the RVA Creativity Awards, so I threw myself into the team's hands. Knowing that I felt great meant I could focus on singing and making sure the crowd enjoyed the show, not whether my lipstick was fading. Here's a few pics of the process I hope you enjoy them. Thank you to the wonderful ladies who did my hair and makeup and Shine's owner extraordinaire, Allison Bridges!

I'm even more excited to be offering you, my lovely readers, a chance to shine as well. In the comment section below answer the question "How do you shine?". The best answer will win a free blowout from Shine Blow Dry Bar! Please leave your full name and email in the comment section as well. You have till this Friday at 10am to enter and the winner will be announced on this Friday's post. Good luck!

{ Photo by James Saulsky }