AJ, I think it's fair to say that you've more than "made it" in the makeup biz. With celebrity lists and magazines a mile long all touting your name, what's it like to be where you are today, all while looking back to where you first started?
Its an amazing feeling to have accomplished so many of my goals. It's been a great journey from that $400 bus ticket, but there is still a long way to go before I'm where I'd like to be.
What celebs have you been working with recently?
Estelle, Hilary Duff, and a new artist, Bayje, are my girls of the moment. They are all very different and fun, and love to try new things!
Can you tell us about a memorable moment you had while doing a celebrity's makeup?
Estelle and I were working on the set of the new Kids in the Hall video for "Love Hangover" . We had some time, so I was trying all these new lipsticks on her to see what they looked like. At one point it got outrageous! Crazy pinks and oranges! We had a great laugh at the camera phone pics for days after!
Be honest; all celebrities have some sort of skin flaw, don't they? (And if they don't, lie to us!)
No, celebs have perfect skin just as a principle. Just kidding! Celebs are just like all of us, they have great skin moments, and skin malfunctions too. We're all human.
Speaking of flaws, do you have any skin care tips you can share for those of us who want to give ourselves a little celebrity treatment before a big night out?
I love Cauldulie! They have the best skincare its fresh, moderately price and the ingredients are amazing!
You are the co-founder of Kissable Couture Lipgloss, which you founded with Keisha Whitaker. Tell us a little bit about Kissable Couture Lipgloss.
Well, if you want the ultimate feel of luxe lips you must have Kissable Couture! It gives every girl that piece of celebrity at an affordable price. We have our latest collection Transitions (Awakening, Horizon and Solstice) launching for fall (Oct 2008).
We also created a new shade called First Lady inspired by Michelle Obama. Look for it after the Democratic National Convention.
Kissable Couture is doing amazing things and we just aim to keep innovating and touching our guests with effortless and quality beauty essentials.
What is it like working side-by-side with the wife of an Oscar Winner? Is Forest Whittaker a big help when it comes to new shades or color names, or does he stay far away from the lip gloss?
Keisha is one of my closet and best friends so its not overwhelming! We have a great chemistry. Its so awesome to see the company come to fruition, and to see Keisha enjoy so many of her dreams, like her new show "What are you Wearing" on TLC.
As for Forest, we run color collections and names by Forest all the time, so he's always a big help.
If you had to pick one easy thing women can do to improve their natural beauty, what would you suggest?
It's the simple things like brows. Keep them groomed well and not over done. Always wear mascara; clear mascara makes a difference too. And always have at least one Kissable Couture lip gloss, it saves any day!
Find more information about Kissable Couture Lipgloss at KissableCouture.com.
