When Did You Stop Playing? [Interview with Gem Face NY designer Michelle Carver]

When was the last time you took some time to play? If you think about your childhood do you have fond memories of birthday parties? Perhaps you have photos your elders saved for you.

I remember seeing photos from my 1st birthday kiddie party at my parents home.  There was ice cream smeared into my mothers rugs, funny hats and a scary awkward looking clown. 

Thank goodness there are some entertainment options that are affordable and fun! If you’re looking for something intricate that your kids will love, try Gem Face NY. We had the pleasure of speaking with the new, engaging and exciting entrepreneur.

Frozen theme

SYMACMU: How long have you been in business?

MC: I have been in the face painting business for 6 months and counting!

Happy customers!

MC:Face Painting energizes me and I am very passionate about creating new faces with my paint.

Something is crawling on you !

SYMACMU: Shut Ya Mouth and Call Me Ugly is a community of individuals and a commitment to the discovery of identity.  What advice do you have for someone who is “finding themselves? ”

MC: I am willing to teach others and welcome new artists, young and old to explore the things that make them passionate.  Listen to your instincts and remember you can never fail if you keep your dreams alive and nourish your mind, body and soul.  Dare yourself to jump into a new endeavor!

Body Art

SYMACMU: What is your differentiator from the competition?

MC: My face paints are all FDA approved and washable with soap and water.  I also recently added “NEW” Glitter Tattoo Art.  Glitter tattoo is a pretty shimmery tattoo that can last 3-10 days.  They are perfect for party & excellent in summer since they stay on even in water.  I started balloon twisting which is a great addition to any childs party.

Michelle Carver

SYMACMU: Summarize you products, services and fees.

MC: Charges are based on the amount of hours and/or children.  Normally it is between $75 – $100 per hour.  Additional cost for glitter tattoo or balloon twisting.

To schedule your next event, Michelle can be reached via e-mail:
Gemfaceny@gmail.com

Also, follow us on Twitter@shutyamouthnow

By:Shaun Nickens

You Are Only As Good As Your Last Performance

You are only as good as your last performance…

Thats what my old vocal coach used to say.

I fondly remember performing at the International Festival at Bayside High School my sophomore year. I sang the Kelly Price rendition of “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. ” This sharp dressed Sisqo loving Junior came up to me after seeing the rundown for the show and he said, “If you’re good enough to sing THAT song then you’re good enough to sing with me!” I loved the boldness and accepted the challenge.

No limitations

The night of the International Festival we performed “We Can’t Be Friends” by Deborah Cox and RL. If I do say so myself,  we sounded AMAZING! The vocals, the riffs, the range, the strength and the talent was undeniable.  I remember my navy blue velvet form fitting dress.  I felt so confident.  When we were done, the accolades never stopped.  When I got to chorus that Monday,  my friend Tareaphe (who is now a music engineer) said, “Do the talent show.  No doubt you’d win!” I appreciated the vote of confidence.  I accepted the challenge.

I went to the auditions and I sang some Barbara Streisand song my mother made me do. No one knew it but they didn’t care. I guess it was an advantage because they didn’t know I messed up either. It sounded good so I made it through!  I was so excited. A senior on the football team whispered, “Yo, you’re going to beat the main broad this year.”

Ha! I can laugh at that now. Who was the “main broad”?! The main broad I’ll leave nameless but we can just say her voice was strong and even though she was no Whitney Houston. . .she was CONFIDENT!

So I went to the talent show determined to beat the “main broad. ” I sang “Nobody’s Supposed to be Here” by Deborah Cox.  I stood there effortlessly singing my heart out and then I got to the climax in the song.

” No no no no no/ no no no no no/ no ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh …

Everyone in the auditorium stood up! All the air in the room when straight to my head! People were screaming my name. So I took the subliminal vote of confidence and I went up another octave. 

“Oooooooooooo ohhhhhhhhhh yea oh yea…”

My left ear popped. Couldn’t hear the music. I went temporarily tone deaf. I couldn’t get back on track. Everyone who was standing started to slowly and awkwardly sit down. I was instantly alone and mortified. 

Well  needless to say, the “main broad” won and my god brother took me to dinner to cheer me up but it didn’t work.

I share this with you because it is a lesson I am still learning.  Stay humble.  Be prepared.  Be smart. Remember that fans are not necessarily friends and they may desert you during those awkward moments when it isn’t cool to cheer for the loser. When you hit the high note but you feel low remember you need to be your own biggest motivator. Just like my couple of days of “stardom”, consistency is important. In this world where moral challenges are prevalent and the unemployment rates are fluctuating YOU have to be able to dig yourself out of temporary funks.  There will always be disparaging remarks but you are only as good as your last performance. 

The world is your stage!

By: Shaun Nickens

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