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MY HISTORY . MY WORK . MY POTENTIAL . MY HUSTLELet's see how WE can work together!
I am Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania born-and-raised, currently living between Detroit, Michigan and South Miami Beach, Florida. A daughter, sister and aunt. Russian-Italian-Hungarian-Jewish-American by blood. A mix of many cultures, many influences, and yet original by all means. This Jill-of-all-trades can do anything, but there has always been some element of entertainment or art flowing from me. This is where my focus now lies, pursuing my career opportunities as a CREATIVE HAIR STYLIST, EVENT ORGANIZER, and INDEPENDENT ARTIST. A short lifetime of lessons learned and cultivated talent now drive me.
.THE VISUAL ARTIST.The visual arts were my primary focus as a child and teenager. A natural ability, a decade of training at the CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH (1991-1998), and a family of very creative persons have given me the skills to create with paints, pens, pencils, fabrics, crafts, sewing machines and more. I currently design tattoos and will be introducing a new series of abstract paintings. *See examples to your left.
.THE PERFORMER.Musical Theater was a huge influence, almost as much as Hip-Hop. I consistently had a lead role in every high school and college show I participated in. I studied voice, acting and dance at the CIVIC LIGHT OPERA and PENN STATE UNIVERSITY. In 1999 I choreographed Peabody High School's performance of Grease. The following year I founded the PSNK LADY LIONS DANCE TEAM. When it comes to dancing for fun I am always the first one on the floor, and the last one to leave.
.THE VOCALIST.I have been writing poetry, raps and songs for as long as I can remember. I sang every chance I had, from the national anthem at school basketball games to open mic night at The Shadow Lounge. While managing ID LABS RECORDING AND PRODUCTION STUDIO (2004-2006) I mastered the art of creating and recording hooks as well as completed an all original demo. I have performed at various venues in Pittsburgh, State College, Indianapolis, New York City, Key West, and Miami. In 2004 I was featured on both song and video of "Who Dem A Ramp Wit" with Jamaican reggae artist JAH MASON. Other collaborations include PITTSBURGH SLIM, SOY S.O.S., BLAK CZAR, DJ HUGGY, CHUKK WUN, EVICTION NOTICE, INCYTE, and CLEAVELAND JONES. I spent a shot time interning for SLIP N SLIDE RECORDS under A&R Otha and CEO Ted Lucas.
.THE STYLIST.College was also the time where I grew as a HAIR STYLIST. I am versatile in many techniques of STYLING including FASHION, PRESSING, BRAIDING, DREADING, and FORMAL UP-DOs. I currently take clients in my home studio or work contracted jobs. I have worked for COMPLETE APPEARANCE in Pittsburgh, FADE BARBERSHOP in South Beach, and LE'HOST HAIR GROUP in Detroit. My experience also includes styling for weddings, photography shoots, fashion shows and special occasions (You can see more of my work at ModelMayhem.com/KaarenStyles). There is a long list of models, photographers, make-up artists, wardrobe stylists and designers who have included me in their collaborations. Recently I also picked up painting custom NAIL ART and PHOTOSHOP EDITING.
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.THE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT & RECRUITER.My PENN STATE UNIVERSITY degree in FILM & VIDEO has allowed me a creative outlet in television, working various production jobs. As a production assistant/coordinator for HJD ENTERPRISES I worked on various shows including the PBS MY MUSIC SERIES. After arriving in Miami (Dec. 06) I began working in the casting department of TLC's hit show MIAMI INK, setting up and promoting all casting events. Other production credits include MTV and AMERICAN IDOL.
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.THE LIAISON TO LUXURYMy artistic nature drew me to a position as a receptionist at CASA CASUARINA (2007-2008), formerly Versace's Mansion on Ocean Drive. Within five months I was promoted and given the title of Casa Liaison. My responsibilities included managing the front desk and its staff, in-house communication, event support, tours and marketing. One of the most amazing homes I have ever seen, it was a tough decision to leave in July of 2008. This experience afforded me many contacts in the world of luxury, professional athletics, and business.
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.THE EVENT ASSISTANT.After a random first meeting with a now good friend I began to work for 2R PRODUCTIONS in Miami. I began as one of the boys, moving furniture in and out of trucks, placing chair covers, draping curtains, lighting, youname it! Soon I was given the chance to get more creative, less physical. It has become an insight to the high level and sheer potential of event planning under the guidance of Raul Rodriguez. I have been very lucky to work with such clients as AUDI, MONT BLANC, GLORIA ESTEFAN, DISCOVERY CHANNEL, SAMSUNG and TAKASHI MURAKAMI.
.THE PARTY PLANNER.Another art of mine is throwing parties and playing hostess! I began SOULCASION ENTERTAINMENT (2004-2006) in Pittsburgh, trying to bring something fresh and new to the scene. With a team of 25 young ladies we hosted numerous parties, fashion shows, and live music performances. I was involved from the ground up with NAKTURNAL (2004-present), a female owned and operated company that focuses on event production, promotions, sponsorship acquisition, marketing and consulting with clients in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Miami. My sub-project is NAKOUT (click on the link below). Getting the name out there, I have produced various events in South Beach including the official after parties for the 2009 MIAMI TATTOO EXPO at HEATHROW, CAMEO and LOVE HATE, as well as the LIFESTYLE SHOWCASE featuring EVA DANIELLE at CASANOVA LOUNGE.
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*Those shown in the "top friends" section are my network of movers-n-shakers. While this page is meant to be more for business purposes I do want to show love to all my FRIENDS not listed. To the many that I do not mention, they know who they are and how much I love them. To my family, I treasure you all and appreciate the guidance and love you have given me. To the Universe, God, the Higher Power, that Power Within that I choose not to label. thank you for the many blessings, trials and experiences that make my life uniquely mine.
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