Behind the Chair + Karen Civil

Behind the chair with make up artist/ editor in chief Melanesia and Karen Civil!!!

written by: Melanesia Hunter

The day of Karen’s shoot was really chill and relaxed…kinda like her…which was exactly what I needed because of course… I’m always spazzing out on shoot days. See, putting together your complete vision is wayyy different from just being able to show up on set and do make up. lol I wish it was that easy because that part I have down to a science…. but I’m on a journey bringing this vision to life and it’s so HUGE…so beautiful…so genuine… and even overwhelming sometimes. I wouldn’t sit here and lie to you guys and say that I have it all figured out. I don’t have a mapbook or any blueprints to this thing… Im just trying to honestly find a way to express whats in my heart with people who inspire me. Karen is one of those women who inspire me. She’s driven…she’s hardworking…she’s successful…but most of all…she “get’s it”…and I recognized that the first time I met her.

When we got there and I started to set up my make up I was ranting about how stressful trying to bring my vision together by myself was, and how it just breaks my heart to not have the support from all the people who I thought would hold me down. I was going on and on and she calmly just said to me ,” Girl…. you can’t get mad…you can’t get discouraged… you should’t even feel a certain type of way… you just have to do whatever YOU have to do to bring YOUR vision to life. And you can’t get mad when people don’t support you like you thought they would…they don’t get it…and that’s fine…but you don’t have time to sit around and complain about it.” She literally never raised her voice a single octave, and she barely even moved as I was doing her face…she just stayed so calm, cool and collected… and I knew she was right… about 15 more minutes of a conversation with Karen’s ass and I thought I should have been paying her for a therapy session lol… I wish a camera had have been rolling because that could have been her interview …her words were so powerful…there were so much honesty in them…just that quick she had given me so much advice, and her own personal testimonies just moved me and encouraged me because there she was….living her dream…enjoying success…being a BOSS…but still being real and woman enough to let me know that this shit is not easy…it is not a piece a cake..and it’s not as easy as she makes it look! She is STILL making sacrifices, dealing with real life emotions, loosing friends, crying some nights, and dealing with all the pressure of being a strong woman and successful entrepreneur. Her vision is so clear though….so she always pushes through.

That tunnel vision ain’t no joke people! We both are living testimonies.

It’s true….there is a healing power in being inspired. And my mission is to always try to highlight people that have inspired me in a tremendous way. I believe inspiration is contagious and I want to pass it along! When you can fight and make countless sacrifices to bring your vision to life…you deserve the success that is sure to come to you. But when you can remain relatable and humble throughout your whole climb up…all the way till you reach your peak… you have accomplished so much more than “success”. You have managed to give hope…change lives…inspire… encourage…and uplift so many people you may not even be aware of.

Karen believes in female empowerment…and a large part of that is sharing knowledge. As sad as it is to admit it ….not a lot of us seem to be embracing that philosophy as much as we embrace being each others competition. It’s not easy being your own boss but Karen wears all of her hats so well. She’s doing what she loves….she is building an empire…with her vision, and her rules, ….based off of her hobbies that she made work for her as a career. There is no rule book to this thing called success…. Do what you love…be who you are…be gentle to people… keep good intentions…do good business…. listen to your gut… and be happy!

I chose to interview Karen because she’s a business savvy marketing beast who is building an empire that is sure to be a part of Hip Hop History… and thats inspiring!!! Our generation needs more movers and shakers…more go getters…more women who wont take no for a answer. She made her vision work for her….she did not conform…she did not give up… and her journey and testimony will surly inspire so many hearts out here seeking light.

Be Blessed. Be Inspired. Be Happy

@melanesia_

make sure you follow karen on IG & Twitter- @karencivil