What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
My book is unique because it tells you how to find Second hand local stores where you live or travel, how to use your own expertise when you’re shopping, to find those fabulous treasures. It guides you step by step on how to shop while you’re there. Tells you about the various types of second hand shops and, how they differ and are run. It is a fun and practical pocket guide to take with you. The Kindle edition is available on Amazon
Tell us something about yourself.
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. My degree in Fashion Design is from the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles, where I received A Peacock Award for Excellence in Design. A Bachelor’s degree in Conceptual Design and Performance Art is from San Francisco State University.
I Designed Film Costumes (using recycled clothing) for Hollywood Legends Cicely Tyson and Louise Fletcher. (See recommendation from Louise on my site) wwww.imakefaces.com One of my costumes is on display at Ms.Tyson’s Museum in Harlem.
My Celebrity Clientele as a Make-up Artist includes: Charlen Tilton, Mike Rowe, Malou Nubla, Dean Ornish, Lilias Folan, Andrea Immer, Mayor Susan Hammer Get a free Make-up Lesson on my Website at www.imakefaces.com.
My First Major Film Premiere as an Actress was at the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. I have Spoken at Colleges, Groups, Schools, Churches, Conferences. I have appeared regularly in print, television, radio and film since 1989 and been interviewed on Make-up, Face Painting, Costume Design, Acting and Community Involvement.
My husband and I are refurbishing and redecorating a Victorian house in the San Francisco Bay Area with Second Hand Finds. We have three Pekingese dogs.
What inspired you to write this book?
As President of the Struggling Single Mom, Actress, Costume Designer and Make-up Artist Club, I learned to Power Shop Second Hand! I shopped anywhere and everywhere, for anything, I could possibly save money on! I did so with style and no shame, and my endorphin levels skyrocketed because I found wonderful necessities, lovely re-sellable items and I was contributing to my community, charities, recycling, reusing and reducing resources!
How did you choose the title?
Catches people attention and happens all the time when you shop second hand.
What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?
I self published in 2003 got some great publicity but didn’t know how to capitialize on it. Working on that now. The Wall Street journal featured me as a Fashion Tour Guide for Second Hand Shopping “She’s like the Pied Piper of shopping”. I Won a Contest and Interview on KGO Newstalk Radio to talk about my Book. I was described as “Warm, Disarming, Engaging and Enthusiastic” after Speaking at a Librarian’s Training Day in California.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
Been writing poetry since high school. Wrote and drew a picture book for my nephew when I was a teen. Wrote, directed and produced children’s theater.
Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?
Don’t think about it; do it.
If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?
Hire an editor immediately.
Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?
Other books/videos I want to write/produce: Flattering Make-up for Daily Use, Face Painting and Body Art How-to Series, Latin Guide to Breaking into Show Business.
I plan on starting a Blog ASAP to share the latest bargains with photos!
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Attend Writers Conferences, retreats, workshops, join a critique group.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
www.imakefaces.com
www.imdb.com (put in my name: my filmography will come up)
