Contributed in part by Lisa Brown-Hall, The Ghetto Fashionista http://theghettofashionista.blogspot.com/
KALAMAZOO (MICH); WASHINGTON D.C. -Actor and musician Terrance Howard, boxer Laila Ali, and Ugly Betty’s America Ferrera are just a few of the many stars Kalamazoo native Cataanda “J” James has made beautiful for the big screen. Her love for hair and make-up began when she was just a student in Kalamazoo Public Schools and her dedication to perfect her skill has led to her being a sought-after cosmetologist. She gratefully acknowledges that it is her God given talent that always shines through her work.
She has dolled actors up on such shows as “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” “MTV’s Making the Band,” as well as commercials focusing on everything from cancer survivors to Mercedes Benz week. James also was a finalist in the audition to become the stylist for First Lady Michelle Obama. Learn more about her at her site: http://www.cataandaj.com
Now, she wants to give back to the community through a project she founded in Washington D.C. where she currently resides. After a successfully run contest in the DC Metro area, young girls in Kalamazoo will have a chance to win the Inner Princess Contest.
James founded the contest as a way to empower and celebrate other women on the bases that “a healthy recognition of who you are at your authentic core.”
“Every young girl has an ‘inner princess’ who with a little coaxing and encouragement can emerge,” James said. “In honor of celebrating young woman who are coming into their own, I am pleased to announce an essay contest which will allow young woman access to their own glam squad in preparation for their proms.”
A Kalamazoo native and Kalamazoo Central High School graduate (1992) and a true beauty from the inside out Cataanda “J” James is the ultimate “triple threat”- master hairstylist, celebrity make-up artist, and stylist are just a few of the accomplishments of this talented artist.
With a depth of knowledge in the beauty industry, Cataanda has shared her gift of beauty for M.A.C. Cosmetics where she continues to serve as a freelance artist. She has represented L’Oreal as a National Artist at the Sundance Film Festival, Speaking of Women’s Health, and Essence Music Festival and most recently for the Oprah O Magazine 10 year anniversary Live You’re Best Now Tour. Because the eyes reflect the soul, Cataanda’s signature eye make-up technique “Cat-Eyez” has been recognized on the runways of The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Local coordinator of the Inner Princess contest is Angela Bailey, VISTA, Corporation for National and Community Services through Communities in School of Kalamazoo. Bailey, a Kalamazoo native and 1992 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, is currently working for Corporation for National and Community Services through Communities in School of Kalamazoo.
She is currently stationed at Millwood Magnet School where she is focused on connecting students and their families with community resources that they may be in need of and help the students with anything from basic need items in addition to tutoring/mentoring so that’s they can succeed in school with less obstacles as possible. She also is pursuing a degree in Social Work.
The Rules:
Contestants must choose between one of the following topics and write a 500 word essay using the following topics:
1. Celebration- Why do you think so many young women have difficulty celebrating each other? How can you be the catalyst to change this?
2.Inspiration- You could be the next Oprah Winfrey, Kimora Lee Simmons, Michelle Obama- how do you serve as an inspiration for your peers who are “going through” i.e. dealing with self-esteem issues, handling peer pressure or just life challenges in genera?
3. Authenticity- because of peer pressure, images seen in videos and simply the awkwardness of fitting in, sometimes it is difficult to find your authentic voice. Describe your unique authenticity and what ‘walking to the beat of your own drum’ means to you.
Essays must be submitted electronically to: innerprincesscontest@hotmail.com
Essay Deadline: TBD
The Kalamazoo contest is being bought to you by:
Organizers of the contest seek donations to support this effort. Items needed include limo services, hair stylists, make-up artists as well as financial donors to help defray the costs of prom related expenses ( gown, shoes, etc.) For more information, send email to: innerprincesscontest@hotmail.com
