Love in the Time of Corona

I am sure this is not the first time Garcia’s novel title has been adapted to our times, but I still felt it was appropriate to use for this blog post! It was hard to decide what to write first since it’s been a while, but my partner scolded me for neglecting my blog!

Since my line of business was considered non-essential, it was an adjustment of pace, and I prioritized staying healthy and uplifted, maintaining mental clarity, and staying informed while keeping in touch with friends and family via video conferences and chatting apps. I posted a few at-home workout videos on my personal facebook, and got my family members into it! My nephews were doing them and they told my sister they wanted to get a six-pack! :P

To all the couples who were planning or are planning and had to postpone their events, I’m right there with you and am sending you love and light during this potentially stressful time. Many have opted to postpone to the 2021 season, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful 2021 season for all vendors and clients alike.

I had to say no to requests for services with dates during shelter-in-place and reschedule appointments we had until our county (Santa Clara County) is cleared for them for the safety of our community, and so I am grateful for our clients’ understanding and patience with all the date changes and for patiently awaiting our return!

That being said, until a vaccine is readily available for everyone, there are a few changes we have to adopt in order for us to safely service you and your loved for upcoming events in the Fall, Winter and for next year. Hair & Makeup artists is the highest risk crew members in production and event production due to the close proximity we have to be to perform our services. I’ve been keeping informed and sharing what I know with my industry colleagues, and based on some of the classes I’ve taken with regards to OSHA compliance, here at Skyla Arts we are adapting our services in order to best accommodate and keep our community safe.

I summarized the main points below:

• Stylist will be using face masks, face shields/goggles during services.
• During on-site styling, we will try our best to spread out our stations if space permits.
• Blowdrying will be kept to a minimum, as the dryer can blow airborne particles in the air across the room.
• Service time will be extended to provide time for stylists to sanitize in between clients and take quick breaks from the face masks etc.
• We recommend bridal party members who are not receiving services have a face shield/face mask on. Non-masked clients will be asked to stay 6 feet away from our stations.
• We will have to keep our conversation to a minimum and avoid handshakes & hugs during greetings.

The last one is probably the hardest one for us. Our business is a very personal one, and we really enjoy getting to know all our clients and having a great conversation; conversing and building rapport is a huge part of our service. But this is what is recommended for us! I want to relay that I hope no one will feel we are being cold or stand off-ish by reducing conversation…! Perhaps instead, we can pump up the music, so please let us know your favorite playlist or artist, and we still hope to create a relaxing and enjoyable ambiance for you during the hair and makeup time!

That being said, I really miss doing hair & makeup, and I look forward to working together in the near future :)

These images are from a gorgeous styled shoot spearheaded and art directed by Sammy from Lambert Studio, photos by Jen Huang, planning by Natalie Choi Events, hair & makeup, men’s grooming by me/Liz/Skyla Arts, showcasing Asian American beauty, Asian American identity, and gorgeous aesthetic, providing a diversified representation for wedding inspiration images, via an all Chinese American creative crew. The gorgeous Moon Gate Lounge at Mister Jiu’s and the iconic SF Chinatown provided the stunning backdrop for this shoot. I love this set and the cinematic feel of the red booths, a mix of sweet and sexy :) I decided on a subtle and classic winged liner and red lip look for the red suit look. For the bridal look, I went for a middle part, loose and romantic chignon. I had a great time working with the all-star vendor team listed below :)

Art Direction/Floral Design :  Lambert Studio Photography :  Jen Huang Planning/Design :  Natalie Choi Events Makeup, Hair, Men’s Grooming :  Skyla Arts Venue :  Moon Gate Lounge Wardrobe Stylist :  Claire Lee Calligraphy/Paper :  Owl Post Calligraphy Jewelry :  WAANT Wedding Dress :  Loho Bride Linens :  La Tavola Linen Rentals :  Theoni Collection Model :  Xin Yu from Scout Model :  Jordan Wong