The Personal Image

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Elaine Harrison BiographyWhen I was a child I couldn’t stay away from my mother’s makeup counter. I was always sneaking in and going through every piece of makeup that I could find. I remember the day my mother introduced me to foundation. I couldn’t believe it, liquid skin! I was hooked. Through my teenage years I remained fascinated by makeup and hair (all my Barbie’s were bald after entering Salon de la Elaine). When I was around fourteen, I began to realize that not only did I love doing my friends hair and makeup but they loved it too. Every time there was an event at school or a trip to the movies with a boy my phone rang, “Elaine will you please do my hair and makeup tonight?”. I always figured it would just be my favorite hobby. In my early twenties I landed a job as a telemarketer at John Robert Powers in Raleigh. Quickly management noticed my interest in the industry and in about 3 months I was the Academy Director. The first photo shoot I saw at JRP I jumped in and started helping with the hair and makeup. From that point on I became the head makeup and hair artist for all photo shoots, promotions, and runway shows. Not long after that, I realized I had a gift working with teen and preteens. I enjoyed coaching them on Self Esteem, poise, posture, and etiquette. I decided to restart the Personal Development chapter and began teaching those classes also. After about 3 years with the company, a colleague named April DeBock moved up to NYC to peruse her modeling career. Little did I know this would be a huge break for me. Instead of modeling, she became the Director of New Faces for Ikon Model Management. Once again just like back in high school my phone started ringing, “Elaine will you do some of my models hair and makeup?”. Although I had learned a lot at JRP, I realized that I wanted to peruse my passions on my own so I left the company. I spent two summers in NYC doing hair and makeup for Ikon Models and Fashion week. It was a huge thrill and I learned a lot of the “tricks of the trade”. So, here I am. I’m diving in and doing what I do best. I’m currently doing hair and makeup for local photographers, calendars, and Social The Magazine. My company, The Personal Image, focuses on Image Consulting and Personal Development. Our services include makeovers, wardrobe coordination, etiquette, hair styling, poise, posture, and presentation. I have a passion for making people look good, and lucky for me that makes them feel great!