Kathie Lee Gifford (Left) and Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York (Right)
On the red carpet at the 2006 Tony Awards in NYC.
Hello Huffington Post Make-up readers!
In September of 2005 Kathie Lee Gifford was hired by The Insider (a show that focuses on American celebrity news) to become their special Celebrity correspondent for two years. They were basically sending her into the field to interview all of her celebrity friends on location on all their current projects (Kathie Lee knows and is friends with everyone by the way, I've never seen anything quite like it actually unless of course your name is Donald J. Trump). She needed a personal make-up artist. They called me. I remember the first day I worked with Kathie Lee I was so nervous to meet her. I grew up watching her. She had been there for my family and me every morning since I could remember, an American television icon if you will, I was a huge fan and was excited to finally meet her face to face.
Typically it has always been a policy of mine to look at all celebrity's sitting in my makeup chair as faces who need to be transformed. I do not focus on how famous they are, how much money they have or what their status is in any given tabloid magazine. Staying neutral is key to getting the job done well. On this day however I "broke the fourth wall" as they say in the acting world and addressed my subject directly before I got started on her face. "Kathie Lee, I don't normally do this but can I just say I have loved you my whole life and am a huge fan! You are so awesome and it is such an honor to work with you today. Sorry, I just had to get this off my chest, lol, (blush, bush)." To which she replied in her always upbeat, friendly, gregarious nature, "Oh my goodness what a way to start the day! You are too kind!! Come over here and let me give you a hug!!" She gave me the biggest hug ever and made an absolute stranger feel totally at ease with her warm-hearted ways right from the start. I was able to then focus on the job at hand without short-circuiting.
For the next two years (the duration of her "Insider" contract) I was basically attached to her hip. They had her/us traveling everywhere at that time. I even remember one crazy May (there happen to be five Mondays that particular month) they had us on a plane from New York to L.A. every Monday at 6 a.m. for five Monday's in a row. We would land in L.A., run directly to the studio where we shot the show all day and would then return the very next day to NY (Tuesday) five Tuesday's in a row. It was hectic and exhausting and definitely a good candidate for bringing out the grouch monster in anyone. Not Kathie Lee though.
On our last return from L.A. there was a massive flight delay. At the terminal people were becoming irate and flocked to the flight attendants desk to yell and complain about it. There was this one woman in particular who was beginning to get hostile. She was the caretaker of a mentally ill woman who was in a wheelchair. As she began yelling at an ungodly volume and as her rage escalated she actually forgot about the woman she was taking care of and just left her sitting in the middle of the terminal unattended. The ill woman was obviously confused and scared and quickly became nervous talking to herself and rocking back and forth in her wheel chair. Kathie Lee without hesitation got up from her seat, walked right up behind the ill woman and placed two gentle hands on each of her shoulders. She began talking softly in her ear to ease her anxiety, stroking her arms and never leaving her side. Her gentle voice and calming words and touch immediately soothed this poor soul. Alleviated instantly you could see she felt totally safe with this strange "lady" behind her who clearly had the healing touch.
I always knew Kathie Lee was an exceptional entertainer but her act of kindness towards this ill woman whom she didn't even know demonstrated who Kathie Lee is at the core of her being and the pure love she has in her heart for those in need.
Kathie Lee is a class act. I could go on and on about all the amazing things she said and did while I worked with her during those two years. The list is long. I was blessed to have had that time with her. It is a fond memory that I hold dear always. Wishing you continued success KLG!
Much love, NB! Xo
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Kathie Lee Gifford, Ladies Home Journal Cover -
Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Dear Nicole,
My father used to tell me, "Find something you love to do and then figure out a way to get paid for it." It was something similar to what Confucius had said: "Happy is a man who loves what he does so much that he never has to work." The definition of success isn't necessarily what the world's definition of success is, but rather where your passion is and thus your joy.
Much Love, Kathie Lee"
Kathie Lee Gifford, 11 Time Emmy Nominated, Emmy Winner, NBC's Today Show Host, Singer/Song Writer, Author, Celebrity Ambassador for ChildHelp USA, Wife, Mother of 2
DONALD J. TRUMP TALKS SUCCESS: FEATURING MY ONE ON ONE SUCCESS INTERVIEW WITH NBC'S TODAY SHOW HOST KATHIE LEE GIFFORD
INTERVIEW BY: NICOLE BRYL, MAKE-UP NEW YORK
NB: KATHIE LEE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE KEY INGREDIANTS TO STAYING SUCCESSFULLY GROUNDED IN A WORLD THAT IS MOVING FASTER THAN EVER?
KLG: Be still and know that God is God.
NB: AS ONE OF THOSE RARE PEOPLE WHO HAS MAINTAINED A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE FOR ALMOST THREE DECADES NOW, WHAT, IN YOUR ESTIMATION IS THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL LIFE LONG MARRIAGE?
KLG: Sense of humor, forgiveness, and faith.
NB: WHAT HAVE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BEEN CO-HOSTING YOUR WILDLY SUCCESSFUL LIVE MORNING SHOW'S WITH A FEMALE AS OPPOSED TO A MALE?
NB: ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR SUCCESSFULLY SURVIVING LIFE'S MOST DIFFICULT EXPERIENCES, WHEN YOU FEEL SOMEHOW HOPELESS AND WOULD RATHER JUST PULL THE COVERS OVER YOUR HEAD?
KLG: Get up and GO because God's not finished with you yet.
NB: YOU HAVE THE HEART OF AN ANGEL KATHIE LEE. I HAVE WITNESSED THIS WITH MY OWN EYES IN THE TWO YEARS I WORKED AND TRAVELED THE U.S. WITH YOU. THE LOVE AND KINDNESS YOU GIVE TO SO MANY IS IMMENSE. FOR THOSE WHO ALSO FEEL LIFE AS DEEPLY AS YOU DO AND HAVE TREMENDOUS LOVE TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD, WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU GIVE THEM TO SUCCESSFULLY PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO CRUSH OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PURE SPIRIT?
KLG: Pray for your enemies. You can't imagine how much that affects them! Plus it totally frees you from their hatred.
NB: WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST INSTRUMENTAL VALUES YOU BELIEVE, THAT HAVE SUCCESSFULLY SHAPED YOUR CHILDREN'S LIVES THUS FAR IN WHICH THEY WILL CARRY WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES'.
KLG: That God loves them even more than I do and they can trust Him for more than they can trust me.
NB: WHAT DOES A SUCCESSFUL DAY LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
KLG: Equal parts: Physical/Mental/Spiritual/Wine.
NB: WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR MOST CHERISHED SUCCESSES THUS FAR IN YOUR CAREER?
KLG: My relationships. They beat an Emmy any day. And bringing SCANDALOUS to Broadway.
NB: WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL AND ENJOYABLE FAMILY VACATIONS? WHERE WERE YOU?
KLG: On a friend's boat all over Europe. We have never been so spoiled!
NB: WITH SO MANY EARLY MORNING WAKE UP'S DAY AFTER DAY, WHAT ARE YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL BEAUTY TIPS THAT KEEP YOU LOOKING AS FRESH AND AS PRETTY AS YOU DO YEAR AFTER YEAR?
KLG: Great makeup artists like Nicole Bryl!
For everything Kathie Lee Gifford, follow her on Twitter!
...AND NOW A FEW MORE WORDS ON SUCCESS FROM MY RESPECTED
CLIENTS WHO SENT IN THEIR VIEWS ON SUCCESS SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS ARTICLE.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! XO
Donald J. Trump
"I'm a firm believer that unless you have passion for what you are doing, success will not come. I mean success on several levels -- one must feel a sense of gratification from the efforts involved as well pleasure at reaping the results of those efforts. Otherwise, it can be a difficult process. Passion gives the energy required to make it, and if you love what you are doing it will never seem like work. Secondly, you have to maintain your momentum. Without it, a lot of time can be wasted. Thirdly, you must be tenacious -- you can never give up!"
Donald J. Trump, Chairman and President, The Trump Organization
Melania Trump, Philadelphia Style Cover - Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Dear Nicole,
Hope you are well. Here are a few of my viewpoints on success:
Believe in yourself! Go after your dreams! Work hard and DON'T GIVE UP!!! There will be some bumpy days on your way to success but keep visualizing your goals. Always listen to your inner voice, your 'gut' feeling. Think positively, and surround yourself with people who also think positively. Don't be around toxic people!!!!!!!! Always educate yourself, even when you've reached your "success" or goals. The mind is a terrible thing to waist.
Much Love, Melania"
Melania Trump, Mother, Wife, Entrepreneur
Ivanka Trump, Atlanta Peach Cover - Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Nicole,
I think that the most important thing in any service industry is networking and subsequent
follow up. Many people think that it is enough to make a connection but relationships have to me preserved and nurtured if they are to grow. Fostering true connectivity is paramount...especially early in ones career.
Best, Ivanka"
Ivanka Trump, Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions, The Trump Organization, Social/Style Icon, Designer, Mother, Wife
Glenda Bailey
"Nicole,
I've always lived by the idea that 'Success is like perfume -- it should be smelled, but never tasted.' The greatest success is happiness.
Best Wishes, Glenda"
Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief Harper's Bazaar
Zac Posen
"Dear Nicole,
Success for me can mean a variety of things. In a worldly sense success is the continued neverending work toward reaching an ultimate goal. Personally I like to find success in small daily achievements whether it is being constantly inspired by my design process or even completing that ideal drape. Be passionate and success will come!
Love, Zac"
Zac Posen, American Fashion Designer
Naeem Khan
"Dear Nicole,
To me, success means the fulfillment of your passion and, through it, the ability to provide for your family and staff. It also means having the world look upon you with honor for what you do.
Kind Regards, Naeem"
Naeem Khan, Indian-born, American Fashion Designer
Mary Alice Stephenson, Bal Harbour Feature -
Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
Dear Nicole,
What is success? To me, success is a lifestyle, a healthy, positive, proactive way of interacting with everything around you. I practice success every day. I try to see it, breath it in, feel it's rewards and project it even in moments of fear and self doubt. I believe we are successful when we strive to give and do our best in every experience and I have learned that even in failure I succeed. If I dedicated my best self but failed I am still certain that my loss will turn into growth. Success is a choice, reach for it, grab it, make it yours and then share with the world to help light other's way.
Much Love, MARY ALICE XOXOXOXOX
Mary Alice Stephenson, Humanitarian, Style & Beauty Expert, Founder of GLAM4GOOD, Mother of One
Maria Menounos, First for Woman Cover - Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Hi Nicole,
In my book, The EveryGirl's Guide to Life, I give a breakdown on my ways to do things better, faster, smarter and less expensive with the best advise I've taken from successful people in all walks of life and experts from various industries. No one has all the answers, but here are some things I try to live by that have brought me success which I believe work for anyone looking for their own success:
Be proactive, not reactive in life. Carry a sense of urgency in your day. Maximize every resource as well as every minute of the day fitting in everything from fashion to family to finances to fitness. Lazy people end up working the hardest. Laziness in life leads only to more work and
stress. Organization is the key to happiness.
Maria xoxoxo"
Maria Menounos, International Television Reporter & Journalist, NY Times Best Selling Author of "The EveryGirl's Guide To Life" and Founder of AFTERBUZZTV
Joan Lunden, Good Housekeeping Cover - Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Hi Nicole,
I have always felt that success comes to those who don't wait around for good things to happen to them, but rather to those who find the opportunities in life, pursue them, are tenacious, and then approach their jobs with enthusiasm. You for example, go the extra mile to make sure I always look perfect on camera EVERY TIME and that's what keeps you at the top of your field. Getting to the top is only part of it, but you've been able to stay on the top. People are able to stay on top when they work hard and build a customer base that is satisfied and trusts in your abilities and your willingness to be fair and thus are loyal to you.
Congrats and good luck, Joan xo"
Joan Lunden, American Television Personality, Award-winning Journalist, Best-selling Author, International Speaker, Mother of 7, Wife
Beth Stern, US Weekly Cover, Marriage Photo to Husband Howard Stern -
Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
"Hi Nicole,
Honestly, the times I feel most successful are when I am instrumental in helping animals.
Spreading the word on adoption and physically volunteering my time working at shelters has
always and will continue to be my life's passion. I wish everyone would treat animals with the
respect and dignity that they deserve. I feel I am making the world a better place when I help to save an animal. To me, that defines my success.
Xoxoxox Beth"
Beth Stern, American Television Personality, Actress, North Shore Animal League Hero, Mother to Many Furry Friends, Wife
Mark Steines
"Hello My Dear,
To me, success is not a destination but rather a journey. "Stuff" i.e. cars houses, vacations etc. is the by-product of being successful. Day to day happiness is true success and you achieve this by finding a balance in all the areas of your life.
Mark xo"
Mark Steines, Former 17 Year Entertainment Tonight Co-Anchor, 3 Time Emmy Winning Journalist, Photographer, Father of 2, Husband
MY THOUGHTS ON SUCCESS
As an alumna of the Rudolf Steiner High School in NYC I was asked to be the key note speaker at a senior luncheon where mostly all the graduating students that year were aspiring artists.' They requested I speak about my thoughts on "success" from the perspective of a creative person who had achieved longevity in their career of 20 plus years and counting. I began by reading the above quotes which my clients had so generously sent in to me, followed by one from Rudolf Steiner himself, "The standard can never be the way all people WOULD act, but rather what, for me, is to be done in each individual case." -Rudolf Steiner
and then continued with a few of my own personal thoughts on success:
Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
A FEW WORDS ON 'SUCCESS'BY: NICOLE BRYL, MAKE-UP NEW YORK
RUDOLF STEINER SENIOR LUNCHEON -- KEY NOTE SPEECH
"Be yourself. Don't try to be anyone other than your authentic self no matter how awkward you may feel. People will either accept you or not so don't stress about it. There is so much strength and confidence to be gained in all areas of life in being ok with being awkward.
Don't forget to smile. To quote William Blake, "He whose face gives no light shall never become a star." When I see people smile at work I always feel better, so why not implement this small gesture into your daily work life and make someone else feel great. Why not be known as the warm hearted happy person whom everyone is glad to see. Creating a positive vibe each and every day at work is a characteristic vital to longevity and success. I'm not saying be fake. Some days we are all grumpy or sad but seriously leave that attitude at home because when you go to work you MUST be professional and put aside personal issues to concentrate on the job and client at hand. When I am sad, it is typically turned around immediately when I see the amazingly creative and beautiful people I work with. Lesson here, if you are still miserable when you see the people you work with and you cannot find your smile, you are definitely working the wrong job!
Find your rhythm in life. If it truly fits your rhythm to work in the same place every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. then do it, if a freelance lifestyle better excites you, then set up your life so that you don't have to be afraid to trust in the freelancers not knowing when the next job will come in element. I have never been able to work in the same place every day, all day long. Ever seen a caged lion? Well that's me when I am confined to a traditional makeup room for too many hours. My rhythm, my joy, is running around, jumping from this place to that in different location's each day with various different people and sometimes having a Wednesday off instead of a Sunday. It works for my rhythm. Keeps me happy, fresh minded and positive. Even when my wonderfully more traditional minded family tried to persuade me that it was not a sensible choice to not take a full time job back in the day, I still had to go with my gut and follow MY personal rhythm. It worked out for me because I followed MY inner-truth, in turn, living a happier life and my family adjusted to this view over time and have since become truly supportive of my decisions.
Find the courage to follow your inner truth. If you are really listening to it, it will ALWAYS lead you down the right road for you, thus creating joy in your life and if you are joyful you are motivated and motivation is definitely a doorway to success.
Successful people are not held back by their fears, so don't be afraid to be afraid. Don't let your fear of the unknown stop you from taking big risks and trying new things. This is how we all stretch and grow by taking these risks and "just going for it." It's normal to fail sometimes, but be sure to pick yourself up again and jump back into the game even if you are terrified to do so.
Be consistent. Consistently give 100 percent of yourself even when you don't feel like it or even if you are uncertain about what you are supposed to do exactly. Over time you will have exercised the consistent muscle so much that giving 100 percent of yourself will be second nature to you no matter what the circumstance. The people around you will know they can count on you for your 100 percent guarantied efforts at all times and that's what separates excellence from mediocrity.
Don't be lazy. Go beyond what people ask of you and give them more. There is not one outstandingly successful person I know who doesn't go way above the call of duty to get the job done!!
Follow through on everything. If you tell someone you are going to do something then DO IT and do it immediately! EVERY TIME! Success is reliability. People need to know they can count on you EVERY TIME and in a timely fashion! What helps me to remember everything? I make a note of it the second I am discussing or thinking about what I need to do. Taking two seconds to jot down every thought of what needs to be done will create a list that you can refer back to that same day. Organization is vital! DO NOT rely on memory alone for as you become more successful the pile up will become more immense.
Don't be a know it all. Always be open to hearing new concepts and ideas from others, you just might learn something. Sit with these ideas for a day or two and then pick and choose from it what feels right for you to incorporate into your life. As time goes on remember to verbally give credit to those people who helped shape these changes, they will appreciate it. Gratitude is a respectable element to incorporate into your world and change is constant so it is important to keep adding fresh ideas to your repertoire. Knowledge is power and as we learn more we are able to add more to our personal "success" toolboxes. It is the culmination of information that after 20 plus years gives you the title "expert." We eventually all want to have the "expert" title in our careers because it is at that point you can take your career to a whole new level and experience a heightened professional freedom.
Be truthful. DO NOT lie to your clients or any other person you work with. People will always feel it if you are a slimy snake in the grass. Always find the courage to tell the truth. If you make a mistake, take full responsibility for it. Be humble. Apologize. Integrity and trust is #1 in building all successful long lasting relationships in your career.
Take some quiet and alone time for yourself each day to hear what your intuition tells you. As
creative people our intuition guides us and when you create some room in your day just for you, brilliant creative ideas come through. WRITE THEM DOWN! You will be glad you did the next day!
It's OK to take a break if you need to. An artist needs their "dream" time to take in thoughts, sounds and colors which generate new ideas that inspire you to create. For me, that usually comes in the form of traveling to a foreign land and spending time with dear friends who live abroad. How wonderful to experience new cultures and take in life in a totally different way than what I'm accustomed to on a daily basis. It keeps me balanced and fuels my joy which ultimately carries over to my work life when I return home again. Running at such high speeds for too long can wear down your battery and cloud your creative impulses, so if you need to slow down from time to time and find your natural rhythm again it's OK. Actually, it's vital! Remember life is a journey so BE SURE to "take some time to smell the roses" every once in a while. We all need to recharge our batteries and clear our heads. It's good for you and good for your career!
Know that the road to "ultimate" success is endless there is no final destination unless you say there is, so set goals. Once you achieve a certain number of them you will either want to move forward and take things to the next level or exercise a new direction in life. Also know that the road to "ultimate" success comes at a price, there are certain personal sacrifices to be made (i.e. not making it to your best friends big birthday bash again, not making that once a year family function for the fifth year in a row, having your European vacation time which you planned with your friends all year cut in half because you are called back to the U.S. for a gig by your most valued employer who "needs" you ASAP, etc.) so much of your personal time is monopolized on the road to "ultimate" success it can often disappoint and sadden a lot of important people in your non-working life, which can be difficult to handle at times. Be sure, ultimate success is VERY hard work. Do not think for one moment success comes easily because even if it comes quickly you must work really hard to sustain it, even through the tough times which are inevitable in any long lasting career. If you are passionate about what you do, the rewards for all of your hard work and sacrifice totally out weigh what you go through to get "there". It does feel amazing to look back on all that you have worked for and achieved over the years and of course it is wonderful to enjoy all the by-products/benefits that come along with your success (like being invited to write for The Huffington Post for example and having these amazing public figures contribute their "success" quotes to this article).
In conclusion, I will leave you with this final quote, "Where there is love, there is life." -- Mahatma Gandhi
If you carry these words with you until the end you will always be successful!
Much love, Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York"