DIVA DOES… Redefining HerSELF

DIVA DOES…  Redefining HerSELF

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

When I first got the call for this job, I stopped everything and couldn’t have been happier. One of my very best friends was going to featured in SELF magazine! Of course she needed her personal makeup artist as part of her glam squad…

In the June 2013 issue (that just hit newsstands yesterday), Ali’s story starts on page 65 and continues on page 66. Her story doesn’t end there though. Because despite a shocking and life-changing diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2009, Ali continues to face fears, take chances, pursue dreams, grow and inspire. This is just the beginning for her.

For those who know Ali – and those who read the article – it’s clear she is a beauty inside and out.

These days, she radiates strength and positivity.

Which is why we decided on such a simple, fresh look. When you have a genuine smile and eyes that sparkle, you need little else.

I hope my being there on the shoot gave Ali the confidence that she’d look gorgeous and also reminded her of how far she’s come and how loved she is. As the piece reveals, I didn’t always know what to say to comfort Ali when we were both so scared. But now just being there, to line her eyes or laquer her lips or squeeze her hand or give her a hug, seems to do the trick.

Life throws a lot of ugly things our way. But emerging better for it is truly a beautiful thing.

[Read the rest of Ali’s story in the June 2013 issue of SELF magazine, where she talks about treatment, romance, health, friendship and her big adventure planned for this summer!]

Photos: Susan Pittard



15 Comments

  1. Ali Salama

    LDiva! You inspire me and have showed me that hard work, dedication, passion, commitment, showing up, fighting back, giving back and laughing and loving is all essential to a happy and healthy life! I am so happy you were a part of this part of my journey. I couldn’t have done it without you!

  2. 3953wg08leysu

    LDiva! You inspire me and have showed me that hard work, dedication, passion, commitment, showing up, fighting back, giving back and laughing and loving is all essential to a happy and healthy life! I am so happy you were a part of this part of my journey. I couldn’t have done it without you!

  3. Lauren Cosenza

    Love you, lady!

    It is your story, but it has changed us all for the better. XO

  4. Christina Jones

    Amazing! You look gorgeous and are truly an inspiration! xoxo

  5. 0nsxqqxuj3v8m

    Amazing! You look gorgeous and are truly an inspiration! xoxo

  6. Rose Cosenza

    You give others hope to overcome this terrible disease.  Keep strong.  Love you, Ali.

  7. 1s64c6tyn5njy

    You give others hope to overcome this terrible disease.  Keep strong.  Love you, Ali.

  8. 2kbtqmo9wmml1

    Ali – you are not only the true definition of beautiful (inside and out), you are also the true definition of INSPIRATION.
    I admire you for being so brave and I love you for being my friend. xx

  9. Señor Lechuga

    You are a role model to all of those around you!! Congrats Ali!!!

  10. 2lxp4q1b53m7v

    You are a role model to all of those around you!! Congrats Ali!!!

  11. J-Swags

    I couldn’t believe my beautiful girlfriend could be more beautiful. Than two things happened: 1) she had the courage to do this article for SELF magazine and, 2) Ldiva did her make-up. The result: 1 splash of hottie more than before, if you can imagine it all possible. I’m the luckiest guy on the planet. Thank you Ali for being the best, and thank you Ldiva for being her best friend (and for your talent with a brush and pencil) xx swags

  12. 0owtowhoq9vzt

    I couldn’t believe my beautiful girlfriend could be more beautiful. Than two things happened: 1) she had the courage to do this article for SELF magazine and, 2) Ldiva did her make-up. The result: 1 splash of hottie more than before, if you can imagine it all possible. I’m the luckiest guy on the planet. Thank you Ali for being the best, and thank you Ldiva for being her best friend (and for your talent with a brush and pencil) xx swags

  13. PAUL CHRISTOPHER

    Ali- you are such an inspiration for anyone. What a beautifully courageous story to share and empower others. 

  14. 06w6bn57kyt0x

    Ali- you are such an inspiration for anyone. What a beautifully courageous story to share and empower others. 

  15. 1gjdmwnph9ked

    Amazing and inspiring article!!! Ali you look beautiful!!! Great job!!!