ZODIAC SERIES
2020
Hello beautiful humans of the Universe!
This Zodiac Series was my personal project for this year. I came up with the idea to do this series while I felt trapped in my previous job. I was stressed out, overwhelmed and feeling depressed because I felt the longer I stood there the more time I took away from my personal artistry.
Since it was a "slow" day it made me realize how I was chained down to being at this place, even if there was nothing to do, my time was in their hands. I worked at the MAC counter in my local Macys and I printed out a long sheet of receipt paper and started to brainstorm. I wrote down ideas for myself for each month and then I thought "What is something to challenge myself for the entire year?" Behold I came up with the "Pepper Zodiac Series".
I had been getting into astrology and thought to myself how cool it would be combine my journey with my love for makeup. Digging deeper into my thoughts I wanted every person modeling for the zodiac to actually be that exact zodiac. I cannot tell you how hard this was for some. Lastly, I wanted everyone to be someone I personally knew. About only one or two people from this series has any modeling experience, everyone else this was brand new to!
COVID-19 came through by the 3rd Zodiac and I was shook. "What the hell am I going to do now?" My photographer Aiza was not able to travel to me and I was home bound. Luckily, the next zodiac was Aries and I was using my brother who I live with to model. As for the camera, iPhone honeyyy. I had to turn it out for about two of these Zodiacs with my phone. Regardless of the fact that I was in such a shitty situation, I continued to pursue this vision. Once New York was deemed "Safe" to work, I grabbed some of the best local photographers I knew and we were back in action. I did not have a professional studio for any of these photos besides Capricorn. I used t-shirts, fabric, or sometimes had no backdrop. The Universe was testing me, to see if I would just give up and wait until the circumstances were deemed perfect. This series helped me realize so much about myself and also allowed me to see all of my friends in another light of beauty. You all supported my artistry and in return these photos were a birthday gift to each of you. One day they'll be in my professional HQ. This series will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first time I put myself first as an artist.
I really hope this story will inspire even just one person. We all faced so much this year and it really tested us mentally, emotionally, financially , and spiritually. However, if you pray, meditate stay focused, keep genuine souls around, adjust and have faith. YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Thank you to everyone who was apart of 2020 with me. Especially thank you if you've been apart of this series.
Sending you PEACE LOVE AND FAIRY DUST
-Pepper
(PS: let me know your thoughts on the series, the story , or just say hi! Email me here )
CAPRICORN
Natasha, I am so proud of you. You are the beauty behind the lens of so many beautiful street art photos. It was such a treat for me to know you pushed your comfort zone to the side to be the muse for a change. You are a walking light. I love you! My Capricorn that keeps me balanced, wise and taught me the power of being lowkey!
Photo by : Aiza ( Click link to book my girl)
Follow Natasha for dope street art and vegan food adventures here
Hair & Makeup by Myself
AQUARIUS
Lisa! My intelligent and stunning queen. I just want to thank you a thousand times for being apart of this series. I know that you are not comfortable in front of a camera. But, HONEYYY Look at you! You exude beauty both in and out. Since our first interaction in high school I hoped we'd be friends for a long run. Keep being yourself Lisa. My Aquarius, reminding me how much power I have, take no bullshit and don't be afraid to question people or the world. I love you Lisa Lisa.
Photo by : Aiza ( Click link to book my girl)
Hair & Makeup by Myself
PISCES
Alejandro, being a fellow creative yourself I thank you for supporting me on this series. It was something very different from your usual street style. I appreciate your help with also photographing some of this series! Pisces, creative minded with a big heart.
Photo by : Aiza ( Click link to book my girl)
Book Alejandro for videography/photography here
Hair & Makeup by Myself
ARIES
Anthony!!! My brother( no for real its my brother). Thank you for supporting me on this series. I know that this is totally not your thing and you have never put makeup on before. I know that at first you didn't understand my vision on becoming a makeup-artist. However, once you saw how much I wanted this and how it meant to me you became one of my biggest supporters. I hope to continue to make you, mom and dad proud. I love you ugly head.
Photo taken by myself on iPhone 11 pro.
Hair & Makeup by Myself
TAURUS
Gracie fucking Grace everybody!! Stepping on necks since the day I met you! Instagram brought you into my life and we have created so many iconic moments together. When we met you were just modeling for personal friends and now to see all that you've been accomplishing in the industry is truly a treat. My Taurus, fearless, warrior rockstar! Model, singer and wild free spirit. ily!
Follow Gracie on Instagram here
Photo taken by my iphone 11 pro
GEMINI
To read the story behind this series, get to know the Zodiac models and more please view on a Desktop. It's worth it!
CANCER
Gladyyyyyyyyyy Y Diana. You beautiful beautiful Cancer Sisters. Thank you both so much for being apart of this journey with me. Gladys I met you in high school and although I always admired your beauty, it wasn't until after high school that I got to see just how beautiful you really are more than just a surface level. Diana we just met this year and it has been nothing but a pleasure to know you. You both are extremely hilarious and just beautiful souls. I hope to continue to make more memories with you two more than makeup!
Photos by Amber Num Nums
Hair & Makeup by Myself
LEO
Jainaba Darbzzzzzz my favorite laugh! It has been such a beautiful journey of friendship with you. You have taught me so much throughout the years. From volleyball team in high school to real life. We are in this together girl! I love you Jay thank you for constantly supporting me and my artistry. You are such a bright light and I am so happy to call you a friend. My Leo! Not afraid to speak her mind, a huge heart and a fierce woman. Cheers to you baby girl, to our friendship and future!
Photos by Amber Num Nums
VIRGO
ITS MEEEEE.
Ashley,
I am so proud of you... you bring me so many tears of joy getting to know the woman you are becoming. You continue to out do yourself every time no matter the curve balls thrown at you. You've been fired, told you won't amount to anything in this industry, doubted and much more only you know about. Yet here you stand. Please continue to spread your magic. The world needs it. This industry is about to have a SWEET awakening that is you. You have never had to bring anyone down to make yourself stand taller. I love you so dearly. My Virgo, emotional as hell, passionate, hard working, selfless and magical.
Photos by Alejandro and Amber Num Nums
Hair by The Kus Kus Touch (Book her!)
LIBRA
Deandra, Didi!!! My sweet sweet yet fierce as hell friend. I am so beyond proud of you D. I tell you all the time. I legit am so grateful to have met you. I KNOW that if you continue the path of your dreams, we'll be going on a world tour for your music in no time! Your voice of an angel and a heart of one too. Thank you for always being one of my muses. Your beauty is beyond words in and out. My Libra, she's got a big heart but not afraid to tell you WASSUP!
Photos taken by Saavisuals and Amber Num Nums
Hair & Makeup by Myself
SCORPIO
My Scorpio Squad!!! To know that theres still others missing blows my mind. I don't know what brujaeria you guys have done on me. I know and love soo many scorpios. However, here we have three of my top queens of my life!
Amber, you should know by now how much I love and adore you. I try my best to keep it obvious. I legit cannot see my life without you in it anymore. Girl you're one of my soul mates like Rayna, Jp and Jasmin. YOU are my partner in crime, my best friend and business partner. We have created endless memories together and I'm so happy to know its not the end. I love you big time!
Rayna!!!! My sugar and spice. You've known me since the 5th grade and honestly so much has stood the same about us. Our friendship is a sisterhood. Our memory book is the size of a bible and I love you so dearly. Thank you for always being you no matter what. My buttercup to the powerpuff girls. I know you'd drop kick a bitch in a heart beat for our love and then go eat because you're always hungry.
Jasssssssiiiieeeeee ! My sister since before 6/11/06 my myspace wifey and my best friend. I know this was the first time doing something like this and I am so proud of you for doing this for not just me but for you! Girl you rocked this gold look. You are golden in and out. LOVE YOU Jas! May we continue to have amazing memories together.
Photos by : Aiza
Hair & Makeup by Myself
SAGITTARIUS
ARIANA!!! We instantly clicked in MAC school and have been unstoppable since. I am so happy to have met you this year. You're such an amazing talented artist and it blows my mind whenever you share your work. The industry better have good wig glue on because you are coming here to SNATCH WIGS!!! I love you Ari , thank you for your support in my journey. May our friendship continue to blossom just as much as our art. My Sag! Bold and not afraid to be herself!! Born WINNER.
Hair & Makeup by Myself