A Year of Beers: A Look Back at 2010

Wow! 2010 has been an amazing year for me!  I’d like to say my year started in March when I took a job and sort of moved to Indianapolis on a whim.  I lived in Elkhart, Indiana pretty much my entire life and like most people my age…I was ready to move on!  As a recent graduate of Indiana University, I wasn’t really looking for a full-time steady job.  At the time I was working part-time and also juggling modeling and hosting Nightlights in Michiana.  I have to admit that at the time, my work situation just wasn’t cutting it.

One evening I randomly came across a job posting on …get this…Facebook! (I know.)  The description fit my qualifications almost perfectly!  Well long story short … I got the job.  Then it was time for a serious decision.

Looking back, moving to Indy seems like the obvious choice but at the time it was somewhat a scary idea.  There were so many “uncertainties”.  My main concern was, “what will happen to Nightlights?”  I had invested so much time and energy into helping get Nightlights off the ground – and it was finally starting to be recognized as we experienced a lot of positive feedback.  The last thing I wanted was for Nightlights to end.

We had a serious discussion as my stomach twisted and turned in knots!  After a taking a deep breath and exhaling we decided to brave it and move the show to Indy.  In reality, Indy is a much bigger market with more opportunities…and if Nightlights could work in Michiana, then it could certainly have a high chance of success in Indy.  Plus I figured, if I don’t make this move now, then I never will.  It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone but sometimes in life you have to push yourself.  Here goes nothing…

My 2010 highlights:

Midwest Fashion Week

1)  I ushered in the new move to Indy with modeling in Midwest Fashion Week.  My favorite time of year in the fashion industry!  It’s my favorite show to walk in because it’s such a big deal and the runway is sooo long!  There are usually two shows a year (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter).  It’s the biggest production in the area as far as runway and fashion are concerned.  Plus I got to walk for three different designers, the most I’ve ever modeled for in one show: Sachika, Gaby Couture and Catou.  And the most outfits too!  The adrenaline rush from having to frantically change looks …running around half-naked backstage and then entering the runway calm, cool and collected like all that didn’t just happen is such a thrill!

2)  I met the fabulous people of Fashion Wrap Up and modeled in my first national campaign for Tavik Swimwear.  Since then, I’ve modeled several other times for their online magazine.  Plus I was named one of the “Midwest’s Most Beautiful” in their December issue.

Tavik Swimwear

custom T.Party t-shirt: "I like to T.Party with Beers"

3)  I scored a jewelry sponsorship with Cheeky Couture.  Get Your Cheeky On!  I also landed my first clothing sponsorship with T.Party T-shirts and received the very first custom-made shirt that read “I like to T.Party with Beers” .

4)  We launched Nightlights in Indy after filming the first couple segments in Broad Ripple at Midtown Grill and the Alley Cat Lounge.  We also implemented the LIVE webcast, something we’d never done before.

5)  Continued juggling Nightlights in Michiana.  Ran our first full-page ad in the Michiana Entertainer magazine …which apparently caused some commotion.  The next time we traveled up to film some more segments in Michiana, people lined up to get my autograph.

signing autographs

6) On that same note, 2010 was the first year I experienced a fan literally running up to me in the street to tell me how much he enjoys watching the show.  I was flattered that he felt so honored to meet me …it was actually kind of weird in a way!  It’s surreal when someone who’s introducing them self is familiar with who I am and I have no clue who they are!

The same kind of thing happened when we did a LIVE feed at Gen Con.  We just moved the show to Indy and someone from Michiana was there, ran up to me …”Are you Amy Beers?” and wanted to get a picture.

Another time I was eating dinner at Sangrias in South Bend.  I thought maybe I was going crazy because I thought I over heard some people sort of whispering at the table next to us and I thought I heard them say “Nightlights”.  They were kind of looking over my way too.  Finally someone spoke up and said, “Hey, are you the Nightlights girl?”  I was glad to know I wasn’t paranoid OR going crazy!

It’s really an odd thing to experience but at the same time I’m happy to know people watch and enjoy the show!  It’s very encouraging!

Catou at Bella Vita

7) I had my first Rehab experience at Bella Vita in Geist when I modeled Catou’s swimwear line.  That was a fun show!  The runway was right over the pool of water.  Fun party afterwards…can’t wait for summer 2011!

Also that summer was my first Moto GP party held at the Kessler Mansion, which I also modeled in.  I felt like I was at one of those high-end parties you see in the movies.  I had just never been to a party like that before.  It had everything:  fire-dancers, an aerialist performing over the pool, go-go dancers, a fashion show, shot girls walking around in body paint, a live drummer drumming along with the DJ, models hanging out in jacuzzis, several bars, not to mention the mansion was so neat to walk through!  Everyone was there!

Moto GP Runway Show

"My Casino Heart"

8.) I got the lead female role in my first music video! I played the part of the temptress in the video My Casino Heart with the band Reaul. (yet to be released)

9) I modeled in a hair show for renowned celebrity hairstylist Nicholas French.  As he was cutting my hair he talked with the audience about how he’s done the hair of royalty.  I think I may have gotten a little emotional over hearing that and I loved the end result!  He kept talking about how he was giving me a sexy cut! I wish I had video of him cutting my hair and talking in his European accent!

Me and Nicholas French

10)  I was named the official spokesmodel for T.Party t-shirts at the runway show debut!  Since, I modeled in the first photo spread T.Party launch for Fashion Wrap Up and also did some product shots for the website.  It’s been a lot of fun working with T.Party.

Kaitlin Elyse of T.Party t-shirts with the ladies of Cheeky Couture Jewelry (Angie & Lisa), Me and another model Lynda

11)  I GOT A LIMO FOR MY BIRTHDAY!

My boyfriend Jason threw me an awesome surprise birthday party!  I was surprised at some of the people who came considering they were coming from Michiana area.  Some of my new friends that I’ve made since moving to Indy were there as well as an old college friend I recently re-connected with.  My sister made it out and my Mom and Aunt of all people even came!  Oh and one of my besties from high school!

I was completely surprised!  We rode to Bartini’s (Indy newest dance club/martini bar) in two limos where we partied all night long VIP style!  There was never a dry moment – we were well taken  care of.  It was nice having the body-guard keeping watch over our area to make sure no one crashed our party.  I felt like a rock star!

What was even more exciting was, I found out that Nightlights will be working with the limo service in the future… which means that I will get to be chauffeured around to some of the Nightlights shoots!   Look for Indy Class Act Limousine service in some of the upcoming episodes!

So that’s been my year, 2010!  I’m glad I made the move to Indy, big things are happening!  I can’t wait to announce the really big news next year! Sorry, I can’t even give you a hint yet but make sure you subscribe to my blog to stay updated!  I’m looking forward to even greater things in the year to come!

Happy New Year! May it be the best year ever!

Now I’m off to go party and try out my new Ninja Blender I got for Christmas!

*Cheers!

Watch last year’s ringing in the New Year with Nightlights at Club Bed in Mishawaka:  http://nightlights.tv/31.shtm

How I Get Through the Winter …(or at Least How I Attempt To).

Someday…when the timing is right…I’m going to move out to California!  But for now, I live in the Midwest…and it gets stinkin’ COLD in the winter!  Tomorrow there’s chance of a terrible ice storm!

So in an effort to mentally “get through” the winters here in Indiana…I usually make a list of the positive aspects of the snow and ice.  It gets me through like the first week…and then I find myself dreaming of summer.  Nevertheless…here is my list (in no particular order).  Feel free to add to it!

1.  Starbuck’s! Esp. white chocolate peppermint latte!
2. Scarves! … A fashionable accessory!
3. The fireplace in my apartment can be so cozy
4. I often have lots of leftovers when I get food from Nightlights’ shoots…I can leave it in my car and not worry about it spoiling!  Same thing with getting groceries…no worries about the ice cream melting (although I don’t really eat icecream in the winter …but the alcohol stays nice and cold in the trunk!  )
5. Styling clothing in layers is kinda fun.
6.  T.Party Hoodies are out!
7.  I don’t feel guilty about staying in and having a movie marathon.
8. Homemade soups!
9.  Christmas time! Obviously.  My tree is so pretty this year…thanks to my Aunt who came over with a bunch of goodies!  It’s a white tree with hot pink lights!
10 . Eggnog!

*Cheers*

…and Merry Christmas!

Debut Photo Shoot for T.Party T-Shirts!

One of my favorite things about modeling is the challenge of transforming into a different person.  I love playing up different characters which I suppose is why I had so much fun modeling for T.Party’s debut photo shoot!  The theme for the photo spread was “T.Party in Wonderland” and I played the part of Alice.  I wore this huge fluffy skirt and my hair was done up like a doll with tight curls and a big bow attached.  I’ve never felt so bouncy…especially in the one scene where Alice chases after the white rabbit!

"Are you the real Alice???"

We did the shoot on a playground at an apartment complex.  As we neared the playground area, the kids there immediately stopped what they were doing and ran up to us with a million questions.  They had this gleaming look in their eyes as they asked me, “Are you the real Alice?” Of course I didn’t want to disappoint them…so I lied and said YES!  Haha I felt like one of those characters at Disney World!

I’ve had a lot of fun as the official spokesmodel for T.Party.  From the debut runway show to the photo shoots!  I recently just did my first product shoot for the latest T.Party t-shirts and hoodies.  I will be posting those photos soon!  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to my blog to stay updated!

 

The photo spread for T.Party was featured in the November issue of Fashion Wrap Up.  View the rest of the photos here!

Shirts by T. Party T-Shirts

Skirt created by Heather Davis

Hair and Makeup by Allure Salon

Photography by David Van Deman

OPA!!!

Have you ever seen the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Never in my life had I ever imagined I would someday feel like I was actually in that movie. It’s funny because until we taped a segment for Nightlights at the Greek Islands in downtown Indianapolis, I never stopped to think that maybe the culture portrayed in the movie is in fact exactly how it is in real life. It’s not just a made-up comedy about a larger-than-life Greek family. This really does exist!

Papa Louie

The Greek Islands Restaurant is family owned…by a Greek family who loves food of course! I had the pleasure of talking with Elias, also known as “Papa Louie”, as he told me the story of how he came to America from Greece and then moved from NYC to Indy where he and his wife, Fofo, opened the restaurant in 1986. I asked him why he decided to open a restaurant and without a thought in-between my question and his answer, he positively responded in his Greek accent “Because I’m Greek! What else am I going to be …a lawyer???”

Papa Louie opened the restaurant as a means to take care of his family…and just like in the movie, many of the family members gathered around in this small but boisterous restaurant.

OPA!!! ... Saganaki (flaming cheese)

Amidst the delightful aroma of Greek spices there was music, belly dancing, breaking of plates (wait what yes…we broke plates…on purpose!) and the popular Saganaki cheese that’s lit on fire with a high flaming whoosh followed by people shouting “OPA!”. It was a celebration of life! With heartwarming tears, Papa Louie began telling me how much he appreciates all the support and business of the people in the community. Even people outside of the community come from miles around just for the Greek Islands experience.

 

The Breaking of Plates!

For Papa Louie, it’s never been about the money support as he puts it, it’s about the friendship support and in turn, he has great respect for the people of the city. In his owning the restaurant, I found he expects no less than a good job from the people working there. “If you not going to do a good job then we going to lock the door and you go find a job somewhere else.” He’s such a character! “You know I’m full blood…from top to bottom. I’m Greek …and I’m proud.”

Watch the episode HERE and meet Papa Louie!

See more photos.