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

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

PINK Hair for Hope & Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Photo Shoot with Fashion Wrap Up

...just moments before I stabbed the male model lifting me up in the foot with my stilletto...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – and of course one of the big trends for supporting the fight for the cure is getting the Pink Hair for Hope. Yes, the infamous pink streaks in your hair! This year I found myself much more aware of the cause, mainly because my Aunt was recently diagnosed. She’s now in remission, which is good, but doesn’t necessarily mean everything is fine and dandy.

 

Michael Baker: #1 Cold Fusion Artist in the Nation

So in an effort to help in the fight for the cure, I teamed up with my hair sponsor, Michael-Warrens Salon. The salon is based in Elkhart, Indiana but Michael travels all over teaching the art of hair extensions. He’s the # 1 Cold Fusion artist in the Nation! Ladies, I’ve had hot-glue bonds in my hair before…and they were terrible (those were not by Michael-Warrens by the way!) The Cold Fusion method uses ultrasound waves – NO HEAT – so it’s less damaging and it’s more natural looking! Plus they last longer!

 

I met up with Michael in Chicago several weeks ago for a hair show with the internationally famous celebrity hair stylist, Nicholas French. Michael put some fabulous pink extensions in my hair for Pink Hair for Hope and then Nicholas French gave me the best cut of my life! Seriously…when he was finished…I looked at it and almost cried. I just thought it was the best my hair has ever looked… I wish I could have him cut my hair every time!

 

Me and Nicholas French

Meeting Nicholas French was quite an experience. He commanded the room and you just automatically respect – he obviously knew what he was doing. While Nicholas French was showing everyone how to cut long hair using me as a model, he proceeded to tell the class about his traveling/styling adventures – one of them being the time he did the princess’ hair. I don’t remember which princess he said…but the fact that he’d done the hair of royalty…and now he’s standing there doing my hair…I almost shed a tear again! Lol…it was an emotional day! And to top the day off…Michael named me their official Pink Hair for Hope Model!

 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to get PINK HAIR FOR HOPE!!! When you purchase SO.CAP hair extensions during the month of October – money goes to breast cancer research. Support the cause! Help in the fight for the cure! Call Michael at Michael-Warrens Salon for complete details! (574) 294-2244

It’s Official!

 

Kaitlin Elyse (T.Party t-shirts) with Angie and Lisa (Cheeky Couture Jewelry) Models: A.J., Me and Lynda

 

Last Thursday marked the exciting debut of a new t-shirt line specializing in “mouthy sayings, presented in a sugary sweet delivery on high quality t-shirts”.  T.Party is the name of this budding new Indianapolis-based business with a mission to add a little sass to the t-shirt and jeans wearing Midwest one day at a time.

Personally, I’m excited to add this new element of sass to the Nightlights TV show that I host!  The very first custom made t-shirt by T.Party was made especially for me with my very own clever saying “I like to T.Party with Beers”…and the shirt is already infamous!  I can’t wait until you see what other sayings I’ve come up with to wear on Nightlights!  Keep an eye out!

(The first Nightlights episode in Indianapolis featuring “I like to T.Party with Beers” is complete and coming to you soon!)

 

Featured t-shirt: "Don't go to bed angry...Stay awake and plot your revenge"

So T.Party’s debut was a success.  I had a great time as always doing my thing out on the runway…and of course the party after was a blast!  Plus we did a LIVE webcast as part of Nightlights, so I was busy at work juggling both the modeling and the TV hosting.  No complaints!

 

***If you missed out on this amazing event and want to see some backstage action, click here then go to the ‘menu’ to watch the webcast.  But don’t wait too long because those clips won’t be up for forever!***

The fabulous people of Fashion Wrap Up (if you don’t know by now they are Indianapolis’ newest online fashion magazine) were at the debut.  You can read their perspective on the T.Party debut in their blog.  Anyway can I just say this – I’ve had a great time working with them and they’ve been really good about attending Indianapolis’ fashion events.  I’ve met lots of fun people that I hope to hang out with again!  …And maybe I’m just being too sentimental…but at the debut I felt like I was part of some kind of family…a family of fashionistas.  Ok I’m being cheesy…so be it.

At the end of the show, owner and designer Kaitlin Elyse, announced me and one of the other male models, the official spokes models for her new T.Party brand.  So exciting!  The first photo shoot is happening next weekend!  …so look for it soon in Fashion Wrap Up!  SUBSCRIBE to my blog for updates!

 

Kaitlin announcing A.J. and me the official T.Party models

 

 

HUGS!!!

 

Summertime = Swimsuit Modeling!!!

As promised, here are some of the photos from the Tavik swimwear shoot this summer for the August issue of Fashion Wrap Up.

Photography by Michael Trace
Hair styled by Allure Salon.
Makeup by Leslie Bardonner.
Jewelry by Madrin Designs.

I have been so fortunate to work with some amazing people!  I am so happy to have met Christy from Fashion Wrap Up, Indianapolis’ newest monthly online magazine with a focus on fashionable trends, celebrity style and fabulous accessories with the inclusion of a featured local, Midwest, or limited production designer or label.  Check it out! 

Ever since I moved to Indianapolis, especially lately, I feel my modeling, acting and TV hosting career is really starting to take off.  I’ve been so so busy!  …which is the reason why it’s been so long since my last blog!  Lets see…I’ve been in a music video…scored a jewelry sponsor…modeled a couple swimwear lines…started a LIVE webcast with Nightlights…meeting next week with a possible clothing sponsor…networking events…runway shows…plus more coming up…on top of trying to maintain some kind of social life! 

This past weekend I modeled for Catou at the Bella Vita for the launch of his new swimwear line.  The show was seriously my most favorite show I’ve modeled in.  The runway stretched out along over the pool and I got to shoot some (pretend) guns.  Of course Rehab at the Bella Vita, especially with it being my first Rehab experience and first time at the Bella Vita, was a blast! My boyfriend and the good people of Fashion Wrap Up came out to support!  Cheeky Couture (my new jewelry sponsor) was there to bedazzle us models in fine jewelry!  We definitely got our Cheeky on!

Oh and the Bella Vita has the best coconut shrimp…yeah…I stuffed my face after the show :/ haha….HEY…..I needed my nourishment…modeling isn’t as easy as one might think!  I mean running in 4 inch heels in HOT muggy weather up and down flights of stairs multiple times continuously while ripping off clothes and jumping into the next outfit plus making sure you have on the right earings etc and nothing is falling off of you and making sure you get to the runway in time, intact, before the last model leaves so there’s no dead time on the runway…WHEW! And it all happens in a snap! 

Good show Berny!

Coming up in my next blog entries:

*Reaul MUSIC VIDEO with Risk Productions
*Moto Gp Swimwear Runway Show

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Nightlights TV show LIVE!!!

 

BIG NEWS!!!  Nightlights is going…or I should say…has gone LIVE!!!   We are super excited to add this very new element to the Nightlights TV show!  We will still be doing our regular weekly TV broadcast in Michiana which airs every Saturday at 5:30pm on SBT2 (and soon to hit the Indianapolis area as well) but now…and I mean NOW… you can watch even more of the show you love…LIVE!

This NEW reality-based LIVE webcast series will give you a peek at the raw, the real, the spontaneous, no post-production, behind-the-scenes action that you wouldn’t see on the televised version of Nightlights TV.  We are adding more fashion to our slogan “Fashion, Food & Fun”!   You’ll be able to follow me as we venture to fashion events along with checking out the most popular nightlife venues.  Watch me model in runway shows and come along with me on photo shoots!

The very first Nightlights’ webcast we streamed was this past Thursday, July 22^nd, at the Pretty Indy Summer Social.  I was so freakin’ nervous to go LIVE for the first time, but after getting over the initial shock, it went more smoothly than I thought and turned out to be a lot of fun!  I almost think I like it better than the regular stuff we video tape that gets edited in post.  Strange.

Anyway, the Pretty Indy party was great!  I got to talk with Christy, the founder of the new Indianapolis online fashion magazine, Fashion Wrap Up, about the upcoming August issue.  I met some new friends, Tiffany and Kelly from Pretty Indy, Indianapolis’ go-to guide for all things beauty and style.  And, I also got to interview Arlinda from R.Lynda Couture who will be debuting her new line in Indianapolis, Thursday July 29 …and guess what! …We will be there LIVE to cover what’s happening! So…if you are unable to attend this event…go to Nightlights’ home page and download the Qik Player so you can watch as if you were actually there! YAY!

Follow us on Twitter @NightlightsTV so you can tweet us your comments during the show!  Let us know what you think about R.Lynda’s new line!

One more thing…you can always watch the latest webfeeds by clicking on the menu.  It will bring up the list of past videos.  (Good idea if you want to watch the Pretty Indy event…it won’t be there for long!)

Thanks for watching!  We are super excited!