Author: Eric James Swearingen

23 News: Atomic Kitten Salon Officially re-OPENs June 1st

Local salon owner reacts to news they can reopen

Kern County Public Health told 23ABC Tuesday that barbershops and hair salons can start opening back up as long as they follow the guidance from the CDC. 23ABC spoke with one local salon owner in Downtown Bakersfield and got their reaction to the news.

Posted by 23ABC Bakersfield on Tuesday, May 26, 2020


Adapting to current conditions with new precautions  

Model: Jessica Franco
MUA: Ramona Potts
Photo: Eric James Swearingen

In a recent photography studio session, make-up Ramona Potts demonstrated new safety procedures using full personal protective equipment .

This proof of concept session was in anticipation of being allowed to open Atomic Kitten Salon for business when deemed appropriate by State Government Officials.

Developing new procedures now in order to be ready once the time comes for re-opening is a prudent forward looking ideology that has a positive message for the hopes of the entire industry.

Atomic Kitten Salon has always been an industry leader and now showing the way to adapt to the current conditions with new precautions, while maintaining that classic friendly creative style that the Atomic Kitten has provided its customers from the beginning
…but always mindful that the results, be perfection.

 

When interviewed, Ramona Potts was quoted as saying;

“We are essential to the health and well being of our clients. They need us now more than ever to stay safe and beautiful. We know how to keep you safe by doing what we have always done, Sanitize everything and wash our hands all the time.

Going forward the staff at Atomic Kitten salon will be taking extra precautions to make sure all our clients feel safe and beautiful. As we get closer to reopening …expect to see what extra measures we are taking to ensure the heath and well being of everyone staff and clients.

 

Stay Safe,  Stay Beautiful.”

The extent of the precautions taken was impressive. Modeled after known medical PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and from guidelines provided by the CDC (Center for Disease Control)
Ramona demonstrated the new procedures which included first vetting the subject by taking a temperature reading using a digital infrared laser thermometer. During the application she donned a Medical grade N95 mask (Cat ears & whiskers optional) and a plexiglass face shield, slipped on Latex gloves then covered up with a Nomex jumpsuit in order to start the session. This provided the isolation between individuals to reduce the risk of any cross contaminations and spread of Covid-19 virus.

The concept photoshoot took place at  ArtofEricJames.com Photography & Video Productions Facility
and was instrumental in helping develop many of the techniques used.

 

 

 

 

Looking forward to implementing numerous new safety protocols at the salon and re-opening soon…

~Ramona Potts, Owner of Atomic Kitten Salon

 

 

“The New Normal” ?
Editorial Fashion Shoot

 

 

Model: Jessica Franco

MUA: Ramona Potts of Atomic Kitten Salon

Photo & Prop design: Eric James Swearingen
at ArtofEricJames.com Photography & Video Productions


First Friday Open House Art Showing

On March 6th from 5Pm – 10PM Atomic Kitten Salon at 1920 EYE st. will be hosting an Art Showing of Photographic works by Eric James Swearingen depicting Hair, make-up, fashions & glamorous events from the last 15 years of Atomic Kitten Salon projects. Displayed on multiple 70″ High Definition digital monitors. Hors d’oeuvre and refreshments will be severed and admission is free. This Friday night from 5PM – 10Pm as part of the downtown Bakersfield First Friday event. Please RSVP on Facebook Event page. …and see you there!

 

For more information call: (661) 323-7653


October 23 REDKEN Class


Atomic PhotoBomb VIDEO

Open full frames settings for best viewing.

For Direct YouTube viewing follow this link: https://youtu.be/r5vpNvuYV5s

The video “Atomic PhotoBomb” is a promotional concept test shoot for AtomicKittenSalon.com in a joint photography project effort by… Eric James Swearingen, Andy Macdonald, Geovanni Monge, Maria Perla, Andrea Rentie forming the “mocha-paparazzi” each from their camra’s unique perspectives focused on models; Amani Smith, Jessica Franco and Dalia Ayyoub with Hair & Make-up by stylists; Ramona Potts, Maria Howell, Sandra Serrano & Jan Bishop Mills from Atomic Kitten Salon.

The short “3-D” black & white sequence in the middle of this edit, was created by using all the photographer’s independent cameras each with a slightly different parallax to our models. They shoot “relatively” simultaneously while standing next to one another then, in post-production the images were realignment & editing back into sequence create the “3D” practical effect.

Filmmaker’s NOTE:

More of this on-the-fly “Bullet Time”, co-op effect will be most definitely be explored in further video shoots (Too much fun not to!)

…So this is just part one.

 

 

©2019 Eric James Swearingen
ArtofEricJames.com


ATOMIC PHOTO BOMB

 

Bakersfield’s biggest photo event ever!

(Potentially)

EVENT: A staged Paparazzi short film shoot & Social Media extravaganza, Directed by ArtofEricJames.com & GlamourPhotoEvents.com in Downtown Bakersfield. (Date yet to be determined) …but soon, most likely on a Sunday evening within the next few weeks …and if all goes well, again on Oct.4th during  the “First Friday” Event making for a live performance art piece sure to draw a huge audience.  

WANTED: Multiple Photographers and videographers to form a large “Paparazzi” hoard, all shooting their own DSLR Cameras having flash on camera surrounding one to three high Fashion Models with Hairstyle and Make-up from AtomicKittenSalon.com  …While the models take an evening stroll on the back alleys & streets of Downtown Bakersfield. Yes, models should also apply, but space is limited. This is one of those very rare shoots where we need far more photographers than models. Runway experience is a plus.

ALL PARTICIPANTS: will be required to sign a model release form and make copies of all images and/or video taken during the events available for post-production with the intent of creating a “Bullet-Time” type visual effect similar to that used in the “Matrix Movies” for the final video edit that will then feature all the photographers and models that shot each other on the opposite side of Paparazzi circle. The chaos of multiple flashes firing from numerous photographers will create stunning visuals!  Additional lighting from above using LED lights that follow this group during shooting at dusk mounted either to a DJI Utility Drone or an extra-long Micro-Jib Pole. Plus provides augmented lighting. GoPro video cameras capturing the bird’s eye view of this gathering along with various other camera angles will give lots of additional views of everyone involved. All participants will have dual rights to the images created that night and will be encouraged to post to their respective social media sites with “Provided Hashtags & Links” from each person involved in this project. This will have the obvious benefits to everyone’s internet presence by connecting the combined group’s current followers and building an online mega-audience. Full credits will also be included at the end of video of all participants. And a coordinated release date will be provided so that everyone’s images hit the web at once along with the finished video.

WHO WANTS IN? Please PM me on FaceBook with your contact information and if you are interested in being part of this project…

 

Thank you very much,

Eric James Swearingen

ArtofEricJames.com Studio: 661.322.0913


New 30 sec. Social Media ad

Atomic Kitten Salon is looking for new talented Hair Stylists, Colorists, & Make-up Artists…

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Regional & Nationally Award Winning creative team at Atomic Kitten Salon!

Apply by calling 661.323.7653


“Who will be the next Superstar Stylist?”

 

See our Social Media campaign on FaceBook & Instagram

Atomic Kitten Salon is looking for new talented Hair Stylists, Colorists, & Make-up Artists,
to become the next “Superstars”…

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Regional & Nationally Award Winning creative team at Atomic Kitten Salon!

Apply by calling 661.323.7653 


Atomic Kitten Salon Nominated: 2019 “Best of Kern County” Award

Atomic Kitten Salon has been nominated once again for

the “Best of Kern County” award for 2019

by the Bakersfield Californian in the category of best salon.vote

So, go to https://www.bakersfield.com/best-of-kern/ and vote!

The balloting system allows you to vote once per day.

Voting is open now, and will continue through Feb. 17th, 2019.

Results will be published in Bakersfield Life Magazine later this year.

Each voter must supply a valid email address to participate.

One entry from each user’s email address per category every day, will be accepted.

(so return daily and vote again & again…)

and Must be 18 years of age or older to vote.


Atomic Kitten’s Matilda Jane Trunk Show!

March 10th @ 11 AM

Matilda Jane Clothing is adorable, quality clothing for women of all Ages!

Babies-Adults, this collection is Creative, Fun & Made to last. You will love the Details & Coordinating Sets! The new release begins March 1st!!!

Who’s ready to see it?

You can order through my website (starting March 1st) or wait to see it all in person at Atomic Kitten Salon on Friday, March 10th @ 11:AM!

Here’s the Link to order & check it out online (but be sure & add it under “Atomic Kitten’s Trunk Show” so Ramona can get the credit).

Please feel free to message me or Call the salon to place your order (if you prefer) and ask us Any questions you may have! Happy Shopping!!   MatildaJaneClothing.com/RebeccaOrtega

More info on FaceBook…

https://www.facebook.com/events/233833023748877/


Nominated: 2017 “Best of Bakersfield” Award

Atomic Kitten Salon has been nominated once again for

the “Best of Bakersfield” award for 2017

by the Bakersfield Californian in the category of best salon.vote

So, go to http://www.bestofkern.com/ and vote!

The balloting system allows you to vote once per day.

Voting is open now, and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017.

Results will be published in Bakersfield Life Magazine later this year.

Each voter must supply a valid email address to participate.

One entry from each user’s email address per category every day, will be accepted.

(so return daily and vote again & again…)

and Must be 18 years of age or older to vote.


Las Vegas for National Battle of the Salons

Photography: ArtofEricJames.com Copyright © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

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1ST PLACE at BATTLE OF THE SALONS Finals

Friday March 25 at the The Padre Hotel:

Atomic Kitten Salon competed in round Three and Final Bakersfield event of the 2016 Glamour Fatale – Battle of The Salons.

Photography: ArtofEricJames.com Copyright © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Winning First Place with an amazing tribute theme inspired by the fashion from iconic Micheal Jackson music videos. The dazzling preference opened with dancers to energize the crowed as the first model Ashley walked the runway as an Egyptian princes from the “Remember The Time” music video. web__dsc7457

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Then as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s “Gangster” music video Model Megan glides onto the stage in a silk 1920’s recreation.web__dsc7494

The Finalé was inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Scream” music video as Model Amani wows the audience with a framework hair design emulating a space helmet.web__dsc7530

…and the judges (Luciano Paesani, Lana Chromium & Eric Fox) were impressed. web__dsc7540

The Atomic Kitten Salon Team that created this 1st Place winning performance is:  

Ramona Potts ~ Owner, Master color & Hair Stylist, MUA, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Bonnie Fortson ~ Owner, Master color & Hair Stylist, MUA, Fashion Designer, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Maria Howell ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Cass Hallum ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Stephany Hardin ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Cheryl Daniel ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Kendall Oliver ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Adriana Chavez ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Samantha Sullivan ~ Nail Artist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Savannah Marie ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Malia Casarez ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Brittany Holland ~ MUA, Hair Stylist, Manufacturing crew, Final Looks team.

Eric James Swearingen ~ Manufacturing crew, Props builder, Photographer.

Cameron Polson ~ Facility Support.

Gallery of images from the Final round of Battle of the Salons in Bakersfield, Behind the scenes at the Atomic Kitten Salon, Final looks at the Hotel Padre, The onstage performance and the win!

Photography: ArtofEricJames.com Copyright © 2016 All Rights Reserved.

 


Battle of the Salons: 1st Place Round II

Thursday March 17 at the The Padre Hotel:

Atomic Kitten Salon competed in round two of the 2016 Glamour Fatale – Battle of The Salons Bakersfield taking first place, again!

The theme for this week was “Nature’s Elements” (as in Water, Earth, Fire & Wind) and the Atomic team threw an astonishing “Curve-ball” by producing an avant guarde collection of Post-apocalyptic Elements. Each of the three primary models were judged on Hair Style, Make-up and Wardrobe and two additional “Prop” models with an earthy dried mud make-over were used on the runway to creep around and place the audience in the mind set of this “dark beauty” theme.

Our first Model Mariah, was both the Air & Earth Elements and she breaths oxygen (Air) from a tank on her back containing a “GMO Air-Orchid” (Earth). Her hairstyle of concentric blonde & black strands further emulated the tubal style and complimented “end of the world” fashions. Model two, Megan represented Water and her hairstyle was comprised of an elaborate array of blonde braids. She wears a wrist apparatus containing “The Liquids of Life” that support her in the bleakness of days after civilization collapsed. And our last Model, Amani heats up the catwalk as she represents Fire, sporting a hair style made up of intricate rings of fire.  At her side was a glowing ember pouch of coals as she was the tribes fire starter. The crowd was wowed, as where the judges and Atomic Kitten moves forward into the Finale.          
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PHOTOS: ArtofEricJames.com

 

 


Battle of the Salons: 1st Place Round I

Thursday March 10 at the The Padre Hotel:
Atomic Kitten Salon competed in round one of the 2016 Glamour Fatale – Battle of The Salons Bakersfield and took first place. The theme for that week’s event was “Enchanted Creatures” and the team from Atomic Kitten Salon created some amazing entrees. Each of the three primary creations were judged on Hair Style, Make-up and Wardrobe. Three additional “Prop” models (The fairies) were used to illustrate the story of the evil witch that turned them into these lovely “Enchanted Creatures” on the runway.   WEB__DSC6356WEB__DSC6382WEB__DSC6318WEB__DSC6332WEB__DSC6450
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PHOTOS: ArtofEricJames.com


It’s a new salon service…

optGo Blonder. Push the envelope further without compromising the integrity of hair. From the photo shoot to the salon chair, colorists are set free from the fear of damaged hair.

You can use Olaplex as a tool or a new service. The choice is yours. As a tool, use the Olaplex Bond Multiplier No.1 adding it to lightener or color and finish by applying Bond Perfector No.2 after color is rinsed from the hair to dramatically reduce breakage with every color service.

Optimize Olaplex by offering it as a new salon service. Include the professional Hair Perfector No.3 Take Home for your client to use once a week to strengthen hair further or to use as a pre-treatment to a future chemical service. Hair Perfector No.3 Take Home has amazing additional benefits reported by thousands of clients.

 

What is this stuff…OLAPLEX?

The ORIGINAL chemistry that multiplies bonds and cross-links broken bonds. There can only be one!

We started by finding two of the world’s leading PHD’s in Materials and Chemistry that had never worked on hair products before, Dr. Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker. With this fresh outlook, this dream team invented a single ingredient chemistry, that is free of silicone or oils, that links broken bonds in the hair during and after chemical services making them stronger than they were before. It may all sound like the same old mumbo jumbo, but check out what top colorists are saying about Olaplex all over social media. As they say, the proof is in the pudding.


Nominated for 2016 “Best of Bakersfield” Award

BestOf2016

Atomic Kitten Salon has been nominated for the prestigious “Best of Bakersfield” award for 2016 by the Bakersfield Californian in the category of best salon.vote

So, go to http://www.bestofkern.com/ and vote!

The balloting system allows you to vote once each day.

Voting starts January 5, 2016 10:00 a.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2016.


Holiday Hair “Short Term Perm”

Holiday Hair “Short term Perm” water set curl style.

A no chemicals process that lasts four to five days or until you wash it out.

The perfect look for upcoming holiday special occasions…

Atomic Kitten Salon “Holiday Hair” a Water set “Short Term Perm” process by stylist Cameron Polson.

For more information call 323.7653 and make an appointment for your Holiday Hair.


Moroccanoil®

_DSC6895Moroccanoil® Treatment has revolutionized the hair care industry. At Atomic Kitten Salon we care the the full product line of genuine Moroccanoil®  This treatment oil is antioxidant infused, nutrient rich, innovative formula that is unmatched and provides dramatic results. That is why salon-exclusive Moroccanoil® is preferred by professionals and consumers alike — because this products simply work!

We invite you to experience Moroccanoil® and discover the performance behind the headlines.

The Moroccanoil® story began when co-founder, Carmen Tal, was traveling in Israel. After a color service that left her hair badly damaged,

a friend brought her to a salon where she experienced an astonishing oil treatment. The result was that her hair instantly transformed from damaged to shiny, smooth and manageable. Inspired by the incredible results, Carmen set out to share this unique oil treatment and its benefits with women around the world. At the time, oil treatments were unconventional for hair but Carmen was undeterred by this obstacle. She and her husband teamed up with a group of visionaries to perfect this amazing formula. The result – they introduced Moroccanoil® to the world.

_DSC7062AMoroccanoil has become a haircare industry sensation embraced by celebrities, runway stylists and women the world over. At the core of our success is quality. We have perfected the Moroccanoil Treatment and extended the line to include solutions for every hair need. Our formulas not only leave hair naturally smooth and shiny but also improve its actual condition to make it stronger with each use. We are proud to have created a new haircare category and, even as we grow, to always remain unique in our industry.

So come on over to Atomic Kitten Salon and stock up on this amazing product. Your hair will love you for it! Be sure to mention this article and receive a 10% discount.


ATOMIC Lighting

We recently installed over 20,000 ANSI Lumins of 5500º kelvin color perfect full spectrum Florescent and LED lighting. This results in superior color accuracy when evaluating the exact hue of both hair color and make-up. The base color temperature of 5500º kelvin is the same color as the light from the sun. Human eyes have evolved for millions of years to bias this color temperature as being the “normal” base color of white light. This lighting gives the stylists at Atomic Kitten Salon a major advantage over other less illuminated salons that have poorly lit or inaccurate color temperature fixtures.

 

Black_body_visible_spectrum

The visible spectrum.
Wavelengths from 380–780 nano meters.

NOTE: The base curve is horizontal at 5500º kelvin across the full spectrum.
Meaning all colors at this exact point are equal in intensity.

Incand-3500-5500-color-temp-comparisonColor temperature comparison of common electric lamps.

To evaluate the color of dye or pigment under anything other than “White” light (5500º kelvin) will induce a bias resulting in a false interpretation of hue. Further complicating this issue is the fact that many other salons have mixed color balanced light sources throughout there shops that produces an array of multiple light temperatures making it nearly impossible to accurately judge the hair color and make-up.

At Atomic Kitten Salon all work station & wash area illumination is fine tuned to produce only full spectrum “white” light for critical analysis of colors. We have taken extreme measures and hired industry specialists to accomplish this task and take great pride in knowing that our stylists have the proper working environment to provide our clients with precise color evaluations.