Edith | PinkFemme

Welcome back to the Pink Femme series where we tell you about specific MtF/femme makeover studios all over the world. Today we introduce you to Femme Fever which has a studio in Long Island, New York, USA. Each studio that makes it onto our list has been recommended by a fellow Pink Femme girl who had a wonderful experience. As we expand the list of makeover studios, we will try and include as many different cities and destinations as possible. That way if you feel you can’t be out as fully-femme where you live, you can plan a vacation to a destination that has a makeover studio so that you can make your girly dream come true. If you have had a fabulous experience at a makeover studio, tell me about it so that I can give the studio the recognition it deserves. Pink Femme: Hi Karen, Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview on Pink Femme. Let's start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Femme Fever. Femme Fever: I simply help the cross-dressing and trans community in any and every way I can. From makeup skills and lessons, and transformations so each could see how pretty they can look as a woman. Makeup applications for those who want to step out, support groups, and very well-attended parties for the community and their loved ones. I also counsel and am here to help those who either are looking to stop dressing or looking to transition by providing them with the resources and support needed to do so. Many in this community feel so alone. I talk with the gals, and let them "tell " someone about this secret! And, I do all I can to help them connect with others they can share with and have friends who share the same secrets or desires. Pink Femme: Tell us about Femme Fever and what inspired you to open the Femme Fever studio. Femme Fever: About 25 years ago, the love of my life came out to me as a crossdresser. He was ashamed and humiliated by his desires and very much afraid I would leave him when he uncovered this side of himself. That long ago- this was not at all talked about or accepted. I quickly learned that he was just one of so many men who had a femme side or femme desires. I saw the need for a resource such as mine. With a background in social work, cosmetology, and runway, I was inspired to provide a resource for others trying to come to terms with this side of themselves and/or experience how they could look as a woman as well as help them to realize they were not alone. Pink Femme: What kind of services do you offer in your studio? Femme Fever: Full transformations from Male To Female, Sales of femme items, consults, counseling, makeup lessons, and comportment. Pink Femme: How has your experience been so far since you started working with the cross-dressing and trans community? Femme Fever: I have met and developed some wonderful friendships with many of those I have met through Femmefever. A few extended to my kids when they were younger and became family to us. I have learned so much through working with this community and have been able to experience how many of those I meet take this journey and how they end up in regard to it. The lessons have been invaluable and after so many years, have a true sense of the individualism of each and every person I have had the good fortune to meet. Pink Femme: What is the best part about working with the cross-dressing and trans community? Femme Fever: Some of the meaningful and close relationships I have developed with those I meet. Paired with the knowledge that I am truly helping so many. Pink Femme: Have you faced any challenges or negativity since you started serving the cross-dressing and trans community? Femme Fever: For sure. I often deal with the same prejudice that those In the community deal with. This was especially challenging in the early years of FemmeFever when being trans or being a crossdresser was so misunderstood. Pink Femme: What is the most popular service requested by crossdressers and trans girls? Femme Fever: That would be a tie between makeup applications/transformations/photos and the Parties I host. Pink Femme: What advice can you give to crossdressers and trans girls who have never used a makeover service and are feeling too shy to try? Femme Fever: Be sure you go to an artist specializing in M-F who has been around a while and has a good reputation. Speak with the proprietor and make sure they are kind and do all they can to help you feel comfortable about seeing them. I always offer at no charge to speak with any who contact me regarding their concerns. It is important to feel comfortable as a first-timer, be sure your servicer feels the same way! Pink Femme: What is the most common style/beauty mistake that you see crossdressers making in your opinion? Femme Fever: An overabundance of makeup applied sloppy, unkempt, or unsuitable wig as well as high heels one may not be able to actually walk in. Pink Femme: What is the current perception of crossdressers and transgender people in the city where your studio is based? Femme Fever: Acceptance. The gals in my area can (and do) go to any store, restaurant, etc without a second look. Remember, it is always important to walk confidently and smile when going out! Karen's girls are like a big family. Pink Femme: Based on your experience in your studio, doing dozens of makeovers, what is your number one beauty tip for both crossdressers and trans girls? Femme Fever: Be sure to cover facial hair growth! The best outfit, wig, and makeup won't do it if facial shaving areas show through! Pink Femme: If you could go back to the first day that you started your studio, what advice would you give yourself on that first day based on what you have learned from working with crossdressers and trans girls? Femme Fever: Be very aware that each person coming in has their own story and journey to go on. 25 years ago, I didn't realize this was not a One Fits All community as most who I met presented as fetish dressers (most back then didn't know how else to express this or understand where they "fit" as well). Pink Femme: Lastly, what do you think about Pink Femme and is there any final last thing you would like to say to our readers – some of whom are only just starting their journey into a femme lifestyle? Femme Fever: Pink femme- Wonderful! How fabulous you are to put forth such an inclusive format for those who truly are in need of all this information you make so readily available! To those starting out: Be you! Be Proud and happy and permit this journey to take you where you need to be. Don't rush it!! Especially if contemplating transitioning. Take steps, gather experiences, and seek out professionals rather than heeding advice given online by others. Karen - helping girls with a friendly smile for decades. Pink Femme: How can Pink Femme girls reach you to book themselves a makeover? Femme Fever: I can be reached for personal or phone sessions – or in regard to events : Email: Karen@femmefever.com Phone: 516 520 0380 Site: http://www.femmefever.com