Labor Day is a day to celebrate work—but I think it’s also a beautiful time to ask yourself a bigger question:

Are you doing the work that moves you?

When you look at your “living résumé”—the story of your career, your choices, your accomplishments—what do you see? More importantly, what do you feel?

For me, the answer has always been simple.

I love my work. I do my life’s work.

I started MakeupClasses.com in 1999 because I saw a need for quality beauty education. I believed then, as I still believe today, that education comes first.

Educate your customer first. Then sell them what they need, what they will use, and what they will love.

That philosophy has guided my business for more than three decades. It has shaped how I teach, how I build relationships, how I grow, and how I measure success.

And yes, I love business.

I love growth.
I love success.
I love seeing an idea become something real.
I love watching people learn, gain confidence, and discover what they are capable of doing.

My relentless work ethic began early. Having my daughter young was one of the greatest driving forces in my life. I wanted to build something meaningful. I wanted to create a life where hard work could open doors—not just for me, but for her.

That determination has stayed with me for 31 years.

It resonates in everything I do.

I have always been someone who goes all in. I go in with both feet. I believe in the vision, do the work, learn from what doesn’t work, celebrate what does, and keep moving forward.

I don't spend much time looking back.

Instead, I look at what’s next.

So this Labor Day, while you’re enjoying your well-deserved day off, take a few minutes to reflect—not just on your résumé, but on your living CV, (Curriculum Vitae, latin “course of life”).

Think about what makes you come alive.

What are you passionate about?

What would you keep doing even when it gets difficult?

What kind of work makes you say, “This is what I’m meant to do”?

And if you’re not there yet, don’t be discouraged. Your career, your business, and your life are works in progress. Sometimes the most important work is discovering what you want to build next.

Success doesn't always happen overnight. Mine certainly didn't.

It comes from showing up.
It comes from staying curious.
It comes from educating yourself and others.
It comes from caring about the people you serve.
It comes from having the courage to go all in.

And sometimes, it comes from simply refusing to quit.

So congratulations on your job well done.

Whatever you’ve built, whatever you’ve overcome, whatever you’re working toward—take a moment to appreciate it.

Put your feet up.

Enjoy your iced tea.

And then, when you’re ready, get back to doing the work that makes you feel most alive.

Happy Labor Day!

Love and light,
Dawn Maloney