My name is Alex Canavan, I am a professional makeup artist based in Syracuse, NY, and my makeup/hair kit (a.k.a. my livelihood) was stolen from my car in downtown Syracuse this past weekend while I was unloading my car. I always leave the kit for last because it is ridiculously heavy, entire thing weighing about 60-70 lbs. I have worked diligently and passionately to build a clientele and name for myself within the beauty industry in Upstate New York. For someone who is only 23, and has been completely financially independent since the age of 19, I am pretty proud of how far I have come. Having this kit stolen from me has been the biggest violation I have ever faced. I am not sure who would have done this, however there is an ongoing investigation, and policed said it is most likely someone who knows me, and knows how much this would hurt me. I am feeling heartbroken and defeated. Operating this sort of business has been discouraging and draining lately, from the effects of the pandemic leading to (and will continue to) the extremely high cost of operations. The amount of money I have spent on this makeup/hair kit has always made me sick to think about, and now that it is gone and I have to figure out a way to pull another kit together before 3 large wedding party bookings this weekend, I am feeling a loss of hope for my career path as a whole. It has begun to feel like more of an expensive hobby and not much of a realistic, profitable business. Which is unfortunate because I have poured my heart and soul for the past 5 years into being the best makeup artist I could be for my clients. I was very proud of my makeup kit, not only have I invested thousands (roughly around 7k), but I have also spent hundreds of hours organizing and making sure I had every product for every client I could have. My makeup kit has been my pride and joy, my identity if you will. I ask that if anyone who knows me that supports my business and my talent, to please donate even if it is just 1 dollar. Your generosity and support will be the only thing keeping me at bay. Thank you

Best,

Alex Canavan