F.A.G NEWS! The Brow War is on in Upstate NY...... or Is It?

"Brows are meant to be sisters, not twins," says brow sculptor and makeup artist Deborah Netti. It's an interesting theory—especially coming from a brow sculptor who happens to be the semi-identical twin sister of the Brow Diva, a.k.a. Deanna Netti Cahill.

Netti Cahill has spent six years—the past four at her business at 3025 Monroe Ave. in Pittsford—building what is now a national reputation for her brow work and her line of brow-enhancing cosmetic products.

Her sister's theory is that a person's eyebrows are meant to complement each other instead of being perfectly symmetrical. Now, Deborah is embarking on a business venture of her own, Brow Chic, slated to open in April at 2450 W. Ridge Road in Greece, across from The Mall at Greece Ridge.

Is this the beginning of a brow war? No, the twins insist.

"Competition is good," Deanna says. "I have a very successful business. Why wouldn't I wish success—especially for my sister? I am thrilled."

In fact, Deanna has referred customers to Deborah—people who live near Greece who may find Deborah's location more convenient.

The two grew up in Fairport.

"She was like an extension of me," Deanna says.

"There's no closer bond than the twin bond," Deborah adds.

For more than a decade, they worked together at their own company—Jumelle Makeup in Brighton. (Jumelle is French for twin.) But an article about eyebrow artist Anastasia of Beverly Hills changed Deanna's life. She wanted to work solely on eyebrows and elevate it to an art, which meant breaking away from Deborah.

"It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make," Deanna says.

Deborah continued working as a makeup artist and also learned the art of brow sculpting. Years later, Deborah wanted to rejoin Deanna at Brow Diva. But Deanna adhered to the rule of not mixing family or friends with business.

Deborah was devastated. But she now says it was the best thing for both to have their own businesses.

So who's the better brow sculptor? No, not even that question can start a fight.

"We have our different styles," Deborah says.

"We learn from each other," Deanna says.

Mary Chao • February 26, 2009/Democrat and Chronicle
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F.A.G LIVING! Pema Chodron

The most fundamental aggression to ourselves. . . . is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.
~Pema Chödrön

F.A.G NEWS! JUDE KEANE passes......

My dear friend Jude Keane passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. Jude embodied a fighting spirit and kept a positive attitude during her most grueling days of treatment.

She was loved by so many. A tuff-as-nails conversationalist and an avid promoter of equal rights, she helped me during the most difficult times when I was in the adoption process. Jude loved the fact that I wanted to create a family as a gay single dad- upon my son's adoption she threw us a surprise "baby" shower to celebrate.

Jude loved to celebrate with a glass of Trader Joe's Merlot! We toasted LIFE constantly! We met at Unity Church in Santa Fe and served on many boards together. We started a book club and ended up being the only members of the club- our gatherings were always met with non-stop chatter and pot-luck food.

Jude made me sauce.... every couple of weeks we would stop over for pasta. One night I brought over my new boyfriend and the two of them hit it off....Jude and David Ruiz became best pals and upon David's death 2 years ago Jude was devastated.

A wave of grief hit me hard this morning as I remembered how many times I called Jude for parental advice....she was matter-of-fact with me about raising kids- "NO is NO"....and she would always say to me...."don't talk so much! just hug your son, that's all he wants".....

Jude was proud of her grand kids Katie and Tim, loving them deeply. She was also proud of her son Richard, traveling last summer to Scotland for his marriage ceremony to his partner John. Even during her treatments and fatigue she wanted to be there for the wedding of two men who loved each other. Jude was also in awe of her daughter Susan's marriage to Jonas, their devotion to each other was something she longed for but didn't experience in her lifetime.

Last May, my son and I traveled to Santa Fe and were able to throw a dinner together with Jude- our friend Kelsang Jorlam hosted a fab night filled with laughter and loving conversation. One more time we shared a bottle of Merlot and a great dinner....

I miss my dear friend's counsel....and I will always hold her memory close to my heart as I travel on....knowing that somewhere, someday we will reunite for glass of cheap wine and some yummy sauce.....goodbye my sweet friend.