As I sit here at my desk and think about all I have to get done today…all the phone calls that need to be made and the presentations that need to be perfected, I am reminded of what I was doing one year ago.  One year ago I was waking up on my friend’s sofa in his apartment in Buckhead.  I can still remember staring out of his window and thinking to myself, “What does this city have in store for me?”  One year ago today I woke up as an Atlanta resident for the first time, looking for an apartment and a job and friends and the list goes on.  I was on my quest to reinvent my life… again.  After all, I had made it in metropolitan Florida, so surely I could do it here in Atlanta.  Though I had no clue where I would start, I knew in my gut this was right where I needed to be.

Of course people told me that I was crazy to walk away from everything I had going on at the time in order to plant my flag in a new city, but I felt this is where I was being told to go.  Here I am one year later, sitting at my desk and staring at this beautiful city with my balcony door open hearing the sounds of the city as it wakes up. It makes me feel like a part of something so much bigger than me.  And I know that I will hit that very city hard in a couple of hours continuing to ensure that my flag is firmly planted. Almost one year ago, I told my best friend and PR Manager “E” to make a list of things I wanted to accomplish in my first year: 1.TV 2. Print 3. Radio.

Well, I write for DIY Weddings Magazine as a style columnist, I have been back on the air for various radio stations and a couple of weeks ago, I filmed my small role in a show called Necessary Roughness on USA Network ( a TON of fun). In February I was even named the “Living Ken Doll of Atlanta,” and I feel like my life is coming together beautifully….My dreams are coming true…. And this is JUST THE BEGINNING!  My company is doing well, and my jewelry line is already getting some attention even though it is not “officially” on the market. One piece is on TV and another was worn by singer Tony Terry at an event with Hinton Battle.  I thank the Universe every day for my blessings and even for the hard work it took to get here.  I am far from done ATLANTA, so show me what you got! I have big projects in the works and am about to bust to tell you what they are!  The M Famous name will grow by leaps and bounds in the coming year.  If this is what I accomplished in one year, just wait to see what can I do in the next few.

I say all of this to say that there is no such thing as DREAMING TOO BIG!  Go ahead, reach for the stars.  As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I am so happy that I kept my head in the clouds.  Daydreaming has always served me well.

To all of my friends, family and followers, thank you so much.  I love you all and thank you for the support.  I could not have made it this far in just one year without you.

Love to you all,

Christopher Macken AKA Mr. M Famous

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TGIF! I have to sincerely apologize for the tardiness of this response. The House of M Famous is working on a few really great developments, and while it is no excuse, my response was a bit late. My late reply was compounded by a few technical difficulties, and here we are posting 2 blogs in one day. Look at it like a 2 for 1 deal….Most of all thank you for your patience!

If you missed the story of RR, read it here, before checking out my take below.

Well, let me start by saying good for your Father for being the kind of man to step up to the plate.  I am so happy that you have the beautiful relationship that you do.  Of course, the strength of your relationship will never be weakened by the addition of someone else.   With that being said, let me also say that I completely understand where you are coming from.

Years ago my grandmother passed away.  I felt as though I lost my best friend.  We were very close, and so much of my childhood was centered around spending the weekends at her house.  I can remember how sad my grandfather was – he was lost.  He eventually started dating again, and there were a few of his girlfriends that we liked, and one that I didn’t care for too much. Of course, they continued dating, and then after a while, my parents told me that they would be getting married.   I was not very happy, because she was nothing like my grandmother and would never be like her.  I can remember one time she and I got into a bit of a spat and being the quiet and shy person that I am (yeah right), I told her how I felt.  Later, my grandfather sat me down and told me that my grandmother was gone and that my soon to be step-grandmother would never take her place.  I realized then that he was so lonely, and to be honest, his new “Bride to Be” made him happy again.  She gave him a companion.  She may not have been the person that I would have picked at the time, but it wasn’t my decision, and he deserved to be content.

I think that you should talk with your father and let him know how you feel, but assure him that you will love him no less and that you do understand that it is his decision.  This is actually one of those situations where it is not right for me to tell you that they shouldn’t get “Hitched.”  It is, however, my place to say that you have to get these feeling off of your chest. Otherwise they could fester.  Let’s look at it like this, you and your father have been through much more difficult situations.  We all deserve to find love and perhaps it is his turn.  I know the two of you can talk it out.

My thoughts are with you,

Christopher Macken

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As I was sitting on my balcony this morning having a cup of coffee, I looked down and noticed a young couple holding hands and walking out of my building.  I don’t know what struck me about seeing this, but I started to think, “Hand holding” is such a very strong, public statement.  As they walked away, they passed a car where an older gentleman was holding the hand of what looked to be his wife as she feebly stepped onto the curb of the sidewalk and gained her footing.  I couldn’t help but think about all the different times I have held hands with someone and the many different reasons for doing so…

…My mother holding my hand and walking me into school on the first day.  Somehow her grasp comforted me, letting me know that everything was going to be alright.   Or perhaps the many Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family gathered in the kitchen before fixing our plates.  My Grandmother orchestrating the event by asking us all to join hands in prayer as my Grandfather blessed the meal that she had spent most of the night before preparing.  I always held my oldest cousins hand. We would squeeze each other’s hands to see if we could make the other say something during the prayer – in turn getting a stern look from Grandmother.  In spite of the antics surrounding that moment, there was a feeling of togetherness that kept us so close with each other.  …That same cousin later in life marrying her husband as they took each other’s hands and left the church where they were married by my same Grandfather that has led us in prayer all of our lives.  Running through the shower of birdseed they were joined by their hands and their hearts.

I can very distinctly remember my grandmother holding the hand of her mother as she passed away.  The whole room was silent as they shared that moment for the last time.

Of course there is the moment when I nervously reached over to grab the hand of my date at the movies or the times as a child when you join hands with your friends in a game of Red Rover.

Next time you are out and about, look around.  Take a sec and think about the people around you that are holding hands.  A young couple holding hands for a short time, or an elderly couple that may have been holding hands for years.  A mother holding her child’s hand as she reminds him to look both ways before crossing the street.  This very simple gesture that we often overlook and don’t give a second thought, comes from such a terrific place, a loving place!  I cannot think of a time that a simple touch of two hands would be for any other reason other than love.  Whether for comfort, support, understanding, love, safety or to help keep someone from falling; it really is a beautiful thing.  That’s just my random thought and observation for the day…My advice to you all today… go hold someone’s hand!  I promise it will lead to a great day!

Just a thought…

Mr M Famous

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you could take a step back in time.  If there was some way that you could walk down a street that seems to have been frozen in time…YOU CAN and I DID!  Memphis, TN was just that.  Beale Street was an amazingly nostalgic experience.  One filled with JAZZ and food, drinks and fun.  Of course, the reason for my trip to Memphis wasn’t just to see the city….

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Memphis on a chilly evening I couldn’t help but notice that there was a since of calm in the air.  Nobody was in a rush – except me, of course. As I went down the escalators, I saw my friend there to greet me.  This was to be my first trip to Memphis, and I had an insiders VIP look at it.

First Stop… Beale Street!

After parking, we boarded the Cable Trolley that took us ten feet off of Beale.

One dollar a trip – half the price of Marta and a quarter the speed.  We creaked all the way down the old streets – the new city and the old seemingly in a battle for dominance.  The construction sites of new trendy lofts give the old mills and factories new purpose and promise.  The facades of the buildings still in keeping with the history of the city and horse and carriage rides adorn the edge of the street much like taxis do here in Atlanta.

The lights of the bars, pubs and restaurants were almost pretty, all shining in a way as if to outdo the other for attention.  Of course, the one that caught my eye was the legendary BB KINGS.  We walked in and were greeted like we were old friends.  At the table we didn’t need a menu. I wanted BBQ!  My first meal in Memphis was going to be what the city is famous for (well that and Elvis).

We ate and drank and walked in and out of countless other bars all with live music and jazz singers (singer) and goats! Oh yes you read that right, goats. The bar, Silky O’Sullivan’s, is named after this over the top owner who is commonly seen on Beale Street wearing a crown and robe fit for a Drag Queen.  His flashy personality seems to fit the man that many lovingly call “the King Of Beale Street.”  Half way through my Absolute and Tonic he walked in – cigar in hand.  The women – old and young alike – swarmed hoping to get a hug.  I was in the presence of royalty! My friend and I walked out into the courtyard to check out the large pin of GOATS!  Now look people, I have been into many bars in many cities and never have I ever seen a goat. I have seen a couple of people that may look kind of like one, but never a real goat. As my jaw dropped, my friend simply looked at me and said, “welcome to Memphis!”

Sullivan’s concluded our evening, and we made our way back to the trolley and alas, the car.  Driving home we passed by the Flagship Peabody Hotel.  The first of three hotels that are famous for the ducks that live in the fountains and have a rooftop home that is more like a penthouse than a roost for fowl.  This trip was turning out to be great, and it was only the first night.  We went home and got some rest.  The next day was going to a busy one, and I have to say I was very excited…Graceland here we come!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Walking In Memphis

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I would like for everyone to take a moment and take a very nostalgic walk with me – one that has had many ups and downs, twists and turns and experiences that are unparalleled.

Picture a 6^th grade boy – introverted and awkward, wanting so badly for the more popular children to like him.  Shy among his peers and creative, this child was kind and caring and always felt like the teachers liked him more than his classmates.  Over the years, he was tormented and bullied, because he was different.  Not exactly knowing how he was different, he knew he wasn’t like everyone else.  Secretly he held inside that he was gay.  So afraid people would find out and the teasing and taunting of “fag” and “queer” would get worse, he just knew it. Severe depression consumed him, and that combined with years of bullying from his fellow students, lead him to a suicide attempt his senior year in high school.  He wasn’t able to graduate and even if he did, he had no vision of where he fit into the world in the future.  In his head, if college was anything like the Hell that was high school, he had no desire to go.

Now, flash forward to that same boy, only exactly ten years later…sitting at a long table at the front of a room of teachers, community, civic, political and religious leaders.  His suit a far cry from the jeans and polo of high school, sitting with him at the table are experts in everything from Criminal Justice to adolescent development.  As the room of 100 plus people ask the panel on which he sits how to put an end to the epidemic of bullying that has been progressively been getting worse with the advent of CYBER BULLYING.

A week ago I was asked by The Georgia Afterschool Investment Council (GAIC), the Georgia Municipal Association and America’s Promise Alliance to sit on a panel as a part of an anti bullying Summit entitled, “An Afterschool Grad Nation Summit: Creating Bully Free Environments for Student Success” in Milledgeville Georgia to address the problem of bullying and keeping children in schools.  I have not lived in this community in sometime, however I was more than eager to come back to the town that I will always call home and help.  As I sat there I have to admit, I was so humbled and honored.  Just ten years ago I never could have envisioned this day.  A day where my peers and fellow citizens were not only embracing of me as an equal, but where also visibly disturbed as I told of specific beatings and cases of bullying that I endured as a child. I got chills just sitting there as I spoke with my hometown’s Mayor (he and his wife have always been very supportive of diversity) on how I may be able to assist in this initiative.

That very moment I will admit made me the most proud…of myself, my town and my fellow Georgians.  We stood together… black, white, man, woman, straight and gay.  We stood united to fix a problem.  We looked past our differences and gazed onward.  I am so proud to have been able to be there to see that.

I have done many things in these past ten years – developed my own cosmetic line and started no less than three other companies.  I have met celebrities and traveled.  I have been on TV and have so many more things to come I am sure.  I live in a beautiful city, in a beautiful building.

Being asked by the local news to make a statement (view the video here and read the article here) on what we were doing and hoping to accomplish, being surrounded by such amazing men and women who have achieved so much in their careers and feeling like I was a part of something so much bigger than me – truly extraordinary.  Something that could actually help many children to live a happy life and to ensure that suicide is not an option for any child.  We discussed how the town as a whole can show that we embrace diversity and each other.

If this isn’t a testament to how terrifically things are changing, I don’t know what is.  I don’t know if I will be asked to be a part of anything like that in the future, but I tell you this – that day will go down in my scrapbook as a monumental day for me.  I never felt like a cool kid in high school, but I have never been more happy to have been different than I was as I looked in the audience and saw my Mother’s face, fighting back the tears.  I have seen her do that before…at my bedside in the hospital ten years ago, but this time it was different…this time it was as if to tell me…”look how far we have come.

I love you Mom and cannot even begin to tell you how thankful I am for you.

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken

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Hello all.  Thank you all for your emails and inquiries requesting a new blog post.  I have been so very busy – no excuse, I know.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter may already know about the “goings-on” but for everyone else lemme just tell ya…

First of all, I am now the Creative Director of a beautiful salon here in Midtown Atlanta.  The feeling is so great to be able to go into a salon everyday and know that I am actively achieving my dreams and goals (still with many more to go).  Let this be proof positive that if you dream it, you can achieve it!  I have to say that the responsibility is great and the task can be stressful. However, it is worth it at the end of the day to know that I work with such terrific people and work for owners who share a great vision of the true meaning of a high-end salon.  To those people I say – thank you for everything!

In other news, all of you know just how much I LOVE having a full social calendar, and girls and boys, it has never been more full! YAY! From Gay Pride Atlanta to Halloween parties, I have been having a blast. Child please!?!?!?! Ok, so let’s talk PRIDE people. I had so much fun with my friend (that has been known as “M”) but will now and forever be known as “Tree House.”  LOL! She knows why.  I was so touched by Delta, Coca-Cola, Orbitz and Smirnoff Vodka for sponsoring the festivities.  These amazing sponsors are proof that the tides are turning in a beautiful, accepting direction.  The care and support of such large and powerful companies gives me hope that the rest of the country will come around as well.  It is so great!  Best way to describe it…LIVE IT LOVE IT LIVE IT!!!!!  Oh, and “Tree House”…May I have a to-go cup please!?

As I am sitting here writing to all of you, I am just getting settled in for the evening and unraveling my layers (love the cold weather). Coco and I are sitting at my desk that is nestled up to a large picture window that just so happens to be directly to the right of the balcony door of my new condo located on the 12th floor of  a gorgeous condo building in Midtown.  As I look up from my computer I see the buildings of Buckhead Atlanta and all of Atlantic Station.  The city lights are truly breathtaking and the sounds of the city never grow old. With this kind of view and Adam Lambert playing on the IPod (thanks Mom), I have to ask how I got so lucky?  Many of you may be thinking that my view of the sky line explains the title of the blog.  No sir!  Actually, it is to describe just how high I set my goals.   I moved here a mere 5 months ago. Just five months ago I was very new in a city about which I knew very little and had even fewer contacts.  But, something in me said that it was time for me to take this step.  I can tell you that the move was not an easy decision, but I truly felt that I needed to make a giant leap, knowing that it was in God’s hands.

Now naysayers always exist….but my inner voice kept telling me to reach for my goals….Hence the title of this blog “View from the Top.”  Though I have achieved so many of my goals, I am still not anywhere close to being at “the top.”  I want to encourage all of you to set your goals as high as your heart will allow.  Aim for that brass ring and reach for it.  Don’t allow anyone to ever tell you that you CAN’T! If I had had listened to those people, I would not be enjoying myself as much as I am now.  This reminds me of my favorite quote…”Life is about the journey and not the destination.”  Though I am far from my final destination, I am thankful for every minute of the climb. Push yourselves and grow from the journey.  Even when no one else seems to believe in you, know that I do.  How are you going about achieving your dreams and goals? What is your story? Email me, and I will blog about it.

*This Blog is dedicated to all of the children who have lost their lives as a result of bullying.  Just 10 years ago I was recovering from a suicide attempt after years of being bullied, because I was gay.  My hope is that no child ever has to resort to something like that ever again.  No goal is out of reach and every life has value.  Love yourselves and each other…not for the reasons that make you the same, but for the reasons that make you different! Loving one another is the only way to live “An M Famous Life,” and it is a major step toward your own “View from the Top!!!!!”

God bless you all!

Be M Famous

Christopher Macken

Before I tell you all about the goings on of this weekend, I am going to have to tell you about this musical called “Pageant” currently showing at the 14th Street Playhouse on the corner of 14th Street and Juniper Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

Ok, picture it, I am just tweeting away when I receive a tweet from @pageantatlanta asking me if I would be a guest judge.  How exciting, right?  I mean, I have only been in Atlanta for a few months and already I am being asked to judge something.  But, hold the phone…what or who am I judging?!  I started getting concerned when I realized that I just committed to be a judge for something that I knew nothing about, and for all I know, I could be judging the 8th annual “Owner Pet look-a-like Contest” of south Peachtree Road.  Can’t you just see that, me crowning some lady named Trixie and her Chug (chihuahua-pug mix) Mipsy, the 2011 Miss South Peachtree Road!  At any rate, I digress.

So off I went to the Pageant Atlanta web site to check it out.  This musical has received ample praise from the New York Times as well as the London Times and had plenty of praise all over YouTube as well.

Perhaps I have gotten ahead of myself.  You are more than likely thinking, “what does a musical need a judge for anyway?” You see the whole premise of the show is that these 6, ummm,  well…girls (played by men) are competing to be the next Miss Glamouresse, a beauty company much like Mary Kay (can I say that?)  The characters range from the Bible Beating “Miss Bible Belt” to the rough and tumble yet oddly seductive “Miss Texas,” who I actually voted for to win.  Now, this is where the judges come into play.  The winner of this “Pageant” is determined nightly by the guest judges, so every night there is a chance of a different “girl” winning the grand title and crown.  I literally laughed from the time the curtain opened to the time I got to shake the hands of the cast after the show.  A simple blog doesn’t even begin to describe this show.  Let me tell you, this is a perfect date night destination, as you will find yourself laughing for the remainder of the night with your special someone while humming the tune, “I’m banking on Jesus, cause Jesus is my co-signer” (you will  just have to see the show to understand). I encourage everyone to check them out and don’t wait too late to see it either.  Oh and take some cash. They have a cocktail bar – I was in heaven.  The house staff are all so incredibly friendly and set the whole tone for the night as you enter the theater.  I don’t want to continue and give too much away.  All I can say is, “to Dustin Lewis and the rest of the extremely talented cast and crew, thank you for sharing such a great show and experience with me.  I was honored to be asked to judge and thanks to all of you, sore from laughing (I’m not kidding I really laughed that hard).”

For those of you that know me, it comes as no surprise that I like to travel with a crowd.  Last night was, of course, no exception.  After the show we walked over to the W Midtown Hotel where I ran into someone we will call Z, a good friend of mine, just before he and his friends jumped into the limo for the evening.  I was super temped to go, but alas I decided I should head home and take a rain check – not like me I know!

Here’s the thing, Friday evening lasted a bit longer than expected.  Notice that I said evening, because it sounds better than saying early Saturday morning.  I won’t bore you with the details of things, but I will give you a basic rundown of the events…

…cocktails at my apartment…call for the car…cocktails on the roof of JE’s building overlooking the city…call for the car…Burkhart’s…cocktails…drag queen…members only jacket….drag queen…call for the car…Blake’s on the Park…cocktails…”hey how are you”… “no I didn’t hear that”… drag queen… “oh hide, it’s my ex”… shots with JE… call for the car… ride home singing “Don’t Worry be Happy” with the Jamaican driver..  and may or may not have ended with the pool and Waffle House.  I can’t confirm or deny anything! (wink)

So now you understand why last night; a great show, a cocktail at the W Midtown, a late dinner at Cow Tippers in Midtown, and then off to bed was just perfect!

Oh that reminds me, not sure why, but it does,… anyone know when my birthday is…coming up soon…Just guess how old I will be….

The Holiday party season is rapidly approaching; please remember, Living an M Famous life is more than great parties and beautiful people…It is doing so responsibly.  ALWAYS “Call for the Car” or have a designated driver!

MUAH!

Christopher Macken

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Happy Wednesday – How is everyone doing?!

The Ask M Famous question this week comes from a dear friend of mine who is preggers and due in November.  I just love her!  In conversation over frozen yogurt, which just happens to be her caving of the month, she begged me to help her with her morbid fear of the dreaded stretch marks.  BTW, if you have a burning question, please feel free to share it with me.  Email your questions to, askmfamous@christophermacken.com

So here we go,  “Do creams, oils, etc. really work to prevent stretch marks?”

Well now, this question is one that I had to research.  The odds of me ever becoming “with child” are about as good as me ever knowing what baseball team is favored to win the Super Bowl!  But alas, I digress…

What I have found thus far is this: If you want to keep your belly from looking like a satellite image of the desert taken from the Hubble Telescope, check out this product…

Bella Mama Cocoa Butter

Not only does this product claim that it works, but some of the most famous pregnant celebs have used it to regain their taut figures.   Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum, Trista Sutter, Melania Trump and Jennifer Garner have all reportedly used this product and given it rave reviews.

Still many articles do insist that stretch marks are inherited, and try as you may, you will either get them or not.  I find this hard to believe, because I feel that it is a matter of your skin’s elasticity that gives it the ability to bounce back from child birth better than Brittany Spears in her last come back tour. Continue Reading »

I have decided to make the announcement. Word is getting out anyway…

…I have had such a great run here in Milledgeville over the past two and a half years. So many terrific people and great clients. Thank you all for your support of, both me and Christopher Macken Cosmetics. The time has come, however, for me to branch out and extend my career in new and exciting directions. Most of you know about my love of the city and how I miss living there. I guess by this point you all see where this is going…

I will be relocating to Atlanta in the next couple of months. It is time for me to challenge myself again. My Cosmetic line will still be available here in Milledgeville and you all know I am still very much a part of Salon 2000.

This was not an easy decision and took some time to make. I knew that leaving would be difficult but the challenges ahead of me are exciting and the opportunity for myself and my company to grow are plenty. Again I can’t begin to thank everyone of my friends, family, and clients for their support over the years. You all have made everything possible.

I will not be gone for good. I will continue to come back to the lake and visit on a fairly regular basis. I have had all the R&R that Lake Sinclair can provide and am ready once again for hustle and bustle. I do encourage all of my clients to continue to support Salon 2000 and know that if you can’t make the trip to Atlanta I understand and Kenny Dennis and Barbara Morrow are very Talented and will take very good care of you.

You can follow my journey on Facebook, Twitter, and of course, the official Christopher Macken Blog. I certainly hope you all stay in touch.

Thank you all for your warm “well wishes” and you will all be missed.

Much love,
Christopher Macken

The past week has been a bit of a eye opener for me. None of us are perfect despite how we would like to view ourselves. I am no exception to the rule. As many of you know, I have had a long standing, very “rocky” relationship with a business person and community leader that, of late, has had his share of troubles. I have never been very quiet about my personal feelings and have, perhaps, held on to things a bit too long. I guess I realized how involved I was when the media contacted me. My comment to them is my new stance on his and my view of one another, NO COMMENT.
He and I have spoken, very civilly I might add, and agreed to bury the hatchet and be civil to each other. Please let this put to rest any rumor that I wish any ill will to him or his career. The fact is that my feelings toward him and his feelings toward me are based on a business situation that happened between the two of us and no one else. As we decide how we will coexist in the future we will do so civilly and without comment, or involvement from anyone else. As I have stated before, my personal views of him or anyone else in no way reflect their ability to conduct their professional life the best way they can.
I wish this person well in every endeavor and hope he can work through this situation that I am sure he will find to be a small bump in the road. As I said before, I never realized how public our feud had become until someone gave my phone number to the media. I don’t appreciate being put in the middle of something that I was simply an observer of. Lesson learned.
Lesson for the day…. Learn how to let things go. I have and it does feel good!

Love,

CM