This past week has been one I'll never forget.
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to be featured on KATV's Little Rock ARC and share my story as the 2026 National Esthetician of the Year. Sitting in that studio, reflecting on the journey, the sacrifices, the lessons, and the people who helped me get here was an incredibly humbling experience.
If you would have told me years ago that I would be sitting on a news set talking about skincare, education, entrepreneurship, and representation in the beauty industry, I probably would have laughed.
Not because I didn't believe it was possible.
But because sometimes the things God has planned for us are bigger than what we can imagine for ourselves.
Looking Back
As I sat there sharing my story, I couldn't help but think about all the moments people never saw.
The late nights.
The failed ideas.
The classes with only a handful of students.
The social media posts that barely got any engagement.
The moments of self-doubt.
The times I questioned whether I was making the right decisions.
Those moments matter too.
Because success isn't built in the spotlight.
It's built in the quiet seasons.
Representation Matters
One of the things I shared during the interview was how important representation is in our industry.
When I first started my journey, I didn't see many educators talking about skin that looked like mine.
I didn't see many people teaching skin of color at the level I knew it deserved.
And that realization became part of my purpose.
Not because I wanted recognition.
But because I wanted to be the person I needed when I was starting.
Sometimes your assignment isn't just about you.
It's about who comes after you.
The Next Adventure
And speaking of assignments...
Next week, my husband and I will be heading to Las Vegas for the Be+Well event and the official ASCP Esthetician of the Year celebration.
Honestly?
I'm excited.
Not just because of the award.
But because of the opportunity to continue learning, networking, and building relationships with beauty professionals from all over the country.
The older I get, the more I realize that growth isn't just about what you know.
It's about the rooms you're willing to enter.
The conversations you're willing to have.
The relationships you're willing to build.
Opportunities Don't Always Arrive the Way You Expect
One thing I've learned this year is that opportunities rarely arrive exactly the way we imagine.
Sometimes they come disguised as challenges.
Sometimes they come disguised as change.
Sometimes they come disguised as doors closing so new ones can open.
But every opportunity requires one thing:
Your willingness to move.
Your willingness to show up.
Your willingness to trust yourself even when the outcome isn't guaranteed.
To Anyone Who Needs Encouragement Today
Maybe you're working toward something nobody else can see yet.
Maybe you're posting content and wondering if it's making a difference.
Maybe you're building a business and questioning if it's worth it.
Maybe you're praying for opportunities that haven't arrived yet.
Keep going.
Keep showing up.
Keep learning.
Keep introducing yourself.
Keep building relationships.
Keep planting seeds.
The rooms you're praying for may be closer than you think.
But when the invitation comes, you still have to walk through the door.
This Season
This season has reminded me that growth is rarely accidental.
It's built through consistency.
Through faith.
Through obedience.
Through continuing to move forward even when the path isn't completely clear.
And while there are still so many exciting things happening behind the scenes, one thing I know for sure is this:
The best chapters are often waiting on the other side of courage.
A few years ago, I was sitting in classrooms learning.
Today, I'm speaking on stages, opening my own spa, mentoring beauty professionals, appearing on the news, and preparing to accept a national award.
Not because I'm special.
Not because I had all the answers.
But because I kept showing up.
And if you're reading this today, I hope you keep showing up too.
Your story is still being written.
And your next chapter may be closer than you think.