There are moments in life that cause you to pause.
Not because everything suddenly changes.
But because you realize just how far you've come.
This season has been one of those moments for me.
A few months ago, I learned I had been selected as the 2026 Esthetician of the Year by the Associated Skin Care Professionals.
This weekend, I'll travel to Las Vegas to officially accept that award.
People have asked me several times,
"What does it feel like?"
And honestly...
It's hard to put into words.
It's More Than an Award
When people hear "award-winning esthetician," they often think about the recognition.
The title.
The magazine feature.
The interviews.
The stages.
The applause.
Those moments are incredibly special, and I'm grateful for every one of them.
But the title means something much deeper to me.
Because when I hear "award-winning," I don't think about the day my name was announced.
I think about every day before it.
I Think About the Beginning
I think about beauty school.
Wondering if I was good enough.
Questioning myself.
Practicing over and over until my confidence caught up with my passion.
I think about every class I taught before anyone knew my name.
Every student.
Every client.
Every early morning.
Every late night.
Every conference I paid my own way to attend because I believed education would change my future.
None of those moments came with an award.
But they mattered just as much.
Excellence Is Built When No One Is Watching
One of the biggest lessons this title has taught me is this:
Recognition happens in public.
Excellence is built in private.
It's built when you choose to learn one more thing.
When you stay late to prepare.
When you practice your craft.
When you show up for clients even when you're tired.
When you invest in yourself before anyone else does.
Awards don't create excellence.
They recognize years of it.
The Title Comes With Responsibility
Receiving this honor has also reminded me that influence comes with responsibility.
People are watching.
Not because I'm perfect.
But because they're looking for someone who reminds them that their dreams are possible too.
That responsibility doesn't make me nervous.
It makes me intentional.
I want to continue leading with integrity.
I want to continue educating.
I want to continue representing this profession with excellence.
I want to continue creating space for conversations that help move our industry forward.
Success Looks Different Than I Imagined
Years ago, I thought success would be a destination.
Now I realize it's a commitment.
A commitment to keep learning.
A commitment to keep serving.
A commitment to keep showing up.
Because every new level asks something different of you.
And that's what makes this season so exciting.
To Every Beauty Professional Reading This
If you've ever wondered whether your hard work matters...
It does.
If you've ever questioned whether the long hours are worth it...
They are.
If you've ever felt overlooked...
Keep going.
Don't chase titles.
Chase excellence.
Because titles eventually fade into the background.
Character doesn't.
Knowledge doesn't.
Impact doesn't.
The goal isn't to become the most recognized person in the room.
The goal is to become the person who makes the biggest difference.
This Weekend
This weekend, I'll walk across a stage in Las Vegas and officially accept an award that represents years of work, growth, faith, and perseverance.
I'll celebrate.
I'll smile.
I'll take the pictures.
But when I come home...
I'll get back to work.
Because the greatest achievement isn't receiving an award.
It's continuing to earn the trust of the people you serve every single day.
If there's one thing I hope you remember after reading this, it's this:
You don't have to wait until someone hands you a trophy to believe your work has value.
Keep learning.
Keep serving.
Keep growing.
Keep showing up.
One day, someone may recognize your work.
But even if they never do...
The lives you've impacted will always be your greatest accomplishment.
And to me...
That's the kind of legacy worth building.