THIRTY

The day has finally come! What a BEAUTIFUL day this is! I can't believe that I'm no longer in my twenties. Needless to say, I feel AMAZING! I've ACCOMPLISHED so many things in my twenties. I purchased my first home at 23, I birthed an amazing little girl, and most recently, I decided to follow my dreams and pursue my passion in journalism.  The road has not been an easy one. This life you see isn't always so GLAMOUROUS.  My twenties was filled with many late nights up praying to GOD on what my next move would be, and how I would pick up the pieces from what I thought was the end at the time.  I fell in love, I fell out of love; but I still managed to remain STEADFAST and RESILIENT.

See, I've always had the DETERMINATION and DRIVE to do practically anything.  Not because I felt like I was super TALENTED like a singer or an artist, but because I was AUTHENTIC. Authentic in the sense that I never wanted to be like anybody else but me.  We all have our INFLUENCERS; you know that person who INSPIRES us to be better.  Being myself just always seemed to work for me. Being the smallest or the cutest was never my fear.  Was I the COOLEST and the ILLEST (pardon my grammar); hell yeah.  

So I walk into this new chapter and embrace this BEAUTIFUL thing called life and so DELIGHTED to see what God has in store for me.  My AMBITION is fueled by the AWESOME people I have around me.  I called them the three "F's"; my friends, my family, and my followers. You all are INTELLIGENT, SWEET, and super SUPPORTIVE. I wrote a post on Facebook that said describe me in one word. The words that are in bold are some of the words mentioned.  Ironically, these are the same thirty words that I see in each and every one of you. I couldn't go a day without you guys and know that you are truly IRREPLACEABLE.  I often think back and laugh about the nickname OREO I was given by one of my mentors in my early twenties.  I learned so much from her.  She was so RELIABLE and RESOURCEFUL and always took care of the people around her.  When I would show up to work late, she would always pull me to the side and correct me.  When I felt like my work was OUTSTANDING, she would always encourage me to do better.  These are the type of people I've always been blessed to have around me. I will always remember Kim.  White girl Kim!

This journey that I'm on is only the beginning.  As I put one foot forward and embark on this mission to becoming something great, I'm constantly challenged.  While some may think I'm CAREFREE, I'm aware that this comes with a greater responsibility. This is not about me, but about those around me who I can inspire and help along the way.  How can I call myself a QUEEN, but not have other Queens around me?  My BRAND, my vision is simple and will forever be my ignition. It's to be THORO and never abort the mission! 

Dress: GITI | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: RhaynaC Photography

Accessories By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR