The Most Excited I've Been in a Long Time....

Sooo.....if you follow me on twitter or facebook,  many of you already know (and are probably sick of hearing about) that I am a finalist in the Matrix "Spread the Love" campaign. I found out on Monday and I am still about to pee myself from excitement. In fact........ut oh..............

This opportunity means the world to me. I've never wanted anything this badly before, and I'm a pretty needy girl. I don't think I even wanted my boyfriend this badly and trust me, he is a pretty great catch. (hehe just kidding babe...lovies!).

Monday morning I was at home, laying on my couch, sick as a dog. Believe you me...it wasn't pretty. Around 11am,  I missed a phone call from a random number. But after listening to the voicemail that was left, I realized that this was no run of the mill telemarketer-trying-to-sell-me-a-lifetime-supply-of-magazines phone call. It was David from Matrix! The voice of an angel! **insert hallelujah music here**

We played phone tag for a little while (David, you so silly!) before finally being able to have a real, live chat. Long story short...on Dec 15th, I will be flying to NYC for a few nights, meeting with all the fellow finalists, and having a few one-on-one interviews with the judges. Here they will choose the winning 6. These few days will decide my fate. Signed, sealed, delivered......and completely terrified!

I know its so cliche to say, but I'm honestly happy to have just made it this far. Yes, of course I want to be chosen as one of the final 6. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But even first being selected as a semi-finalist, and now as a finalist...its been an amazing journey. I honestly, 100% can already say that I feel like I've made some great friendships with fellow hairstylists, just through interacting with each other on the campaign's facebook page. It is so awesome for us all to be in this together. To be connected not only through our love and passion for hairdressing, but also in our want and almost complete NEED to be a part of this campaign.

To my fellow finalists - I look forward to meeting all of you in NYC. I'm so proud to be in the same category with you guys. You really are an amazing bunch, and I know Matrix has some tough decisions ahead of them. Until then, take care and keep up the good work. Whether it be here or in any other area of your life, you're going to go far.

I kid you not...I'm seriously a finalist. Here's proof!!

Spread the Love

I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Spread the Love competition by Matrix. There are a few questions that Matrix would like answered...so here are my thoughts!

1) If you could have dinner with one industry icon, who would it be and why?

So...to continue where I left off in my video, let me chat with you a little about this fabulous person named Ammon Carver. I mean...hello! It would be safe to call this infatuation slightly on the verge of....obsession. Is that weird?

Regardless, I'd kill for the opportunity to meet with him. I have spent countless hours online watching video after video of this little nugget! The more I write, the more I pray that he isn't one of judges for this competition haha. No need to get a restraining order Mr. Carver. I just admire your work. He makes his craft look so effortless, yet so meticulous. He is phenomenal. I'd love to have dinner with him, and like a sponge, soak up every word that comes out of that pretty little mouth. Its like gold to me. His work has graced the covers of Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and Seventeen, just to name a few. I feel as though he is extremely versatile and artistic. I want to be just like him when I grow up....only better! (haha just kidding, Ammon...geez!)

2)Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is not the rich and famous. Not even someone who has accomplished the most. It is who, despite all odds, gets up every day and does what must be done to survive. And that, my friends, is my mom. I think it is easy being an inspiration to others during a dramatic situation. But those people who fight against all odds and continue to do their best are my true   hero's. My mom is one of those people. Yes, she has had a dramatic encounter. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer several years back. But before, during, and since that horrific time, she continues to be someone worth speaking of. She is caring and kind, yet unwavering in her beliefs. She doesn't belittle others, and knows when to acknowledge that someone else just sees things in a different way than she. She is completely selfless, always putting my and my brothers needs before her. My mom always has been, and always will by my hero and true inspiration.

3)If you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?

I would change confidence in people. Most people have a lack of confidence in being all that they truly were meant to be. How many times have we heard our friends or family talk about an idea that we know could be a life-changing idea or would help someone in need? However, if you say to them "You should do that," they give you every reason in the book why they aren't able to.

 I think this world would be such an amazing place if everyone sought out to be confident in their own ideas. There would be less poverty, less sickness, and more love and compassion for each other.

We would not need to be envious of each other because we would know that we are confident within ourselves. We could start each day with helping one another, and not be worried about how someone will view us or react. We could change each others lives. If you were confident, you would be nice to others, and usually when you are nice to others it inspires them to be nice as well. And so on...its a chain affect! We all have the ability to change someones day with kindness.

I also think that its important to maintain your confidence because almost all significant changes throughout history have occurred not because of nations/armies/governments etc. They happened as a result of a confident persons courage and commitment. Joan of Arc, Albert Einstein,  Rosa Parks. Every thing in life matters. Every word you speak, every word you don't speak. It all counts. Never think "its not my job" or "I'm only one person so what can I do". Have the confidence to know that you can change the world.

4)What would your best friend say about you?

Upon asking her, she said (and I quote...) "awesome, amazing, beautiful, the best listener with the best advice who is not afraid to tell you that your choices may have been bad ones". Thanks Kate. But she forgot to say "funny" and "smart" sooooo... she is no longer my best friend. I am now accepting applications to fill her spot...any takers?....

5)Where do you look for inspiration?

I think as stylist, a majority of us find inspiration in our every day dealings with people. I often like to just "people watch." I like to see what is happening in the every day world, and imagine how I could elaborate on it or edge it out a bit. But, for me there really could be a 100 answers to this question. It may be people, it may be something I heard or something I read. It may be the color of your shirt, or the smell in the area. It may be the taste of my coffee or the shape of an architectural design that I find visually appealing.  Never limit yourself to what inspires you. Learn to appreciate life's beauty in all of its forms, not just those related to the cosmetology field. 

6)Why do you want to be a part of Spread the Love?

This experience sounds like the most amazing thing I have heard, probably in all of my life. I think its so great for Matrix to want to help up and coming stylist reach their goals by providing this opportunity. To travel, learn from some of the best in the industry, while meeting others and sharing your experiences along the way...sign me up! 

Good luck to everyone who has applied. Those chosen, I'm sure, will have one of the best years of their lives come 2011. This, without a doubt in my mind, will be the experience of a lifetime for those select few. I hope that everyone who was presented with this opportunity took the bull by the horns and ran full speed ahead. GOOOOOO YOU! (...and me....but mostly me....)