You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.
20 years ago, I found out I had wings. At 12 years old, I marched up to my dance instructor with a vivid idea and a tiny caboodle of hard earned MAC Cosmetics. I told her I had designed a look for the jazz section of the performance and wanted to provide makeup for the troupe. I carved sharp black contours using a plastic key card across my peersβ faces and felt so engaged in the process, I immediately fell in love. My wings stretched out for the first time.Β
The 10 years directly following, I bound my wings to my ribcage. I was told that what I loved wasnβt a career, that it wasnβt even a βreal choiceβ to make. I tried to find other outlets. Out of high school, I tried more mainstream work between my times with beauty brands. In college, I studied cosmetology AND marketing. I covered my bases in all areas to make myself βwell-rounded.β The battle raged on as I kept standing on the edge, believing that if I jumped that my wings couldnβt keep me up. But even then, no matter what I was doing to pay the bills, I never put down my brushes.Β
Β I was in New York when I was 22, having a conversation with an incredible woman. (I was helping her daughter write her resume.) She asked some general questions about me, like a casual conversation would allow. As if she had known me for years, she summed up our moment together by asking me, βIsnβt it exhausting to live so fragmented? Youβll find a better way some day.β βYes. It is.β I replied, without knowing there was any other way to be. Her words swirled in my mind the whole flight home, why was I just hoping it would change instead of working it out? I cut the bandages off of my wings that day, and jumped. Throughout the past 10 years, I worked in television, stage, and film, beauty, bridal, and beyond. Iβve worked with photographers, directors, models, and wedding planners. I was an artist and leader for THE powerhouse brand in cosmetics, began leading talent in medical industry beauty, and went through yoga teacher training. I have learned more, been happier, and personally grown greater than any other time in my life. I leaned in to who I was, and what I loved, and today I know that not only do I have wings, but I can fly.Β
Β All of this is simply to say, wings are for using. I had 10 years of life I could have enjoyed more. 10 years I could have focused on flying lessonsβ¦People sometimes say they βdonβt know what to feel passionate aboutβ when in reality theyβve already felt it, and told it to go away. You can find a way to make your passion something that works for you, if you stay diligent and open-minded. The path may not be straight, but it can be enjoyable. I love to live in beauty. I love health and wellness. I love empowering people. I love an industry that never rests. I love having my creativity be awake throughout my days, and I love to feel in love with what I have done in my life. The only thing I donβt love is how much time it took me to step off the ledge.Β
Β So today, I encourage you to jump. Youβll build your wings on the way down.