Salon Decor

The luxurious hair salon interior designed by Scott Weston.

Details Of An Artist

In the entrance of this year I understood the importance of transparency, and how it aids, affects and guides the life choices of others. For me like many of you transparency is/was something that you shielded and kept under wraps until you were home in your room amongst folks(me, myself and I) you knew and trusted, and then you became transparent with the truth you chose to believe, the lie you live and the reality of what the truth really is. I am learning that my truths are not only beneficial for a healthy life but also for the preserving and strengthening of another.

I think we as a people have really clichéd the term “keeping it real.” In my opinion “real” is the truth about who you are even at the worst parts. I am at a place in my life where I can admit that up to this point I have never felt good enough, strong enough, or worth anything to those around me. I know what it’s like to be in a room full of people and still be alone. To long to be a part of something greater then yourself but not having the courage to take the steps to get there, and later seeing the elevation of that thing and telling yourself that you were not worth it anyway.

I 've learned over time that no matter how different I may be, I am now who I was created to be to fulfill my own specific destiny, and though I have been looked over, talked about, and chosen last with little expectation by others. For me I am of some great quality hidden over time in my adversity, shielded from they who would have abused me as a gift, and buried in a chest as a treasure to be discovered by those who would honor and respect my shine, appreciating me enough to hold me close, but be so proud to have me that they showcase me in the glass displays of their lives.

I am coming into a greater understanding of life, and I can acknowledge that the life we live is not ours to live, but our lives are to be gifts to others. Embracing the individual, cherishing the life within, and walking in the honor that you were chosen to touch them "specifically." Something about your life was important enough, and valuable enough that your still here, all for the benefit of aiding another to live.

In my past I can admit that I gave away everything that I was not taught to value and in turn ended up with a whole lot of nothing, sharing myself with individuals who did not even realize, or respect the sacrifice that I made. As the greatest gift one can give to another is the untouched part of a whole self. As America is doing today I sold myself off in pieces sharing with those who discarded me in the end. Today through grace I can hold my head up high I may never be able to deny what I have done, but I’m clean and more whole then I was.

Today I see myself as quality, and with the valuable life I have left I seek to use it to affect positive change in the lives of others! In this life some of us fight more than others. I too had to fight, but know that sometimes you have to fight the battles of those who may not be strong enough to overcome on their own. So life sends you. I challenge you to keep fighting as many of the battles you fight today will become over whelming victories for multitudes tomorrow. Mahalia Jackson sang a song on the memorial during the Dr. King speech there and it sums it up

If I can help somebody
As I travel along
If I can help somebody
With a word or song
If I can help somebody
From doing wrong
My living shall not be in vain.

My living shall not be in vain
My living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody 
While I'm singing this song
My living shall not be in vain

Today I speak to you who are late for purpose but right on time for destiny. Those of you who missed the buss of opportunity, but caught a cab for a life mandate. Live, laugh, love, and know that there is more t you then what you can see, there’s more in you then what you can feel, and the fact that your reading this proves that life has a need for you to be here! Love yourself, value your neighbor and share with the stranger. Touch a life today and change many lives tomorrow! Then your living will not be in vain.