00:00Hi, guys. I told Carrie she cannot leave me up here by myself.
00:04Okay, I wrote a speech. I'm going to take my time and get all of this out, so get ready.
00:09This is a really important moment for me right now.
00:12So, I've had the privilege of working in this amazing hair industry for over 25 years,
00:18and let me tell you, it's been a journey.
00:20There's been as ups and as downs. It's good times, not so good times.
00:25But today, right here, is one of the good times.
00:28I'm just so grateful that I never gave up on my dreams.
00:31I'm just this little girl from Queensbridge Projects that grew up and had so many dreams.
00:36I wanted to become a celebrity hairstylist, own my own business, like Carrie said, travel the world,
00:42and most importantly, take care of others.
00:45And I wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for God.
00:48So, first, I want to say, thank you, God.
00:51You've allowed me to live my dreams and walk in my passion.
00:54That passion has taken me around the world, and for that, I'm so grateful, every single day.
01:02To my mother, who is no longer here with me, in the flesh, but always in spirit,
01:07Mommy, I feel you every day.
01:09Not a day goes by that you're not on my mind or in my heart.
01:13You believed in me so much when others didn't.
01:17And that still drives me.
01:19I will forever love you and miss you.
01:21To my husband, Johnny Drew, who's sitting there in the crowd, and my twin boys, I love you so much.
01:29You three are incredible.
01:30Without you, none of this would be possible.
01:33You're my selfless, loyal, and safe haven.
01:35You loan me to the world without complaint, and you make living out my passion so much easier and so worth it.
01:43Thank you for being my everything.
01:45To Kathy, my dear Kathy, I'm so happy that I met you in a salon over 25 years ago, being an assistant to six different hairstylists.
01:56You have truly changed my life, and I love you for that, Kathy.
02:01To Carrie, my friend, my sister, I thank you, I thank you, and I thank you.
02:08We've been in this business for over 20 years, creating and starting the trends.
02:15Because let's be honest, everybody wanted a Kerry Washington hairstyle.
02:19Until this day, still does.
02:22Having you by my side through it all means the world to me.
02:27Your loyalty and your kindness is unmatched.
02:30I'm forever grateful for you, and I love you dearly.
02:33To my colleagues, my friends, and my extended family, I love you all.
02:38The relationships and connections I've built over the years have truly made me rich.
02:43And to my InStyle family, this honor and award was completely unexpected.
02:50But they say the best things in life usually are.
02:54I'm so grateful for this moment.
02:56It validates and affirms the work I've been doing all of these years.
03:02And to be recognized for tonight means so much.
03:05This industry can be tough sometimes, long hours, a lot of sacrifices, but tonight makes it all worth it.
03:13Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart.
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