Beyoncé's CFDA Speech Included These 4 Major Keys
Just in case you missed it, last night at the CFDAs, Beyoncé accepted the Style Icon Award from well-known fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
While Queen B looked amazing as always, it was her acceptance speech that was most memorable and touching. As she took to the podium, she spoke gracefully and humbly about her family roots and how fashion has always played a deeper role in her family throughout generations.
Here are the top 4 things that we can all learn from Beyoncé's CFDA's acceptance speech.
1. The work you do is greater than you
“Fashion has always been a part of my life. Its affect on me started before I was born. Most of you don't know this, but my grandmother was a seamstress. My grandparents did not have enough money and could not afford my mother's Catholic school tuition, so my grandmother's sewed clothes for the priests and the nuns and made the uniforms for the students in exchange for my mother's education. She then passed this gift down to my mother and taught her how to sew.”
Often as Millennials, we yearn for instant gratification. We work hard, and expect immediate results and become confused and lose hope when the coins don’t magically overflow our bank accounts. Just like Beyoncé's dear, beloved grandmother Agnéz Deréon, she worked hard to give her daughter Tina Knowles the life and education she knew they deserved. Agnéz Deréon also knew how her talent of sewing helped her create a better life for Tina Knowles so she embedded the same knowledge in Tina growing up. It’s possible that Agnéz Deréon didn’t realize it decades ago, but the hard work that she put in is what spearheaded the wealth of success that Beyoncé has now.
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2. Never take “no” for an answer
“When we were starting out in Destiny's Child, high-end labels didn't really want to dress four black, country, curvy girls, and we couldn't afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York, but like my grandmother, she used her talent and creativity to give her children her dreams. My mother and my uncle Johnny, God rest his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand, individual sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into every small detail. And when I wore those clothes I felt like Khaleesi.”
While she could have just given up on her love of fashion when she was rejected, Tina Knowles remained faithful and confident in her God-given talent of designing clothes. Because Mrs. Tina remained fearless, she is one of the reason’s why Beyonce is known for her iconic fashion.
3. Your impact and inner appearance is what matters most, not your physical beauty
“My mother actually designed my wedding dress, my prom dress, my first CDFA dress, my first Grammy dress, and the list goes on and on and on. And this to me is the true power and potential of fashion. It's a tool for finding your own identity, expression and strength. It transcends style and is a time capsule of all of our greatest milestones.”
Sometimes we are so worried about our outer appearance, that we forget what matters most: our influence to those around us. We should all aspire to inspire someone. No matter what resources you have versus what you think you should have, never lose site of your own identity and what makes you unique. Use your God-given talents to make an impact on the world, an impact so strong that will still matter even after your time on Earth has passed.
4. You have the power to create the world you want to live in
“I want to say thank you to every designer that works tirelessly to make people feel they can write their own story. I encourage you to not forget this power that you have, or take it lightly. We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or a magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all of your work if goes so far beyond what they eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire, and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and see the flaws and true beauty, and strength that's inside of all of us.”
In our own line of profession, we should aim to have influence those around us. The job that you get up to go to everyday is more than “just a job”. In a world where ridiculous and shameful female stereotypes and ideals currently exist, we each have the power to change how the world sees us. If you are a manager or work in HR, hire more women if your organization has few. If you work in digital media, show more positive images of women in your blogs, in your music, and in your television shows so that young girls and young women can have a image of influential and powerful womanhood. If you are a mother, teach your daughters now to never let stereotypes take away their voice and confidence. Teach your daughters and young women in your family that they can do whatever they put their minds to. Remember, you have the power to change the way the world sees you, your daughter, sister, other young girls, and girls and women of our future.
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If you didn't catch Beyoncé's acceptance speech, check it out below!
Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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