Commencement Address- Empowered Through Excellence, Elevated by Beauty

This past week, I had the incredible honor of serving as the commencement speaker for the National Beauty Culturists’ League, Inc. Institute of Cosmetology’s Class of 2025 — and what an unforgettable experience it was.

My colleague, Dr. Rashan Broadnax, extended the invitation, and I couldn’t have been more humbled to stand before this remarkable group of graduates under the theme: “Empowered Through Excellence, Elevated by Beauty.”

From the moment I looked out into that room, I saw more than graduates. I saw creators, entrepreneurs, healers, and visionaries — each with a story of perseverance. Some had balanced school with full-time jobs, parenting, or caregiving. Others returned to education after detours or faced challenges like financial strain and self-doubt. But they showed up. Again and again. And on July 23, 2025, they crossed that stage — not by chance, but by sheer grit and determination.

As I shared in my speech, cosmetology is so much more than styling hair, perfecting brows, or blending the glowiest beat. It’s transformation. It’s connection. It’s community. In Black and Brown spaces especially, the salon chair has always been more than a seat — it’s been a sanctuary. Graduates of the NBCL Institute aren’t just entering the beauty industry; they’re stepping into a legacy of leaders like Madam C.J. Walker, Sarah Spencer Washington, and Marjorie Stewart Joyner, who built empires and institutions that still empower us today.

I reminded the graduates that they are role models, whether they feel ready for that title or not. A younger generation is already watching how they show up, how they bet on themselves, and how they define beauty on their own terms.

And I challenged them:
✨ Build your brand.
✨ Launch your salon.
✨ Mentor someone coming up behind you.
✨ Advocate for safer products, inclusive policies, and real investment in the beauty industry.

Because these graduates aren’t just elevated by beauty — they are elevating what beauty means.

I closed by congratulating the Class of 2025 and, of course, added a little humor: “Also, I’m gonna need some of y’all’s contacts so I can get my hair did!”

Walking away from that stage, I felt so inspired by this class and their power to transform not just appearances, but lives.

Congratulations, NBCL Class of 2025 — your work has power, your presence has purpose, and your impact is just getting started.