Glamazons, did this year fly by or is it just me? It feels like I was just celebrating New Year’s Day in 2018 at my cousin’s house party, and already New Year’s Eve 2019 is upon us. Though these last 12 months whizzed by, when I reflect, there were so many exciting and inspiring and life-changing moments that happened in 2018. This year required me to be more fearless and intentional than I’ve ever been. And I’m so grateful for each experience.
Here are the most memorable moments of 2018 for me:
1. Going on a ski trip and having a blast
–
–
I was definitely one of those people who only traveled to warm places before I had the chance to go on a ski trip with a couple of blogger friends to Tahoe. I was surprised by how much fun we had and how many activities we did, from visiting a brewery to checking out the stunning views from the ski lift. I’m definitely adding more cold weather destinations to the list for 2018. My dream is to go to Iceland.
2. Getting over my fear of public speaking
–
–
I remember going to my father about my fear of public speaking and him telling me, the more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. It didn’t make sense to me at the time (umm, I don’t want to do it at all, haha) but he was right. I’ve spoken on a number of panels and in videos since starting my current gig, and now I’m more comfortable than I’ve ever been. I still get nervous but it’s no longer debilitating; I know I can power through it and I know the nerves will eventually fade once I get started. I’ve had every nervous tick you can think of (sweating, trembling, voice quivering) but now, if those ticks come, I don’t freak out. I just take a deep breath and keep going. It’s at the point now that my friends say they can’t even tell if I’m nervous or not. Crazy, right?
I say all this to say, I thank God. He gave me a vision for my life long ago that I’d be doing this, and because of my fear of public speaking, I didn’t believe him. But with his strength, and my Dad’s advice, I faced that fear. I didn’t cower away from public speaking opportunities like I may have wanted to, but I pushed myself to do it afraid. And now that I’m on the other side of that fear, I realize I actually enjoy speaking out, especially about topics I’m passionate about (like the one above). There’s so much greatness on the other side of your fear.
Next year, I plan to do more even more things I’m afraid of. If I can overcome the public speaking fear I’ve had since I was, like, 12, what else can I conquer that’s been holding me back? I wish the same for you in 2019.
3. Staying on a safari in Kenya
–
–
By far, Kenya was my favorite trip of the year. From the moment I even got on the plane, I knew the trip was going to be special. Besides being back in the motherland, and visiting East Africa for the first time, staying on a safari made the visit even more meaningful. I’m very much a nature person, and living in the city, I often feel disconnected from it. At the safari I visited in Kenya, you can count every star in the night sky. The air is so fresh, the landscape is so vast and breathtaking. Every day, we’d drive through the safari to get to our destination, and on the way, we’d spot elephants, buffalo, monkeys, goats, and giraffes. Before sundown, we’d go to the watering hole to see the elephant herd that gathers there at the end of the day. They were just hydrating and living their best lives. I hope to have a video of the trip for you soon. It was all so magical. I can’t wait to go back.
4. Being a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding
–
–
My best friend got married! We’ve been friends since middle school, and it was so awesome to be by her side as she married the love of her life. I definitely cried at the altar when her husband looked at her with so much love in his eyes. It was a moment I’ll never forget. This was the first wedding I’ve been in where I saw a lot of the planning behind-the-scenes and wow, it is SO much work. It all came together beautifully in the end, but it is not easy to produce by any means. We did a bachelorette trip to Mexico that was so much fun to plan, I’ll do a post on it soon. Def one of the best moments of the year for me.
5. Seeing Beyoncé at Coachella
–
–
You guys know how much I love live music and especially music festivals. Well, the mother of all those festivals is Coachella and the mother of all entertainers is Beyoncé. And those two forces converged in April for a show I will never, ever forget. Being in the audience for Bey’s groundbreaking performance at Coachella — where she paid homage to HBCUs and BGLOs, sang the Black National Anthem, swag surfed, and brought out Destiny’s Child — let’s just say, I was pinching myself by the end of the show. And to think, I almost didn’t make the show for the most outrageous reason (I can’t share now, but guys, I cannot wait to write this book because you would not believe some of the things that happen behind-the-scenes in this industry). But … Black Jesus had a plan.
I love that Bey uses her platform and visibility to celebrate our culture. And speaking of representation, I ran a street style article featuring people of different races, sizes, and abilities at Coachella (because aren’t you so tired of seeing the same white, thin women in every gallery?) and I was so grateful for the support around that piece. I’m hoping to do so much more of that in 2019.
6. Paris, Paris, Paris
–
–
I went to Paris with my family in May and ya’ll, I love it so much. It was my first time being back as an adult (I went once when I was 12) and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. The art, museums, monuments, food, wine, fashion, scenery — it was all so beautiful. I went back in September and had a pretty traumatizing experience at customs, which I’ll share later, but I’m determined to let nothing keep me from visiting again. If you have favorite places to visit in Paris, please share in the comments. Would love to do even more on my next trip there.
7. Our lingerie shoot for Savage X Fenty
–
–
If you told teenage me, I’d be posing in lingerie for a shoot on Teen Vogue one day, I would’ve laughed you out of the room. I was always so insecure about my body and I’d basically given up on ever feeling comfortable (let alone beautiful) in lingerie. But that’s exactly why I did it. You don’t have to look like a Victoria’s Secret model to be confident, beautiful, and alluring in lingerie. Though SavageX should go up in sizes (and it seems like they plan to), Rihanna’s lingerie brand is helping lead the charge for more inclusivity in the intimates market, along with many others. And I absolutely love it. I got my amazing team together for a lingerie photo shoot showcasing different body shapes, gender identities, races and sizes, and it’s one of the stories I’m most proud of this year. Teenage Jessica is gagging.
8. Venturing outside of Havana, Cuba to explore Viñales and Varadero
–
–
Our Cuba tour guide in 2014 said we’d fall in love with the country, and he was right. I’ve been back two times since! For a trip in June of this year, I got to experience two places I hadn’t previously visited: Viñales and Varadero. They were both pretty different from Havana but just as amazing. In Viñales, I took a boat ride in a cave, went to a cigar farm, and saw buffalo, alligators and peacocks. In Varadero, we swam in water so clear and warm it felt like bathwater. And though I’ve said this before, it bears repeating: it’s actually great to be without Wifi and be able to disconnect in Cuba. I find so much peace in going off the grid and truly being present in the moment (and fyi you can check in if you want via a wifi card which buys you about an hour or so).
9. Serena Williams’ Cover and Appearance at The Teen Vogue Summit
–
–
It goes without saying I’m inspired by Serena Williams. She’s a tennis legend — the best in her field; she’s a loving wife and Mom to the most adorable baby (and doll, Qai Qai, LOL); she’s pursuing her dream of being a fashion designer; she’s humble, approachable, kind, and down-to-earth. It was an honor to interview her about her fashion line, and discover that she’s intentional about making clothes that fit women with curves. She was the perfect person to grace the cover of Teen Vogue’s last issue of the year, and to take the main stage for the keynote presentation at the summit. The theme of the day, for me at least, was women in leadership as I moderated a panel on women CEOs at the summit as well. I can’t tell you how inspired I was to create the life I want for myself.
On the panel, I asked for advice about speaking up and using our voice as women. Their response was that we should never cower away from stating our case even if it means we’re not being ‘agreeable’, even if it means we’ll be un-liked or labeled difficult. As women, we’re often conditioned to go with the flow and stay silent to avoid rocking the boat — but that serves no one. It holds us back and ultimately, withholding ideas and opinions can keep the business from evolving and excelling.
So, that’s my biggest plan (“resolution”) for 2019: to take up space, to go boldly after my goals, to believe that I’m worthy of the lofty, wild, outrageous dreams I have for myself, to never shy away from commanding respect even if that means I’m perceived as difficult, or ungrateful, or a “troublemaker.” Because I deserve that, and so do you.
So, Glamazons: What were your 2018 highlights? What’s your goal for 2019? Can’t wait to hear in the comments.
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica