Last September 2024, I finally mustered enough courage to hold a physical event for The Beauty Junkee's 15th mega anniversary--after 3 years! I decided that it's time for the TBJ Beshies to meet again; personally, I prefer physical events over online; nothing beats the feeling of being with people who share your joy and vibe.
A physical event has always been on my mind, but I've always wondered if the TBJ Beshies will ever be up for it again. "Here goes nothing" I told myself before making the announcement. I was only expecting around 25 or 30 will come, but lo and behold, all the 60 slots were filled! I'm always amazed by the TBJ Beshies and I love all the support, effort, and love that you all pour into this little community of ours. I couldn't be more grateful.
This 2025, The Beauty Junkee will turn 16 and allow me to look back on last year's lovely event!
The event started with welcoming remarks and I shared with the community my important lessons of the year before 2024 officially closed:
1. When things are no longer working, don't be afraid to close the chapter. Sometimes, when we've been doing something for so long, we become so comfortable because it becomes our safe zone. But when things go wrong, the environment becomes toxic, and respect is no longer there, we tend to still hang on because of one major reason: FEAR. We fear leaving the familiar and safe because who wants to leave our comfort zone and venture into something that we're not sure will work out? But then again, you cannot ignore the fact that the environment that you're in no longer serves you and is no longer aligned with who you are. When your environment starts feeling uncomfortable, it's a sign that you have outgrown it and it's time for you to grow. I was so afraid to close that previous chapter of my life, but I cannot stay in that chapter anymore so without knowing what lies ahead, I just decided to jump and move on.
Tell you what, it was the scariest moment, but it ended up becoming the most rewarding. Leaving my previous environment helped me become better, stronger, and wiser since I'm already running my business on my own. I've discovered facets and strengths that I never thought I had and the best one of all? I was eventually led to people who are aligned with me and respectful of me, and I'm glad to call them my team.
The biggest take away? The hardest and scariest part of leaving is only the beginning-always. Feel the fear and do it anyway, and coming from someone who just did it, trust me, it will soon get better--always.
2. I re-discovered the magic of dressing up. All those years in lockdown really took away the life and enthusiasm in trying to look good. The all too casual look and 'just got out of bed' face was so normalized and I succumbed to it. I realized that it not only dimmed my light, but it also led me to having less interest in self-care and ultimately, in myself. So I slowly got back into the habit of dressing up and looking good: I started putting on makeup even on quick trips to the grocery, started wearing heels, and started buying new clothes; and I felt good; this good feeling has affected me in a very positive way overall and has helped me become more confident in myself again--all thanks to the magic of dressing up.
All my realizations, I want to turn them into lessons that I can impart to my TBJ Beshies so I invited two experts in the field of self- improvement and style: JV Canta, international pageant coach and motivational speaker who has trained winning beauty queens (including Miss Globe 2021 Marie Montagne, PH) and Ingrid Nieto, a certified color analyst and style consultant, and a member of AICI CIC.
JV Canta talked about confidence by having the 'True Queen Mindset' and this means being highly trusting your own capabilities and being your number one supporter. Ingrid Nieto talked about how style contributes a lot to confidence and improving one's image, and tips on how to choose the right color, cut, and style when buying clothing.
The beneficiary of last year's anniversary was Hound Haven. Hound Haven is committed to giving retired K9 dogs a loving home for the remaining years of their lives. I'm happy that the TBJ Beshies and I were able to donate to another charity again. If you're interested to help Hound Haven, please contact them directly through their Facebook fan page.
Photo by TBJ Beshie Toni
We also had one TBJ Beshie, Louise, who was a first- timer in the event who was so sweet enough to give out friendship bracelets to everyone. It was so thoughtful of her and she said that she created all those 60 friendship bracelets by herself! So talented! Thank you for the talent and effort, and I hope to see you in this year's celebration.
Just want to say that I find myself smiling periodically as I write this post. I'm just happy to see everyone alive, well, and thriving, and still continually supporting the community.
To the new ones who joined our community and celebrated with me in the 15th Mega Anniversary party for the first time, welcome and thank you for taking part in this celebration. I hope to see everyone again in this year's 16th Mega Anniversary.
To the brands that continually support our community and cause, thank you and I hope to get your support again this year.
See you all on #TBJ16THMEGAANNIVERSARY ? :)
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