Amidst the challenges of the pandemic and my personal journey through a spinal cord injury, winning an award became a shining light of hope.
I had the privilege of being named Woman of the Year at the Treasure Tress TT Awards. In this blog post, I want to share the story behind this honour, how it brought beauty into a challenging time, and recognise the remarkable work of Jamelia Donaldson, the founder of Treasure Tress, and her team.
The Treasure Tress TT Awards: A Celebration of Diversity and Strength
The Treasure Tress TT Awards transcend the ordinary beauty awards. They are a brand that celebrates and centres the black experience.
Woman of the Year: A Beautiful Celebration
Winning the Woman of the Year award was a beautiful moment of celebration. It was a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there are reasons to acknowledge and honour achievements. After sustaining a spinal cord injury and enduring the challenges of lockdowns due to COVID-19, this award felt like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.
Sharing My Story: A Special Film Screening
A particularly memorable part of this journey was the opportunity to share my story through film. The film delved into my experiences growing up mixed race, my intricate relationship with my hair, and the life-changing event of my spinal cord injury. Watching it in a private screening at White City House, located within the historic Television Centre in West London, was a moment of beauty and community.
The TT Awards: Amplifying Voices and Stories
The TT Awards go beyond accolades; they provide a platform for empowerment and sisterhood. They create a space for sharing stories and amplifying voices, especially those that have been underrepresented for too long. Jamelia Donaldson, the visionary founder of Treasure Tress, and her dedicated team have crafted an award ceremony that breaks free from tradition.
Celebrating Winning Brands: The Black Beauty Vote
The TT Awards also recognise brands that have earned the official TT stamp of approval. This not only highlights their excellence but also underscores their commitment to serving the textured hair community, meeting the needs of the Black community.
The Woman of the Year award at the Treasure Tress TT Awards represents more than personal achievement; it signifies resilience, diversity, and the power of stories. It’s a testament to the strength of women, the celebration of Black beauty, and the importance of amplifying voices that have too often gone unheard.
This award came as a beautiful reason to celebrate after enduring a spinal cord injury and navigating the challenging lockdowns of the pandemic. It reminded me that beauty can flourish even in the face of adversity.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jamelia Donaldson, the founder of Treasure Tress, and her incredible team. They are not just changing the beauty industry; they are amplifying the voices and needs of Black women. They are pioneers, and I am honoured to be a part of this journey with them.
As we reflect on this experience, let’s continue to celebrate the resilience and beauty of women everywhere. Together, we can uplift each other, share our stories, and amplify our voices, contributing to positive change and progress.
Thank you, Treasure Tress TT Awards, for this beautiful celebration and for reminding us of the beauty and strength within each of us.