StyleEsteem had the honor of being invited to present our mission and our story at the International I Love Braids Day celebration (ILBD) in Brooklyn, New York. ILBD was founded by Debra Hare-Bey seven years ago and it's a day to celebrate the beauty, history, and design of braids. Braids have been worn for centuries as a cultural and artistic expression of beauty, and Debra created this platform to bring the sacred tradition of braiding into the future.

It was a day of mingling with thought leaders like author Dr. Tameka Ellington, exchanging knowledge about hair growth ayurveda, and of course, showing off our fashionable headwear.

The highlight for me was sharing the story of how I found confidence through fashion during cancer, and leading a live self breast exam (#GlamSelfExam) for all the attendees. For me, spreading awareness is not an option, it's a responsibility. And in a room filled my black and brown sisters that are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, I wanted to show them how easy it is to do this life saving exam. So I let me nerves propel me forward as I did my first (of hopefully many) live #GlamSelfExam. 

Confidence isn't just about your hair or your clothes, it's about knowing yourself well, and that includes your health.

I invited you to watch my speech, follow along the #GlamSelfExam, and share this with at least one other person. Tag #GlamSelfExam on social media to let me know that you've done your monthly breast self exam so I can cheer you on!