I'm a Finalist for Afro Stylist of the Year (And What This Really Means)

I'm sitting here trying to find the right words, and honestly? I'm still processing it.

I've been officially named a FINALIST for Afro Stylist of the Year at the Beauty Full Awards 2026. 🏆

And while part of me wants to celebrate (because this is HUGE!), another part of me just feels... deeply grateful. Emotional, even.

Because this isn't just about me.

This Recognition Represents Something Bigger

When I started this journey years ago, I didn't set out to win awards or get recognised. I set out to solve a problem I kept seeing over and over again:

Women with all hair types and their children sitting in chairs, leaving with beautiful styles... but damaged hair.

Tight braids that caused traction alopecia. Edges that never grew back. Scalps that were sore for days. Styles that looked good for Instagram but destroyed the hair underneath.

And I made a decision then: I would never sacrifice hair health for aesthetics. Never.

The Journey Hasn't Been About Trends

The braiding industry is full of trends. Every few months, there's a "new" style that everyone wants. And don't get me wrong, I love creativity and trying new things!

But what I've always cared about more than what's trending is:

• Technique - doing it the RIGHT way, not just the fast way

• Care - making sure your hair is healthier when you leave than when you came in

• Integrity - being honest about what your hair needs, even if it's not what you originally wanted.

That's what this nomination represents to me. Not just "pretty braids" (though I do love a gorgeous install! 😊), but skill, dedication, and a commitment to doing right by Afro hair.

Why This Award Category Matters

Here's something I don't talk about enough: Afro hair is often misunderstood, undervalued, and mishandled, even in the beauty industry.

For years, we've been told our hair is "difficult," "hard to manage," or "unprofessional." We've had stylists refuse to work with our texture. We've had to educate people on why our hair matters, why our styles are protective, why our culture is beautiful.

So when an award category exists specifically to celebrate Afro hair, Afro stylists, and Afro excellence? That's not just recognition. That's validation. That's saying:

"Your craft matters. Your skill matters. Your dedication to this texture and this community matters."

And that? That hits different. 💛

This Is For Every Client Who Trusted Me

If you've ever sat in my chair, whether it was for box braids, knotless braids, cornrows, a weave install, or even just a consultation where we talked through what your hair needs - this is for you too.

Because every time you trusted me with your crown, you were also trusting me to:

• Respect your hair

• Protect your edges

• Listen to your concerns

• Take my time (even when it would've been easier to rush)

• Send you home with aftercare instructions because I genuinely care about your hair thriving long after you leave.

You could've gone anywhere. But you chose me. And that's not something I take lightly.

This Is For Every Student Who Took My Workshop

When I launched More Than Braids Academy, I did it because I kept hearing the same frustrations from mums, beginners, and aspiring braiders:

"I keep trying but my braids never look right.""I'm scared I'm hurting my daughter's hair.""I want to learn properly, not just from YouTube."

And now, watching women walk into my workshops nervous and walk out confidently braiding? Watching them realise they CAN do this, they just needed the right guidance?

That's the work I'm most proud of. Not just styling hair, but empowering others to do it too.

So if you've ever attended one of my workshops, sent me a message asking for advice, or practiced what I taught you at home, this recognition is yours too. 🤍

What "Raising the Standard" Really Means

I wrote in my announcement that I'm "still committed to raising the standard," and I want to explain what I mean by that.

Raising the standard doesn't mean:

• Being perfect (I'm not!)

• Judging other stylists (we're all on our own journeys)

• Acting like I know everything (I'm always learning!).

What it DOES mean is:

✅ Never compromising on hair health; even if a client asks for something that would damage their hair, I'll have that honest conversation.

✅ Constantly refining my technique; attending training, staying updated, practicing new methods.

✅ Being transparent with clients; about realistic timelines, proper aftercare, and what to expect.

✅ Sharing knowledge freely; because gatekeeping doesn't help anyone.

✅ Treating every head of hair like it's precious; because it is

That's the standard I'm committed to. And being recognised as a finalist tells me that this approach matters. That people see it. That it's making a difference.

So... What Happens Next?

Honestly? I keep doing what I've always done.

I keep showing up for my clients. I keep refining my craft. I keep teaching women who want to learn. I keep prioritising hair health over everything else.

Whether I win this award or not (and let's be real, just being a finalist is WILD!), my mission stays the same:

To make sure every woman who trusts me with her hair leaves feeling beautiful, confident, and with a healthier crown than when she came in.

That's always been the goal. And that will always be the goal.

Thank You (Seriously, Thank You)

To everyone who has:

• Booked an appointment with me

• Referred a friend or family member

• Attended one of my workshops

• Engaged with my content on Instagram

• Sent me encouraging messages

• Trusted me during a bad hair day (we've all been there! 😅)

• Or simply believed in what I'm building here

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

This nomination? It's not just mine. It's ours. 🤍

If you want to stay updated on the awards (or if you just want to keep learning about protective styling, hair health, and all things braids), make sure you're following me on Instagram @beautysplendour and signed up for my email list. I've got so much more to share with you this year!

And if you've been thinking about booking an appointment or joining one of my workshops... maybe this is your sign. 💛