Today is my last day as a 30 year old, and I have to say that this past year has been the absolute best year of my life. Not just because of my recent successes (although they certainly play a part), because I was happy before I got that job. * I was happy because before I turned 30, I finally chose ME, over all else. I chose to be happy. I chose to fearlessly immerse myself in the life experiences that I needed in order to challenge me and help me grow. I went to Burning Man, alone. I went to Paris, alone. I fell in love with me and my own company. I let go of relationships that either didn't serve me, or where I could not give the other person what they needed. * I forgave people who didn't deserve forgiving, because it meant that I would finally be healed. I stood up to bullying in a situation where other people may have cowered. I found love, unexpectedly, and he's loved me in ways that I didn't know I needed. * I fell even more in love with Black womanhood and the beauty of our deep intuition, our strength, our naturally aspirational existence. Yes, this past year has been wonderful and has me anxiously awaiting what 31 has to offer. ✨ * * Photographer: @ianspanier MUA: @emilygarrido Barber: @missladythebarber Styling: @saraalviti * * #aries #blackgirlmagic #carefreeblackgirl #melanin #djangojane #badass #blackgirlsarelit #strength #blackwomen #beauty #darkskin #naturalhair #nofilter #actress #blackactress #model #blackmodel #lamodel #losangelesmodel #laphotographer #audition #shorthairdontcare #love #creativeexpression #printmodel #commercialprint #commercialprintmodel