Ahhh My stomach is in knots

They announced today that on the 1st of November they will release the names of the 18 the panel has chosen to go to New York for spread the love, then voting will begin for the last two spots. I am soooo nervous. My stomach has been in knots since I read it. I want this SOOOOOO badly, odds are against me as far as numbers go, but I just hope they see in me what I see in myself, along with what so many others see as well. It's hard to know where life is going to take me, but for this I just had to jump in head first and see what happens. SPL is all I can think about, it's all I talk about...lol...Greg is like okay Ericka - there is nothing you can do now..just have faith. Well.... here's to that hope I make it. This could change my career, my life!! AHHHHHHHHH Good thoughts!! :)

And Good Luck to all the other contestants..there is some seriously awesome people in the running for this!! 

Spread the Love 2012

For the semi finals we were asked to make a blog telling Matrix more about ourselves. I have been thinking long and hard about this blog trying to find the perfect way to tell them about myself. I finally realized there is not a perfect way to talk about myself, and things are better unscripted so here it goes.

I am a 27 year old wife, and mother of two. We moved to Wisconsin from Texas about a year and a half ago, and that's when I realized I wasn't fulfilling ALL of my dreams. I loved the army life, and being a stay at home mom, but my life was missing something. I had always wanted to go back to school, and thought cosmetology related things were fun, and intriguing. A lot of my friends are stylists, amazing stylists, and I wanted to be a part of this world. I didn't know much at the time, but I enrolled into the local school, and quickly realized how much this industry had to offer.

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone, funny how I ended up in this town where there is one stoplight and everyone knows everyone.

I will do anything for anyone, and I try to. Whether it be monetary donations to charities, or going to pick a friend up on the side of the road because they ran out of gas, participating in charity walks/events, giving clothing to shelters, or donating blood, paying for the next tables lunch, letting the woman with a crying child cut in line...whatever it is...I always try to pay it forward...I don't like the recognition, I just do it because it is what is right.

There are some questions that were optional to answer on our blogs and I've decided to answer just a few more!

What does it mean to you to be a hairdresser?

Being a hairdresser means I get to showoff my creativity. I get to build relationships with people, even if my role is just being there to listen. A hairdresser impacts people on a daily basis, so it's important that you are a positive person and role model in this industry. I get to make people look and feel beautiful. It fulfills my life, added to my family...I am complete.

 When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative in the moment. I always try to prepare for things, but sometimes when you are in the process, you just get this clarity and things turn out perfectly.

What is your favorite classic hairstyle and why?

I love the chignon. I think it is classy, and simple, and suits anyone well. It can be jazzed up or left classic. It is simply a beautiful style for any occasion.

If I could have dinner with any industry celebrity or icon, who would it be and why?

 I had to think about this one for a minute because there are so many people in this industry that are inspiring, and that I adore. I decided I would love to have dinner with Martin Parsons. I love updo's, and he in my opinion is an updo king.  I just adore watching the way he tucks in his bobby pins, how he so easily twists, hides, smooths, and backcombs the hair. Everything he does just flows and always looks so beautiful. I would want to know where he gets his inspiration, and of course learn tips and tricks. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...11...12....easy as that! lol

If you could make one change in the world, what would it be and why?

 I would end all bullying. Bullying is a chain reaction. I think we should all be nice to everyone, we have no idea what individuals are going through. I think violence would drop, and things would all around be more pleasant. It would increase self esteems, and lower loneliness.  How could that not make things better?

Why do you want to be a part of Spread the Love?<3

For ME, personally, spreading the love is about giving back on a larger scale that I can currently do so. I already try and do what I can, but to be able to impact so many people is...AMAZING. I feel like if I can help or change just one persons life then it is worth it. I will gain knowledge, relationships,and experiences that are irreplaceable. I am the type of person that gives everything I do one hundred percent, no matter what it is. I am a hard worker, and I am not afraid of anything that comes my way. I hope Matrix can see how perfect I am for this, how badly that I want this, and also how I am willing to work my tail off to get it! I have support from everyone in my life, and even from people I don't even know. THAT is amazing.

Thank you Matrix for the chance of a lifetime!

I made it into the semi finals!

I am so excited, I made it into the semi-finals for Spread the Love 2012 with Matrix. There is some tough competition from what I can tell, but I'm not afraid of some hard work and showing my dedication. Short post tonight because I need to get to bed, but I just wanted to share!! SOOOOOO exciting!!