Blog Spot - The Value of Awards A Journey Beyond Winning.

By Elle Wilson

In the bustling world of the beauty industry, recognition can often seem fleeting. There’s always a new product, a fresh face, a revolutionary technique making headlines. However, amidst this ever-evolving landscape, there’s an age-old tradition that remains steadfast in its significance: awards.

For many, these accolades may represent the zenith of achievement, but there’s more to them than just the limelight or a shimmering trophy. It’s about the journey, the participation, and the recognition from peers.

I was recently honoured with the Hall of Fame Award at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards, an event helmed by Mocha Group’s visionary founder, Linda Woodhead. The gala, splendid in every sense of the word, culminated in a surprise I hadn’t quite prepared myself for – I won the award. But here’s the thing: this award doesn’t make me superior, nor does it elevate me to some higher echelon unreachable by my peers. If anything, it humbles me.

It reminded me that in a world that often feels at odds with our own core values, there’s an enclave of individuals who stand by us, acknowledging our mission. This award spoke volumes, not of my individual excellence but of how my peers view me. It reminded me of my human endeavours, of the countless hours, shared wisdom, and personal connections that brought me to that very moment.

However, I’ll admit, in the shock and joy of the moment, I overlooked someone crucial in my journey – my husband and unwavering business partner. My rock. Forgetting to acknowledge him was a sobering reminder that amidst our successes, we remain beautifully, vulnerably human.

But isn’t that what awards are truly about? They are a reminder of our journey, our struggles, and our triumphs, and not just ours but of those who have been with us every step of the way. Awards aren’t about outdoing someone else or proving oneself as the ‘best’. They’re about sharing our story, participating in a community, and perhaps even inspiring someone else along the way.

Submissions for awards can be vulnerable. It puts your story, your achievements, your essence on a platform for others to see. And this is why it’s so vital. As beauty professionals, we often find ourselves engrossed in enhancing the beauty of others, sometimes overlooking our own shine. But when we submit, when we participate, we are allowing our peers and ourselves a window into our journey.

It’s essential to emphasize that it isn’t about winning. Results, as we know in life, are beyond our control.

There is a teaching that lies in Chapter 2, Verse 47 of the ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita, that states, “Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities.”

There is much more we could say about that. Yet suffice to say, there is an inexplicable joy in participation, a sense of camaraderie that arises from sharing one’s tale, no matter the outcome. Participating is in itself a testament to one’s courage and commitment. There is no failure in trying and there is no virtue in winning. There’s only a beautiful story waiting to be told.

Awards are more than mere emblems of success; they symbolise a journey marked by perseverance, growth, and passion. Each accolade tells a story, not just of a momentary victory, but of the countless hours of dedication, the challenges faced, and the resilience shown.

While the physical trophy may shine brightly, it’s the intangible lessons, memories, and experiences leading up to that moment that truly matter. After all, it’s not the destination but the journey that shapes us, teaching us more about our craft and ourselves than any medal ever could.

For many young professionals entering our industry, the allure of awards can be overwhelming. But I urge them, and all of us, to remember: awards aren’t a finish line; they’re milestones. They’re an opportunity for reflection, for gratitude, and for understanding that the beauty industry, at its heart, is a community. It’s a place where passion meets profession, where individual artistry merges with collective celebration.

Awards are not just tokens of achievement; they’re stories crystallized in time. They’re memories of late nights, challenging clients, innovative solutions, and moments of doubt followed by bursts of clarity. Being inducted into the ABIA Hall of Fame was a humbling moment for me, a poignant reminder of my journey and the people who have been a part of it.

For every beauty professional out there, I urge you to share your story. Submit, participate, and cherish every moment of it. Remember, it’s not about the outcome but the journey that led you there. Awards are but windows into our souls, glimpses of our shared love for the world of beauty.

Here’s to many more stories, shared smiles, and milestones celebrated together.