Queen Bey
The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.-Beyoncé
I know I do not state this in vain when I say Queen Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, the global icon with no need for an introduction deserves a national holiday. Today we are celebrating her 38th birthday, and during her short time on this earth she has sold over 100 million solo records worldwide, and is crowned one of the most awarded top selling music artists in history.
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
I have been a fan of Destiny’s Child since their conception, so naturally, it was no surprise that my adoration and love for Beyoncé grew diligently throughout the years. Let’s rewind to the earlier days of young Domy, the memories of braces and frizzy ponytails. I recall the first time I watched the “Crazy in Love” video, 13-years-old and falling in love with the Queen knowing that she was destined for greatness.
I followed her through each album-fried and dyed my hair to match her wigs. Watched her launch her acting career with MTV’s Carmen and redefine it as Deena in Dreamgirls. From “That’s how you like it,” her first duo with Jay-Z to “Ring the Alarm” when she set the world straight saying she would "be damn if she see another chic on his arm,”-I have adored all things Bey. I practiced my spanish with her on “Beautiful Liar” and “Irreplaceable” and perfected my spanish on “Mi Gente.” I danced in my living room to “Run the World” and flaunted my engagement ring from Coty while reenacting “Single Ladies,” and later told the world to cut my check to “Ape Shit.” My first time seeing Queen Bey in concert was during “The Beyonce Experience” tour when she performed in Charlotte, North Carolina. My mother purchased my sister and I front row seats-this was before you had to take out a second mortgage to afford front row seats. I will always remember my heart jumping out of my chest when she catapulted on stage and sparkles flew everywhere as “Crazy in Love” filled the speakers. And still, to this day, I love and appreciate Queen Bey. In my eyes, she reigns in the realm of powerhouse leaders like Michael Jackson, Oprah, Michelle Obama, and Ava Duvernay. I have traveled through each elevated moment of growth where Beyoncé bared her soul and demonstrated her trials and triumphs through her music.
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
3 things I admire about queen Bey
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
Beyoncé is an artist to the core! She thrives off of creativity and pushing the envelope to develop music that is soulful, unique and heartfelt. “Sneezed on the beat and the beat got sicka” is a prime example of how Beyonce will never fall short of creative genius. She never allows fear to inhibit her from making memorable music. I am grateful that as fads come and go she creates timeless tunes that I will enjoy forever.
Beyoncé is the epitome of a business woman. After setting the record for winning six Grammy Awards for her third solo album, I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), the Queen secured her independence by taking over management of her own career. Forbes magazine named her the most powerful female in the entertainment industry- which was again solidified after her record breaking Ivypark relaunch deal with Adidas. As on of the highest paid black musician in history, she has redefined the role that women can have in this and multiple industries, all while breaking barriers and fighting for equality.
Beyoncé is an amazing wife and mother-Beychella changed how we all view an artist giving their all to their craft. When Beyoncé said “I’m hungry”-after letting us know she gave up dairy, meat, bread, sweets, all things delicious, and oxygen- just to train her body into top notch shape for her 2.5 hour Beychella set, I knew then she operating from a supernatural space of dedication. As a tired mom of two, trying to be the best wife, mother and entrepreneur I can be, Beyoncé reminds me that I can do and become anything I put my mind to.
Beyoncé’s impact reaches beyond her music and stardom, as she consistently uses her platform to inspire countless fans with her messages of empowerment, self-love, strength, and slayage. It is not a surprise as to why Time magazine has named her as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world for multiple years running.
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
My wedding performance- four minutes of Beyoncé style slayage dedicated to the man of my dreams, Coty Sensabaugh, was inspired by the Queen and I will never forget how Beyoncé motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone and step into another realm of confidence. Choreographed by the uber talented Albanus Thierry featuring the endless drip of Benjamin, Kiara, Evony, Abbey, Brandi, this dance was so much more than a sexy instagrammable wedding highlight. This was the overweight self conscious kid, sometimes picked on for her braces and frizzy hair, sometimes left to eat lunch alone, or hide in the library because she didn’t always have friends-stepping out of her shell and dancing her heart away. This was my moment to live like Queen Bey and I will never forget it. Tune in to the slayage below!
Thank you, Beyoncé and Happy Birthday!
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
Beautiful Photo by @UDSPhotography
