Not Yet, But Maybe This Time: Ulta Beauty

I applied for the Ulta Beauty Collective for the second time, and I have to admit… I feel a lot more confident this time around.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been consistently creating, posting, learning, and showing up for my brand. Maybe it’s because I can look back and actually see how much I’ve grown since the first time I applied.

But more than anything, I know it’s God’s timing.

I’ve applied for other beauty programs before including Sephora Squad because why not shoot your shot? I’m a big believer in dreaming big and giving yourself permission to go after the things you want.

I didn’t make it into that program, and honestly, I didn’t feel the need to apply again.

Not because I don’t think it’s an amazing opportunity, but because when I really think about my personal brand and the kind of beauty community I want to build, Ulta just feels like me.

And I think sometimes you just know when something feels right.

I can walk into Ulta with my daughter and already know she’s going to find a few things to grab especially if they’re stocked up on Mini Brands. 😂

She actually made a phone case out of her Mini Brands, and it turned out SO cute!

If you’re unfamiliar, Mini Brands are tiny collectible versions of products you’d find in stores, including beauty favorites. You can collect them and even build your own mini Ulta store. It’s such a fun little example of how beauty can be something you experience, play with, and share across generations.

And that’s something I love about beauty.

For me, beauty has never just been about nails, makeup, or products. It’s about creativity, confidence, connection, and giving people a space to express themselves.

That’s what I’ve been building for years.

I started doing nails on my bedroom floor.

Then I created a little nail room in my mom’s basement.

Eventually, I opened my own private nail studio.

And now I’m here creating content, building my personal brand, blogging, sharing beauty tips, working with brands, and continuing to dream about what’s next.

When I look back at where I started, it reminds me that what once existed only as a thought in my head eventually became my reality.

So if you’re reading this and there’s something you’ve been dreaming about, this is your sign to keep going.

Dream big. Do the work. Pray about it.

And trust that what is meant for you won’t miss you.

Maybe I needed to write this little pep talk for myself just as much as someone else needs to read it.

Because no matter what happens with this application, I’m proud of myself for putting myself out there again.

I’m proud of how much I’ve grown. And I’m going to keep showing up for the dream. If I can imagine it, maybe it really can happen.

And if you have a dream sitting in the back of your mind right now, I hope you give yourself permission to go after it, too. 🤍

You’ve got this, beauty.

And while you’re here, leave some encouragement for someone who might need it today or tell me about the moment you decided to dream bigger. What happened when you finally went for it?