Page 55 of The Funnel to You

Oatmeal Cookie Chai Latte

Social Post: Need a confidence boost? Pick your favorite lipstick and pucker up, babe. Here we go! #sashaloveslipstick #pinkeveryday #coloradogirl #nytrip #womenscollectivegala #galanight #blacktieready

Image Description: Selfie in the mirror with me applying my favorite pink lipstick.

Okay, I can do this. I’m just sharing with my followers about my passion. In a gown. In front of 1,500 people. On a stage. With cameras on me. No biggie.

Okay. It’s a big deal. But I can do this. I have repeated Matt’s encouragement to me every moment from our call on Tuesday to this moment. The past few days have not given me any spare minute to overthink tonight. I just have to do this.

Matt has texted me every day to check in. I’ve asked him a few questions about numbers so he can verify things for my presentation tonight. Natalie decided she wants me to introduce Chelsea first and then I will come up for the bulk of the conversation. Then Natalie will wrap it up by going into the action points of the collaboration, collection, and initiative. We have a total of fifteen minutes between all of the parts and that feels like forever and a moment all at the same time.

I have eight minutes to fill. I am wearing a simple but gorgeous black gown. It’s fitted to me perfectly and I feel amazing in it. My diamond jewelry is simple too and it allows for my makeup to be the star of the show. I went for a basic glam look, but I know it’s my strength when it comes to makeup looks. And I love that I had the opportunity to do it. Ashley is in a jewel toned green dress that looks stunning on her. It makes her contrasting light skin and blonde hair stand out. We both went with soft curls for our hair so we didn’t have to worry about maintaining an updo throughout the night.

We arrive at the venue with the rest of our group in a rented car. It is absolutely gorgeous on the outside with all of the Christmas lights and trees.

And red carpet.

And press.

And cameras.

I look at Ashley and she holds my hand for a brief moment to give me the encouragement I need.

“I know this is probably your first red carpet so here’s how this is going to work. I’m going to step out first with Charlie. Once we get to that first marker, Chelsea will follow us. Once she gets to that marker, the two of you can follow. The rest of the group will come after that. You can either take pictures together on the carpet or separate or just keep walking until you get to the front door. Whatever you are most comfortable with. This was something they had talked about in the meeting last week but it wasn’t finalized so I didn’t want to stress you out about it if it wasn’t going to happen.” Natalie has picked up on my social anxiety and has been super great about easing me into things this week. I need to take a deep breath and make this happen right now though. I’m doing this for Pink Every Day, not just for myself.

A moment later it’s time and I step out of the car with Ashley. There are so many lights and voices, but I just focus on the carpet in front of me and walk ahead with Ashley. We stop halfway down for a couple pictures and then finish the walk to the doors. Natalie and Chelsea along with Charlie, Natalie’s husband, and a few other staff members wait for us and we make our way into the main hall together.

Here we go.

Dinner goes smoothly, no spills, and everything is going well. I’ve had one glass of champagne but didn’t drink any more. I don’t want to be nervous about tonight.

About five minutes before the presentations start, I feel my phone buzzing in my bag. I thought I turned off the vibrate.

Matt: You are going to be amazing. Just show them the Sasha that loves her lipstick. I love you.

Me: Thank you, Matt. I wish you were here with me tonight.

I leave my phone at the table when I make my way to the side of the stage with Chelsea and Natalie. We meet the emcee behind the stage to go over a few details about the mics before it’s our turn. The emcee is going to welcome everyone and then we are up first. We get set up with the wireless mics and headsets so we don’t have to worry about mics. After Chelsea and Natalie are set up the woman running the event turns to help me.

“So with your setup, we are going to set your mic on your desk so you don’t have to worry about anything else.”

“My setup?”

She moves to the side so she can show me what has been moved onto the stage.

It’s a makeup desk – that looks just like mine. With an extra-large mirror and lights. And the full Pink Every Day x Natalie collection. Plus all of my favorite makeup items.

“What is this?” I ask breathily. What is happening right now?

“Here is a makeup wipe. Go ahead and take off what you want. You are going to have ten minutes out there so whatever you feel you can do in that ten minutes at your desk while you talk is what you can do.”

“Wait – I’m doing my makeup while I present?” This just got a lot more complicated.

“You’re not presenting, remember?” I hear another voice behind me. A voice that isn’t supposed to be here. I turn around to see a smirking Matt behind me. He smiles at me as he holds up my favorite lipstick.

“You’re going to go out there and do your makeup while you share your passion with your followers. And you are going to finish it off with your favorite lipstick. Go show them who Sasha is.” He passes it to me then places a soft kiss on my forehead. “This is your show babe. We can talk afterwards. I’m here for you. This is where you have gotten yourself. Go tell them what Pink Every Day is all about.”

I can’t help myself. I kiss him right on the lips. I allow myself to settle in his arms for a moment, regulating my breathing and getting into the right headspace. I use the makeup wipe to take off my lipstick and the base face makeup I have on. All I’m doing is my makeup while recording into my phone. I can do this. It’s just like when a video goes viral – I talk to the few faces I know will be watching and see it grow from there.

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