24 hours out from the inaugural vineyard_icon Awards. I created a 48 page program. And like every single aspect of this event, I completely underestimated how much work it would take. Also like every other part of this journey, plenty of people told me not to do it. I moved right along. I wanted to explain my WHY. To pay tribute to two Vineyard legends no longer with us, my dad and Flash Wiley, both the embodiment of what it means to be an ICON. I wanted to spotlight the women of color who helped make this happen, from the brilliant iamieashajames to iamjulianadez and more because I want their businesses to grow alongside me. I wanted to uplift entrepreneurs I love, like ms_ibest, candys_here and linadarrisaw and use my program to spotlight the work I admire so much. I wanted to shine a light on the Vineyard Icon Foundation and our Founders Circle, so we can pour back into the community. I wanted to thank early brand believers lamer, crownroyal, and mckinseyco, who said yes when ...