My 5-Word Webby Speech: “Embrace Not Erase. Love Forever.”

Embrace not erase. Love forever.” (Jodi Falk) Those were my five words at the The Webby Awards this year, and honestly… they carried the weight of so much more than one speech.

Walking into the Webbys felt like one of those full-circle moments where your younger self is somewhere screaming, crying, throwing glitter, and saying, “wait… this is real?”

Because the truth is, there were so many moments in my life where I never thought I’d get here.

I used to think my life would look completely different. I thought Broadway was the dream. I spent years auditioning, taking classes, going to callbacks, pitching projects, hearing “no” over and over again in rooms where I walked in with so much hope and left questioning myself. There were moments of being broke, exhausted, discouraged, couch surfing, taking buses and trains to auditions, trying to look confident while silently wondering if I was wasting my time chasing something impossible.

And if I’m being real? Rejection hurts. Especially when art is attached to your identity and your purpose.

But this weekend reminded me that sometimes rejection isn’t rejection at all. Sometimes it’s protection. Sometimes it’s redirection.

“Embrace not erase” means embracing every version of yourself — even the disappointed version, the struggling version, the dreaming version — because all of those versions helped shape the person standing in the room today.

And “love forever” is about choosing love for art, love for community, love for storytelling, and love for people even after disappointment tries to harden you.

RED CARPET LOOK

Wear the outfit that makes YOU feel powerful. Confidence will always photograph better than trying too hard to fit a trend.

TIPS for your next event

• High-energy events and red carpets are a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize protein, electrolytes, water, and actual rest so you can enjoy the full experience without crashing halfway through the night.

• Book your glam appointments in advance, especially while traveling. NYC books fast. I ended up going with MAC Cosmetics and loved how easy and reliable the experience was.

• Don’t rush the day. Leave extra time for traffic, touch-ups, outfit adjustments, and breathing room. Calm energy photographs better.

• I also tried the new pressed powder and loved it for keeping everything fresh under lights and cameras without looking heavy.

• Please break your shoes in BEFORE the event. A gala and after party is not the place for the first wear of a 5-inch heel. Trust me... lol

• Shoe cushions are your best friend. Protect your feet so you’re not barefoot at the after party trying to dance on a slippery floor.

• Take photos and capture memories, but don’t spend the entire night behind your phone. Be present enough to make authentic connections and real “get to know you” conversations.

• One of the most underrated networking skills? Being a genuinely great listener. People remember how you made them feel long after the conversation ends.

Click here to watch my WEBBY RECAP

If you’re not already following along, stay connected because we have so many beautiful things coming next in media and storytelling @sakina_world and @danceartsacademyoc.

Forward this blog with someone who needs encouragement to keep going. Your gifts matter. The world needs them more than you know. 🖤✨

Love Always,

Sakina