<b>By Takiya Smith</b>

When was the last time you sincerely took a minute to appreciate yourself? Yesterday, last week, last month, or in my case, not even the past few months? How is it that a beauty consultant who works day in and day out assisting in all things beautiful for others find herself complacently lacking for herself? Well, as I sink my sore body deeper into my quiet piece of heaven in a comfy, cozy spa massage chair and watch my technician paint my toes, I’ll tell you: The bottom line is that I stopped taking time to pamper myself. I stopped taking time to indulge with every attention, comfort and kindness towards myself. To be totally honest, I have not seen my personal stylist since last October. I haven’t had a manicure since the beginning of the year and as for a pedicure, well, let’s just say that today marks the end of that shame.

In short, a combination of factors including lack of time, finances, family priorities and life in general can all determine a woman’s need and desire to appreciate herself. To recognize one’s full worth requires far more measure than one can comprehend, yet it’s truly a matter of searching it out.

Amidst my putting self-indulgent activities on the back burner, I realize that I have also filed any sort of social life far, far away. Work, church, kids and kids, church, work — in any given order that has become the extent of my walk on the wild side. No dinner parties. No girls nights out. Heck, no “boys” nights out either.

Business has been great and business has been time consuming, however this girl has decided that it’s time to get back to appreciating myself and enjoying what I’ve worked so hard for. This Saturday, June 21 from 6-9 p.m. I will be hosting a social event for any woman who wants to appreciate herself. “Pamper Yourself Ladies Night,” in conjunction with Rachele Doiron of the Beaufort Vendor Blender, will be hosted at my salon, The Brow Company Beauty Bar &amp; Makeup Studio, located at 1115 Boundary Street. Join us for food, music, spa specials, massage, spray tanning, makeovers, facials, demonstrations, giveaways, door prizes and more.

My special guest list includes local beauty advisors such as Cynthia Allison of Nerium International, Emily Crowe of It Works! Body Wraps, Nikki Johnson of Thirty-One, Michelle Mcgaha of Arbonne, Renee Armstrong of Younique, Jessica Walden of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Debbie Conway of Jamberry Nails and Merdith Lee Irion of Bronze by Mimi.

Ladies, take the night off, hire a sitter and come get pampered. We deserve it! For more details or to pre-register, please contact salon manager, Michelle Bookmiller at 843-322-0426.

<i>Takiya La’Shaune Smith is mother, licensed cosmetologist, and local business owner. Find her at www.blb-boutiques.com or on Facebook, email her at Takiya@Takiya-LaShaune.com or call 843-263-</i><i>0426.</i>