Good morning, sunshine,

We often strive for perfection, thinking that it’s the ultimate goal, but in reality, it’s the imperfections that give life its meaning.

In middle school, I started feeling self-conscious about my smile. The gaps between my teeth became a constant source of frustration, and without the option of braces, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong with me.

Growing up in Memphis, where roasting each other was practically a sport, didn’t help either. By the time I got to high school, I’d mastered the art of keeping my emotions in check, all in an effort not to draw attention to myself.

Then, one random Wednesday, as I was leaving DECA club, my teacher ( I hate that I can’t remember her name) stopped me and said, “Justin, you have a beautiful smile, and the world needs to see more of it.”

That tiny pep talk gave me the courage to start showing up as my authentic self—to share my warmth through these big ol’ pearly whites.

Think about it: what would life be like if everything were flawless? A world where every conversation was perfectly scripted, every meal plated with precision, and every moment predictable.

It might sound appealing at first, but quickly, we’d realize how dull and lifeless that would be. Perfection leaves no room for surprise, for growth, or for the unexpected joys that make life worth living.

Imperfection is what makes us human. It’s what connects us to each other, allowing us to empathize and understand that we all have our own unique struggles and triumphs.

That crooked smile I hope you love? It’s a reminder that nobody is perfect, and that’s okay. It’s the little flaws and quirks that make us who we are and make the people we love unforgettable.

In your creative journey, these imperfections are not something to be hidden or fixed—they’re your signature.

They’re the marks that tell the world you were here, that you took a risk, that you tried something new.

Each brushstroke that doesn’t quite land, each note that goes a little off-key, each idea that doesn’t fully take flight—they’re all part of the process, part of the story you’re telling.

So, instead of striving for an impossible standard of perfection, lean into the messiness of creativity.

Make mistakes, take detours, and embrace the unexpected.

Share your work even when it feels rough around the edges because that’s where the magic happens.

That’s where you find your voice and connect with others in a way that polished perfection never could.

Remember, life isn’t about having everything figured out or getting it all right the first time. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and letting your unique, imperfect self shine through.

There’s a beauty in that—a beauty that perfection can never match.

Wishing you a beautifully imperfect day,

Justin