2014 Iris Awards: When losing still feels like winning
Just seeing my name and my new blog on the screen with so many superstars during the 2014 Iris Awards during the Mom 2.0 Summit in Atlanta felt surreal. It honestly was a personal triumph, since it’s barely been 20 months since I launched Hispana Global. Technically, it’s a toddler and it was nominated for an award with all the big, cool and smart kids. Therefore, winning as Web Personality of the Year was really an extremely long shot.
I explained it to my kids when they called to wish me luck. And then my daughter said: “Remember, mami, it’s not about winning, it’s about having fun and you already a winner for us.” Of course that choked me up. I quickly dabbed away my tears and finished getting ready for the red carpet.
When I was at the Buckhead Theater with so many people I admire, respect and love, I felt quite emotional. Every single person recognized by the Iris Awards is a rock star. They are all brave. They all inspire me. And we all “get” each other while the rest of the world can have a very hard time understanding what we do. Our voices on our own might be powerful at times, but when we’re together, the impact of our storytelling can be mind blowing. Just take a look at what Katherine Stone has done for countless women (and families) with PostpartumProgress. At how many children now have a chance to survive beyond 5 years of age thanks to Shot@Life and the Blogust (which I proudly worked on in 2012) campaign. Thanks to blogs and social media, many of us have realized we aren’t alone in our confusing, stressful yet exhilarating adventures in parenting.
I didn’t win as Web Personality of the Year. Theo and Beau, thrown into the limelight by the incredible talented Jessica Shyba Of Momma’s Gone City, deserved it and they did. But I never felt like I lost. How could I when I was so inspired? How could I feel like I was losing when Saturday night turned into a true love fest? The Iris Awards gave me not only a sense of accomplishment but it also gave me validation. Even when I think nobody notices how hard I try to do my best, somebody is watching and keeping tabs. Most importantly, my kids. And that to me is winning.
The complete list of the 2014 Iris Awards winners
Congratulations again to all the winner and nominees. I am so honored to have been included as a finalist and to be in such awe-inspiring company. Special thanks to the entire team behind Mom 2.0 Summit and the Iris Awards, especially Laura Mayes and Carrie Pacini.
Blog Vanguard: Heather Armstrong of Dooce
Best Writing: Rebecca Woolf of Girl’s Gone Child
Best Photography: Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks
Best Video: Olive Us by Gabrielle Blair and Ben Blair
Most Thought-Provoking Content: Kelly Wickham of Mocha Momma
Most Entertaining Content: Jenny Lawson of The Bloggess
Best Brand Campaign of the Year: babyGap A Celebration of Motherhood Firsts from Cool Mom Picks
Breakout of the Year: Momma’s Gone City Instagram: Jessica Shyba
Game Changer: Brene Brown: Daring Greatly movement
Philanthropic Work: Katherine Stone of Postpartum Progress
Web Personality of the Year: Theo and Beau from Jessica Shyba/ Momma’s Gone City
Best Brand Content Campaign of the Year: Dove: Campaign for Real Beauty / Girls Unstoppable
Blog of the Year: Rage Against the Minivan by Kristen Howerton
Photos from the Iris Awards
