Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna and The Lip Bar founder Melissa Butler called on summer 2024 graduates to “stand up and stand out” as they venture forth to transform their communities.
“You guys are lucky that you’re learning this lesson early, that you were not meant to fit in; you are not meant to assimilate; you are meant to stand out and stand up on your own two feet; embrace that truth; forge your own path and advance at your own pace,” said Butler, addressing the 500 or so graduates, their parents and relatives at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center & Teaching Gymnasium, 1800 Althea Gibson Way, Tallahassee on Friday, August 2, 2024.
“In this world brimming with conformity, with everyone looking the same and wanting to be the same, the only way to truly stand out, the only way to truly shine is to be unapologetically you; so I’m encouraging you to be audacious enough to stand on the fringes of society because it because it is there where you will make a difference, and if you don’t want to make a difference in your life in your family’s life and your community then why are we even here.”
Butler graduated from FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI) with a bachelor’s in business finance before working as a licensed stockbroker on Wall Street. While working in the financial district, Butler founded The Lip Bar beauty brand in her kitchen. She was fed up with the toxic one-shade-fits-most beauty industry. She turned her frustration into action, stepped off the corporate ladder and into her kitchen to whip up vibrant vegan lipstick.
During her 10-minute speech, the Detroit, Michigan native recalled her humble beginnings and her journey of struggles and success.
“By the time I was five years old, both of my parents were in jail,” said Butler. “So, I stand here with total conviction letting you know that there isn’t a single hurdle that you cannot overcome. You just have to quiet the noise and focus on becoming who you were created to be, and you have to be willing to fight for the life that you want to create,” Butler continued.
“Fifteen years ago, I graduated from the ‘Highest of Seven Hills’ completely oblivious to where life would take me. We were in a recession; job security was at its lowest, but because I acquired skills at SBI, I was not only able to dominate in Wall Street but also to become a beauty pioneer and, over the past 12 years, I have built my business through many challenges.
“I have been intimidated; I’ve been humiliated, I have been duplicated, but one thing, I have never been fearful. Each time, I fell, I rose, and it’s because I knew that what was within me was stronger,” said Butler.
After her speech, she received the President’s Leadership Award from President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who presided over his final public event before he stepped down on August 4.
Butler used her experience as a lesson graduates can learn from.
“It’s OK to pivot along the way,” Butler said. “I certainly did. I started my career on Wall Street and ended up becoming a beauty boss. But the dreams that you shelve will never materialize. So I am urging you to go after it right now. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Along your journey, there will be many people who stand in your way and not on your side, but don’t allow the lack of your stride to be the reason why your dream is deferred. Your future is entirely up to you, and I need you to feel that within your core.”
Butler told graduates there were some non-negotiables.
“Many people will tell you that you don’t owe anything to anyone, but I don’t subscribe to that. You owe it to your parents; you owe it to your family; you owe it to everyone who prayed for you to be in that seat to dream as expansively as possible,” Butler urged. “Resist the temptation to go after good enough and pursue greatness relentlessly.”
