Sunday, I spent the day preparing for the Forbes ceremony. My stylist came to my apartment with three outfit options. My PR team sent over talking points. My supervisor, James Park, called to review the speech.
“You ready for this?” he asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“It’s going to be huge, Nah. Forbes 30 Under 30 is watched by millions. After tomorrow night, everyone will know who you are.”
“I know.”
“Does your family know?”
“No.”
He was quiet for a moment. “Are you going to tell them before it airs?”
“No. Let them find out with everyone else.”
“That’s cold.”
“Maybe. But they called me a failed entrepreneur in front of seventy-five people yesterday. They’ve earned a surprise.”
James laughed. “I can’t wait to see their faces. Record their reactions if you can.”
“I’ll try.”
Monday evening, I put on the dress my stylist had chosen, a sleek navy blue gown that cost more than my first three months of rent combined. Hair and makeup done professionally. I looked like someone who belonged on a Forbes cover.
I took a selfie and sent it to my best friend Diana.
Diana: Holy hell, you look incredible. Where are you going?
Me: Forbes 30 Under 30 awards ceremony. I’m being featured on the cover.
Diana: What? Nina, when were you going to tell me?
Me: I just did.
Diana: This is huge. Are you nervous?
Me: Terrified.
Diana: You’re going to kill it. Call me after. I want to hear everything.
Diana: Wait. Does your family know?
Me: Nope.
Diana: Oh my God. Nina, you’re evil. I love it.
The ceremony was at the Four Seasons in downtown Austin. Red carpet, photographers, cameras everywhere. I felt completely out of place, but I smiled and waved and answered questions for Entertainment Tonight, CNBC, and Bloomberg.
Inside, the ballroom was packed. Six hundred people. Entrepreneurs, investors, executives, journalists. I found my assigned seat at a table near the front with other healthcare honorees.