Beauty pros empowered through education & motivation at jam-packed Beauty Gives Back™
Salon pros and students dove deep into motivation, business, and next-level mindset, at the 2024 Beauty Gives Back™ event, Sunday, September 15, 2024, in Oak Brook, IL. The JAM-PACKED event brought together beauty industry leaders, talented artists, and innovative brands to support beauty professionals at all career stages.
Panelists from across the beauty industry and more shared their achievements and their failures, their peaks and valleys, in a straightforward, dynamic, no-nonsense way to a captivated audience.
This one-day industry movement supports beauty professionals at all career levels through development, networking, and connection. Attendees got access to the tools, guidance, inspiration, knowledge, and motivation needed to succeed at every stage of their journey.
Beauty Gives Back is presented by Daisie Foundation and Pink Pewter Foundation. Proceeds from the event were awarded to current and incoming beauty professionals by way of grants and scholarships, totaling $60,000 from Beauty Gives Back, and through partnerships with Larry’s Barber College, Tricoci University, Marlo Beauty, Shades by Shan, and America’s Beauty Show.
Julie Hightower, founding Board member of the Daisie Foundation, and Mireya Villarreal, founder of the Pink Pewter Foundation, inaugurated the event in 2023 by coming together after partnering for many years with their non-profit organizations.
“Relationships are our biggest asset and our biggest resource, and we wanted to expose everyone in the room to greatness and mentorship,” agree Julie Hightower and Mireya Villarreal.
“We began with a foundation of touring and visiting thousands of beauty professionals and students to get them excited and motivated about Beauty Gives Back,” said Hightower. “Setting the right foundation was critical, we wouldn’t be here if our industry and brands didn’t believe in our mission which is to give back,” added Villarreal.
“Now after our second year, Beauty Gives Back is bigger and better with more impact, inspiration and empowerment,” said Hightower. “We have a huge opportunity to grow, and to bring this community along with us on that journey.”
Check out the highlights from “Beauty Gives Back!”
The event opened with visionaries Mireya Villarreal and Julie Hightower as they welcomed a packed and star-studded room in a jam-packed ballroom.
Ben Mollin, celebrated for his dynamic presence and serene approach, captivated the audience by blending energizing and soothing elements into his opening presentation.
“Career Paths in Beauty” was presented by SalonCentric and led by Kareema Wilson, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and featured: Brooke Fletcher, Digital Marketing, Social Media & Influencer expert; Brea Retic, distinguished barber and member of SalonCentric #ITTAKESAPRO team; Mireya Villarreal, Founder and CEO of Pink Pewter and Beauty Gives Back visionary; and Christopher Aaron, a L’ANZA Healing Haircare artist and #ITTAKESAPRO team member.
“Journey Outside the Salon Chair” showcased experts from Ulta Beauty who shared their insights and innovative business strategies for going beyond traditional salon services. Featuring the Ulta Beauty Team: Anna Manukyan, Senior Director of Education & Creative at Ulta Beauty, Bianca Donahue, dedicated stylist at Ulta Beauty’s Rockford, IL salon and Beto Sanchez, a seasoned stylist with 18 years in the beauty industry.
“Multiple Streams with Bridal” explored the dynamic possibilities of the bridal industry. The panel was led by Angela Cattaneo, founder of Beyond the Ponytail; Annette Waligora, acclaimed freelance bridal hair artist; Caidy Brasure, stylist and owner of Caidy Marie Beauty; Dana Fountain, entrepreneur and beauty advocate; and Ashunta Sherrif-Kendricks, renowned makeup artist and founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty.
“From Passion to Purpose” was presented by Nicole “Coko” Taft, a dedicated educator from OLAPLEX and a prominent voice in the textured hair community. She shared her journey of following her passion, becoming a textured hair specialist, becoming an industry influencer, and the impact of positivity and education in the beauty industry.
“Viral Visions: Crafting Trends with ‘Miss OMG’” was presented by social media sensation Olivia Thomson, also known as “Miss OMG.” Her dynamic session was on making waves in the digital world, how to create viral content, how to harness the power of media and public relations to boost business and drive sails. It was a chance to learn from the ultimate #hairbestie.
“The Journey of the Climb” was a very informative session by Jason Yates, President of JPMS, and Nick Stenson, SVP of Store and Service Operations for Ulta Beauty and founder of Nick Stenson Beauty. They dove into their journey and shared key lessons and adventures that shaped both of their illustrious careers.
“‘The Texture of Change’ and Inclusive Education” was hosted by Erica Roberson, Vice President of DE&I Business Development for L’Oreal PPD. She shared the impact of “The Texture of Change,” a movement to ensure equitable access to textured hair education. The audience learned how her efforts are transforming the beauty industry, making it more inclusive for all stylists, students and beauty enthusiasts.
“Barbers Raw, Unfiltered” dove deep into the gritty realities of the barbering world in an unfiltered session hosted by Corey Gray, founder of Hairdustry podcast. Panelists included Brea Retic, member of SalonCentric #ITTAKESAPRO; Larry Roberts, founder of Larry’s Barber College; Jessie (Kirby) Perez Gil, Artisan Hair Sodality; Steven Wren, award-winning barber and Andis global educator; and Sam Nolan, licensed barber who is passionate about mentoring the next generation.
“The Science of Skincare and Haircare for Beauty Professional” session was presented by Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe, Board-Certified Dermatologist. She dove into the science of skincare and haircare, providing expert insights that are directly for hairstylists, estheticians, barbers, and makeup artists.
“Crafting Success in Hairstyling and a Path to Opportunities” was presented by Marlys Mendez, Dreamcatchers Hair Extensions & NSG Hair Replacement. She discussed her experiences as a hairstylist and how she discovered and seized opportunities in the industry that aligned with her passions.
Throughout the day were energy and dance sessions, brought to the audience by the one-and-only Christopher Aaron. His infectious enthusiasm led to fun and invigorating stretch breaks!
“Our speakers were not just sharing their expertise; they were leading a powerful movement. Their dedication and generosity in donating their time to mentor and uplift others is invaluable,” said Mireya Villarreal.
Plus! The Give back!
In the grand finale, “Beauty Gives Back” concluded with give back. It was with great excitement the unveiling of the selection of 30 remarkable individuals, each of whom has illustrated a compelling financial need for a grant, poised to propel them further along their unique paths. “These individuals had been carefully chosen to receive a grant, a true reflection of their unwavering commitment, resolute determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Mireya Villarreal, in giving grants to the individuals at the conclusion of “Beauty Gives Back.” In addition, two full-ride cosmetology scholarships were given from Larry’s Barber College.
Plan for even more empowerment and GIVE BACK next year, as “Beauty Gives Back” will celebrate the salon industry together in 2025. Be sure to #BeautyGivesBack and follow @Beautygivesbackfoundation for more information.
