Two Louisville beauty shop owners, decided to pay homage to Louisville’s beauty & barber industry by holding an elegant Gala to support the culture they’ve been a part of for the past two decades.
The inaugural Artistry Gala, presented by sisters Teandra Bishop & Tynesha Bishop-Thomas took place on Sunday June 24th at Chandelier’s Main Event on Dixie Hwy in Louisville. Members of Louisville’s beauty and barber industry, dressed in ballroom gowns and debonair suits to celebrate the elite of their fields.
The fully catered event was hosted by on-air-personality Bella Rae of B96 and began with a personalized poem, honoring the attendees, by Louisville poet Robin G’. The Gala also featured local and national guest speakers, including Master stylist Tre Trimz of Charlotte, NC and Louisville’s Dudley Representative, Tami Charles.
Bishop and Thomas say that hair shows and galas are commonplace within the beauty and barber industry but typically take place in larger cities like Atlanta, LA and Detroit. Acknowledging that Louisville has vibrant beauty and barber scenes itself – the sisters decided to create that experience in the Derby City as well.
“With this event we’re trying to reach out as a union in the beauty industry, to beauticians, barbers, nail techs, and makeup artists, to gather us all together as one, to celebrate what we do and what we bring to the city of Louisville.” – Teandra Bishop
In addition to celebrating the industry, Bishop and Thomas also are passionate about uplifting aspiring beauticians and barbers. They vividly remember the adversities and long hours spent in beauty school, while pursuing their dream. Therefore, they created the Mary-Alice Foundation, which will contribute a scholarship to a future licensed member of the beauty or barber industry.
The most important aspect of this event is the scholarship. So, we’re looking to give back within the industry by providing a $2,500 scholarship, going towards the tuition of a student that is currently in beauty or barber school.” – Tynesha Bishop- Thomas.
Throughout the course of the evening, models showcased signature hairstyles and haircuts, performed by some of Louisville’s most well renowned beauticians and barbers.
However, the highlight of the evening was the awarding of the $2,500 Mary-Alice Foundation scholarship to 21 year-old Ke’Nisha Thornton, who is currently attending beauty school in Louisville. In addition, Tami Charles also awarded Thornton with a paid trip to the annual Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show in New Orleans in March 2019.
“I’ve been a student at the Paul Mitchell School since January. I’m a transfer student so I graduate in September. After graduation, I plan to open a shop with my brother and mother, so this $2,500 helps a lot.” – Ke’nisha Thornton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_rWHOje9Z4
Bishop and Thomas plan to make the Artistry Gala an annual event in Louisville and are eager to experience its growth.
Brad Harrison is a journalist/motivational speaker/entrepreneur and on-air personality. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with cum laude honors from the University of Louisville. In October 2015, he started UrbanMaxx Magazine to provide positive role models for Urban residents that reside in at-risk-communities and lack positive leadership in their lives.
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