Congratulations to Beki, NAHA Finalist!

3.12.19

In the professional hair industry, there is no honor more prestigious than being recognized by NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards). The competition is tough. Thousands of entries from licensed professionals in hair, barber, nails, and makeup from the United States, Canada and Mexico compete to win this prominent photographic competition. Stylists can work for years, submitting photos of their work, before being accepted into the competition.

Amazingly, our own Beki, who has just joined our team as an assistant fresh out of cosmetology school, was recently honored as a finalist for the 2019 Student of the Year on her first try! Loving to do photo shoots in her spare time, Beki was looking around for a contest to enter when she just happened across the entry for NAHA. At the time, she had no idea how prestigious the award is, and just decided to go for it. She asked some friends to help her with makeup and photography and took the risk to enter.

When the finalists of the award where announced live on Facebook, Beki was getting her nails done, not expecting her name to be called. Afterall, she didn’t expect to make it to the finals, since she really entered just because she thought it sounded fun. Overwhelmed by the announcement, Beki had to stop getting her nails done so she could make calls to share the exciting news.

Beki went to Long Beach, California to attend the NAHA Awards ceremony at the International Salon and Spa Expo, which was every bit as exciting as attending the Oscars or Grammy Awards. Inspired by everything she saw, she watched and took note of the winners from the other 15 categories, as well as the impressive styles that special guest artists performed between the awards. Although Beki didn’t win in her category, she really didn’t care. (Click here to see her competition.) What she learned about herself and her capabilities were what she valued the most. That, and the understanding of what to expect and what to do better next year.

Beki is already making plans to enter the contest in 2020. At the event, Beki found everyone to be warm and welcoming, and made many new connections with people who love to put their work in print. Since she got back, she’s connected with past winners, who have agreed to help mentor her to a win next year. She’s already decided what her concept will be and has a photo shoot scheduled to get her ideas on film.

Beki says the most important thing she learned from the experience was that winning isn’t everything. She told us, “Putting myself out there, working to the best of my ability, and giving myself permission to stay unapologetically true to my work were the best things I learned at NAHA.” We think that’s a winning formula and can’t wait to see what she does at next year’s competition. We couldn’t be more proud of her.