Why did you decide to join the beauty and barber industry?
That is the question we posed to all cosmetology professionals in Western New York during our #Buffalove Cash Giveaway contest! This month we put out a call to action for all local hairstylists, barbers, braiders, estheticians, lash techs, nail techs, and massage therapists to share their “Why” and we were overwhelmed by the responses. So overwhelmed, that instead of picking three winners, we gave all contestants a cash prize! In the end, we gave 10 local beauty and barbering professionals a total of $2,350.
#Buffalove Happy Hour
To celebrate the winners of our giveaway, we held a happy hour at our Buffalo, NY headquarters, Seneca One. During the event, the video submissions played in the background while guests networked and enjoyed views of downtown Buffalo. David Alvalle, a Buffalonian master barber, was there to accept his prize after becoming a licensed cosmetologist two years ago during the height of the pandemic. “[Being a barber] gives me the opportunity to impact people,” he said in his video. “I want to be able to live a life where I make a difference in other people’s lives.” Kristen Rider, another winner, and a licensed esthetician, decided to join the industry after taking control of her own skin issues. “I wanted to help other people learn how to take control of their skin,” she said. “And in doing so, take control of their self-confidence.”
Before presenting the cash prizes, Dr. Tye spoke to the winners to let them know how much their videos inspired him. “What we do in this industry is so important because we’re able to touch everyone from the president to the pulpit,” he said during the event. “Thank you for sharing your stories and being a light to others in this city.” Things became emotional when local barber Jerin Edwards spoke to the crowd about their “Why”. Their struggle with their identity led them to finally come out to their family and friends in their adult life, which opened the door for them to pursue their dreams of becoming a barber. “For so long was praised for long hair but I always wanted to cut it short,” they told the crowd as tears streamed down their face. “I told myself I was doing this for my younger self. To be the stylist I wish I has when I wanted to cut my hair.”
Until Next Time!
We’re so grateful for everyone that participated in the #Buffalove cash giveaway! Thank you to all that showed up to our event and told their story. We love Buffalo more and more each day, and we can’t wait to see you at our next event! Until then, check out this video of all of our submissions on our YouTube channel.
