PEKELA RILEY NOMINATED FOR 3 NAHA AWARDS #TextureRepresentin'
The North American Hairstylist Awards (NAHA) is the Oscars for the Beauty Industry (minus this year’s viral drama #ComeOnWill). That’s why I was so honored to be nominated this year at the NAHAs for Texture Artist of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Team of the Year .
WHY THIS MATTERS SO MUCH!
As stylist and creatives we dedicate so much of our lives - behind the chair and on set, to create enchanted spells of beauty that become timeless moments that live forever. When we take moments like the NAHAs to celebrate the innovative styling houses we create, it brings so much joy (especially when you can bring the hubby bae along to slay the red carpet with ya #ThankURay)!
TEXTURE EDUCATION
This nomination meant so much to me because it highlighted the groundbreaking texture education movement Ulta Beauty entrusted me with in championing its 1st texture education platform and curriculum.
Texture education has remolded this industry! It’s opened eyes and created spaces to empower and elevate the next generation of stylists. We’re transforming thousands of stylists that will make this industry better. They won’t be confirmed to a marginalized styling box that excludes texture.
As they stand behind the chair they don’t have to hide behind the fear of neglectfully “othering” the textured hair guest.
Our job is to chip away at the divisiveness in our industry! I am so proud to be a part of an inclusive beauty education movement that is “bridging the great texture divide.”
Cheers to a significant night in our industry and significant memories with friends for years to come.
TEXTURE ARTISTRY
Being nominated for texture artist of the year also meant everything to me! I believe there is no spot where God is not. God is everywhere…especially in our hair! And he created every single strand on every single head to be loved and celebrated!
THIS MOST CERTAINLY INCLUDES BLACK WOMEN EVERYWHERE WITH TEXTURED HAIR!
WE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH!
This space of texture elevation for Black women is so pivotal. I’m truly grateful to help redefine and claim space for what texture truly is. It’s not ambiguous, undefined, or unrefined.
IT’S BEAUTIFUL & POWERFUL!
TEXTURE IS THE APEX…and it’s now being elevated and celebrated to its true beauty space!
Soooo, although I didn’t come home with a NAHA this year - our newfound elevation of texture industry-wide & worldwide is the ultimate win!!! #HollaBackTextureGirls
