Ayana Palmer: Bronner Bros International Beauty Show
Ayana Palmer competed in the Bronner Bros International Beauty Show held on August 27-29th in Miami, FL. This competition had over 200 companies and over 100 classes. Palmer competed in the Fantasy Hair category with the theme “Miami Carnival” receiving third place.
They had different competitions for barbers, weaving, and design as well as classes that were free. There were some celebrities and other hairstylists there that provided feedback that I can use in future competitions. I learned so much and connected with different people.
When entering this competition, Palmer made the decision to enter the Fantasy Hair category which allowed her creativity to shine through.
Fantasy Hair is a creative category, with this concept being Miami Carnival. Carnival typically includes headpieces, feathers, and costumes. I competed on the 28th but they also had vendors, classes, and category competitions throughout the duration of the event. What I did was incorporate my salon into it, incorporating my colors and putting a laboratory on her head. I want to be a platform artist which is why I started getting into hair competitions for practice and experience in the industry.
Palmer began her journey at Empire Beauty School in Northeast Philadelphia, enrolling in the cosmetology program. Now, she continues her education in the Educator Program at Empire Beauty School Center City Philadelphia in February 2022, looking to graduate this November. Palmer has her own salon called The Blending Laboratory.
I consider myself a scientist because I create my own concoctions. I try to be unique in this industry and find my own niche.
It was during her time at Empire Northeast Philadelphia that Palmer sparked an interest in Fantasy Hair.
A memorable moment for me was my first competition at the Northeast Philadelphia campus. It is what got me interested in Fantasy Hair and they gave us the concept of Winter Wonderland. It showed me what other options are there and I was able to tap into my creativity.
Palmer has been interested in the beauty industry since her childhood, being passionate about helping others feel happy.
I like making people feel beautiful about themselves, I like empowering all individuals about their inner beauty that they might not feel in themselves. I like bringing out their happiness through their natural beauty. All we do is enhance their natural beauty, it is always there.
With graduation approaching soon, Palmer reflects on a key takeaway from Empire Beauty School: relationships.
You think that when you come back as a teacher, it will be totally different. Your colleagues have similarities with you and we are able to support each other. They are more understanding as they relate to what I go through. Empire helped me further my beauty career by doing everything professionally. I have my paperwork together and know how things should be structured, it is better for running my business.
In the beauty industry, there are limitless opportunities that await you. This is one concept that motivates Palmer through her challenges.
What inspires me is the other opportunity. Granted, we are looking here at all of the struggles going on now but the fact that I came thus far, shows me that there is a lot more that I can do. There are so many possibilities, you will never know what will happen in this industry.
For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll, visit or click – https://bit.ly/LearnMoreAtEmpire