MIAMI — Hairtopia 2008 was the largest hair show to take Miami by storm, and it can be described in one word: Fabulous.
From the long, curly, extravagant hairdos to meticulous and intricate fashion choreography; the evening of Nov. 2 was jam-packed with never-before-seen hair designs and fashions.
Show organizer and creator Glynn Jackson is a true pioneer in the field. With over 25 years of experience in hair design, fashion and hair shows, he wanted to test his skills and challenge his abilities at this show.
"This is really a labor of love for me. We spent so much money so that we could do something really nice for this community so they can see value within themselves," Jackson said.
The event, which drew more than 3,000 people to the James L. Knight Center in Miami, allowed hair manufacturers Bijoux Beauty Elements and Wella Color Charm to give back to the people on a national platform. More than 60 women competed to win in the Hair Diva individual competition that encouraged participants to personify and embody what it is to be a hair diva.
Other categories included the Bijoux Salon Stage Competition and the Wella Color Charm Competition.
Connecting all aspects of the South Florida community was a very important goal for Jackson. For the first time in history a show of this magnitude was able to bridge together the Latin and the African-American communities in a “show off’’ display of their talents in the beauty industry.
“I was hoping that through this bridge we can start to see that there’s a lot about the Latin and African-American community that's similar,’’ Jackson said.
Not only did this show bring to light the extraordinary talents of resident hairstylists; it also allowed a local young entrepreneur hairstylist to shine. Laterica Griffin Renna is the co-owner of It’s a Wrap, a high-fashion hair salon in the heart of Miami Gardens. She has an innate talent and passion for doing hair and, at only 28 years old, she can humbly be proud of the tremendous accomplishments she’s made.
In February 2006, she began as a stylist worker at It’s a Wrap salon. Seven months later, she was a co-owner of the establishment.
“I actually was looking to become a firefighter, but when I saw it wasn't working, I decided to stick to what I know best and made hair my career,’’ she told the South Florida Times.
No stranger to hair shows, Griffin led her salon to two big wins at the Hairtopia 2008 showcase; the Stylists Choice Hair Competition and People’s Choice Photo Shoot Competition. A few months earlier, the salon participated in another hair show.
“Glynn (Jackson) made the process real inspiring,’’ Renna said. “He was doing it all for a good cause and to get everyone showcasing together. I was quickly sold about getting involved.’’
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Photo by Khary Bruyning. A model poses at Hairtopia 2008
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