Introducing the 2023 Nominees
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Adrian Carew - Hair Artist Nominee
With 25+ years in the industry, Adrian is renowned for his passion and creativity. He’s collaborated with top fashion houses like Max Mara, Bally, and Louis Vuitton, including their SS25 show in Paris. Featured in Vogue Italia and multiple films, his name is synonymous with talent, internationally.
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Sheniese Charles -Hair Artist Nominee
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Ryan Reed - Hair Artist Nominee
Ryan Reed is a highly sought after hairstylist in the film and television industry. He has worked in the industry for over 20 years creating iconic hairstyles for Hollywood studio’s with productions like “IT” with Pennywise, Idris Elba in Pacific Rim and Molly’s Game and Michelle Yeoh in Star Trek just to name a few. Ryan enjoys travelling the world for work and has a passion for hair.
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Francine Francis - Hair Artist Nominee
Francine Francis is a diverse Mane Celebrity Artist with almost 30 years of experience in Salon and Film. Francine’s work has been featured in Alex Cross-Amazon Prime series, Netflix’s Painkiller, Rabbit Hole-Paramount Series, Feature Films John Q, Hairspray and Priscilla to name a few.
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Ambitious Naturals - Hair Brand Nominee
Since 2019, Ambitious Naturals has been nurturing kinky, curly, and coily hair types. Our affordable products use natural ingredients for safe, effective care, helping individuals achieve their goals and embrace their natural beauty with confidence. “You don’t have to be wealthy to be healthy.”
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Up North Naturals - Hair Brand Nominee
Up North Naturals, founded by Lisa Keizer in Toronto, Canada, in 2015, is a pioneering hair care brand dedicated to celebrating and nurturing natural curls, coils, and kinks. Lisa, inspired by her personal challenges in finding quality products for textured hair, created the brand to support and embrace natural beauty.
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Nagi Cosmetics - Make-Up Brand Nominee
NAGI Cosmétiques was founded by Gina Délismé, an entrepreneur passionate about promoting beauty in all its forms. After a remarkable 9-year career in the Canadian Forces, Gina decided to embark on a new professional adventure in 2012, following her release from the armed forces. Realizing she wanted a career away from the traditional 9 to 5, she identified gaps in the makeup industry, particularly when it came to the specific needs of women of color.
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Paba Cosmetics - Make-Up Brand Nominee
Paba Cosmetics is a cosmetics line created for women of colour by women of colour. Paba provides a wide range of vegan & cruelty, paraben & sulfate free products including foundations formulated to match the undertones and various skin types (including hyperpigmentation, eczema, oily, dehydrated, etc.) of women of colour; creating a flawless appearance like a second layer of skin. All products from the lipsticks to eyeshadows are highly pigmented where a little goes a long way.
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It's A Stacy-Ann Thing
It's A Stacy-Ann Thing Vegan Cosmetics and Skincare INC was founded by Stacy-Ann McFarlane, a Lupus warrior and seasoned entrepreneur with a lifelong love for looking and feeling good. Driven by her own struggles with sensitive skin and the quest for non-irritating products, Stacy-Ann recognized the need for skincare solutions that catered to individuals like herself. This realization inspired her to launch an E-commerce store, offering a curated line of vegan cosmetics and skincare products designed to help others achieve both beauty and skin health.
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Fania FFrench - Make-Up Brand Nominee
Fania Morgan CEO/Formulator of Fania Ffrench, a Luxe Botanical Based Makeup & Skincare Line. Fania meticulously crafted an “It Is OK” platform that empowers individuality & challenges societal norms urging the wholehearted celebration of uniqueness and showing up for self unapologetically.
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Shauna Llewellyn - Make-Up Artist Nominee
Shauna Llewellyn brings a passionate, experienced approach to creating beautiful looks and designing character makeups for publications and media across the fashion, music, film and television industries.
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Tamar Cox - Make-Up Artist Nominee
My name is Tamar Cox otherwise known as Flawlessbeauty, I am professional makeup artist with more than 25 years of experience. I took a leap of faith and decided to transform my passion for art into a successful career. From special effects to full glam and also, special fx I can do it all! My brand, The FlawlessBeauty Collections, is dedicated to empowering women and enhancing their natural beauty.
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Sylvie Bien-Aime - Make-Up Artist Nominee
Sylvie Bien-Aimé, also known as Sylkie Sly, is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Montreal who combines her talent in artistic makeup with her undeniable experience in fashion. From beauty editorials to eclectic bodypaintings, Sly is an authentic artist deeply inspired by her roots.
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Elizabeth Taylor - Make-Up Artist Nominee
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Tenesha Wilson - Beauty Technician Nominee
Tenesha Wilson, renowned in the Durham region for her expertise in permanent makeup and exceptional customer experience, is a seasoned artist, educator, and influencer. With over 20 years in the beauty industry and 7 years as a PMU expert, she is a trusted name and a leader in her field.
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Suen Francis - Beauty Technician Nominee
Located in the vibrant heart of Little Jamaica, Toronto, Noir Studio88 is a black-owned nail salon celebrating four years of excellence. Our artistry blends modern nail care with rich cultural heritage, offering unique designs that reflect the beauty and spirit of our community.
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Nickeisha Thomas - Beauty Technician Nominee
Creations By Omg Nicki was created out of pure love for the nail arts. Founder, CEO & seasoned nail artist Nickeisha Thomas has turned this passion into over 15 years of executing trailblazing designs and techniques thereby carving a unique lane for herself in the beauty industry, with a loyal and growing customer base Creations By Omg continues to soar for new heights and looks forward to welcoming new clients into the fold.
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Renee M. Greasley - Beauty Technician Nominee
With over 22 years of experience in the beauty industry, Renee strives to provide a relaxing professional environment for her clients inside Renee's Beauty Bar. She is the owner specializing in brows, lashes & hair care. She is dedicated to providing her clients with the latest trends. She is passionate about helping clients enhance their natural beauty. She is committed to the relationships she builds with her clients. Renee is well known as one of the top lash & brow artists in Durham Region. She comes highly recommended by many.
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Classshe Shoes - Accessory Designer Nominee
Classshè shoes; where style meets craftsmanship. I design and curate high-quality, fashion forward footwear that empowers confidence and comfort. From concept to creation, I pour passion into every pair.
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Nujual - Accessory Designer Nominee
NUJUAL is a jewelry line made to represent, empower and honour the Black community. The expression 'NUJUAL' is a unique spin on the statement "new jewel". Launched in November 2021, this Toronto brand is using their Art to redefine what timeless heirlooms mean for the next generation. They create sentimental, conversational and statement jewelry and each collection is curated to reflect different aspects of Black culture.
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OMI Woods - Accessory Designer & Merchandiser Nominee
Omi Woods jewelry are contemporary heirlooms that celebrate our connections to Africa and her diaspora. Our jewelry is ethically handmade with fully traceable African gold, recycled and responsibly sourced fine metals and gemstones.
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Chateau Neuf - Accessory Designer Nominee
Château Neuf celebrates every woman's beauty. Our designs empower women of all sizes and shades to be fierce and confident. We encourage breaking free from beauty norms, redefining personal expression. Wear Château Neuf to be bold, free, and remembered. BE.YOU.TIFUL: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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Gerardine Jeune - Fashion Stylist Nominee
Introducing Mlle Geri: a multi-talented force in the world of fashion, beauty and media. From her roots as a MUA, plus-size model, blogger and former COO of a Montreal fashion label, she has now evolved into a respected fashion stylist expert, creative director, and fashion TV correspondent.
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Josianne Manzoangani - Fashion Stylist Nominee
I'm passionate about fashion, connecting creatives with designers and sourcing beautiful clothing and accessories. I tell stories and convey messages through thoughtfully styled photos and videos. My goal is to boost confidence and make people look and feel amazing in what they wear.
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Junior Baptiste - Fashion Stylist Nominee
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Chaendra Gittens - Fashion Stylist Nominee
With a career that spans almost 2 decades and has produced multiple awards nominations, Chaendra has been making waves in the Fashion & Entertainment industry as a Fashion Stylist, Personal Shopper, and Sustainable Fashion Designer since 2008. She has worked on projects for Publications, TV and Film both nationally and internationally.
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Fidge Fletcher - Costume Designer Nominee
Fidge launched her career in the global fashion industry 17 years ago as a Fashion Stylist. Fidge moved to New York City working with top stylists and now lives in Toronto working as a costumes designer and working within the costumes dept within the Union Iatse 873.
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Anna-Lisa Ragu - Costume Designer Nominee
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Nicholas Guy - Costume Designer Nominee
Television set designer, carnival costume designer and large carnival costume designer and performer. Madangelo Designs is known for the production of wining designs and performances throughout North America and the Caribbean. Also recognized by the prime minister of Canada to promote the Canadian Caribbean community through Carnival Art. A builder, designer and a performer all in one. Madangelo designs is the out of the box designer and will always be a trend setter now and into the future.
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Shanece Dawson - Costume Designer Nominee
Creating costume designs holds immense significance, as it embodies our journey towards emancipation. Being apart of a community that facilitates self-expression for our people through design is an honour I deeply cherish.
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Kyle Gervacy - Womenswear Designer Nominee
Kyle Gervacy, birthed out of necessity, reflects the St. Lucian born fashion designer Kadeem Faustin innermost sentiments through Afro Asian-Creole inspired art. Launched in 2015, with the integration of performing arts, earning multiple accolades, including three-time unisex designer of the year.
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Catherine Addai - Womenswear Designer Nominee
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Bola Adesiyan- Womenswear Designer Nominee
Omobolanle Adesiyan popularly known as Qweenfecy is a Nigeria born fashion designer based in Ontario, Canada. A laudable product of George Brown College, who is recognized for her afro-culture fashion brand "Qweenfecy Clothing". Her skills and versatility are WOW! It's magically how she crafts confidence into her clients.
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Israella Kobla - Womenswear Designer Nominee
Emefa Kuadey is a Fashion Engineer and the Founder of ISRAELLA KOBLA, the Toronto-based women's clothing and accessories brand that is bringing more personality to the minimal aesthetic. Having initially pursued a different career as a Civil Engineer, eventually her love of fashion became more compelling. By 2017, she left her corporate job to study at one of Canada's top fashion schools, George Brown College. In 2019, soon after graduating, Emefa launched ISRAELLA KOBLA.
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Rhowan James - Menswear Designer Nominee
Rhowan James, an award-winning luxury menswear brand from Toronto, Canada, blends classic tailoring, sportswear, and streetwear for the modern man. It embodies strength, sophistication, and edginess, fueled by creativity and passion. Using top-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, each piece is tailored for stylish individuals who appreciate sophisticated living.
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Chinedu Ezemenari - Menswear Designer Nominee
C.E. CLOTHIER INC. is a luxury men's wear label specializing in custom tailored garments including suits, shirts, overcoats, and more. We recognize that the way a man dresses and presents himself has a profound impact on his experiences, and opportunities. Our role is to ensure that every man, regardless of stature or status, has the opportunity to tell their style story with class, distinction and elegance.
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Samuel Malcolm Tita - Menswear Designer Nominee
Malcolm Exclusive, founded in 2018, is a prestigious brand known for its blend of luxury, sophistication, and style. Born from an interest in men's fashion, the brand offers high-end products with a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. From bespoke tailoring to innovative designs, Malcolm Exclusive appeals to discerning clients who appreciate elegance and exclusivity.
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Pretty Little Curves - Retailer & Merchandiser Nominee
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Hair Granted Beauty Supply - Retailer Nominee
With a passion for beauty, she has always been fascinated with hair, makeup, nails and the list goes on. While working as an educator at an all girls boarding school in Toronto, she decided to seek part-time work at a well-known beauty supply store. Being with that company for 5 years, she held many positions and left the company as a supervisor. This is when she decided it was time to open her own beauty supply store. A goal she had from a little girl growing up in the Bahamas.
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Toronto Designers Market - Retailer & Merchandiser Nominee
Toronto Designers Market is a concept boutique focused primarily on Canadian designers. We work with designers, artists, and artisans to develop and build their brands. Our storefront is located in the Holt Renfrew Centre at 50 Bloor St. W. in the heart of Toronto's Luxury Fashion District; and features over twenty different designers from across Canada.
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Ms. Meri Mak Boutique - Retailer Nominee
Ms. Meri Mak, founded by Denise Mansur in 2019, is a boutique specializing in ready-to-wear clothing and unique designs. Denise's passion for fashion shines through her distinctive creations, making the boutique a go-to destination for stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces.
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The Beauty Rezort - Spa Nominee
I am Joanne Welcome, owner of The Beauty Rezort, Our spa specializes in body sculpting,and skincare, i am passionate in providing exceptional wellness experiences, personalized care, and a commitment to helping clients achieve their best selves.
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Radiance Medspa & Beauty Bar - Spa Nominee
Radiance Medspa goes beyond the limits of a regular medical spa. Rooted in community, driven by dedication and commitment to results, we embrace diversity and proudly spotlight melanated skin.
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Nu U Nails & Spa - Spa Nominee
Nu U Nails & Spa, located in Ajax, Ontario, is a leading destination for beauty and wellness services. They specialize in nail care, advanced laser hair removal using Luntronic Clarity II technology, various facial treatments, massages, waxing, and men's grooming. The spa is committed to providing top-notch services in a relaxing and professional environment.
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Skin Cave Beauty - Spa Nominee
At Skin Cave Beauty, we deliver proven results with luxurious, spa-like experiences. Our mission is to help clients appreciate their natural beauty through expert skincare advice and information. We are passionate about fostering long-lasting, trusting relationships in the beauty industry.
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Fausat Bankole - Esthetician Nominee
My names are Mrs. Bankole, Tutu, and also Fausat. I am an entrepreneur, professional Licensed Esthetician/Medical Aesthetician/Cosmetics Formulator. My business is a hobby to me, I love what I do but dedication, commitment, endurance, determination, selflessness and hard work is what I put in place to strive out the best in me, but I will give all the glory to God for helping me achieve my goals.
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Latysha McIntosh - Esthetician Nominee
We are a dedicated Massage Therapy studio specializing in post-operative massages, treatments after cosmetic surgery, and body contouring. Our mission is to help clients achieve their aesthetic goals while ensuring optimal healing through detailed care, supporting everyone from surgical aftercare to overall wellness.
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Orica Smart - Esthetician Nominee
Orica Smart is a renowned award-winning skincare therapist and the proud owner and director of The O Spot Skincare Clinic, situated in the vibrant community for Ajax Durham Region, Ontario. Her profound passion for both skincare and community engagement has been the driving force behind her success. Orica’s journey was inspired by a stark realization of the disparities faced by melanin rich people within the beauty industry of the greater Toronto area (GTA).
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Tati's Skincare - Skincare Nominee
Tati's skincare brand is all about celebrating and cherishing melanin skin. As a black-owned brand, these products are specifically formulated to cater to the unique needs of melanin-rich skin, helping to address issues such as hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
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Lala Skin Essentials - Skincare Brand Nominee
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Simkha Biocosmetiques - Skincare Brand Nominee
Originally from Benin, I founded SIMKHA BIOCOSMETIQUES, specializing in natural, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products. As a medical biologist and clinical epidemiologist, my ancestral knowledge, passed down through generations, inspires incredible products for women, men, and children worldwide.
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Nuances Self-Care - Skincare Brand Nominee
Nuances self-care provides a high-quality and affordable alternative to cosmetics. The brand strives to be as inclusive as possible, manufacturing beauty products that are catered to all skin types and all curly and kinky hair types. Moreover, they limit their use of plastic packaging and use glass and paper packaging as much as possible. Their goal is to uplift minorities to love themselves no matter what shade!
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Dorothy Mombrun - Photographer Nominee
Montreal artist Dorothy Mombrun celebrates black women through vibrant visual storytelling since 2016. Her exhibitions include "Aynalem: l'Oeil du Monde", "Soulful Embrace" and "Be You," while she mentors youth, hosts podcasts, and advocates through photography, blending artistry with activism.
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Schael Marceus - Photographer Nominee
SCHAËL MARCÉUS is a Haitian-Canadian photographer based in Montreal, blending minimalism, organic aesthetics, and storytelling. His work, seen in Annabelle, SSENSE, and Just for Laughs, and publications like ELLE Canada and British Vogue, champions diverse casting and empowerment. He was a 2021 Robert Giart Grant finalist and joined the 2023 Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards NewGen List.
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Sarah-Louise Jean-Louis - Photographer Nominee
Sarah-Louise has an eye for details and a creative spirit. She is always eager to take on new projects and add your personal touch to allow people to see the world from another perspective. What matters is to create photos that are authentic and true to themselves by adding elements that will stand out in the photos.
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Lily Yange - Influencer Nominee
Her platform showcases true beauty from within and motivates others to embrace their uniqueness. With collaborations with brands like Sephora Canada, H&M, and Mercedes Benz, and features in InStyle, Elle, and Vogue Italia, Lily’s influence is growing. In 2023, she co-founded Sir+Lex Agency with Beverly Fala to address gaps in inclusion for male creators, aiming to bring more diversity and meaningful storytelling to the influencer world.
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Trina Powell-Jones - Influencer Nominee
Styleliketrina is a platform where I focus on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. My mission is to help women feel confident and empowered. My goal is to provide affordable options that make women feel seen and beautiful, encouraging them to embrace their individual style and feel confident in their own skin.
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Rebecca Kabiseba - Model Nominee
Rebecca is an advocate for curvy, midsize women and a trailblazer in the modeling industry. With a passion for representing her community, she has worked with esteemed brands such as Knix, Eddie Bauer, and Lululemon. Rebecca's runway presence has been felt in various fashion shows, where she has consistently embodied her goal of empowering women often overlooked by the industry.
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Shakira Harper-Morgan - Model Nominee
Shakira Harper, with 27 years as a model/actress is represented by Elite Models. She collaborates globally & domestically and is featured in fashion spreads and in film/TV (Exit Wounds, RBC, The Social). Shakira is synonymous with brands like MAC & Vogue Italia & her diverse partnerships highlight global influence in fashion. Ongoing campaigns underscore her impact & innovation.