By Ashley Flete
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida A&M University (FAMU) became the epicenter of beauty, business, and empowerment on Sunday, March 2, as the Impressions of Beauty Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch, powered by Sally Beauty, brought together students, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs for an inspiring and transformative experience.
As the third stop in a six-campus HBCU tour, the event served as a powerful kickoff to Women’s History Month, celebrating Black women’s strength, resilience, and achievements in beauty, business, and beyond. The venue was transformed into a stunning space featuring vibrant floral arrangements, designated photo opportunities, and elegant décor in hues of purple and pink, creating an inviting and empowering ambiance for all attendees. The brunch, beautifully curated and catered by FAMU’s hospitality dining provider, welcomed over 200 women from diverse backgrounds for an afternoon of sisterhood and connection.
Inspiring Conversations and Career Insights
Designed to celebrate beauty, business, and confidence, Impressions of Beauty continues to create spaces where young Black creatives and entrepreneurs can connect with major industry players. A key event highlight was the panel discussion, where accomplished beauty professionals and influencers shared their journeys, career advice, and tips for breaking into the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry.
The esteemed panel featured:
- Ashlee Gomez, CEO and Founder of Impressions of Beauty
- Maya Smith, Founder of The Doux and award-winning hairstylist
- Kailyn Thompson, Miss Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
The discussion was expertly moderated by Brianna Harmon, who guided the conversation on the importance of representation, self-care, and confidence in both personal and professional growth.
“Make sure you make and maintain good connections because you never know who you will have to work with in the future. And do what makes you happy—follow what aligns with you.” —Gomez
A proud graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry (SBI), Gomez has leveraged her FAMU education to build a thriving career in the beauty industry. As the CEO and Founder of Impressions of Beauty, she has created a platform that bridges the gap between young Black creatives and major beauty brands.
Smith also shared impactful advice on taking up space in the industry. Having previously lived in Tallahassee, her professional journey from a resident to a nationally recognized entrepreneur and innovator in textured hair care serves as an inspiration to aspiring beauty professionals.
A proud FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) graduate, Harmon has built an impressive career as a host and media professional. Her journey from FAMU to the national stage has been shaped by her passion for storytelling, dynamic on-air presence, and commitment to amplifying Black voices in media.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
As panelists reflected on their journeys, faith, resilience, and perseverance were recurring themes. They emphasized how faith has been a source of strength, with God’s grace carrying them through moments of doubt and adversity. His unwavering guidance has opened doors they never imagined possible, proving that faith and determination can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
Miss FAMU reinforced this message, stating:
“Remember that beauty is not defined by what’s on the outside. It’s about true inner beauty and your intelligence. Trust in Him with all that you do.”
As the discussion unfolded, panelists shared personal stories of overcoming obstacles in their careers, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned. Their experiences were a powerful reminder that success is not solely about talent—it is built on resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to one’s purpose.
A Lasting Impact at FAMU
Attendees walked away with gift bags filled with must-have beauty products, along with a $10 Sally Beauty gift card. But beyond the giveaways, students left with something even more valuable—confidence, community, and inspiration to take their beauty and business ambitions to the next level.
During the event, Florida A&M University student Exzabriana Barton was honored as one of six national Impressions of Beauty Future ChangemakeHER award winners, recognizing her profound impact on campus and beyond.
A native of Palm Beach and a master’s student at FAMU’s School of Business and Industry, Barton is the founder of HER University, an organization dedicated to empowering women to reach their full potential in every aspect of life—mentally, physically, through community service, and in spiritual well-being. What began as a vision in 2022 became a reality on FAMU’s campus in September 2023. Since then, HER University has grown into a movement, expanding to Florida State University and reaching over 600 women.
The Impressions of Beauty event at FAMU was a testament to the power of representation, education, and empowerment in the beauty industry. By partnering with Sally Beauty, the initiative provided students with resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience, reinforcing the message that beauty is not just about appearance—it’s about confidence, culture, and career growth.
With another successful event in the books, Impressions of Beauty continues to make waves on HBCU campuses nationwide, ensuring that students at Florida A&M University and beyond have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the beauty and business industry.
