Omelia Williams, (right) of Little London High School applies the finishing touches the model Renae Denisor’s hair while Renae Edwards looks on at the at the JN Small Business Loans Barber and Beauty Expo Schools’ Challenge at the Jamaica Pegasus on Sunday, February 15, 2015. Little London High School finished second behind Lenora’s School of Beauty while Children’s First placed third.
They might not have won their “challenge” in the schools’ section of the JN Small Business Loans’ (JNSBL) Barber and Beauty Challenge, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel; however, the team from Little London High School was grateful for the opportunity to showcase their skills.
The team, including Renae Edwards, Omelia Williams and Renae Denisor, placed second in the Schools’ face-off on Sunday, February 15, 2015 and won a package of beauty products for their efforts.
Leon’s School of Beauty finished first and won $200,000; while Spanish Town-based institution, Children’s First, was awarded third place and received a package of beauty products.
The Schools’ Competition was a part of the JNSBL Barber and Beauty Expo at which top barbers and hairdressers competed against each other in different challenges for a share of $1.8 million in prizes.
“We were happy to be here and we did our best. We didn’t win; but, we were grateful for the chance to show what we can do,” said Omelia Williams, a fifth former at Little London High School.
All three schools were given the challenge to prepare their models in a hairstyle to match a wedding outfit, within 30-minutes. They were judged on teamwork, sanitation and overall presentation. When they were finished, the models showed off their new hairdos on the catwalk to cheers from the appreciative audience at the Jamaica Pegasus.
Shantel Fletcher, of the third-place winners, Children’s First, speaking on behalf of her team, which included Sheree Fuller, said they were also happy for the exposure.
“I can’t fully express how I feel now; but, I am happy we entered. The chance we got to show what we can do was good; and, now I know that I want to go further with hairdressing,” she said.
Mrs. Selena McGregor of Leon’s School of Beauty was happy for the victory. She stated that her team mates, Shericka Higgins, Carlene Lawrence, Melissa Francis and Shanique Reid, were certain they would do well. “We were all confident from the beginning and we went out there and did our best as a team. And, we are proud of how we did,” she affirmed.
Mrs. Gillian Hyde, General Manager of JN Small Business Loans praised the students for their hard work.
“I am impressed with their talent and the fact they that they were more than happy to show off what they could do in front of such a large crowd. I congratulate them all for being winners and wish them all the best,” she said.
