Art of Her crowns first winners as beauty professionals showcase talent

June 16, 2026

Makeup artist Shanice Thompson, hairstylist Ashéy Johnson and nail artist Antavia Alexander were named the winners of the inaugural Art of Her: The Beauty of South Central competition on Saturday night, as contestants showcased their interpretations of the theme Fantasy at Solidarity House.

The event was created to provide women entrepreneurs in the beauty industry with a platform to showcase their talents, build their brands and compete for a share of $20 000 in prizes. It was organised in partnership with #1 Beauty Supply.

Thompson topped the Makeup Artistry category ahead of Aliyah Daniel and Simone Williams, while Alexander secured first place in Nail Art and Design ahead of Richanne Lashley and Ria Browne. Johnson was crowned the winner of the Hair Artistry category.

Hosted by Rashonda Hayde, the competition transformed the Bridgetown venue into a beauty showcase, with dedicated stations for hair, makeup and nail artistry. A total of ten contestants worked live on models as attendees moved throughout the venue, observing techniques and interacting with participants during the creative process.

St Michael South Central MP Marsha Caddle said the initiative is expected to have a lasting socio-economic impact. Caddle noted that the global beauty industry generates approximately US $700bn annually and added that supporting women entrepreneurs could strengthen communities.

“When we support their productive capacity, we know that families and communities benefit. We know that income in the hands of women tends to have greater multiplier effects for the health and education of children and families.”

She also acknowledged the support of #1 Beauty Supply, noting that owner Mohammed Jaouni, manager Charmaine Carter and their team immediately accepted the partnership proposal when approached.

The competition featured three themed categories: Crowning the Fantasy for Hair Artistry, The Face of Fantasy for Makeup Artistry, and Fantasy at Your Fingertips for Nail Art and Design.

Contestants were judged by a panel comprising Chief Judge Debra Proverbs, alongside Tricia Chase, Vangleck Knight, and Dominique Cheltenham-Maloney.

Entertainment

The evening also featured a live makeup demonstration by Rogue Beautii using products sponsored by Maybelline; audience challenges; performances by soca artiste Faith Callender, who sang her new releases “From Nothing” and “Keep It”; the Fantasy Finale Showcase; and an awards ceremony. The audience was also treated to an opening showcase by the Vida by Esquire Crop Over band, while contestants from the Mum, This One’s For You pageant took to the stage during the programme.

Winners reflect on experience

Barbados TODAY also spoke with the competition’s winners, who shared the inspiration behind their creations and how the experience could impact their careers.

Shanice Thompson’s winning makeup look, created on model Shakila Bayley, was inspired by “the iconic Barbadian sunset”, featuring vibrant shades of red, orange and gold, accented by floral elements. The makeup artist, who received a recliner chair for makeup and lashes, a ring light and a gift set, said her victory validated the effort she has invested in her craft.

“It feels amazing to see my hard work, dedication, and passion pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of how far I’ve come.”

She noted that the experience has already provided valuable exposure and networking opportunities that will support the continued growth of her business. She added that “the prizes will provide resources to enhance my services, invest in my business, strengthen my brand, and reach more clients.”

Nail artist Antavia Alexander was also elated with her win, revealing that her work was inspired by “the beauty of sisterhood” and, more specifically, the “simple joy” of women gathering together for a picnic. Using model Jonnell Farrell’s nails as her canvas, she created intricate details, including fruits, flowers and a bee.

“My final nail art design was inspired by… the simple joy that many women share through gathering together, connecting, and enjoying a picnic. Through my design, I wanted to celebrate the strength, unity, and support that women provide for one another.”

Alexander said one of the biggest hurdles she faced throughout the competition was stepping outside of her comfort zone and presenting her work publicly.

“As someone who can be quite shy, being surrounded by so many talented individuals and presenting my work in such a public setting pushed me in ways I did not expect.”

Alexander won a nail table, table lamp, trolley and gift set, and said the exposure and prizes will help her continue investing in her business.

Hair stylist Ashéy Johnson, the sole competitor in the Hair Artistry category, said she was grateful for the opportunity to compete, noting that the experience brought her “credibility, confidence, and visibility”, but also a “different kind of pressure”.

Johnson, who won a shampoo station, roller ball hair dryer and a gift set sponsored by Aventa Barbados, impressed judges with her creation, Crowned by Kadooment, which transformed the Crop Over costume backpack into a colourful and elaborate hairstyle.

“I wanted to show that our culture and heritage are not things we carry behind us; they are things that elevate us and shape who we are.”

Johnson said her greatest challenge came moments before the competition began when she learned she would be the only contestant remaining in the hair category.

“People often assume that means there was no pressure, but honestly, it created a different kind of pressure.”

Rather than treating the category as a formality, she said she remained committed to delivering her best work and proving herself to the judges.

“Even though there was no direct competition on the floor, I still had to create my piece within the allotted time, present my vision, and prove that I deserved to stand as a winner.”

She added that, in addition to the prizes, her “biggest reward is the God-given relationships, opportunities, and exposure that come with this recognition.”

Technical Consultant Ashley Lashley described the event as “an ambitious vision” that was realised within “a matter of weeks”. She said the dedicated efforts of planning team members Aisha Marshall, Amber Price, Allan Farmer, Tyrique Wilson, Dr Abdul Mohamed, Rico Graham and Shelly Williams made the timely execution possible.

“While events of this nature often take months of planning, our team was able to bring the concept to life in less than a month through dedication, teamwork, and the support of our sponsors, partners, contestants, and volunteers.”

The 27-year-old said the talent on display and the level of audience engagement demonstrated “a real appetite” for programmes that support and showcase beauty professionals.

The initiative, led by Caddle, was originally intended to highlight women entrepreneurs within the St Michael South Central constituency, but expanded beyond the constituency following strong interest from beauty professionals across the island.

Caddle thanked the planning team, sponsors and partners who contributed to the event’s success, including #1 Beauty Supply, Beyond Design, AccuSounds Inc., Iridescent Lighting, Mayhem Soundz, REI Academy, the Division of Youth and Culture, and the National Cultural Foundation.