Crowns & Clippers Awards Gala honors excellence, legacy, and leadership in Mississippi’s barber & beauty industry
JANS – The 2026 Crowns & Clippers Awards Gala, a premier black-tie celebration honoring excellence in the barber and beauty industry, was held recently at the Hilton Jackson.
Hosted by the Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce (BEICC) – Mississippi Division, Barber & Beauty Executives Division, and presented in partnership with The Best of Mississippi Awards, the inaugural gala was created to intentionally spotlight the leadership, creativity, service, and cultural impact of barbers, cosmetologists, stylists, and beauty professionals across Mississippi.
Why the Crowns & Clippers Awards Were Important in 2026
The decision to host the Crowns & Clippers Awards Gala in 2026 was intentional and timely. The barber and beauty industry continues to face challenges related to advocacy, workforce development, access to resources, and representation – particularly in Mississippi. This gala was established to create a dedicated platform where industry professionals could be seen, celebrated, supported, and empowered, while also elevating their voices within the broader business and civic community.
“This event was about more than awards,” said Dr. Kathy Amos, Founder & CEO of the Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce. “It was about restoring honor, affirming leadership, and building a legacy platform for those who serve communities every day – behind the chair and beyond.”
2026 Crowns & Clippers Awards Honorees
The gala honored 15 outstanding industry leaders for excellence, innovation, longevity, and community impact:
Kelly Rainer – Salon of the Year, The French Doll Salon
Ricky Atkins – Culture Shifter Award
Dontrail Ellis – Community Crown Award
Dr. Tawanda Hawkins – Legend in the Industry Award (20+ Years)
Cedric Gilmer – Community Crown Award
Amanda Williamson – Trailblazer Award
Monique Luvene – Braider of the Year Award
Kansas Gray – Barbershop of the Year Award
Eva “Da Cowgirl” Garner – Stylist of the Year Award, Mt. Olive, MS
Armundo Robinson – Master Barber of the Year Award
Lashuanda Purry – Nail Tech of the Year Award
Raven Carter – Rising Star Award
Porchia Jefferson – Brow Specialist of the Year Award
Tammoria Reece – Stylist of the Year Award, Byram, MS
Jessica Singleton – Industry Leadership Recognition
Additional Honors & Recognition
Additional awards were presented to leaders who support the barber and beauty industry through advocacy, service, and community leadership:
Dr. Devin Foster – 2025–2026 Advocacy Award
Cedric Gilmer, Jessica Singleton, Jernise L. Young, Angie Myles Griffin, and Ameka Coleman – Barber & Beauty Executives Advocacy Awards
Mary Johnson – 2025–2026 Chamber Advocacy Award
James & Natasha King – 2026 Crowned Ambassadors, Best of Mississippi Awards
Bold Vision Small Business Grant
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a $1,000 Bold Vision Small Business Grant to Cedric Gilmer of Gilmer Grooming Services (Jackson, MS). The grant supports entrepreneurs who demonstrate vision, resilience, and community impact within the barber and beauty industry.
Sponsor Recognition
Special recognition was given to Strands of Faith, owned by Ameka Coleman, the matching sponsor for the Bold Vision Grant. Her partnership doubled the impact of the grant and reinforced the gala’s mission of reinvestment and empowerment.
Looking Ahead
The Crowns & Clippers Awards Gala is expected to become an annual platform dedicated to advocacy, professional development, and recognition for Mississippi’s barber and beauty professionals.
For more information about the Crowns & Clippers Awards, visit www.thebestofmsawards.com.
To learn more about the Business Empowered International Chamber of Commerce, visit www.businessempoweredintl.com.
