ACHI Magazine Award Show
SUNDAY, JULY 27
@ Westin Hotel
Doors open @4pm
COUNTDOWN TO SHOW
EXCELLENCE
IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
*Please note: If it says "No Bio Entered" beside your image than you have not submitted a bio.
Please submit your bio to: Editor@ACHIMagazine.com by June 30th for your bio to be added. (It will not be accepted after this date)*
Ticket sales end on July 13th.
ACHI Model Award
Melanie Blankenship
I am Melanie Blankenship, model in the DC area. I have been modeling with agencies and freelance for the past 6 years. I've modeled locally and have been given modeling opportunities all over the east coast and in places such as Atlanta & Savannah, GA., Los Angeles, CA., and more. She loves meeting new people and collaborate with creative individuals. She considers herself to be very lucky to have a very supportive family that she can rely on since modeling freelance in this area can be inconsistent at times. She loves what she doe, and want to continue to push herself to see how far she can go with this since she is not considered to be agency standard. As per Blankenship. "It's always fun to do things that people have said I couldn't do because of my height/size."
Nicole Wigfall
My name is Nicole Wigfall, I have been professionally modeling for the past six years.It has always been a true passion of mine. As a professsional model, I specialize in promotional, print,catalog, swimwear, and runway.I am currently in the running to be the next Brand Ambassador for Nexus and Mazini Cosmetics. I really enjoy everything about the fashion industry as a whole. I have traveled to Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Quebec Canada, Holland and will soon get a chance to compete in a modeling competition in Paris France for Miss. International Model of the year 2014.
I currently hold the title for Miss Cosmepolitan Model 2014, and was 1st runner up for Miss. Seven Cities a local modeling competition in Virginia. I have modeled for several High Fashion Designers such as Lipgloss and Stillettoes, Reckless Clothing, Womens Boutique,The Paparazzi Collection, and Niesle Cosmetics.... just to name a few. In the summer of 2017 I plan on launching my new swimwear collection "LaCole Couture Collection". I have always considered my self to be a entrepreneur. I am currently a PROUD business owner of two business in Hampton Roads and currently working on my third joint venture with Subway. In the fall of 2015 I will attend Old Dominion University to get my MBA god willingly.I am also a motivational speaker who mentors young women and young girls in the Hampton Roads area for various churches and non-profit organizations. I try to use modeling as a way to not just help but as a platform to reach out to and empower women on the inside as well as the outside. I am graciously thankful to be nominated for this award.
Kimberly Corrigan
I have many titles - college student, brand ambassador, actress, and model - but I am really just the girl next door, born in Seattle and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. My family means everything to me, and they have played a huge part in my pursuit of a modeling career. I'm also a daughter to two wonderful and supportive parents as well as a younger sister. My goal in life is to help others and be an exceptional role model and motivator for young men and women.
Rachel Faulkner
WINNER
Rachel Faulkner is a recent honor graduate from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s in Science. Rachel started out as a model in college but soon fell in love with the industry and suddenly found herself transforming her modeling hobby into a career, taking her to shoots in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston for print ads in publications including Virginia Bride, Maxim, and Tathaastu. Her success in modeling soon opened opportunities in acting, including music videos, commercials, such as Beamz by Flo Rider and Hills Bros Cappuccino, and feature films like Chef, where you can see Rachel as Sofia Vergara’s photo double. This ambitious, rising star is looking forward to future challenges as she perfects her craft.
Keisa Hamilton
One of modeling’s best kept secrets is ready to emerge as the power house that she is.Keisa Hamilton a native of Hampton Virginia first stepped on the modeling scene in 2009.Keisa has graced countless print advertisements for designers/boutiques.She has walked the runways of New York to Portland for some of the top designers alongside some of the best plus models in the industry.Keisa was the "Face" of Shanda Freeman's 2013 Oceana Collection which made its debut on BET's Rip the Runway.Keisa was also one of the featured models to grace Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC 2013.This multi-ethnic beauty is
fearless with poses and will go to all lengths to grab that money winning shot.Her one of kind look and natural flowing tresses make her the perfect chameleon to be a photographers,designers,MUA’s and stylist dream muse.Every picture will leave you guessing,but her piercing eyes will always let you know it is her.Keisa’s statuesque curvy body makes her one to be sought after to hit runways.Her signature strut and grace on the runway are effortless yet powerful will command all eyes on her! Keisa has a very loving,fun and humble spirit about her.She is a true professional on set and makes sure to bring her A game to every shoot and even leaves a piece of her soul in every project she works on. Keisa believes that if you don’t love what you do it will show in your work. Her goal is to ensure that her love for the art of modeling is exuded in every image that is captured. Working with Keisa is an experience that will be hard to forget and one that a client will want to duplicate over and over. Keisa plans to fully take the plus modeling world by storm. She wants to show and empower young girls, teens and women of all size, shape and color how to love themselves past the beauty standards of society and the social media.Keisa felt that if she has positive real size models to look at growing up that she would not have had the body image issues she faced as a girl.Now embracing and loving every curve she possesses, Keisa has a platform to help women and she plans to hit the ground running showing images of a real size woman to help women be fashionable all while loving the curvy beautiful skin that they are blessed with.
Lorriet Obeng
Rising model, known by most as Lorriet Obeng, was born and raised some in the country of Ghana in West Africa to two native parents. This explains the authenticated accent and unique physical features. The startling beauty, Lorriet obeng is the ideal of a versatility; from print to runway, to acting, music video, spokes model, motion pictures, fit model, this model does it all well and exceptionally. She doesn't just rely on beauty, but a firm believer in Education as she is currently pursuing her Bachelor's of science in Business and Marketing. With passion, humility, and love for what she does, the sky is the limit for this Alluring African Model!
ACHI Makeup Artist Award
Keren Robinson
"Keren Robinson is a Hampton Roads makeup artist. Providing beauty services in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
She is published via the world wide web, but her true passion is with film.
Her influences are a mixture of graphic design, special effects, facepainting, makeup, and a bit of quirkyness."
Kendra Dildy
Kendra "Kenn" Dildy
Owner of Kenn-U-Imagine
It was me coming into my beauty and love for makeup that helped me to see that my passion was truly beautification. Being a firm believer in God, and on a journey to find my true self has motivated me to embrace my unique talents and strive for excellence in the process. Specializing in bridal, prom, photo shoots and everyday "Makeup Makeovers," I believe Kenn-U-Imagine will travel the distance and conquer the companies dreams of owning it own beautification empire. I'm excited to see what God has in store for me but for now I'll just keep on walking and trusting in His plan.
Candice Rauch
Celebrity Makeup Artist Candice Rauch has worked with some of the most influential women around the world. Many of her clients have graced covers of national and local magazines, walked the runways at various fashion shows, pageant winners and appeared on Bridal Bliss on Essence.com. As a sought out and highly recommended Makeup Artist, Candice is consistently booked for weddings, TV, private parties, fashion shows, photo shoots, special appearances and other special events. With her tremendous talent and outgoing personality Candice’s clients continue to refer her to business partners for their makeup needs and events.
Sarah Rillon
WINNER
Sarah's makep journey began twenty years ago. As a young child, Sarah has always been attuned with her creative side. She realized early on that her innate artistic gifts needed to be put to use to help others. For over the last decade, Sarah has dedicated her life and career fine-tuning her beauty talents, training and mentoring other aspiring artists, while managing a successful team of creatives for MAC Cosmetics. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, her collegiate studies in Southern California, and currently residing in Hampton Roads, Sarah has inherited a loyal following and diverse client base from all over
Terria Galvez
Terria Galvez is the owner of Girls Born Gorgeous Boutique LLC., she is a professional freelance make up artist & her makeup artistry career began this time last year. In this short amount of time she has provided makeup for VA Fashion Week, VA Full Figured Fashion Week, Show Bride of Hampton Roads, The Miss Virginia Beach Pageant 2014, she has provided makeup for the winning salon in the Lawrence Brothers Primetime Hair & Fashion Show 2013 and she has also been published in
the Daily Press along with numerous magazine publications. A few weeks ago her natural makeup before & after picture of a client was featured in Essence Magazine's Beauty Section "Makeover Magic" on their website www.essence.com. When she isn't making the women of the 757 gorgeous she spends her time traveling, being a stay at home mom to her 2 year old & her all time favorite past time, shopping.
Joy Massenburg
Joy A. Massenburg is an accomplished and published professional makeup artist based out of the Coastal Virginia area. What started out as a passion and an area of service to others has quickly transitioned into a bountiful business. Initially self-taught, Joy later received formal training in makeup artistry from QC Makeup Academy as well as from other professional makeup artists. She has been in the industry for a number of years. Joy currently serves as the Executive Makeup Artist of Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week, LLC, Executive Beauty Director of Artmajaz Magazine, and
owner, skincare consultant, makeup artist of Joy of Beauty. Her work can be found in various publications. You can find her at any given time working behind the scenes heading up fashion weeks, photo shoots, appearance and makeup classes, amongst a host of other things. Joy has a strong passion for building, uplifting and encouraging. She also enjoys sharing what she knows with others. Joy believes in impacting the world one woman at a time. She stands by her motto, “We take JOY in bringing out the beauty within!”
the nation. She continues to gain local and international followers through her social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Her work can be found in publications such as Hampton Roads Magazine, Vow, The Scout Guide, and People, just to name a few. She has also worked on set for various television stations, such as WHRO and TLC, along with several film productions and national commercial campaigns. She continues to receive on-going education from the pillars of the beauty industry -- to keep her an expert of her trade. Sarah specializes in beauty, airbrush, body art, bridal, special occasion, high fashion and editorial makeup application. Sarah's constant motivation and inspiration come from her love of God, people and art. She believes that the biggest success in her career thus far is witnessing the success of other artists she has assisted throughout their personal makeup journey. Her belief is that through faith, hard work, passion, unconditional love and kindness towards others, humility and service, all people can and will be successful.
Nikki Dancy
A licensed, professional nail technician & Instructor, Nikki decided to take things further thus resulting into makeup artistry. As an influential individual to the beauty industry she began freelancing as a makeup artist in 2008. Nikki's work has been featured in magazines,hair shows & Fashion shows. When it comes to Nikki you can expect nothing less than absolute professionalism, charisma, uniqueness & talent.
Dawn Lewis
Dawn Lewis is an accomplished and established hair and makeup artist, based out of Chesapeake, VA. Dawn has work with professional photographers, designers, models and bridal parties. From an early age, Dawn was fascinated by the industry and being highly motivated have gained over 16 years as a professional hairstylist and 10 years as a experience and professional makeup artist. Dawn is a freelance hair and makeup artist which helps her broaden her skills and further enhance her experiences and exposure within the industry. Examples of Dawn’s work have been featured in numerous
photos with top line photographers. Her work can be seen on faces in the VA, DC and NY areas. Her meticulous attention to detail is the reason why she is constantly booked with top photographers. Dawn is a full figure model who loves the camera and runway; however, she is also a wife to Christopher Lewis of 10 years a mother to Jaramis Council 13 and Jordan Council 12. Dawn believes that as an artist it is crucial to constantly refresh her ideas as she finds inspiration for her work everywhere. Dawn loves the diverse creative people that she meets continuously through her work. “I am an artist who loves to create beauty, expression, and emotion through my hands. All the people who I have encountered in this industry has influenced and inspired me in one way or the other.” In her spare time, Dawn loves to play softball and cook.
ACHI Hair Stylist Award
Tanza Hines
I am a hairstylist and makeup artist with over 8 years in the industry. I specialize in cuts, color, and makeup artistry. I also am the owner of Shear Luxury Salon and Shear Luxury Tresses Virgin Hair Line in Virginia Beach, Va and opening in Atlanta Ga June 2014. My years of experience have afforded me millions of views on Youtube, my work published in magazines and recently featured as one of the "hottest stylist" in Hair Stare Magazine.
Frances Armstrong
Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist
A woman of many talents, Frances Armstrong has taken her creativity and build herself a career that anyone would be impressed with. Whether as a hair stylist, makeup artist, or model, her artistic contributions can be found in national magazines like Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine, Modern Salon Magazine Online, Style Guide Magazine, and various artistic publications in the U.S. She has worked in fashion , lending her talent in Atlanta Fashion Week and Bronner Brothers International Hair Show, and more. Frances always loved art and business and the beauty industry seemed to be a perfect fit for her, starting her professional career as a teenager in Virginia.
Graduating from cosmetology school at the top of her class, she was awarded a partial scholarship to Norfolk State University and she majored in Business, Entrepreneurial Studies. While studying in college, she continued to work in hair salons, meanwhile attended many continued education classes, until she received her bachelors degree in 2003. Today, Frances has become one of Hampton Roads, Virginia most sought after hairstylist and makeup artist. Till this day she still attends continued education classes, mentors other stylists and has volunteered with organizations including the American Cancer Society's Look Good, Feel Better Program.
Frances Armstrong established Salon 403, located in Newport News, Virginia in January 2007. Operating a business and being a mother of two was, and still is, no easy task. She believes anything worth having is not going to come easily but with faith and determination all things are possible. Her salon tagline comes from her personal look on her dreams in relation to her career in hopes of teaching her children, "Inspiration.Motivation.Dedication."
With over fifteen years experience in the beauty industry, Frances is known for her healthy hair care and beauty makeup. She has a knack for incorporating the right amount of edgy appeal to a beauty image or an editorial photo shoot. She can take an fantasy hair style and have it add the perfect touch to a high fashion shoot. It is this kind of insight that makes her a favorite to work with among photographers, models and fashion designers.
Nerissa Mccallister
My name is Nerissa Of Natural Hair by Nerissa. I am originally from Indianapolis, In and have been residing in Hampton Roads for the past years. I am a wife, mother, and very determined business woman. In the past 4 years I have worked very hard to establish a reputation build around professionalism, a consistent work ethic, and a true love for my craft. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me. This is only the beginning!
Amii Creekmur
"Iam_starstruck" Creekmur- Owner/Stylist/Beauty Consultant founded Star Struck Styles in 2003. She is a Portsmouth native with 13 years of professional experience, although her passion for hair began at the age of 12. Amii received her education at Hicks Beauty Academy with continued education through classes and seminar all over the east coast. Her work has appeared in hair shows as well as national publications. She lives by, "When you look good, you feel good, when you feel good, you do good".Amii specializes in hair placement, healthy hair, razor cutting, corrective coloring, and bringing out the inner beauty in every client. If asked, how she survived so long in this competitive field she will tell you, "Your desire for greatness, must be greater than your fear of failure".
I started doing hair and my mother's kitchen. It was always a dream to be working in a hair salon one day. Making other people look and feel good about their self just gives me so much joy. It feels so good to walk out my dreams in reality. You can do anything you want if you just put your mind to it and believe in God and anything is possible.
Delicia Black
Tishima Gramby
WINNER
Tishima "Weavadiva" Gramby is an international, celebrity, master stylist and owner of Hair-Redity Designs Salon, Queen of Diamonds Hair Boutique and founder of Roots and Garments Hair and Fashion Show. She is a wife and mother of two boys. Tishima has been creating haute hair for more than 8 years and continues to reinvent and revolutionize the beauty and fashion industry.
As the founder of Roots and Garments, she has hosted numerous hair shows in North Eastern, North Carolina, giving hair stylists, fashion designers and models a platform to showcase their talent.
The name "WeavaDiva" is derived from taking the average woman and
transforming her into a Weave Diva. Tishima currently tours the United States and internationally, teaching master classes as well as styling clients. She has networked with celebrity stylists Kim Kimble, Glynn Jackson, Dominique Lunn, Tokyo Styles, Derek J and Patric Bradley. Tishima was a featured platform artist at Patric Bradley's 2013 Cutaholix showcase. She is a featured stylist in the Spring 2013 edition of Hair N Motion magazine. She started her own wig collection in 2014. She offers both wigs and custom units. She wanted to provide trendy styles for the everyday woman. She also had the privilege to work with R&B singer K. Michelle, Tahiry of Love and Hip Hop New York, Brooklyn Tankard from Thicker Than Water, Erica Marie and Natalie Nunn of The Bad Girls Club.
While working in her salon, several students obtained their license under Tishima's leadership and guidance. She has also started a scholarship to help students continue their studies in cosmetology. Tishima also helps by giving back to the community. She provided free hair styling for under privileged students in "Take a Stand For the Next Man" program. She was a guest speaker at the “Working on my Selfie” program in Jacksonville, NC. She was an inspirational speaker at the Boys and Girls Club in Elizabeth City giving young girls encouragement to follow their dreams.Tishima will continue to be a trendsetter and trail blazer in this dynamic industry. Her talent is what got her here, but her vision is what will take her farther. www.tishimagramby.com www.queenofdiamondshairboutique.com
ACHI Fashion Designer Award
Corinne Monique
Corinne Monique Long has been sketching and sewing since she was a little girl. Corinne attended the University of Alberta, Canada, as well as the Paris American Academy, graduating in 2009 in Design. Corinne has competed as a finalist in both the Télio Design Competition at Montreal Fashion Week (2009) and in the Nuit Blanche Art of Fashion Design Competition in Toronto (2010), gaining attention from the press nation-wide, including The Canadian Press, Breakfast Television, City TV, and The Toronto Globe and Mail. Through Rogues Gallery Presents Emerging Designer Fashion Show during
Joyce Lewis Martin
Joyce Lewis Martin from Hampton, VA is a self taught Artist and Designer creating fashion designs as visual and wearable art. Her talents as an Artist, Creative Director and Visionaire bring her fashion designs to life captured in story telling photography. Joyce’s designs have been featured in creative photography with Vedere Magazine, Visual Artistry and Fashion Avenue News and her fashion art creations are on exhibit at Linda Matney Fine Art Gallery in Williamsburg VA.
New York Fashion Week, February 2013, and again at Tobago Fashion Week, May 2013, Corinne debuted the launch of her own eponymous fashion label, Corinne Monique, an innovative, timeless, luxurious line for the modern woman. The label’s second collection was also presented during NYFW in September 2013, again through Rogues Gallery Presents, as well as at a presentation in Lincoln Square, and at Virginia Fashion Week in October 2013. The new label has been received enthusiastically and has garnered national and international media coverage in both print and online articles, including The Montreal Gazette, The Edmonton Journal, Desirable Magazine, and i- Fashion Magazine, as well as on television and radio, including C News, RamaTV, Caribbean SuperStation, Hott93, and Fire 91.8 TheG. Corinne draws design inspiration from her lifelong passions: art, music, photography, dance, film, literature, travel, and nature. She designs for the strong, confident woman, choosing clean, feminine lines to enhance the female form.
Willie Hall
My name is Willie Hall a professional fashion designer based in New Jersey and New York area I first started my career as a fashion designer at the age of 18years old, I attended the Piscataway Vocational Technical High school, graduation June 12, 1981 with a diploma in Fashion Design, After leaving high school I decided to inter in college presuming a degree in nursing, my lifelong dream as a seven year old, passionate towards the sick, after leaving college I attended the Bryman School, for Medical Assistants, graduation in 1984, while working for over 20 years in the medical field , I continue to sew prom
gowns and other garments for young ladies in my community, as well for the churches in my surrounding area, children wear was my specialty as well. I also love to reupholster furniture as a hobby, crochet and knit. For over 20 seasons I had the pleasure of working alongside Fern Malis , Mercedes Fashion Week at Bryant Park and Lincoln Center, and also behind the scenes with Tim Gunn during Project Runway seasons one and two. Courtesy of BTE-TV ( Sofia Davis awarded me with designer of the year 2009, Heartland Model Agency awarded me designer of the year 2013 (Jorge Jurgennson) Working alongside Ron Cooke as a partner for Rogues Gallery Presents (RGP) for several years, we have had some amazing platforms for up and coming designers as well as emerging designers during New York Fashion Week, VA Fashion Week, and also Miami, this allowed us to help these designers to get a platform to show the unique creation for the industry , to help them expose their talent to the world. I had the pleasure of dressing the award Grammy winner Melba Moore for her come back, also American Top Models , Anchal Joseph, Angelea, Alexius Diana and many more And yet Jeanette Dabney-Cooke the face of my brand Willie Hall, my muse for life Designers Aren’t Made They're Born!
WINNER
Gwendolyn Wilson
My name is Gwendolyn Wilson. I am the owner and designer of ETAMIB (Every Thing About Me Is Beautiful) Couture. ETAMIB was started to help promote self-esteem in young people. My website is HYPERLINK "http://www.etamib.biz" www.etamib.biz . I design high end gowns and couture clothing. ETAMIB Couture designs can currently featured in the promotional ads for the Lawrence Brothers ICON Fashion Show. ETAMIB Couture designs have also been shown during New York Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week in New York
Leslie Lucas Thompson
Leslie Lucas Thompson is a self taught designer who began creating fashions for herself at the age of thirteen. After working as a runway model and being exposed to fashions from all over the world, she began to diligently hewn her craft. Thompson was inspired to build a couture clothing line that would represent the strength and power in femininity. Stepping from behind the shadow of trend and tradition, undeniably bold and uniquely captivating, Lipgloss n Stilettos "rogue couture" was created.
Tamika Albritton
Tamika Albritton has formerly modeled plus size apparel and decided it was time to create her own edgy designs. TWAZ (Thick Women Alwayz) clothing was established in 2009 and first featured in HAIRFASHION 2009 Lawrence Brothers Production with shoes sponsored by Shoe City. TWAZ Dezigns and handpicked TWAZ Models have been showcased in Hampton Roads Seven Magazine, Full Figured Fashion Week (Model Challenge), and Full Figured Creations “A Brand Called You, The Vue Magazine, Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week, and many fashion shows. Tamika is not only designs
clothing for the runway she also takes aspiring designers visions and brings them to life through sample production. While designing unique apparel for many special clients she still finds time to mentor young models and artists. Tamika is also a stylist to local music artists inwhich she love thinking outtside to box to create original images. She has big plans for her new subsequent clothing collection called KREATURE which is a collaboration with her 17 year old son and a collection for the little princesses called ZOPS, which is a collaboration with her 7 year old daughter. Tamika attributes all the success of TWAZ to GOD and she keeps faith in continuing on to bigger and better ventures.
"http://www.couturefashionweek.com/gwendolynwilson/gwendolynwilson.html" http://www.couturefashionweek.com/gwendolynwilson/gwendolynwilson.html). I was the featured designer for New Year’s Eve Fashion Night Out in New York. I’ve done several fashion shows for John Blassingame and presented the ETAMIB Couture line at Virginia Fashion Week. The ETAMIB Couture line has been shown in many other fashion shows.
The ETAMIB line has several other products. I have a cosmetics line (ETAMIB Cosmetics), a nail polish line (ETAMIB Couture Colors), and a perfume (ETAMIB Moments). I am also the owner of Gwen Wilson Photography. My website is HYPERLINK "http://www.gwenwilsonphotography.biz" www.gwenwilsonphotography.biz .I do freelance photography for the NFL, NBA, and other sporting organizations. I‘ve covered the Super Bowl Media Day, NFL and NBA Draft, games and training camps. I am one of the photographers for the Richmond Raiders Semi Pro Arena Football team. I also cover local and school events.
I am a graduate of Virginia Tech. After graduation I worked in New York for several top designers. I was a public school teacher for 26 year. I taught fashion design, teen living, early childhood education and culinary arts courses. I was also Teacher of the Year three times and selected for Who’s Who Among American Teachers. I worked part-time in the fashion industry and concentrated on building my brand while teaching. I am currently working full time with ETAMIB Couture and Gwen Wilson Photography.
Patricia Rountree
Patricia Rountree is a wife, mother and Community Volunteer. Being the CEO of Woman Beautiful Boutique and the Head Designer/Stylist of Alwayz A Lady Clothing and Accessories, Patricia Started her Journey in the fashion world just over a year ago. Patricia has grew her Business from custom Jewelry to a full service fashion boutique. Offering services like wardrobe styling, special event styling, closet organization and so much more. Patricia has presented her Clothing line and Styling creativity in several different fashion shows in 2014, like Da Future
in Fashion Show, VF3W, Norfolk State and the Lawrence Brothers Hair and Fashion Show. Patricia is also been Published in the Hair –N- Motion Magazine and Launch Magazine as a Designer/Stylist. Striving to leave a great and amazing impression on the younger generation of female to come. Patricia stands behind her company mission statement. No matter what your Alwayz A Lady.
Fashion designer and style expert, Mikasa La'Charles is the owner of the multi-fashion brand and services firm, House of VII Jewels; which offers brands such as Mikasa La'Charles (women's contemporary), House of VII Jewels (couture), Bridal Veil Bar (bridal accessories for the bride and groom) and "Sketching Dreams, 'Sew' They're Possible" (non-profit all-girls fashion design camp). The College of William and Mary graduate and former Parsons Paris student also offers a variety of services such as fashion styling, sewing classes and image consulting. Visit www.HOUSEOF7JEWELS.com to indulge more!
Mikasa La'Charles
ACHI Model Agency Award
Ann Ward Leister
WINNER
Splash Model Management owner and director Ann Leister has over twenty years experience in various areas of the modeling and talent industry and ten years of experience as director of an agency or model management company. A few of her recent accomplishments include creating and overseeing VA Fashion Week; producing, directing, choreographing, and selecting the models for multiple major fashion shows including designer shows,
bridal shows, special event fashion shows, as well as for a successful designer gown fundraiser for “Operation Smile”. She has produced runway shows for major malls and events involving stores & clients such as Macys, Dillards, Cache, Jessica McClintock, BeBe, Everything But Water, David's Bridal, and many local boutiques. She has placed models in national catalogs and ad campaigns, and placed actors in national TV series, feature films and commercials. She has on several occasions taken models to New York and personally assisted them in launching their careers internationally. Ann also has experience as an actor and model having worked in print, film, and television. She is also, along with her husband, a successful real estate investor and online entrepreneur.
Tammy Pinkston
I am Tammy Pinkston owner of VA.Models. My passion for photographer has led me to become a modeling agency owner. VA.Models is a great place for career minded models are grown and make their dreams come true. Va.Models is fairly new to the scene but we have made a positive mark on the industry. Our models have great personalities, they are professional and good looking. I started VA.Models when I had several disappointing photo shoots as a photographer, where I saw models that were disrespected. I have been a second shooter on photo shoots that I have never been paid for.
Darlene Stevenson
At a young age, Darlene Stevenson was fortunate to start her career within the fashion and entertainment industry as a childhood model and performer. Her modeling career followed her into her teenage years and young adulthood, connecting her to some of the most well-known names in the industry. Approached with the opportunity to work alongside John Casablanca with Elite, she learned what it took to manage, and cultivated a sharper knowledge of what happens “behind the scenes” of such a demanding industry.
Stevenson’s Modeling Agency (SMA) is a leading boutique model and talent agency located in Virginia Beach, VA. For 22 years, SMA has discovered and managed a diverse model portfolio representing the look of today’s industry trends and meeting the demands of our clientele. We successfully pair our models with projects varying in complexity, ranging from fashion editorials to promotional events. Our models walk the runway, cover magazines, and perform in television and film.
Every model contracted with SMA is personally managed by SMA founder and principal, Darlene Stevenson. My philosophy is to steer talent into a positive direction. I encourage models to work each job as a gift by living in the moment and to learn from each person they work with. Doing so, this will open their eyes to other fields of the art. I strive not to create egos but strong individual that will go out in the world and “go the extra mile”.
I have seen young models being taking advantage of so I decided that I had to do things my way or quit. And one thing I am not is a quitter. I was determined to protect myself and models from having to work with such shady and unprofessional people. VA.Models is build on RESPECT, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY. Our staff and models are required to put these values first. That is one of the things that make my team stand out and successful! We always do the right thing no matter how hard that decision maybe and we give back to our community. As God has blessed us, we will bless others. Beside a business owner and published photographer I am a mother of 3. I am the editor-in-chief of Words Of Wisdom Magazine. The Words Of Wisdom is a magazine were you can get words of wisdom from successful business owners, photographers, models, designers and outstanding citizens. We will prove to the world that VA has talent. We will bring industry jobs and proper training to VA. We provide students with scholarships and encourage creativity. We will give back to our community and continue to support Autism Speaks and Cancer Research. We will work with integrity, love and respect.