Tallahassee, FL – Florida A&M University (FAMU) became the epicenter of beauty, business, and empowerment on Sunday as the Impressions of Beauty Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch, powered by Sally Beauty, brought together students, industry leaders, and ambitious students 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 the strength, resilience, and achievements of Black women 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 250 women from diverse backgrounds for an afternoon of sisterhood and connection.

Inspiring Conversations and Career Insights

Designed to empower Black college women, Impressions of Beauty continues to create spaces where they can embrace their confidence, connect with their favorite brands, and engage in meaningful experiences that inspire their personal and professional growth. A key highlight of the event 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, Co-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 when you leave this campus because you never know who you will need a favor from in the future. The Rattler Network is strong and something to be cherished.” — Gomez

Gomez, a proud graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI), has leveraged her FAMU education to build a thriving career in the marketing industry. As the CEO and Founder of Impressions of Beauty, she has created a platform that bridges the gap between young Black women and lifestyle brands.

Smith also shared impactful advice on taking up space in the industry. Having previously lived in Tallahassee, her journey from a local resident to a nationally recognized entrepreneur and innovator in textured hair care serves as an inspiration to aspiring beauty professionals.

Harmon, a proud FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) graduate, 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.

Where Purposeful Paths Lead to Resilient Journeys

Faith, resilience, and perseverance were recurring themes as panelists reflected on their journeys. 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, coupled with 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 served as 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 ambitions to the next level.

During the event, FAMU student, Exzabriana Barton, was honored as one of six national Impressions of Beauty Future ChangemakeHER award winners, recognizing the profound impact she has made 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, and since then, HER University has grown into a movement, expanding to Florida State University and now reaching over 600 women.

The Impressions of Beauty Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch 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, purpose, and growth.

With another successful event in the books, Impressions of Beauty continues to make waves on HBCU campuses nationwide, ensuring that FAMU students and beyond have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.

Photos by: Rattlers United

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