Why This Summit?

Welcome to The Next Level Experience

The Next Level Beauty Summit was created because our industry deserves more than just another hair show. We believe beauty professionals should leave an event with real education, real business strategies, and genuine relationships that help them build lasting careers.

Whether you're a student, a new stylist, or an experienced professional, you'll leave with practical knowledge, renewed confidence, and a network of people who want to see you succeed.

Step Into the Experience

The VIP Experience

Take your conference experience to the next level with our exclusive Next Level VIP Pass. Designed for beauty professionals who want premium access and powerful perks, this elevated ticket includes front-row seatingpriority check-in, and an exclusive VIP swag bag filled with full-sized luxury products. VIPs will also enjoy access to a private networking lounge, early entry to sessions, and a meet & greet with select speakers and educators. Whether you're scaling your beauty business or building new connections, the VIP Experience is your all-access pass to deeper learning, elite networking, and beauty industry recognition. Limited VIP tickets available — secure your spot today.

Does not include paid classes

Attend The Summit

The beauty industry is changing—and so are you. Whether you're fresh out of beauty school, a seasoned stylist building your brand, or a salon owner planning your next chapter, The Next Level Beauty Conference is where you belong.

Vendor With Us

Become a vendor at The Next Level Beauty Conference— October 4–5, 2026 in Richmond, VA — and showcase your brand to100+ licensed cosmetologists, salon owners, estheticians, students, and beauty entrepreneursready to invest in their future.

About the Next Level Beauty Summit

WHY WE CREATED THE SUMMIT

I created The Next Level Beauty Summit because I believe our industry deserves more than inspiration—we deserve education that changes careers.

Too often, beauty professionals leave events motivated but without a clear plan. I wanted to create something different: a space where artistry meets business, where students learn alongside experienced professionals, and where everyone leaves with practical tools to grow.

My hope is that every attendee walks away with new knowledge, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence to take the next step in their journey.

Event schedule

Day One


Registration


Opening Welcome


Education Sessions


Lunch


Demonstrations


Networking

Day Two


Business Classes


Hands-on Education


Panel Discussion


Closing Session

Meet The Educators

Rachel Bynum and Chris Bynum

.Rachel Bynum is the bold, confident force behind Bold Hair Co., where beauty, business, and unapologetic style come together. A seasoned hairdresser with over 18 years of experience, Rachel specializes in healthy extension wear and has built a reputation for delivering flawless results through premium service and quality hair.

As the proud owner of Bold Hair Company a luxury hair brand sold exclusively to licensed professionals. Rachel’s mission is to empower stylists to elevate their businesses and stand out in a competitive market. She also uses her growing platform of 565,000+ followers, millions of daily views, and hundreds of thousands of impressions to amplify visibility for brands and services across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.

Known for her spunky energy, business savvy, and no-nonsense approach, Rachel doesn’t just style hair, she builds confidence,community, and opportunities. She teaches beauty professionals how to brand and price their luxury extension services while staying true to their vision and worth.

Rachel’s passion, professionalism, and creative leadership have earned her the respect of her peers and the loyalty of her audience. Through Bold Hair Co., she’s not just redefining beauty, she’s transforming what it means to be bold in the beauty business.

Chris Bynum Is Family Faith and Wealth he is Helping the Hair Industry think bigger

Demi Howell & Randy G. Howell Jr.

Demi Howell is a master hair artist, master makeup artist, and creative wardrobe stylist with over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. A triple threat in the truest sense, she has built a career that spans the salon floor, the camera lens, and the business boardroom.


Her salon was recognized as one of the top salons in the USA by Ambermag and Mizani. She earned the prestigious Top 50 Better Business Practice Award from American Salon, placed third nationally and internationally with Style Stars, and built a cosmetics line, Demi Howell Beauty, that became the official sponsor at the BET Awards rooftop conference and was featured on BET’s 106th & Park in 2011. Her work and insights have appeared in Forbes, Womenpreneur, Geaux Queen, U.S. Reporter, Kivo Daily, and ATL Wire.


Behind the brand stands Randy G. Howell Jr., a business and marketing executive holding both a BSBM and an MBA in Marketing. Randy built the strategic infrastructure that made their salon one of the top 50 in the country for better business practices. His work has been featured in Entrepreneur, Valiant CEO, LA Weekly, CEO Weekly, and New York Wire.


Together, Demi and Randy turned their own salon into a case study in what happens when talent meets a real system. What you’ll learn in this class isn’t theory. It’s the exact framework that let Demi serve seven clients in a single morning without burnout, raise prices without losing clients, and build the kind of book that fills itself through referrals and repeat visits instead of chasing followers. If you’re tired of guessing your way through a fully booked calendar, this is the system that fixes that.

Kenneth Supreme

Kenneth Ferrer, better known as Kenny Supreme, is a licensed nail technician, content creator, and educator from Bronx, New York. As the owner of Supreme Nail Couture, he specializes in Gel-X extensions and Builder Gel overlays while sharing educational nail content with an audience of 60,000+ followers and 5.5 million+ views across social media. Known for his approachable teaching style and passion for the nail industry, Kenneth enjoys helping fellow nail techs improve their skills, grow their businesses, and build confidence behind the table.


Instagram: @supremenailcouture

TikTok: @supremenailcouture

Shavonda Jones

Shavonda Jones is a licensed cosmetologist, healthy hair expert, and educator behind Shades by Shavonda. With nearly two decades in the beauty industry, she specializes in silk presses and strategic haircare routines that prioritize true hair health - not just appearance.

Beyond the chair, she is a content creator and mentor helping hairstylists elevate their client experience, master consultations, and use social media with intention..

Michael Trey

Micheal Trey is a global ambassador for braids and freckles. He is Aveda educator. A pro Stylist. creator of the rebel show. and he will be joining us as an educator.

Karla Strong

Karla Strong is a world traveled award winning hairstylist, dynamic educator, marketing professional, social media strategist, and licensed beauty industry leader with a passion for empowering others through education, personal development, and authentic storytelling. Former educator of various schools including Paul Mitchell, Karla has taught thousands of students around the United States as an educator over 15 years. As a hairstylist, Karla has traveled the world do hair, hosting hair shows, and mastering all hair types. 

With years of experience in cosmetology education, marketing, and student recruitment, Karla has helped connect aspiring beauty professionals with life-changing career opportunities. Her expertise spans digital marketing, branding, enrollment strategies, content creation, and leadership development across multiple beauty schools and educational institutions.

Known for her engaging personality, relatable communication style, and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Karla has built a strong online presence through viral content, educational resources, and motivational messaging. She is passionate about helping individuals recognize their value, embrace growth, and confidently pursue their goals both personally and professionally.

Whether speaking on leadership, social media marketing, personal branding, entrepreneurship, resilience, or career development, Karla brings a unique blend of real-world experience, humor, authenticity, and practical insight that leaves audiences inspired and equipped to take action.

When she isn’t speaking, creating content, or developing marketing campaigns, Karla can be found in the gym, mentoring others, exploring new opportunities for growth, and sharing her journey of transformation, discipline, and purpos





Akilah Thompkins Robinson

Akilah Thompkins-Robinson is a tech strategist, SEO expert, speaker, and software founder with over 18 years of experience in IT. She has worked with major corporations like J.P. Morgan Chase and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and has been featured in Search Engine Journal, Afros & Audio, and top industry conferences.

In 2020, Akilah launched SEO Assist, a content creation tool designed to help business owners implement SEO strategies faster and easier. Now, through Girl Get Visible, she’s helping entrepreneurs not just get found—but work smarter with tech solutions and automation.

Sarah Scott

Sarah C. Scott is a licensed Life, Health, and Annuities Insurance Agent who is passionate about helping beauty professionals and business owners build financial security beyond the salon. She specializes in cash accumulation strategies, retirement planning, life insurance, and asset protection designed to help entrepreneurs create long-term wealth while protecting the businesses they’ve worked hard to build.


As a fellow business owner, Sarah understands the unique challenges of self-employment and believes financial education is just as important as professional growth. Her mission is to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies they need to protect their income, prepare for retirement, and leave a lasting legacy.


“Informed Today. Transformed Tomorrow.”

Coach Steph

Sarah C. Scott is a licensed Life, Health, and Annuities Insurance Agent who is passionate about helping beauty professionals and business owners build financial security beyond the salon. She specializes in cash accumulation strategies, retirement planning, life insurance, and asset protection designed to help entrepreneurs create long-term wealth while protecting the businesses they’ve worked hard to build.


As a fellow business owner, Sarah understands the unique challenges of self-employment and believes financial education is just as important as professional growth. Her mission is to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies they need to protect their income, prepare for retirement, and leave a lasting legacy.


“Informed Today. Transformed Tomorrow.”

Shequita Lee-Bogle

Share blog posts, products, or promotions with your customers. Use this text to describe products, share details on availability and style, or as a space to display recent reviews or FAQs.

Dr Edeline Francois Dryden

 Edeline Francois Dryden dr. Dryden is an accountant, a business owner the founder of women entrepreneur, Rock, and deeply committed to. empowering women entrepreneurs

Ingrid Riley

Licensed Cosmetologist and Trichologist for over 25 years in the beauty industry and a passion for precision

she specializes in Holistic Hair Care Scalp Wellness and custom styling that empowers confidence and promotes long -term hair health

Q

With over 20 years in the beauty industry Q is the go to professional in the art of waxing .She is here to share techniques tips and client care secrets that sets true professionals apart

Day One Registration Opening Welcome Education Sessions Lunch Demonstrations Networking Day Two Business Classes Hands-on Education Panel Discussion Closing Session

Vendor Experience


Connect with over 100 engaged beauty professionals actively looking for products, education, and services to help grow their businesses.

Meet some of our sponsors

ABILAIMAH Psychiatric Practice

THE TEASE

Braids and freckles

M&W Event Management

Culture Mix Radio

High Club Pro

×