The inaugural Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards delivered an unforgettable celebration of Black beauty’s past, present, and future. Held at the Bronner Center of Performing Arts (Riverside EpiCenter) in Atlanta and hosted by journalist and media personality Segun Oduolowu, alongside Shamea Morton, media personality and cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the evening honored the legends and innovators who have shaped the cultural and creative fabric of the beauty industry.
Presented by Bronner Bros., in partnership with Vivace and Red by KISS, the star-studded evening paid homage to professionals, visionaries, and pioneers whose artistry, entrepreneurship, and influence continue to inspire generations around the world.
Hosted by social personality Big Sexy, the red carpet shimmered with creativity and flair as honorees, presenters, and celebrity guests arrived in bold, head-turning looks that embodied the night’s theme: timeless beauty meets modern innovation.
Attendees included rap artist Da Brat, style maven and television personality Marlo Hampton, actor Keith D. Robinson (CBS’ Beyond the Gates), actress Nzingha Imani (BET’s Zatima), actress Ambyr Michelle (CBS’ Beyond the Gates), radio personality DeDe McGuire, R&B singer J. Brown, celebrity makeup artist Merrell Hollis, television personality and founder of Yelle Skincare Yandy Smith, and celebrity hairstylist Alonzo Arnold, among others. The carpet came alive with statement fashion pieces, sculptural hairstyles, and eye-catching accessories. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as media and guests captured every arrival, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and cultural pride.
The program unfolded in four acts—The Becoming, The Revolution, Amplified, and Seen—each capturing an era’s essence, artistry, and emotion. Conceptualized and creatively directed by Grammy Award–winning celebrity hairstylist and honoree Terence Davidson, the production served as a cinematic homage to the roots and evolution of Black beauty. From ancestral grounding to the polished glamour of the 1950s and beyond, the acts told the story of beauty through time, culture, and imagination, celebrating it not just as style, but as identity, resistance, and art.
A standout moment came with a soulful Teddy Pendergrass tribute performed by Terrell Carter, which brought the audience to its feet. Another highlight was the induction of the inaugural Bronner Bros. Hall of Fame, recognizing pioneers whose artistry and leadership shaped the beauty industry for generations.
Honorees included:
- Chaka Khan – Legend of Style & Soul Award
- Danessa Myricks – Beauty Innovator Award
- Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart – Beauty Mogul Award
- Terence Davidson – Creative Visionary Award
- George E. Johnson – Titan of Beauty & Business Award
- Derek J – Fearless Award
- Allen Cooley – Master’s Lens Award
- Nastacia “Nas” Brady – Braiding Excellence Award (presented by Vivace)
- Shaina Rainford – Culture Shifter Award
- Cliff Vmir – Rising Beauty Mogul Award
- Sly Huncho – Master of the Chair Award
- Jasmine “Razor Chic” Collins – Precision Artistry Award
- Kevin Kirk – Legacy Award of Excellence
“The Beauty Icon Awards truly began as a love letter to beauty, a celebration of the artists, visionaries, and founders who built the foundation of this industry. We wanted to create something that felt like our own Academy Awards for beauty, where we could honor those behind the chair, on set, and in boardrooms who shaped culture. Seeing it finally come to life—our history, our impact, our legacy—was emotional. It reminded me that Black beauty has always been more than style; it’s our contribution to culture and to the world,” said Kelly Keith, Executive Producer.
As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the Beauty Icon Awards were more than an awards show. They were a cultural moment—writing beauty into history where it has always belonged and cementing a new tradition within the rich heritage of Bronner Bros.
Photography Credit: The Horne Brothers
