Ashlee Gomez engaging with students
Ashlee Gomez, CEO of Impressions of Beauty and FAMU School of Business and Industry alumna, showed her fellow Rattlers how to turn their passion into success at her Beauty Rush College Tour on Thursday, Sept. 22 in FAMU’s Grand Ballroom.
In January 2013, Gomez gathered a team of female ambassadors and created Impressions of Beauty, also known as IOB, on FAMU’s campus. IOB is a marketing company that represents hair care companies on college campuses and focuses on multicultural consumers. The Beauty Rush HBCU Tour had to take a stop at FAMU where Impressions of Beauty began.
Amberly Williams, Miss Florida A&M University, was the host, and beauty educator Erica Douglas, better known as Sister Scientist, was the guest speaker for the event. Hair care knowledge and inspiring words were shared with the crowd.
With the assistance of sponsors like widely-known natural hair care lines Cantu, Lotta Body, and Crème of Nature, nearly $800 worth of scholarships and products were given away to event goers.
The first event of the tour was a meet and greet where the crowd joined to get advice and information presented by Gomez. She spoke on the different careers within the beauty industry for all majors and interests from science to modeling.
Deja Pickard, a pre-pharmacy student elaborated on her experience at the IOB event.
“The Impressions of Beauty Campus Tour was a fun event. Ashlee Gomez encouraged us to be and stay empowered. She, as well as Sister Scientist, expressed how our differences are important, particularly in the beauty world because it has created careers…”
She continued to say “Most importantly, IOB gave us the opportunity to be in a room filled with women who are unapologetically themselves.”
Ferrisa Connell, a senior public relations student, also shared her experience as one of the brand ambassadors for IOB.
“I have a passion for empowering women, so to be able to be a part of this event warmed my heart. I absolutely believe this event exude beauty, brains, and class. To see these young women get educated on the science behind their hair, illuminate joy with one another and simply radiate in their carefree black girl magic. I cherish these moments the most, that’s the reason I go hard in the paint,” Connell said.
Gomez gave the event goers tips that she has utilized through her career in the beauty industry.
“Discover your interests, blend your passion and skill sets, choose a career you love, don’t chase the money, don’t accept no for an answer, commit to being unstoppable and remember it’s never too late,” Gomez said.
The crowd not only left with products but a new love and appreciation for themselves.
The Beauty Rush Tour has been to Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, and Jackson State University. The next stop for Gomez will be at North Carolina A&T University on Oct. 12.