New Glo beauty expo features diverse beauty businesses

For a l-o-n-g while, Ashley Stevens, 34, a hairstylist and the owner of Beauty Equation salon in Bay Shore, has been obsessed with the idea of bringing the Long Island beauty community together for one big celebration of sorts to fete their talents, create networking opportunities and give the general beauty-interested public an insider glimpse.

“One day I just woke up,” she says, “and it hit me. I needed to do it.” And, as a result of her efforts (and she’d be the first to say, it takes a village, or an Island in this case), on July 31, the Glo Beauty Expo & Runway Show will debut at Stereo Gardens in Patchogue.

The event will bring together makeup artists, hairstylists, nail technicians, lash pros and colorists behind Long Island businesses of diverse ownership.

"There will be classes and demonstrations, vendors, selfie stations and you have to envision the wildest runway show — that’s what you’re going to get,” says Stevens. 

A GLO-ING EXPO

The moment was right to launch such a grand scale happening, Stevens says. She named the event “Glo,” she says, “Because that’s what beauty professionals do. For every day and all the special occasions in their lives, we make people feel good inside and out. we make them glow.” And she took the theme literally, with a fashion show that will actually glow in the dark.

The runway portion is being professionally produced by Sean Bardoo, who is originally from Massapequa and is well-connected in the fashion industry. “People need to know that Long Island has great talent in the industry and it’s right here,” he says. 

In terms of the clothes, some of the looks in the show are the handiwork of fashion designer Peta Chen, 45, of Shirley, who designs everything from prom dresses to bridal wear. She’s currently in the process of creating a new neon collection for the Glo event. “I love what they’re doing with this show,” she says. “Long Island is like a hidden gem. We have a whole new world of fashion and beauty open on Long Island.”

HANDS-ON CLASSES AND MORE

Beyond the actual runway show, which according to Stevens, will be a major eyeful opening with a highflying aerialist, there’s a lot to be learned. On stage, and “braiding to a beat,” Kandee Kamate of K&B African Braiding in Bay Shore will be showcasing her mad braiding skills to music. “People know Long Island for our beaches but there are a lot of small businesses to serve them with a lot of talented people,” she says.

Veteran makeup artist Michelle Holmes, 65, of Islip, will be teaching an airbrushing class. “Anytime we’ve had expos or conventions in the beauty industry, they’ve been in the city," she says. "Since the pandemic changed everything, I think it’s a good way for everybody to get out there, show they’re still thriving and catch on to new trends.”

Included in the mix of classes and demos, other makeup artists will teach eyebrow contouring and highlighting; a medi-spa aesthetician will show the latest HydraFacial techniques; and a colorist will work with vegan hair color.

There will be live music from local musicians, and while Stevens has worked hard to keep it all Long Island-centric she has imported one thing. That would be her dad Stephan Stevens, a professional DJ who lives in Georgia, and who will keep the music flowing all day long.

“It’s going to be a great guys and girls’ day out and I’m really hoping to engage and excite industry professionals and anyone interested in beauty,” says Stevens. Added bonus? “Everyone will leave with free swag bags too.”