Eliliani Beauty Show "Vision Becomes Reality"

I had the pleasure of being invited to cover the Emiliani Beauty Expo this past weekend. Emiliani Enterprises hosted their annual Beauty Show, Vision Becomes Reality at the NJ Convention Center in Edison, NJ. The biggest and best hair stylists in the industry were in attendance: Michael O’Rourke, Phillip Wilson, and more. During the three day event guests were able to enjoy stage performances from their favorite hairdressers, and participate in education classes in the “hands on arena.” Throughout the day guests attended cutting and styling classes, and purchased the latest beauty products that top exhibitors were showcasing at discounted rates.

The event kicked off Saturday, October 15th at 6:30pm with a charity reception for Project Ladybug founded by reality star Dina Manzo of HGTV’s Dina’s Party, former RHONJ star.  VIP guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and snacked on some hors d’ oeuvres while waiting for the amazing one hour presentation from Philip Wilson. Dina Manzo was presented a check from the Emiliani team for $5,000 dollars, from the money they raised by the cut-a-thon events participation salons hosted.  After the show all guests got an exclusive preview of the salon floor while some of today’s hottest Reality-TV stars stopped by the media booth like Anthony Lombardi and Christy Pereira from Jerseylicious, and Carla Marie from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, NY’s hit radio station.

Dina’s daughter Lexi and Dina Manzo, founder of Project Ladybug and star of HGTV’s Dina’s Party Photo by Michael Lawrence photography

Dina’s daughter Lexi and Dina Manzo, founder of Project Ladybug and star of HGTV’s Dina’s Party Photo by Michael Lawrence photography

There were many different vendors and a wide variety of products showcased. The best part were the prices, they had amazing deals and great buys. My only complaint was that it was more of a hair show versus a beauty show. There weren't that many make up vendors if any and I was expecting to see more nail art or decals. However there were many vendors for shelac/ gel polishes and systems. I would have liked to see more products catered towards the natural hair community but with that being said if I were currently a salon industry professional or student there were many new and affordable products to both learn about and buy.

On Sunday, October 16th it was another day of non-stop artistry from 9-5pm. During the event, today’s top salons, such as Dieci Lifestyle Spa, Panico, American Shave, Gallery A, XChanges among others were featured on the BE! Magazine stage. Each salon stopped by the media booth for an exclusive interview with The Salon Guy, Will Love, and Chance from Chance TV where they discussed building their brand and there vision and inspiration comes from. Some of the special guests on Sunday were Jacqueline Laurita from Real Housewives of New Jersey, Andrea Rosaria singer of “We Own The Night”, up and coming artists Candi Lynn and Sariah, Tracy DiMarco from Jerseylicious, Jen Jacobs from NBC’s Biggest Loser, and Tiffany Rios, former American Idol runner up, who surprised guests with a special performance on the BE! Stage.

On Monday, October 17th, top salons were presenting their looks from 9-5pm.  After each presentation, salon owners and their team were photographed in our media booth and interviewed by BE! Magazine.  Special guest Cindy Vero from 103.5 KTU was in attendance, and got her hair done by Michael O’ Roukes style team.  She then was introduced to guests on the BE! Stage.  Lorenzo Gangola from Jerseylicious was also in attendance, introduced on the BE Stage and posed for pictures with fans.  NJ Today Radio station aired live from 1-3PM from the Emiliani show interviewing select guest such as Andre Chiavelli Executive Vice President of Sales and Corporate Strategy for Emiliani, Lorenzo Gangala from Jerseylicious, Maria Cucciniello owner of The Hip Event,  select students who attended the show on a school field trip and owners of Salon’s who presented presentations on stage.

Lorenzo Gangala from Jerseylicious and Cindy Vero from 103.5 KTU Photo by Michael Lawrence photography

What I really didenjoy was the "shop" that was set up in the middle of the expo. It had an aray of products varying in prices from $1 to $20. I went ahead and purchased a few nail polishes for only $1 each.

There was one more OPI Nail Laquer in "Sevrving Up Sparkle" a silverish glitter polish that my daughter ran off with and did not get to make it in the picture... lol sorry. Hope you all enjoy the post