Queen of Seaweed Lydia Sarfati, President and Founder of Sarkli-Repêchage, was invited as head judge for the Empire Future Professionals makeup competition in Hershey, PA. This was the second year that Lydia Sarfati participated stating, “It truly is an extraordinary event.” 2500 future professionals gathered for 2 days of competition, education, and shopping for their favorite professional products.
When Lydia Sarfati arrived in Hershey, PA, her trip was kicked off with a video interview with the CEO of Empire Education Group, Mr. Frank Schoeneman, in a series he calls “Frankly Speaking.” He interviewed the expert on her career in hopes to inspire future pros that with determination, drive and tenacity – they too can be successful. Lydia Sarfati’s story will become part of the skincare orientation for the Empire Education Group students.
When it came time for the competition, Lydia Sarfati was joined by Shiri Sarfati, Repêchage VP. The pair carefully-critiqued as 90 students were given 60 minutes to complete a look that was more fantasy than everyday but truly showcased their artistic skills and creativity. With Lydia Sarfati at the helm along with three other judges, Kristin Collin’s, of the Empire Bangor, Maine School, walked away with first prize.
Following the contest, the Sarfatis joined their Repêchage team at their booth at the show. Repêchage is Empire’s official skincare range and is used at over 100 schools nationwide. Empire students are already familiar with the Repêchage product line and Lydia Sarfati was happy to allow them to get “Stocked up on their favorite Repechage products!”
The final day was filled with anticipation as students nervously filed into the banquet hall for an award ceremony. The winners received fantastic gifts and prizes as well as recognition from their peers and industry professionals. Lydia Sarfati was particularly moved by Laverne Trottie, a student at Empire Beauty School in Kennesaw, GA who won “Future Professional of the Year” as well as 1st place in the Female Trend Cut & Color category. She gave an emotional acceptance speech on how Empire Beauty School impacted her life and how anything is possible. Hailing from Trinidad, Laverne exclaimed “break down that door – success is yours- take it!” The powerful sentiment brought the crowd to their feet and touched Sarfati especially, “This is the type of passion and determination I spoke about in my interview the day before. It is the type of determination I came to the US with and it is the same determination I live my life with.”
Following a successful two day endeavor, Lydia Sarfati and her team returned to their headquarters’ in Secaucus New Jersey inspired and excited for the graduating class of future professionals.
Image courtesy of Repêchage.
