Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Central East Texas, is awarded the 2023 East Texas Mosaic Star award.

Locals take home top AAF honors

Multiple East Texas residents were honored in the American Advertising Federation of East Texas’ second annual East Texas Innovation Awards.

The awards ceremony was held on Nov. 16 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore. The event celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams in the East Texas advertising community for their innovative contributions during the 2022-2023 school year.

The 2nd Annual East Texas Innovation Awards recognized the following East Texas leaders:

Jennifer Moore Gaston, editor-in-chief of Tyler Today Magazine, who was named 2023 Lifetime Innovator.

Mechele Agbayani Mills, president/CEO of BBB Central East Texas, who was awarded the 2023 East Texas Mosaic Star award.

The 2023 Lightbulb Award was awarded to Aaron Thomas Hinds, owner of Hinds Fine Art Gallery and Event Space.

Elizabeth Alexander-Ross of Longview ISD was awarded AAF Volunteer of the Year.

The Tyler ISD Communications and Public Relations Team was awarded the Innovative Team of the Year.

Tyler ISD’s Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines was also recognized as the Innovator of the Year.

The Tyler ISD Communications Team was excited about the recognition and extended its gratitude to the American Advertising Federation and the East Texas community for the recognition.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive the Innovative Team of the Year Award from the American Advertising Federation – East Texas Chapter,” said Hines. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our Communications Team. I am also humbled to be named Innovator of the Year, and I share this honor with the entire team. We look forward to continuing our commitment to innovation and delivering outstanding campaigns for the Tyler ISD community.”

The American Advertising Federation is a national organization that celebrates and promotes excellence in the advertising industry. The East Texas chapter recognizes outstanding achievements in advertising through events such as the East Texas Innovation Awards, honoring individuals and teams who demonstrate innovation and creativity in their work.

Lash convention coming to Tyler in 2024

Eyelashes have a scientific purpose of keeping things out of our eyes but they also have a way of making someone feel attractive. So much so that beauty professionals have upgraded their skills to include the latest beauty trend — lash extensions.

To help elevate professionals and lash technicians, 2024 Elite Lash Convention will be held June 8 — 9, 2024 in Tyler. Location is to be determined at a later date.

This event will provide opportunities for technicians to not only learn more about lash techniques but how to expand their business.

This convention promises to be a game-changer for lash technicians looking to elevate their careers and businesses.

Attendees can expect a range of exciting features and opportunities at the 2024 Elite Lash Convention:

Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Learn from industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and techniques in lash artistry.

Mini Hands-On Workshops: Hone your lash application skills with interactive, expert-led workshops.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow lash techs, potential mentors, and suppliers to expand your professional network.

Business Growth Tips: Discover strategies to boost your lash business, from marketing to client retention.

Vendor Expo: Explore the latest products and tools to keep you at the cutting edge of the industry.

The 2024 Elite Lash Convention is a chance to connect, learn, and elevate one’s career and business in the lash industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey as a lash technician, this event has something for everyone.

Tickets for the convention are available online at elitelashconvention.com.

If you’re interested in being a vendor, attendee, or sponsor, fill out and submit a form: https://forms.gle/daSGjt9x7U9VQPXp6.

The 2024 Elite Lash Convention is a premier event for lash technicians looking to elevate their skills and businesses. With inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and a vendor expo, this convention provides a platform for lash technicians to connect, learn, and grow in the industry.