By Makenna Underwood

Akua Robinson set up the final details for the Friends in Beauty Networking Event.

The makeup artist, podcaster, and now event host was alone as she set up the flowers to go on each table in the dimly lit floor of Johnny Pistolas, a restaurant tucked away in northwest Washington, D.C.

A few hours later, makeup artists, photographers, and beauty professionals filled the room and occupied each table.

For Robinson, this was the goal.

Robinson, the organizer of the Friends in Beauty event, said, “Even though it is Friends in Beauty, we get so many different people here–people of all races and everything.  I always welcome people in general because I feel like we can all benefit from any space that we meet somebody.”

Friends in Beauty is an online and in-person community consisting of a blend of makeup artists, influencers, and beauty professionals.

In between regular podcast uploads, Robinson hosts the Friends in Beauty networking events to connect with beauty enthusiasts in a more casual space.

“Being someone who owns a business in beauty and working for yourself, there’s no blueprint,” said Aggie Ashi, a hairstylist and volunteer for the event. “There’s no route to it, so being around like-minded people is super empowering. It’s super great.”

Ashi said the event emphasizes making an authentic connection in a new age of networking that’s more casual. 

“Being in spaces where you can show up as your authentic self and connect with other people who are also showing up as their authentic self…that’s networking,” she said.

The event was separated into cocktail hours and a speed-networking session. Attendees asked each other questions from a selected set of cards placed on the tables. Every four minutes, attendees would switch seats, meeting a new face until everyone had spoken.

Jasmine Wilson, a makeup artist and attendee, said she appreciated the opportunities the event provided.

“I’m really, really big on sisterhood, connecting with other women,” Wilson said. “Just so we can cultivate that sisterhood, you know, that we need.”

For Taylor Ragano, Miss Virginia North America, this event was one of the first in-person networking events since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ragano, a part-time model, said she looked forward to forging connections with other industry professionals.

“My friend looked up beauty networking events, and I came across this, and I was like, wow, this is a great opportunity,” she said. “I’m just getting back into the modeling game, so I really am looking for those connections.

“There’s so many different ways you can network here.”

As both networking and the beauty industry evolve, Ragano said she believes the idea of beauty remains timeless.

“It’s embracing who you are and how you’re unique,” she said. “Everyone is beautiful in their own way. It’s sharing that with the world and being proud of who you are.

“Beauty isn’t just about the outside.”