Introduction

Scammers are targeting clients looking to get their hair braided by using real stylists’ work and creating fake social media pages.

Reports of Scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is receiving reports of scams targeting individuals wanting braids. Scammers take pictures from legitimate stylists and post them on fake social media pages.

Modus Operandi

Potential clients find the fake pages and book appointments, often making small deposits. Clients realize they have been scammed when they do not hear back from the supposed stylist on the appointment day.

Impact on Legitimate Businesses

Real stylists like Porsche Hensley, who has been braiding hair for over 10 years and owns Divine Innovation 615 in Nashville, are affected. Hensley reported instances where clients arrived for appointments, only to find out they were scammed.

Precautions to Avoid Scams

BBB advises not to pay for the service in full before the appointment. Visit the stylist’s location before booking. Verify the stylist’s work by searching for them online and including the word “scam” after their name. Ask for the stylist’s license number and verify it.

Continuing the Business

Despite the scams, stylists like Porsche Hensley remain undeterred and continue their work.

Conclusion

Scammers exploiting the popularity of hair braiding are causing issues for both clients and legitimate stylists. Clients are advised to take precautions to ensure they are booking authentic services.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRNa1msWYU

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Gala Music’s Entrepreneurship Competition

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Today, in celebration of entrepreneurship and education, Gala Music is launching an innovative student entrepreneurship pitch competition with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Gala Music

The Gala X FIT Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition, which will take place during the current semester, focuses on students developing business concepts in creative endeavors that will address some of the challenges concerning the future of music and other creative industries. Students will be able to create new business concepts and entrepreneurial endeavors in areas such as music, social entrepreneurship, games, and films.

The contest is open to all FIT students, including students enrolled in Entrepreneurship courses. Gala and FIT faculty will provide mentorship and workshops to guide participants throughout the competition.

A division of Gala Games, Gala Music is a company and platform that provides artists and music lovers with unique experiences and is changing the ways that creators and fans are connected. The company is committed to providing cutting-edge opportunities for individuals to engage with one another through music and the creative industries, in the Gala X FIT Student Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition.

The winners will receive the following: $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $500 for third place. Winners will be announced in May.

Gala Music and FIT will celebrate the launch of the marketing competition at an event taking place today at the college’s Katie Murphy Amphitheatre. Gala Music is extremely excited about this initiative. 

Leila Steinberg, Head of Gala Music, says, “We take pride in being able to offer the next generation of leaders hands-on experience in creating real-life solutions in response to some of the demands facing our industry. And we’re thrilled to be working with them to bring some of their ideas to fruition.

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