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

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

SoundExchange Hires Music Industry Veteran Barry LeVine as VP of Industry Relations

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SoundExchangeSoundExchange today announced the hire of Barry LeVine as vice president of Industry Relations. In this role, he will lead the organization’s artist and label outreach program, along with driving strategic relationships with other organizations within the music community.Barry has more than 25 years of industry experience in various capacities, including entertainment relations, partnership development and relationship marketing. Most recently, Barry served as global executive vice president of Entertainment Relations at Gibson Brands. In this capacity, he was responsible for maximizing relationships within the entertainment world and creating awareness of Gibson entertainment and lifestyle products in 19 markets worldwide.”I’m pleased to announce Barry LeVine will join us as our vice president of Industry Relations. He brings a solid reputation and broad set of industry and artist outreach skills to our team,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “Barry’s unique experience will be key in the development of new programs for the 90,000 artist and 28,000 rights owner accounts that we currently serve, as well as creating new connections and opportunities as we move SoundExchange into its next chapter.””It’s exciting to join a group of individuals who are committed advocates for recording artists and rights owners,” said Barry LeVine, vice president of Industry Relations, SoundExchange. “As the music industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of a digital world, SoundExchange is at the forefront of ensuring a fair and balanced approach for getting artists paid for their work. I look forward to fostering our strong relationships with the creative community so we can work together to move the music industry forward.”Prior to Gibson, Barry served in senior management roles at ShoutCrowd Media/Fan2Band Inc. and SonyBMG Music Entertainment. He has experience developing revenue-driving national programs for publicly traded companies and organizations across a number of industries, including entertainment and technology. In the past, Barry played a critical role establishing a number of key initiatives, including creating recruitment programs for promising young entertainment executives; building out membership rewards initiatives for major record labels; and developing programs on behalf of major brands to influence consumer behavior and drive sales.

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