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

Vinny Brown Heads Rochester’s Hip-Hop Stations

Share

Bluelight Communications Welcomes TrailblazingRadio Executive to the Rochester Market

Bluelight Communications has named Vinny Brown Program Director of Rochester’s top hip-hop radio station, 105.5 The Beat/ WGLZ as well as Bluelight’s sister station Rochester’s top Latin formatted 97.5 La Mega. 

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Vinny professionally and personally for many years and have seen him lead, teach and nurture both his WRKS and WBLS teams to win in America’s biggest market,” says Bluelight Communications co-owner Manny Bella.

“Vinny is a true professional and a consummate master of his trade. I can’t think of anyone more astutely qualified to lead The Beat 105.5, and 97.5 La Mega to win in Rochester.”

“The opportunity to join the team when asked, was naturally such a great fit, I was excited to climb on board. I’m looking forward to serving in a capacity that contributes and impacts the performance of both stations and Bluelight’s continued success,” says Mr. Brown.

 A native New Yorker, Vinny Brown is widely recognized as a force in the New York City radio landscape whose accomplishments remain unrivaled. In his previous roles programming New York’s two urban radio stations, Brown’s leadership skillfully guided both to dominate ratings in the market. 

As Program Director of WRKS he’s credited for taking the station ranking #1 fourteen times, guiding the station through format changes that became the model for other stations across the country.

He went on to become Operations Manager for WBLS/WLIB where he catapulted WBLS from its #18 market rank when arrived to #1 within the target demo 25-54. Outside of radio, Brown has a national profile outside of urban radio within Black culture:

He appeared as himself on TV sitcomMartin and was a contributing consultant to the movie classic juice featuring Tupac Shakur and Omar Epps. Brown also appeared in the Wendy Williams Lifetime biopic and was portrayed in her Lifetime movie.  Bluelight Communications is owned by veteran music executives Manny Bella and Lester Pace. 

Read more

Local News