The Chronicle

A Kernersville salon is making a name for itself on the international stage.

Tiffany Thames, owner of Main Attraction salon on Century Boulevard, and her stylist, Alice Harris, both returned home with trophies last month, after competing in the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show, which was held from Feb. 22-25 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Thames, a veteran cosmetologist from Charlottesville, Va., took third place in the Fantasy Competition, placing in the black-owned hair-care giant’s biannual competition for the fifth time in her career.

“I’d never placed in the Fantasy competition before, so I was just praying to God that He could help me overcome that fear,” said the 31-year-old. “…I just said I was going to take a leap of faith to see what was in store for me.”

Thames, a mother of one, participated in three categories for the first time, and said the Fantasy nod came on the heels of tough losses in both the Hair Fitness and Grab Bag categories.

“I lost the Grab Bag that morning, and I was just feeling kind of heavy,” she admitted. “When I got into the Fantasy competition, I actually started doubting myself, feeling like I wasn’t going to make it.”

Despite her insecurities, Thames, who has more than 13 years in the business, persevered.

“I kept my head up even though I felt like crying,” she related. “I feel like my test came to see if I was going to drop the ball after I lost the first two competitions.”

The Dudley Cosmetology University grad’s persistence paid off, in the form of a massive trophy and cash prize, not to mention bragging rights.

“When I heard that I placed in Fantasy, I just was overcome with joy because I had never placed in Fantasy before,” said Thames, who wowed the trio of judges with her centerpiece-inspired up do. “…I thank God for his favor.”

Longtime client Raesha Emerson served as Thames’ model for the Fantasy competition. Emerson, a dental assistant, has made the trek from Greensboro to Main Attraction for her appointment every two weeks for the past seven years. Over time, the client-provider relationship has blossomed into a full fledged friendship, said Emerson, a mother of two.

“She is somebody you can go to and talk to about everything,” she remarked. “She is a super sweet, humble person and for her to pick me to be one of her models was an honor, because everybody wants to come here and get their hair done.”

Emerson has helped Thames place in Bronner Bros. competitions on two other occasions, and said she was determined to continue the momentum as her Fantasy model.

“I was so nervous, but I wouldn’t stop smiling because I was going to try to win that trophy for Miss Tiffany,” she declared. “…It was an honor to win with her, to be right by her side when she won.”

Harris, a 2006 Dudley alumna, also fared well in the competition, scoring a second place trophy for her prowess in the Hair Fitness category, which focuses on fitness-friendly styles.

“I was so excited,” she said of the competition, the first of her career. “I really didn’t think they were going to call my name at all.”

Harris, a native of Columbus, Oh., said she joined the competition at Thames’ urging.

“I go to the competition every year, but this was my first time competing,” explained the 27-year-old. “I was just trying to push myself like she pushes herself, trying to get where she’s at.”

Harris said her success as a competitor has bolstered her aplomb as a stylist.

“It has boosted my confidence,” she related. “I feel like I’m improving in my work, and it shows.”

Both Harris and Thames say they plan to compete in the Bronner Bros. event again when it returns in August.

“I’m going to go back and try it all over again,” Thames said, adding that she hopes placing in the competition will give her a level of name recognition that will eventually help her realize her dream of becoming a celebrity platform stylist. “I’m going to go back until I win first place in all of the competitions (categories). That’s my ultimate goal.”

Thames, a member of Word of Life Tabernacle in High Point, credits her faith in God with helping to achieve her professional aspirations. By chasing her own dreams, Thames hopes to serve as an inspiration to others.

“Taking that step out on faith,” she commented. “That’s the only way you’re going to be able to make it out here.”

Main Attraction is located at 214 Century Blvd. in Kernersville. For more information or to book an appointment, call 336-992-0263.