TSG2024-25 WAX JUDGES
Meet our Waxing Competition Judges.
Expert Waxing Judges
Monique Waters
Monique Waters is a rising star in the Southern Florida business scene largely because of her irreverence for convention. Her intellectual curiosity combined with her strong work ethic as a forever student has set the stage for professional success in the business realm. Her company, WU Aesthetics has emerged as a pioneer in the beauty industry. Under Monique’s leadership, this enterprise brings breakthrough advanced aesthetic trainings and products to the market. Monique’s creativity is the driving force behind WU Aesthetics’ popular ingrown hair serum, Restore Serum, her luxury film wax Emerald Gold and industry-best pre and post wax oils. A self-starter in every sense of the word, she takes pride in serving the local Stuart community, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Whether you are looking for aesthetic treatments or interested in establishing a mutually beneficial connection with a rising business star in Southern Florida, you will enjoy the time you spend with Monique.
Kinyatta Whitaker
Tara Whitaker is a licensed cosmetologist for 17 years and an esthetician for the last 8, with over 20 years of experience in the beauty profession. She has been a Platform Artist & Educator for numerous Professional products & brands. She proudly holds The Skin Games Best Leg Waxer Of the Year, Brazilian Wax Player of the Year, & Wax Artist of the Year titles for 2021-2022 and is the 2x Reigning #1 International Brazilian Wax Artist of the year for the Year 2021-2022 & 2022-2023. She has earned her spot as 1 of the Best Of The Best in the World of Waxing and is the owner of The Waxing Spa located in Jacksonville, Fl.
Tanya Sanders-Kelker
Tanya Sanders-Kelker is a successful entrepreneur, CEO of Body Party Wax & Beauty Studios, intimate skincare product developer, and business strategist. She is also a well-known esthetic trainer, podcast producer and host, speaker, brand manager, licensed esthetician, and experience curator. She is a wife and mother, and her unique approach to business has earned her the nickname “BAE” – The Beauty Accountant for All Beauty Industry Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
Tanya has dedicated her career to helping beauty professionals transition their mindsets and businesses from pros to CEOs, and achieve the freedom they desire. She develops business strategies that increase profits, implement systems, tools, and teams for business growth. Her focus is on the integrity, respect, and importance of intimate area skincare and proper waxing techniques, particularly during Brazilian and bikini waxes for both men and women. This has prompted her to trademark products, create her own studio, and offer classes and training centers.
During the summer of 2017, Tanya pursued her passion for bringing non-traditional beauty spa services to the Metro Jackson, MS area through her day spa, Body Party Wax and Beauty Studios. Within 90 days, she was able to open and begin operations. Her blueprint for success has earned recognition including several awards, and her studio went from 0 clients to half a million dollars in revenue in just two years.
Tanya is a member of Facebook Leaders Network, and her beauty and business podcast has gained a following. To inquire about Tanya Sanders-Kelker speaking or facilitating a workshop at your event, you can visit her website or contact her directly via email.
Abigail Ottley
Abigail Ottley-Cumberbatch is a licensed esthetician and the owner/founder of Esthetician University and Abbeauté Studio & Spa in New York. She is an award-winning spa instructor and serves as a chapter leader for Spa Boss Tribe. In addition, Abigail is a certified mentor for a non-profit organization that assists small business owners in starting up and growing their businesses.
Abigail is widely recognized for her elite spa coaching programs that help start-up and established spa businesses elevate their operations. Her goal is to help spa professionals create multiple streams of income, ensuring they never have a shortage of cash flow or passive income. She offers estheticians and spa professionals unique opportunities to achieve this.
Abigail is committed to creating generational wealth for herself and her family. She is married and has two beautiful children, and this priority is reflected in her work, where she focuses on helping her clients achieve financial stability and growth.
Melissa Black
Melissa Black is a highly experienced Master Aesthetician, Aesthetics Instructor, and PMU artist with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the owner of Bombshell® Salons and Candy Coat Beauty™, which have locations in Richmond, VA, Las Vegas, NV, and West Hollywood, CA. Melissa has dedicated her extensive knowledge to building brands and developing techniques with a proven track record of success in the world of Aesthetics and business. As a keynote speaker and frequent contributor to industry magazines, she is highly sought after for her expertise.
Melissa’s mastery of waxing and development of techniques has propelled the Bombshell brand to the apex of the field. Her partnership with key industry influencers and decades of customized spray tanning experience have also landed her in Hollywood as an official tanner and make-up artist for prestigious events such as Dancing with the Stars and the Oscars.
Melissa created the Bombshell brand in 2009, and within seven years, it expanded to four locations, including one on the Las Vegas strip. In 10 consecutive years, Bombshell has been awarded the title of “Best Salon” in Virginia Living, Richmond Magazine, and Style Weekly, a remarkable achievement that speaks to Melissa’s dedication and expertise.
Overall, Melissa Black is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the Aesthetics industry. Her commitment to developing techniques, building brands, and sharing her knowledge with others has earned her a reputation as a leader and innovator in her field.
Tori Hylton
Tori Hylton
Tori Hylton has proudly been a licensed esthetician for 16 years. Her commitment to the beauty industry and her community are unparalleled. She is an educator and mentor to many in her area. Tori regularly guest teaches at her local beauty colleges showcasing her waxing skills and breaking the stigma surrounding brazilian waxing at the same time. She is no stranger to the beauty competition world. Tori began competing in 2010 and holds titles from The Makeup Show LA, Best of Bakersfield and The Skin Games. She has an impressive 11 titles from The Skin Games and is recognized as the 2023 Waxer of the Year. Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA Tori can always be found giving back to her community. She uses her large clientele and connections to other leaders in the industry to organize multiple fundraisers to help out where it matters most, home. Her passion for helping others is genuine and radiates from her from the second you meet her. When Tori is not working in the studio she can be found spending time with her 2 children.
Lauren Cruz
Tori Hylton
Lauren Cruz is a multi award winning eyebrow artist with a decade of experience. Lauren is the owner of a medical spa that specializes in full service eyebrows and they’ve thrived with brow services alone. With the launch of her pro eyebrow line that includes a series of precision pencils, highlighters, brow balms and tools… she teaches aspiring eyebrow specialists proper eyebrow waxing, shaping and styling techniques to increase their revenue in a booming market. Lauren offers virtual, hands on and group trainings for licensed professionals and salons.