TSG2024-25 WAX JUDGES
Meet our Waxing Competition Judges.
Expert Waxing Judges
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.
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.
Kinyatta Whitaker
Julio is the proud owner of Wax Man Spa, a renowned establishment specializing in men’s waxing and skincare services in the vibrant city of Chicago. With over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, Julio is widely recognized as Chicago’s 1st Male Esthetician. Holding three professional licenses as a cosmetologist, esthetician, and educator, Julio is not only a Master Esthetician but also passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow estheticians. Training them in his proven methods for providing exceptional spa services is a true joy for him. As Wax Man Spa celebrates its 11th year in business since its establishment in 2013, Julio extends his heartfelt gratitude to the loyal clients who have consistently supported the spa, contributing to its success as the go-to destination for top-notch spa experiences in Chicago.
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.
Jessica Young
I began my journey in the beauty industry at the age of 14. I had the privilege of apprenticing under my aunt, who owned a salon at the time. During this time my true passion was ignited when I discovered my fascination for makeup artistry and the joy of making women feel and look beautiful. While I initially did not choose Brazilian waxing as my focus, it eventually became a significant part of my profession. I built a strong clientele base through skincare services, which is actually my favorite service to provide. Through my dedication and listening to my clients’ feedback, I developed my own unique waxing technique called “The Horse Shoe Method,” which has gained worldwide recognition and transformed many estheticians into successful entrepreneurs. Having trained over 300 fellow estheticians in my technique, I have been able to establish and run my own salon for the past 14 years, holding 7 trademarks, including the phrase “There’s A Brazilian Reasons to Get Wax’d.” Additionally, my YouTube channel reached an astounding one million views in a single day. As a pioneer in the industry, I also created the world’s first CBD hard wax, named Le Krewe Cire, and formulated an entire line of CBD-infused all-natural beauty products. My passion for sharing knowledge has led me to teach and travel globally. Furthermore, I am honored to serve several celebrity clients, which adds to the fulfillment of my career. Overall, I am proud of my achievements and continue to thrive in the beauty industry with three successful salons under my ownership. I work and live in Mobile Alabama, birthplace of Mardi Gras.