By Zihniya Smith
Zihniya Smith, a Reading, PA native, became a part-time student at American Barber & Beauty Academy at 22 years old and started creating her own lip gloss brand line. While in her studies, Smith attended the NAHA Awards convention conference in King Prussia and had the opportunity to meet and engage with top makeup and cosmetology artist, Jalia Pettis. At 22 years old, Smith also hosted her first Mini Hair Fashion Show, and then, at 23, she hosted her first School Backpack Giveaway.
At 23 years old, Smith locked in a salon space that needed major renovation and repairs, which she has completed to her liking over the past three years after graduating from American Barber & Beauty.
In 2025, she brought another of her ideas to life with the Kids/Teens & Adult Braid Camp. The event was a huge success with local participants and out-of-state visitors, many requesting her skills for their communities. Smith started doing hair and being creative at a very young age, and her goals and ambitions are now a reality.
Now 26, a mother, an educator, and a professional licensed cosmetologist specializing in locs, weaves, braids, and more, Smith continues to use her trendsetter creativity on hair styles and brands. She is still creating her new lip glosses, lip plumper, and mood lip gloss. She is committed to helping educate others on the importance of giving back to their community while managing a successful business. “Never give up, keep going” is her motto.
Join the official opening of BCN D’Lux Hair located at 1339 Perkiomen Ave. in Reading, PA, on Saturday, May 16, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be at 3 p.m.
Enjoy a hair model show, food, cotton candy, face painting, raffles, and more. Bring a friend and celebrate luxury, beauty, and a new era!
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