Judges

Tynetta Hare

Tynetta Nicole Hare is a dynamic soloist, who sings songs that sooth the soul and transforms broken spirits.  Her infectious personality, sense of humor and spirit of God within her, bring peace to any environment.  Tynetta has been singing since the age of three years old.  She has toured internationally with M.C. Hammer as a back up singer and lead vocalist.  Her voice has been featured on the “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt’em”, CD and his gospel CD, “Inside Out”.   Tynetta has also had the opportunity to sing, “Go For It”, which is a song featured on the Rocky V soundtrack.

Tynetta is also a licensed cosmetologist and owner of The Vine Designs located in the University area of Charlotte, NC.  Tynetta knows that her gifts and talents have all come from the Lord.  One scripture she stands by is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path”.

 

Shawn Tapley

Shawn Tapley, affectionately known as Tap, is the owner/operator of Premier Grooming Lounge.  Tap has been in the industry for over 20 years and is a graduate of Just For You Barber Styling Academy.  Tap prides his success on never becoming complacent and his belief to staying in a humbling learning environment.  According to Tap, “I have some goals I want to accomplish in the industry, so I have to keep this sword sharpened.  I still watch great barbers on social media and try to at least go to two hair shows yearly.  When you become comfortable and start to coast in this industry that’s when your skills diminish”.  You can follow Tap on IG and FB and via his website at www.cutbytap.com.

 

Mark Smith

Mark Smith is the owner of Mark Anthony Studio. Mr. Smith is a Master Hair Stylist with 25+ years of experience in the industry. Mr. Smith believes that hair is a perfect way of expressing yourself that should not be ignored. Passionate in his work, he remains curious about everything new, from techniques and materials to today’s trends and fashionable colours. Getting in his chair you can be sure to get the perfect, head-turning result, but also a conversation that will leave you with a smile for the rest of the day!.

 

Jay Vaughn

Jay started cutting his own hair out of necessity in 2006. At 22, with a 11⁄2 year old toddler running around and a pregnant girlfriend, a barber visit just wasn’t in the budget. Weekly trips to the barber shops in his teenage years acted as a guide to give himself the perfect fade. Jay began cutting family and friends shortly after he mastered self-cuts. After several years cutting hair as a “side hustle,” Jay decided to go to barber school to persue a Barbering career. At the time, with the recent loss of his father and mother-in-law, his mother passed shortly after he started school. After a year of depression, he realized his parents would want him to follow his dream, and went back to school. Shortly after finishing up school in Florida, Jay moved with his wife and 2 boys to Charlotte, NC. Jay faced another challenge: state to state reciprocity. He had to go back to school. By the time he was ready to take his exam, we were dealing with a global pandemic and testing was delayed. Through all of the trials and tribulations Jay preserved.

Jay started his barber career at Southpark Barbers in 2018 (on astudent work permit). In 2021 (licensed) he left to venture into the suite life. Fast forward to present, Jay is currently in the process of taking over ownership at southpark Barbers. Jay is also part of a local organization called Da Village Pop Up @davillage_popupshop who serves the less fortunate in the community providing everything from food and clothing to toiletries and haircuts.