WGTC Cosmetology and Esthetics Students Place at Professional Makeup Artistry Conference in Atlanta
CARROLLTON, GA – West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is proud to announce students from the Cosmetology and Esthetics programs made an impressive debut at the Professional Makeup Artistry Conference (PMAC) in Atlanta. Competing for the first time, students received first place in the Battle of the Schools competition and third place in the Body Art competition.
Held annually, PMAC is a premier event in the beauty industry, featuring a wide range of workshops, demonstrations, and expert-led training sessions. This year’s conference offered immersive, hands-on instruction that focused on both fundamental techniques and innovative trends. Students also had the unique opportunity to learn from top industry professionals, including experts from Tyler Perry Studios, OWN Network, Lions Gates Films, Marvel Studios, and more.
WGTC students show off their winning looks after placing first and third in competitions at the Professional Makeup Artistry Conference in Atlanta. Pictured from L to R: Ashlynn Grindle, Kentoya Emory, Shelley Grimshaw, Harlie Trotter, Avree McGinnis and Amber Smith.
During the event, WGTC students took part in live competitions, showcasing their creativity and skills. In the Battle of the Schools competition, teams were challenged to create a cohesive look, including makeup, hair, and wardrobe, inspired by the theme “Met Gala.” The WGTC team—composed of Ashlynn Grindle, Harlie Trotter, Shelley Grimshaw, and Kentoya Emory—impressed the judges and secured first place based on their design, composition, thematic interpretation, use of color, and presentation.
Amber Smith and Avree McGinnis earned Third Place in the Body Art competition, where competitors were timed to create a finished design based on the “Flower” theme.
“PMAC is an invaluable experience for our cosmetology and esthetics students, offering hands-on training in essential makeup techniques, exposure to industry trends, real-world scenarios, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders,” said Judaya Love, WGTC esthetics instructor and team coach. “By focusing on practical skills—from foundational techniques to advanced artistry—PMAC equips students with the knowledge and professional credibility needed to excel in the beauty industry, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.”
For more information on WGTC’s Cosmetology and Esthetics programs, visit westgatech.edu.
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges.
