Local Joplin hair stylist places top 5 in global competition
Novah Guenther, a rising talent in the beauty industry, was sitting in her seat at the One Shot Hair Awards in Dallas, Texas, when her husband pointed out her name on the screen, showing she had earned national recognition for her creativity and style by placing in the top five for Salon Suite Décor at the prestigious One Shot Hair Awards.
“I cried several times before going (to the awards), just making it into the top 100, because it was so exciting, and then once I made it into the top five, I definitely cried several more times just in amazement,” Guenther said to KZRG about how it felt the moment she found out she had earned top-five recognition. “Something that I created being recognized like that meant the world. There are so many opportunities that that will bring for me in the future and it opens up a lot of doors in the hair industry.
“It gives me peace of mind and confirmation to know that when you really do take the time and effort to put in the hard work for your goals, if there is something you really want and you can visualize it and you actually put in the work to do it, that it can happen. It can happen for anybody.”
Held annually, the awards celebrate the best in hair artistry, style and design from professionals from over 100 countries across the globe.
“Being nominated for this award was a huge honor because I always try to provide the most exclusive, luxurious experience for my clients,” Guenther said. “When we put this salon suite together, I wanted something that looked like a high-end place you might find in L.A. or New York for my guests to come and spend time while they get their hair extensions done. We built it out—it was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It was a lot of work.”
Guenther, known for her attention to detail and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for her clients, transformed her salon suite, SugarBum, which is located at 2613 S. Main St Suite E, into a stunning, modern space with determination and a vision.
“I wanted to enter it into the competition because I have never seen any type of suite like this. In all of the TikTok videos or anywhere on Instagram posts, I have never seen a suite that is this beautiful before,” said Guenther.
The One Shot Hair Awards are among the largest in the industry, drawing thousands of entries from stylists worldwide. Guenther’s inclusion in the top five for her salon suite design highlights not only her skill as a stylist but also her eye for aesthetics and design.
“Even though I love going to the beach and on tropical vacations, I have never had so much fun and excitement on a trip,” Guenther said. “It was the best experience that I could have possibly had.”
Guenther’s salon suite has become a local favorite, attracting clients who appreciate both her talent and the inviting atmosphere she has cultivated. Her attention to every detail for her craft and her customers, from the décor in her suite to the overall experience at her shop, has set her apart in a competitive industry.