“Professionalism is key,” states Brandon Ubelhor, event coordinator of Nashville's first annual “Battle of the Stylists” competition, where hundreds will gather and witness a showcase of the considerable talents of local hairdressers and makeup artists.

The event, which is being sponsored by Southern Roots Salon and Spa and Two Rivers Mansion, among others, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 3-8 p.m. at the 14-acre estate at Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville. The event is sponsored by Lamar Signs and Matrix. Guests and participants are invited afterward to a food and wine reception where the winner will be announced.

Ubelhor was inspired to develop this project by his involvement in a community of fun and talented stylists. After many years of being an event planner, he decided to use those skills to promote that community.

Ubelhor, along with co-organizer Jennifer Greene, worked to create an event where designers battle it out for a chance at more exposure for their business. The winner would be a licensed cosmetologist with many years of experience in their field, and their work would be prominently featured in their community by virtue of his or her victory.

Selecting a winner may prove difficult, but the competition is for a good cause. “Battle of the Stylists” will donate twenty percent of their proceeds to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help raise funds for the fight against blood cancer. This type of cancer kills hundreds of people daily. The organization helps with research and studies to help develop ways for victims to fight or even recover from this deadly illness.

Registration, which closes on Thursday, Oct. 20, has already begun for stylists and designers interested in entering. Only 35 slots are available in the competition. The registration fee for participants is $135 and is non-refundable. All participants must provide a copy of their current Board of Cosmetology License to be entered, as well as their own equipment. Only live models---no mannequins---are allowed.

Participants will be judged on overall style and creative approach, as well as harmony between the cut, color, and style. The most important area in which participants will be judged is professionalism. The grand prize winner will receive a four-week billboard spread throughout Nashville sponsored by Lamar Signs.

Guests are also welcome to attend, with a $10 cover charge including wine, food and a swag bag provided by Matrix. Organizers will set up a table at the event for people to submit donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

For more information on registration or the event itself you can check out the event website at www.battleofthestylists.org or email Brandon Ubelhor at battleofthestylists@mail.com