ROYAL ROOTS & RUNWAYS II

HAIR & FASHION

Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Location: Egyptian Theatre: 700 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702

Royal Roots and Runways is an evening of celebration, style, and community that brings together local designers, models, and creatives to honor the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the African Diaspora. Guests can expect a dynamic runway experience featuring curated looks rooted in heritage, artistry, and bold self-expression, set within a vibrant atmosphere that reflects Boise’s growing creative and cultural scene.

Presented by the Boise Soul Food Festival, this fundraiser supports year-round programming and investment in local entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors — strengthening community through culture, creativity, and connection.

CREATOR STORIES

Shari Baber

Shari Baber is a Sacramento, California native who moved to Idaho in 1994 and has since become a deeply respected force in the community, earning the nickname “The Godmother of Boise.” Her life’s work reflects a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service that has left a lasting mark on the state.

With more than 44 years in the hairstyling industry, Shari built her career on skill, artistry, and dedication. What began as a passion in Sacramento grew into a distinguished reputation in Idaho, where she became one of the region’s most sought-after hairstylists, known for both her technical excellence and creative vision.

For over 30 years, Shari has also been an educator and mentor, training thousands of aspiring stylists. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, with 12 of her former students going on to open successful salons of their own. Through teaching, she has emphasized not only technique, but confidence, individuality, and artistic expression.

Beyond hairstyling, Shari is a committed community advocate. She revived Boise’s Soul Food Festival in 2019, celebrating African American culture and bringing people together through food and shared experience. She is also the founder and CEO of Brown Like Me, a nonprofit supporting Black children adopted into non-Black families in Idaho. Known as “The Spacemaker,” Shari creates spaces of belonging, empowerment, and unity wherever she goes.

Meridian Lin Negilski

Meridian Lin Negilski is a multidisciplinary artist and creative director devoted to awakening liberated expression and cultural memory. Rooted in dance, theater, and traditional West African arts, her work bridges performance, ritual, and creative strategy.

With over two decades of experience as a performer, choreographer, and cultural educator, Meridian’s artistic lineage includes immersive study in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where she lived alongside griots and deepened her understanding of art as living history, storytelling, and collective responsibility.

She holds a Master’s degree in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has directed nonprofit arts programs, taught across classrooms and communities, and consulted on collaborative cultural initiatives across the Southwest and Mountain West.

As the founder of Umoja Arts and Third House Theatre, a BIPOC-led performing company debuting in 2026, Meridian builds spaces where marginalized voices, ancestral knowledge, and bold creative expression can thrive.

She currently serves as Coordinator of the Boise Soul Food Festival and as a cultural educator with Brown Like Me, supporting community-centered arts, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity.

Kenny Dieudonne

Kenny is a Brooklyn native whose passion for storytelling emerged early. At just 16, he stunned the indie film world by winning a prestigious Sundance Award for a short film that captured raw, urban life with rare authenticity.

After honing his craft over the years, Kenny made the move to Los Angeles at 28, determined to turn his creative vision into a full-fledged career. He cut his teeth in the industry by working a slew of behind-the-scenes production jobs, building his network and sharpening his skills.

Now, Kenny is making waves as an up-and-coming Producer/Director, known for his gritty style, emotional depth, and unique voice in contemporary cinema.

THE TEAM

Cheneé Brooks

Artist & Designer

Cheneé Brooks has been immersed in the creative world since childhood, beginning her journey as a model at age six and participating in pageantry through the age of sixteen. A graphic designer by trade and a proud Army veteran, she served nine years as a Combat Photographer, capturing stories and moments through a unique artistic lens..

After her military service, Cheneé turned to art and painting as a way to cope with PTSD and continue her creative growth. Today, she combines her background in graphic design, photography, and fine art to explore the world of fashion design, transforming her artistic vision into wearable pieces that celebrate creativity, confidence, and self-expression.

Jeanette Martinez

Hairstylist / Instagram: Slay Slay J Got You Slayed

My name is Jeanette Martinez, and I am the owner of Slay Slay J Got You Slayed. At 25 years old, I have been braiding hair for nearly 10 years. What started as a fun way to pass time during school events quickly became something much more. Braiding grew from a simple hobby into a true passion—a form of art, self-expression, and eventually a source of income.

I began by practicing on myself, learning new techniques, and exploring creative styles. Over the years, that passion expanded into serving and connecting with my community through hair. Today, I am proud to use my skills to help people feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. This is my very first time showcasing my hairstyles at an event, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my creativity and hard work with all of you. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to showing you what I’ve created!

C’Niyah Brooks

Youth Designer / Instagram: CNiyah.creates

At just 14 years old, C’Niyah Brooks is an emerging designer with a passion for creativity, self-expression, and inspiring confidence in others. Her artistic journey began as soon as she could hold a pencil, and since then she has continuously explored new ways to bring her imagination to life through art.

After modeling in her very first runway show on February 6, C’Niyah discovered a new love for fashion and the power it has to tell stories, build confidence, and celebrate individuality. Inspired by that experience, she began designing clothing for kids, creating pieces that encourage them to embrace their authentic selves and feel confident in who they are.

As she continues to grow as both an artist and designer, C’Niyah remains dedicated to learning, creating, and inspiring others through her work. This fall, she will begin 9th grade at Eagle High School, where she looks forward to expanding her creative journey and pursuing new opportunities in the world of fashion.

Amanda Benham-Woods

Makeup Artist

Amanda Woods, Woods On Fire Productions, brings decades of expertise as an award-winning filmmaker, makeup artist, and SFX makeup artist, making an indelible mark on the industry.

She is accomplished in front and behind the camera, having starred in her first commercial at the age of 3 and her first production as a crew member in 2003. Her rich history of contributions range from community theater to feature films and everything in between. Her ability to be versatile makes her value beyond measure for every project she undertakes, and there are countless productions that attribute their success to her involvement.

Amanda is deeply rooted in her local film community, with influence that extend far beyond her business endeavors, making her a highly respected industry figure and mentor. Amanda’s love for the arts is only second to her children. She is the mother of 7 beautiful daughters and often is an example of how one can juggle professional triumphs and the role of a nurturing parent, exemplifying the balance of personal and professional life.

Noah Lea Pinkney

Youth Designer

Noah Lea Pinkney is a young Novice designer creating with purpose and passion using repurposed materials giving new life to fashion.

Her work highlights the importance of overconsumption and how turning something used into something new can be a small part to paving the way for environmental awareness to be present in everyday life.

Through creativity and intention she transforms fashion into both artistic expression and consumer responsibility.

These pieces were inspired by the ocean from the sands of the beach to the depths of the dark sea!!

Rhonda Mason-Weaver

Rhonda Mason-Weaver Director of Runway & Models

Rhonda has been part of the modeling community in Boise, Idaho since 1991, bringing her love of fashion shows and runway experience to help enhance Shari’s vision.

Rhonda and her husband, William, share five children and also run their own business, Eyedriver Design, where they work as website developers and help others bring their ideas to life.

Her passion for both runway and website design helps bring out the best in her creativity.