On April 12, 2023 at the House of Assembly, the Honourable Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration recognized Samantha Dixon-Slawter for her work on the Black Beauty Culture Hair Innovator trade and celebrated the successful completion of the first three newly certified journeypersons in the trade.

Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency collaborated with natural hair care providers, community members, and partners in response to an application to designate Black Beauty Culture Hair Innovator as an official voluntary trade in Nova Scotia. Ms. Dixon-Slawter, one of the founders of the Black Beauty Culture Association, has been a strong advocate for creating a course for individuals who are interested in careers in natural hair care.  

Included in the photo, L-R:  Minister Jill Balser, Labour, Skills and Immigration; Samantha Dixon-Slawter, Black Beauty Culture Association; Premier Tim Houston; Associate Deputy Minister, Labour, Skills and Immigration, Nicole Johnson-Morrison; and Dale Crawford, Director, Partnership and Innovation, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.