Summerlin

The work days were long -- sometimes stretching beyond 12 hours.

But when Sha' Summerlin finally got a chance to put down the makeup brushes and hair-styling tools, she appreciated the moment.

"After all the work was put in, I'd go back to the hotel room and sit down and say, 'Wow. That was awesome. I can't believe that just happened,'" said Summerlin, owner of York-based Primp Agency.

She was referring to the Miss Black USA pageant, which selected a finalist Monday in Washington, D.C. Summerlin's Primp Agency was selected as the glam squad for the three-day event, where she and other beauticians provided hair and makeup designs for nearly 50 contestants.

"To sit back and watch when it all comes together is really exciting. To see all the beautiful women on stage, knowing we helped, is an awesome feeling. It makes me very proud," she said.

One of those women was Denatia Palmer, a York native who competed in the pageant as Miss Black Pennsylvania.

Palmer, a former English teacher at New Hope Academy, said it feels good to represent York at national events. In addition to last weekend's pageant, she has also worked as a model with Primp Agency.

"Even though I didn't win, it feels like I did. I met women from different states and friends I'll have forever," she said.

Palmer is leaving the area later this month to pursue graduate school at Tennessee State University in Nashville, but carries with her lessons learned while working with Summerlin.

"She transforms everybody," Palmer said.

Soon Primp Agency -- which uses its website www.primpagency.webs.com as its storefront -- will be transforming runway models at two major events, Summerlin said.

Primp Agency is the official stylist for Atlantic City Fashion Week, which will be held Sept. 6 and 7 at Caesar's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino.

The agency will also serve as a stylist at Couture Fashion Week on Sept. 15 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

"I love it," Summerlin said. "It's hectic, but I love it."

-- Candy Woodall can also be reached at 505-5433.