The Juanita A Portlock Memorial Scholarship Fund To Hold a Luxurious Juanita’s Red Room Brunch Ball at the LUXE Hotel On Sunset

Artistry Award

Marilyn”Bunny” Brown

Hair Stylist & Salon Owner                       Design Studio 27,

Invocation

The Juanita A. Portlock Memorial Scholarship Fund (501c3) in collaboration with Juanita’s Red Room embodies the “each one teach one” philosophy, serving as a living tribute to the remarkable legacy of Juanita A. Portlock. This initiative was envisioned by her youngest child, Zna Portlock Houston, championed by her first grandchild, Nonya Webley, and supported by the entire Portlock family across generations. Their deep familial love and dedication have brought this vision to life, culminating in an extravagant event that honors Mrs. Portlock’s memory. The scholarship fund will host the Brunch Ball, a grand affair, at the LUXE Hotel on Sunset in Brentwood on August 24, 2024, beginning at 10:00 am. The event will celebrate the life and legacy of Juanita A. Portlock, who was born in Los Angeles and became a pillar of her community through her work as a wedding coordinator, designer, caterer, and event planner for over 50 years.

Mrs. Juanita A, Portlock
                and Mr. Earl Portlock

Mrs. Portlock’s passion for education and creativity was evident in every aspect of her life. She pursued higher education, earning multiple licenses and a Master’s degree after graduating from Jefferson High School, the Henrietta School of Cosmetology, Los Angeles Trade Tech, and UCLA. She cherished her time at Jefferson High School, particularly her involvement with “The Aquatanians,” and later served as Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson High School Alumni Association. Notably, she organized the guest speaker for the school’s 50th-anniversary celebration at The Beverly Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom in 1966, featuring Dr. Ralph Bunche, the Under Secretary of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Mrs. Portlock’s entrepreneurial spirit was deeply rooted in her family’s history of business ownership. She excelled in various roles, including runway and hand model, hairstylist, educator, and pastry chef. She worked at several schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District and later retired from the Community College District after her tenure at West Los Angeles College and Pierce College. Simultaneously, she operated her own successful catering and wedding coordination business, J.Zna’s, for over 60 years, serving a clientele that included celebrities and brides who admired her sophistication and creativity. Mrs. Portlock was also a dedicated member of the American Association of Wedding Directors and served as the Wedding Director at Bethel A.M.E. Church for over 25 years.

Her vibrant personality and love for the color red were central to her identity, often described as a “force of nature.” Though she never consumed alcohol, her passion for tea was unparalleled, transforming the experience into something akin to enjoying the finest champagne. This passion inspired the creation of Juanita’s Red Room, a unique tea room that blends old and new, contemporary and classic, jazz and pop, with unexpected flavors, sweetness, love, and laughter.

The Juanita A. Portlock Memorial Scholarship Fund event will not only celebrate Mrs. Portlock’s incredible life and legacy but also continue her commitment to education and community, ensuring that her spirit and values live on through future generations. Your support allows us to continue funding student scholarships, and business stipends to start-up entrepreneurs pursuing the “expanded definition of fine arts” which include cosmetology, culinary arts, event planning, fashion design, interior design and hospitality management. We also present community programming in these areas including a youth baking camp which will be launched soon.