The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the most prestigious in the industry, celebrating talent across the nation in categories such as cutting, color, and texture. NAHA nominee Evie Johnson and NAHA winner Jamal Edmonds offered a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship opportunity for two students, supporting them in navigating NAHA. In this article, we shed light on the accomplishments of Evie and Jamal, the exclusive mentorship, and how it impacts the success of our future beauty professionals.听

Evie and Jamal are close friends, which has been central to their success. Both are accomplished professionals with deep expertise in textured hair, education, and creative styling. Evie is a certified trichologist, salon owner, platform stylist, and educator with a specialty in hair shaping and treatment. Jamal is a Mizani educator, NAHA finalist and winner, and a colorist/texture expert. Evie Johnson is a multiple-time NAHA nominee and Jamal Edmonds won the 2022 NAHA award for Texture.

海角社区 had the opportunity to host a Mizani Mentorship Moments session for all school locations, with Evie and Jamal as our featured guests. The purpose of this session was to inspire future beauty professionals and provide hands-on industry insight. Following this session, two E students from Florence, KY would receive mentorship from Jamal and Evie, preparing them for their own NAHA submissions.

The two talented students selected for this life-changing opportunity are Kristeen Kettelhake and Alyssa Boles. Both are driven, creative, and eager to make their mark in the beauty industry. Their selection for this mentorship is a testament to their commitment and potential.听

Kristeen Kettelhake never imagined she would be chosen for such an incredible opportunity. 

鈥淢y beauty career has grown a lot since starting at Empire. When we met about the mentorship contest. I was excited about it but never thought I would have been selected. When I found out I was selected I was in shock, I called my mom immediately to tell her about it,鈥� she shares. 

Kristeen鈥檚 mood board reflects her love for nature鈥檚 beauty, drawing inspiration from the theme of an enchanted forest.

鈥淭here is beauty in nature; it doesn’t matter what season it is, there is always something beautiful. It also shows growth. Nature always changes. In autumn and winter, the plants start dying due to the cold but shortly after, spring and summer come. It reminds me, even though life changes and starts a new season of my life there will always be an opportunity to grow and learn,鈥� Kristeen expresses. 

Kristeen hopes to learn new techniques from Evie and Jamal and gain the skills needed to pursue her own NAHA submission in the future. 

Alyssa Boles has always had a deep connection to beauty, experimenting with makeup and hair at a young age. Despite the doubts of her peers, she decided to pursue her passion.

鈥淚鈥檝e always loved makeup and hair. In my junior year of high school, I thought about going to Empire to expand my knowledge and become a cosmetologist. However, all of my friends were going to a four-year college. Empire has supported me by giving me the best education. I鈥檝e learned so many things from all my teachers, my first teacher there was Ms. Tuvara and she was the absolute best,鈥� Alyssa shares. 

Alyssa鈥檚 mood board was inspired by Greek mythology, showcasing the strength, grace, and power of goddesses like Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis. 

鈥淚鈥檝e always loved mood boards and vision boards. I鈥檝e never had good luck, so I didn鈥檛 even think I鈥檇 win! But when I got the email, I was ecstatic, I instantly had to tell everyone I knew. I鈥檝e loved Greek mythology since I was in elementary school because of Percy Jackson. And goddesses are the epitome of beauty, what better way to show off a woman’s beauty than to represent them with different goddesses? Each goddess has a role, Athena is wisdom and strength, Aphrodite is beauty and grace, and Artemis is a leader and the queen of night. I wanted to reflect different women with the different goddesses,鈥� she explains. 

Alyssa is dedicated to perfecting her craft and expanding her skill set. She is eager to learn about the business and marketing aspects of the beauty world. 

鈥淲hether I choose to do hair, nails, or skin, I want to be the best I can be. I plan on taking many notes and documenting a bit of my experience with Evie and Jamal. As I move through schooling and working with clients, I鈥檓 doing great work but I鈥檓 excited to see and learn behind the scenes. Working with Evie and Jamal will help me feel more confident in myself and my craft. This experience will show how many other opportunities there are for cosmetologists,鈥� she reflects. 

This mentorship has a long-lasting impact on our 海角社区 students, as it provides them with exclusive insight into the beauty industry. This opportunity will shape their careers as they begin their journey to submitting an entry to NAHA. Students, we encourage you to search for mentorship opportunities as they will guide you toward success. Please reach out to the team at your school for possible opportunities.

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Sade Luster鈥檚 journey to becoming a graduate ofNorth Hills, PA, is a powerful testament to resilience and passion. As a 35-year-old single mother of two, she faced significant challenges, including financial struggles and homelessness, while pursuing her dream of becoming a traveling makeup artist. Her time at Empire not only sharpened her skills but also led to her recognition as a finalist in the Licensed to Create Color the World Competition, showcasing her creativity and determination. Her story is a reminder that with perseverance, anything is possible.

鈥淪ince being in school, I had to sell my truck because money was tight and I couldn鈥檛 make my tuition payments. At the beginning of this year, I became homeless. I had to drop my program for about a month until I was able to figure things out. The educators have always been very nice and understanding. Mr. Deem was more than understanding during my challenging times. He helped me know where I鈥檓 at and motivated me to keep going. This has been a long journey, but it has been a great experience,鈥� said Luster.

Matthew Deem, Empire North Hills, PA Executive Director, shares:

鈥淪ade’s dedication and talent as both a makeup artist and hairstylist are truly inspiring. Her creative work has not only been celebrated on Empire鈥檚 social media but also earned her a spot as a finalist in the prestigious Color the World competition, where she competed against industry professionals. Starting as a part-time evening student, Sade has shown incredible perseverance, overcoming numerous obstacles to complete her program. She consistently seeks feedback and strives for improvement, embodying the true spirit of a dedicated and passionate artist.鈥�

For Luster, the love for her family drives her resilience. It fuels her determination to overcome obstacles and set an example for her children. She shares:

鈥淚 have two little faces that look at me every morning. My kids and my 9-pound chihuahua are my motivation to keep going. I want them to see how resilient and strong I am. When they are older, they can see that I had my struggles and let that be the motivation to keep going. I want them to conquer whatever comes their way.鈥�

While pursuing her cosmetology license, Luster was accepted into the IATSE Media Makers program, a prestigious opportunity designed to prepare makeup artists for the demands of set life. Luster was one of 12 individuals selected for this training. 

Reflecting on her time at 海角社区, Luster noticed self-growth as she fine-tuned her skills. 

鈥淎t Empire, I鈥檝e learned to have more patience with myself. The encouragement here is great, everyone around here is amazing. Before coming to school, I knew how to do some things, but not on a professional level. Being able to come to school and sharpen those skills makes me feel more ready professionally. My time at Empire has definitely been an unforgettable experience. It will be a part of my great memories forever,鈥� shared Luster. 

Luster understands the value of connections and the opportunities they bring, noting: 

鈥淣etworking has made my entire experience, I would not be where I am without networking with others. You can get far by using word-of-mouth networking, and having others recommend your services.鈥� 

Luster鈥檚 journey is filled with challenges and triumphs. Her story serves as a reminder for all:

鈥淣ever give up. Don鈥檛 give up on yourself or your passion. If it is difficult, keep going. If you鈥檙e scared, do it scared. You never know which opportunity is waiting for you. You won鈥檛 know if you鈥檙e great at something if you don鈥檛 do it,鈥� said Luster.

Sade Luster鈥檚 journey at 海角社区 illustrates the transformative power of resilience and passion in cosmetology. As she continues to pursue her dreams, her story serves as an inspiring reminder for others to embrace their challenges. We are incredibly proud of Luster and her determination. 

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Apollo Alleman鈥檚 transition from a successful 15-year career as an executive chef to pursuing a passion for beauty reflects a profound personal transformation. Enrolling at Harrisburg, PA in January 2024, he has embraced the challenges of his new path with enthusiasm and determination. As he balances his studies with a role as a Salon Coordinator at Sports Clips Haircuts, Alleman鈥檚 journey exemplifies resilience and commitment, setting the stage for an impactful future in the beauty industry.

With less than four months remaining in his studies, Alleman is fully committed to maximizing his educational experience. In August 2024, he received a student feature award for having his work showcased on 海角社区鈥檚 social media. He is also a member of the 90/90 Club and was named Student of the Month. The 90/90 Club recognizes Future Professional Stylists who excel in the program, achieving at least 90% attendance and a 90% GPA. Alleman has earned several scholarships, including the Schwarzkopf Shaping Future Professionals, Moroccan Oil Student Scholarship, and the High Performance Salon Academy 鈥� Elevating Perceptions Scholarship.

As Alleman reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the pivotal moment that led him to the beauty industry, sharing insights into his past and motivations. He states:

鈥淚 switched over to this after spending 15 years as an executive chef working in various positions in the kitchen. Eventually, I realized this wasn鈥檛 what I wanted anymore and it wasn鈥檛 aligning with my values. It was filled with long hours and late nights. I have a 10-year-old daughter, and being away from her for those hours was not what I wanted. My mom and sister-in-law were both Cosmetologists, I was always having crazy things done to my hair. I had an underlying interest in it, I figured it would be a great career choice to channel my creativity. I wanted to help people feel good about themselves.鈥�

To maintain such high academic standards, Alleman emphasizes the importance of passion in his work.

鈥淚n addition to what I鈥檓 learning at school, I鈥檓 also learning from Sports Clips and other cosmetology avenues. I鈥檓 trying to absorb all the information since it is new to me. I鈥檓 keeping the passion alive and keeping things fun. You have to enjoy the learning aspect. I have ADHD, if something is not giving me dopamine then I am not doing it,鈥� said Alleman.

Looking ahead, Alleman outlines his goals for the beauty industry.

鈥淪hort-term I would like to get more into the niche of precision cuts and vivid hair colors. I want to further develop my skills for magazine photoshoots and runways. Eventually, I would like to start a local foundation to provide free beauty services to domestic violence survivors. That has always been my main cause that I have supported. Helping them out would be a great way to give back. I was lucky enough to receive scholarships to help with the costs, I want to help out others,鈥� states Alleman.

In addition to his studies at Empire Harrisburg, Alleman has earned two certifications that enable him to provide a safe environment for all clients: PBA Cut It Out Certification in Domestic Violence Awareness and Redken Safe Space Certification.

鈥淭he Cut It Out program with PBA is really important in our industry. This is training specific for our industry, to recognize signs of domestic violence and how to approach those conversations. We are in a unique position with our clients, since we are in their personal space. They see us more often than they might see a doctor. We are seeing the changes that can happen in people. Redken Safe Space Certified- surrounds the LGBTQ community. I am bisexual and the salon I will be working for is owned by a gay man. That training is about the community as a whole which I believe is important. When anyone sits in my chair, I want them to know that I see them as a person and as whatever they choose to identify as. I want to cater their service to their lifestyle and personality. I hate gender pricing, hair is hair. There鈥檚 not a whole lot of places where everyone feels safe, if I can provide one of them then I have done my part,鈥� said Alleman.

As a full-time student, Alleman works as a Salon Coordinator at Sport Clips Haircuts. After graduation, he will take on a position at Salon Metro Mikee鈥檚 in Harrisburg. Reflecting on his current role, he shares:

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of fun; the team I work with is great and super supportive of my Cosmetology journey. Before I got to the hair coloring portion of school, my manager taught me how to do highlights on her hair. The experience has been invaluable. Working in a salon setting pushed me to do more in school. It solidified that this is what I want to do.鈥�

Alleman advises aspiring beauty industry students to prioritize enjoyment in their learning.

鈥淢ake sure you are having fun with it. If you are enjoying what you鈥檙e doing, then it doesn鈥檛 feel like learning. Throw yourself into it. It will come to you much easier. The opportunities are out there, sometimes it could be difficult to find them. Anyone who wants this as a career can do it if they are determined and keep their mind to it. Show up to school. The more often you come, the quicker you can graduate, and you can start your career,鈥� said Alleman.

Reflecting on his journey, he shares:

鈥淲hen I was considering school, I was absolutely terrified. I spent 15 years in a career that I was successful in. Now I鈥檓 starting over completely at the bottom. I have never been happier, this year has been so fulfilling despite the setbacks. It鈥檚 doing something that I love doing and helping others. This has made my life so much better. If you鈥檙e passionate about creating and helping others, do it.鈥�

We are incredibly proud of Alleman for his determination and passion as he creates a meaningful career in the beauty industry. Connect with Apollo Alleman on Instagram and watch his journey, @apollosnips. 

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll, please visit

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Brooklyn Thompson, an Shamokin Dam graduate, has been awarded the George Bradley Scholarship, which will fully cover her educational costs! Thompson graduated in July 2024 as Student of the Month.

鈥淲ords can鈥檛 explain how I feel about receiving the award. The fact that I鈥檓 the last recipient makes me feel so special,鈥� said Thompson.

At the time of her graduation, it was announced that she was the Student of the Month. Then, she was presented with the check, announcing her as the George Bradley Scholarship Winner. This moment was shared with Thompson鈥檚 family members, fellow students, and Empire team members.

鈥淚 felt amazed, and I was speechless. I was in shock. I started bawling and I didn鈥檛 know what to say. I knew I wasn鈥檛 the only one applying or going through personal things. Nothing like this had ever happened to me before. Everything was exciting, and it all hit me at once,鈥� said Thompson.

鈥淢y mother even cried because she was surprised by this scholarship. When she saw the amount, she started to cry because nothing like this had ever happened. It felt amazing. I went through so much to get to school. Before I enrolled, my car broke down, and there were personal challenges. I was surprised I even made it to graduation. There were so many times I wanted to quit, but I kept pushing myself. Ending with a bang felt really good and showed me there are more things that I could do in the future. My life became so much better in these nine months of being in school. It feels so good because now I can focus on my career.鈥�

Morgan Nelling, Executive Director at 海角社区 Shamokin Dam, was the first recipient of this scholarship and now has the pleasure of awarding it to one of her students.

鈥淏eing a former recipient, I know that the scholarship is awarded to someone who truly needs it financially. In her essay, she must have portrayed that quality, along with her dreams and goals for the beauty industry. Brooklyn was everyone鈥檚 hype girl. Her personality is so fun and welcoming that I truly believe it will carry her far in her career. It hasn鈥檛 been long since she graduated, and I鈥檓 already seeing many posts from the salon she is working at, showcasing how well she is doing. Without a doubt, the scholarship committee couldn鈥檛 have chosen a better candidate. She is a gem and loves making people feel beautiful. She showed us that throughout her entire education. She works hard outside of school as well to provide the best life she can for her child. Not only myself but my entire staff was thrilled to be a part of presenting her with this amazing achievement. Being the first recipient, awarding our students with this scholarship will always be one of my favorite memories and it is so special to me, but having Brooklyn as the last recipient was like the cherry on top,鈥� said Morgan Nelling.

While attending beauty school, Thompson also worked at Wegmans and cared for her two-year-old son as a single mother. She exemplifies dedication and is truly deserving of this scholarship.

鈥淚鈥檓 glad I made friends at school that I could ride there with. I had people helping watch my son, but I eventually got him into daycare. I would go to school all day, work at Wegmans until midnight, and hardly be able to see my son. It was hard and depressing. But now, it鈥檚 worth it because I can be with my son every day. He goes to school while I work, and I have time to cook dinner and put him to bed. It was a lot, but I did it,鈥� said Thompson.

From TikTok to beauty school, Thompson channeled her love of beauty into a career in helping others.

鈥淚 love watching TikTok videos of people doing lashes, facials, hair, and makeup. I would watch for hours and start to make my own videos. When I was younger, I was bullied about the way I looked. I tried to do my makeup and hair, but I didn鈥檛 have anyone to show me how to do it,鈥� said Thompson.

Reflecting on her time at 海角社区, Thompson shared her positive experience.

鈥淚t has been so good. I鈥檓 so happy that I decided to go to school. I was in a bad place before. In the pre-salon, Miss Meg brought me out of my character. The other students allowed me to be myself. I made so many friends at school that support me. Everything felt really good, to see my friends happy for me,鈥� said Thompson.

Following graduation, Thompson is now working at a salon while she focuses on building her clientele. Her long-term goal is to open a salon, give back to her community, and share her knowledge with others.

“I want to help others with their mental health in beauty school. In my scholarship essay, I wrote that I wanted to do for someone else what was done for me. I want to give someone a scholarship and have them feel what I felt. I always wanted to teach classes to those who can鈥檛 afford beauty school. I want to enroll in the Educator Training program,” said Thompson.

Thompson’s motivation is deeply personal, rooted in her desire to create a better life for her son.

鈥�My son is my inspiration. I pushed myself to not struggle like how my parents struggled. I went through so much; I wanted to feel free. I want my son to look at me one day and say, 鈥楳y mom did this.鈥� My son is the biggest reason why I went to school,鈥� said Thompson.

Thompson has been a hard worker all her life and encourages others to persevere despite challenges.

鈥淣o matter what, you will make it. No matter how hard it is, keep pushing through it. It will be better in the end,鈥� said Thompson.

Congratulations to Brooklyn Thompson on receiving the George Bradley Scholarship! We are proud of your dedication to making a significant impact in the beauty industry.

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We are thrilled to announce that Vanessa Black, a graduate of in Cincinnati, OH, has been awarded the Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential Scholarship. Black graduated in May 2024 and has already demonstrated exceptional skill and passion in her field, earning her a $5,000 scholarship.听

鈥淭he relief of the financial strain is unbelievable. I am so grateful, I can鈥檛 believe it. I have never won anything like this before. When I was told the news, I felt immediate relief because I paid for school by myself. It did not matter to me if I won $500 or $5,000, any assistance would make a huge difference for me. It is a huge blessing.鈥� said Vanessa Black.听

Jamie Suarez, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Education at Regis Corporation, extends his congratulations:

鈥淲e at Regis are excited to announce that Vanessa Black has been selected to receive the Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential scholarship. Vanessa鈥檚 outstanding talent and dedication have earned her this well-deserved recognition. We at Regis are proud of Vanessa鈥檚 achievements and wish her a very successful career in Cosmetology!鈥澛�

Black shares her heartfelt motivation for entering the beauty industry, highlighting her passion for transforming lives.

鈥淥ne of the things that drove me to pursue this career is giving people a confidence boost. I鈥檝e done hair for people of all ages. I鈥檝e done a little girl’s hair who was being bullied at school for her hair. I saw the smile on her face once she felt good about herself. People on the outside think it is a minor thing, it鈥檚 just hair. But for that little girl, it is a big deal. To be the one that does that for someone is huge for me. I love educating my clients on my process and how to maintain their hair.鈥�

If you’re passionate about an industry, don’t let opinions from outside sources hold you back. Learn from Black about how external perceptions initially deterred her from entering the beauty industry.

鈥淐osmetology has always been an interest of mine, ever since I was small. I would always do my dolls鈥� hair. I would play with my friends’ hair, my mom鈥檚 hair, and anyone sitting still long enough. I was delayed starting my beauty career because many people told me not to. I listened to the outside voices instead of what I wanted to do. I went to college as a paralegal major. As I was studying for the bar exam, I said to myself this is not what I want to do, why am I doing this? Finally, I looked into 海角社区. I needed something that would allow me to work full-time along with school. Empire offered an evening program, which made my childhood dream come true. It happened way later than I originally planned, but I was finally able to do what I wanted to do. When I took the leap, my family was right behind me, supporting me. It has been a long time coming.鈥�

Black advises students to enter 海角社区 with an open mind and readiness to learn.

鈥淲hen I got to beauty school I knew what I wanted to accomplish. Being in school for nearly two years part-time, while working full-time, is long enough. I didn鈥檛 want to delay my graduation by fooling around in class. I had to focus on my studies and keep my goal in mind. Once you get to school, soak it all up and take advantage of it. There is so much experience within those walls. There are no points in your career where you can stop learning. Always be ready to learn, and never be too proud to think you can鈥檛 ask questions or improve. Sometimes the piece of advice seems so minor, but it makes a huge difference. You are surrounded by so much knowledge and skills, don鈥檛 waste your time here by thinking you know everything,鈥� Black said.

If you’re thinking about starting your journey, Black offers encouragement to go for it. If you enroll with us, we will be your support system, guiding and assisting you throughout your entire journey.

鈥淕o for it. Everyone in the world is going to have their own opinion of what you should do, where you should go to school, and what to do with your life. At the end of the day, you are the only person who has to live your life. You can have a job making more money than you could dream of but be miserable. Go after what you love.鈥�

We understand that many students also have additional responsibilities while in school. Black shares her advice for persevering through the challenging days.

鈥淥nce I started, I knew I wanted to finish on time and have good grades. It has been a struggle. There were days when I was exhausted, but it was worth it. There will be days you don’t want to go to school but tell yourself to get there and get your hours. Get what you need done. Otherwise, you will be in school longer than you should have been. Once you get to school, it is better because it’s what you love to do. Don鈥檛 quit when it鈥檚 tough because if you are passionate about it then it will be worth it.鈥�

Now with beauty school finished, her plans include passing her State Board exams and then starting her career with JCPenny.听

鈥淟uckily, I already have a job lined up for me as well. I went to JCPenny to check out their salon on my own, and they started talking to me about working there. I鈥檝e gone through the interview process, and now all I need to do is pass my exam. Everything has been falling into place. I feel so blessed. I鈥檓 excited to grow my clientele at JCPenny and advance my skill set there.鈥�

This achievement is a testament to Vanessa’s hard work, commitment, and the bright future that lies ahead in the beauty industry. Join us in congratulating Vanessa on this well-deserved honor!

For more information about聽海角社区, or how to enroll visit聽

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Rebecca Tira, a graduate of in Shamokin Dam, PA, has opened her salon, dedicated to fostering an encouraging and uplifting environment for both clients and employees. Tira graduated from beauty school in 2019 and is now the proud owner of Bec鈥檚 Beauty Co. in Williamsport, PA.

Bec鈥檚 Beauty Co. is a full-service salon and spa, with a focus on a positive atmosphere. Tira was one of the few who didn鈥檛 have a lifelong dream of opening a salon. However, it was her working experience that led her to this decision. 

“I never wanted to have my own salon, which is kind of crazy. Even when I was in beauty school, I was one of the few who did not want my own salon. The past 2 years, I started thinking about it because I was working for someone else and seeing a smaller income from that. It was still beneficial because I was in this field to make someone feel better, not for the money. Every salon is different. I wanted a place that was a good environment for clients and their employees. A place for employees to not feel pressure to have back-to-back clients, they can have time in between. A place for encouragement and building each other up,” said Tira.

Through a genuine love for hands-on work and the joy of making others feel beautiful, Tira鈥檚 path to success unfolds as a pathway of inspiration. 

“I always wanted to get into cosmetology since I was a young teenager. It was something I enjoyed doing. I do better working hands-on, so I knew this was the route for me. It鈥檚 rewarding to make people feel good.听 Especially people who come in having a bad day and see them leave with a smile on their face. It changes how you feel, it鈥檚 super rewarding,” said Tira.

Tira appreciated her foundation from 海角社区 and those who made the experience so memorable. At Empire, we work with each student individually to ensure you鈥檙e on the path to success. 

“It was a good experience, I really enjoyed my time at Empire. I had great educators and made lifelong friends. I wouldn鈥檛 want to do it any other way. Morgan Nelling was my instructor and she went above and beyond teaching. She cared for every student, every individual. You felt like you were more than just a student. I definitely won鈥檛 forget that,” said Tira.

Morgan Nelling, Executive Director 海角社区 Shamokin Dam, PA, watched Tira grow throughout her beauty career. She even had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the salon. 

“While Becca was in school, I moved from pre-salon educator to the salon floor educator and was her educator almost the entire time she was here. Becca has a heart of gold and is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I knew from the start that she would excel in this career when she started, not only because of her talent but because of her personality. She鈥檚 definitely a student who I will never forget. It was really exciting for me to see on Facebook that she was opening her own business, and I of course reacted to the posts and even shared a couple for her which is rare for me. Then she reached out and asked if I would be there for her ribbon-cutting ceremony and I knew that I needed and more importantly, wanted to be there for her. I鈥檓 super grateful to be able to continue to watch her grow into a new boss and business owner with her husband. I鈥檓 excited to watch her business grow and I believe she deserves the absolute best!” said Morgan Nelling.

Navigating the unknown is challenging in itself. Whether you are at the beginning of your beauty journey, or looking for a change, Tira shares her advice. 

“If I could go back in time, I would make more of the time I had at Empire. I think when it comes to schooling, there are times when you drag your feet. I would make even more of the time I had there, and enjoy every moment of it. No matter how old you are or how many years you have in the industry, you can always learn something from someone. When I graduated school and had my first job, I told my boss ‘That鈥檚 not how my educator taught me.’ She told me something that I will never forget, which was ‘In this industry, you will always learn something from somebody. No one is doing it the wrong way, it is a different way to the same result.’ You can learn from anyone, older or younger,” said Tira.

Rebecca, congratulations on the opening of Bec鈥檚 Beauty Co. We are unbelievably proud of you and the change you are making in the beauty industry. 

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Standale, MI student Shawn Bravo recently competed in a Great Clips Hair Competition, winning 1st place and a $3,000 scholarship! This was the first competition Bravo has participated in, and he is eager to pursue new experiences in the beauty industry. 

Bravo began his 海角社区 journey in June 2023, with a graduation date set for April 2025. Initially, he planned on pursuing nails. Now, he is enjoying all aspects of Cosmetology.

“I initially came in only wanting to do nails but I was open to learning all parts of Cosmetology. My educator, Thadaus, made everything enjoyable and super understanding. I started to like more aspects of Cosmetology. Color scares me, I don’t know why that is. My educator helped me to be more confident. Before school, I loved makeup and I would do wedding makeup. As I started going to school, I am now loving everything,” said Bravo.

Bravo spent 12 years in the National Guard, learning how to control his emotions which helps him prevent feeling nervous in times like this.

“For me, I didn鈥檛 allow myself to be nervous. I felt completely fine the entire week leading up to it. When it was competition time, I wasn鈥檛 nervous and told myself I was there for the experience of it. I wasn鈥檛 expecting to win. I wanted to gain experience and have fun. I know that I won鈥檛 learn by fading into the shadows. I have to put myself out there and push myself to experience new things in the field,” said Bravo.

After trying out other career fields, Bravo finally decided to listen to his heart and pursue Cosmetology. 

“I鈥檝e always wanted to go to Cosmetology school. Instead, I became a licensed psychologist while I was in the military. I enjoyed my job, but I debated if it was for me. After a few years, I decided to sign up for what I really wanted. I enrolled in Cosmetology school and I am enjoying myself so much more. In my previous career, I would only have moments of enjoyment. Now I find so much enjoyment in Cosmetology. Winning this competition solidified my thought process in coming into this career. At first, I was nervous. Now being recognized, I thought maybe I am doing okay,” said Bravo.

With this being his first competition, Bravo practiced every area that he could including styling within the time frame, learning new techniques, and choosing which style he would replicate. 

“In the competition, I was going for a butterfly cut with an older generational style. It was a lot of layering and movement. It took a lot of practice leading up to the competition, but I learned new techniques. I watched a ton of videos to learn different ways of doing the cut. I had to find the one that fits my style of cutting. Once I chose a technique, I kept practicing it leading up to the competition. Along with school, I also work in a salon. When we didn鈥檛 have clients, I would work on my mannequin to practice. It gave me a greater opportunity to become comfortable with the haircut. We had roughly 40 minutes to cut the hair, and 20 minutes to style it. I was practicing these time frames before the competition,” said Bravo. 聽

For Bravo, the Empire educators make his experience empowering. When Bravo feels uneasy, his educators motivate him. 

“I come to school because the educators make learning exciting and feasible. They motivate you so much that you grow confidence and become comfortable. When I wasn’t understanding, they would take a look at me to see where I was struggling. It made school so much better. Even in moments when I did not enjoy it, my educators motivated me. My educator, Thadaus, has motivated me to the 100th degree and continues to do so. He is not an educator at the moment, but I know I can talk to any of the educators here. Even if the educators are not physically here, they still check-in,” said Bravo. 聽

Some individuals may be hesitant to take the first step. The unknown makes us uncomfortable. Bravo fully understands this and encourages you to start slowly. It鈥檚 the first step that will get you towards your end goal. 

“Take that first step. You don鈥檛 have to start running or jogging. But you need to take the first step. For me, I had a lot of people telling me not to do it. I was hesitating to take the first step to this degree. I decided I would take a little walk into Cosmetology. That didn鈥檛 mean I had to step away from everything I was doing prior. It only meant that I was taking the first step forward. Give yourself the opportunity to decide for yourself,” said Bravo.

Congratulations, Shawn Bravo, for winning first place in your first hair competition! Your skills will be an asset to the beauty industry. We are proud to have you in our Empire Family. 

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll visit 

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Congratulations to Malia Racine, Louisville Chenoweth student, for receiving the Great Clips $5,000 Scholarship! Racine began her Empire journey in November 2023 and will be graduating in the fall of 2024.

To apply for the Great Clips scholarship, Racine wrote an essay about what inspires and excites her about the beauty industry.

“For me, this had to do with where my life was before I started school and how I was feeling, then compared it to how I feel now that I am in school. Before I was feeling dragged down, and now I have not stopped laughing. I am so grateful for all of the relationships with my friends and educators. They have all made an impact on my life in the few months that I have been here. I can鈥檛 fully put into words how much I appreciate it. I am very thankful for all of my educators at 海角社区,” said Racine. 聽

Racine is dedicated, driven, and determined to have a successful career in the beauty industry. She is currently enrolled at 海角社区, pursuing a Cosmetology License, and enrolled at Jefferson Community & Technical College, pursuing a Business Management degree. She believes this combination will allow her to thrive. 

“I鈥檓 about halfway done with my Business Management degree. I started this degree before I decided to enroll in beauty school and I was considering dropping my Business Management degree. I decided not to do that because I love learning, I love knowledge, and I apply it to my career. I鈥檓 doing great. My GPA is extraordinary, considering I am doing two schools. I plan on opening my own business one day. I think both of my schooling will take me a lot farther than if I did not have a business background. In the marketing aspect of Cosmetology, business is key,” said Racine. 聽

海角社区 Louisville Chenoweth Educator, Gina Phelps, notes Racine鈥檚 positive attitude. 

“Malia is an exceptional student. Everything we asked her to do, she did more. She always goes above and beyond our expectations. Every day, she came in with a smile on her face and was super excited about what we were learning. I am super proud of Malia. She will be amazing in this career.“

Receiving any type of assistance towards schooling is life-changing. No matter how big or small, it allows you to put your education first. Racine describes how much this scholarship means to her. 

“This scholarship is really helpful for me, it paid off the rest of my tuition for beauty school. Since I鈥檓 enrolled in another college, I can鈥檛 use any financial aid for beauty school. I鈥檝e been having to pay out of pocket or use the money I had saved. The scholarship put me farther ahead than I thought I would be,” said Racine. 聽

At 海角社区, we offer a variety of learning styles. You will gain hands-on, real experience while being a student. You have the opportunity to practice your skills during fashion shows, competitions, live models, and more. We work with you to reach your full potential. 

“My favorite part about being a student is all of the friendships that I made. I feel like Empire is such a great choice for a beauty school. You learn so many things from each educator. Every person has a different way of doing something. If one educator has a way of doing something that does not work for you, another educator might show you a way that works. Some people I know went to other beauty schools and don鈥檛 receive the same level of education that we get at Empire. It鈥檚 a different way than learning solely by the book. I learned the majority of what I needed in pre-salon with Ms. Gina. She would incorporate other educators in her lessons so we would learn different ways to do something,” said Racine. 聽聽

Many of our students mention that before enrolling at Empire, they were working in a career that wasn鈥檛 fit for them. Once you make the switch into the career you truly love, supported by our Empire Team, you will wish you started sooner. Racine shares her advice for those interested in the beauty industry.

“Before I started beauty school, I worked at a job I didn鈥檛 like. I was unsure of what I wanted to do. One day I woke up and decided to go for it. It was the best decision I ever made.听 Cosmetology is something that has always been interesting to me and it鈥檚 not something I ever really planned on doing. There are so many different avenues you can take with this industry and this career. I feel like I am going in the right direction. Go for it. No hesitations,” said Racine. 聽

Congratulations Malia Racine on receiving the Great Clips Scholarship! The hard work of our students never goes unnoticed. We are proud of you! 

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll visit 

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It is with great pleasure to announce Kimberleigh Rood as the newest Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential Scholarship recipient! Rood graduated from in Shamokin Dam, PA in March 2024. Now, she is working at a salon in South Williamsport, PA.

“I love being able to make an impact on other people. I enjoy helping them look and feel their best and seeing their smile. I love being creative and using my artistic side. This was something I had always enjoyed doing, and I was tired of not having it. I wanted to do what I loved doing. I was tired of having a normal job,” said Rood.

Jamie Suarez, SVP of Merchandising and Education, Regis Corporation, shares his congratulations.

“It is with great pleasure that we extend our congratulations to Kimberleigh Rood for her exceptional performance at 海角社区! Kimberleigh’s hard work and dedication have truly stood out, and we are thrilled to announce that Kimberleigh has been selected as the latest recipient of Regis鈥� Unleash the Beauty of Potential scholarship. Congratulations Kimberleigh, and best wishes for a successful and fulfilling career ahead!“

Morgan Nelling, Executive Director at 海角社区 Shamokin Dam, acknowledges Rood鈥檚 dedication to the beauty industry.

“Kim is a very hardworking and dedicated student who is passionate about making a successful career in the cosmetology industry. Kim is a very deserving professional for this scholarship and worked hard to achieve this opportunity!“

Rood has been involved in the beauty industry before she decided to attend school. Before school, she worked on family and friends and took on a salon assistant position.

“Ever since I was little, I had an interest in the beauty industry. I鈥檝e always done work on my friends and family. I鈥檝e been assisting at Gretchen鈥檚 Hair Salon in South Williamsport before I even started beauty school. Now, I am a stylist there. They have welcomed me in and it鈥檚 the perfect salon family. It鈥檚 perfect for me. Gretchen and the girls at the hair salon have inspired me to keep pushing through. They helped me a lot with furthering my education and getting to where I am,” said Rood.

Enrolling in beauty school can be intimidating. You are taking the leap and embarking on a new journey. What helps calm these nerves is going to school with your best friend. Rood convinced one of her friends that now was their time.

“It鈥檚 been something that I have always wanted to do. It didn鈥檛 work out straight out of high school. When I decided it was time, I texted my friend and told her if we didn鈥檛 do this now, we were never going to do it. It was our time and we both enrolled. Going to school together was amazing, we helped each other keep going. There were tough times, but having her helped,” said Rood.

Whether you enroll in beauty school alone or with your best friend, we foster a community at 海角社区. The students in your class will become a valuable resource as you work together to achieve your dreams.

“All of the evening students got along and it was so fun. I didn鈥檛 feel like it was a job. It helped that Empire offers an evening class because I worked during the day. It was easy for me to go to school at night and have the part-time opportunity. The other students were in the same situation. They鈥檙e like family,” said Rood.

Congratulations Kimberleigh Rood on being the latest recipient of the Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential Scholarship! We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you good luck in your plans.

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll visit 

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We are thrilled to announce that Mamta Tamang is the latest Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential Scholarship recipient! Tamang is a proud graduate of in West Mifflin, PA. She graduated in November 2023 and is now working in a salon.

“I was always interested in the beauty industry but never thought about making this my career. Once I started beauty school, I realized this was my thing and I am passionate about it. The more you do, the more you love it. At Empire, I was able to learn new things every day. Everyone is so friendly and the educators are wonderful. I loved being at 海角社区 and being around those people,” said Tamang.

Jamie Suarez, SVP of Merchandising and Education, Regis Corporation, shares his congratulations.

“Congratulations to Mamta Tamang, our latest recipient of the Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential scholarship! As a top performer, Mamta has proven to be a talented, dedicated individual who is very deserving of this award. We at Regis are very proud of Mamta鈥檚 achievements and wish her a very fulfilling, successful career in the field of Cosmetology.“

For Tamang, she decided there was no better time than now to pursue her dreams. She has loved the beauty industry for years and took the opportunity to enroll with to turn her passion into a career.

“I鈥檝e been in America for about 6 years. When I was in my country, I was interested in the beauty industry. I always wanted to do this and this year was my year. When I started my classes, I realized that this was what I wanted to do. I knew I was passionate about it and wanted it to be my career,” said Tamang.

After initially planning to take a break until the New Year, her perspective shifted when an opportunity arose unexpectedly.

“I was planning on taking a break until the New Year. Then I realized that I wanted to do something, I didn鈥檛 want to stay home and do nothing. A salon called our school looking for a stylist, and they referred me. I did the interview and was hired. I鈥檝e been there for 2 or 3 weeks, I love them and the clients. They are all so nice,” said Tamang.

Tamang recommends choosing a cosmetology program because of the variety of concepts you learn. At 海角社区, our cosmetology program includes hair design, hair cutting, hair coloring, nail technology, skincare, makeup, business and retail training, and more.

“If you want to try something but are not sure what, try cosmetology school rather than something specific like nails. You will learn what you like the most. We do everything there like nails, hair, skincare, and colors. It鈥檚 the right direction to go there,” said Tamang.

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll visit 

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We are thrilled to announce that Keely Zimmer from 海角社区 Standale is a recipient of the Great Clips $5,000 Scholarship! Zimmer鈥檚 dedication, talent, and passion for cosmetology allowed her to stand out amongst other candidates. 

Zimmer began her beauty school journey in July 2023, with an expected graduation date set for May 2024. 

Zimmer belongs to a family legacy in beauty. With her mother and three aunts already earning the title of skilled cosmetologist, she embraces her passion by creating her journey in the beauty industry.  

“Mainly, my family has been a big part of why I went to cosmetology school. I have three aunts who are cosmetologists, one of them owns a salon right next to the school. My mom used to be a cosmetologist. College life was not for me, I like hands-on and interacting with people. I felt like cosmetology was the best option for that because I could experience my time with other people. There are always new trends to do, I find it exciting,” said Zimmer.

“I always ask my mom for help when I have tests coming up. Same thing with my aunts. With them being so close to the school, they let me shadow them and ask questions. I currently work at a salon as a receptionist, my boss is so sweet and allows me to watch her work. I have a lot of outside resources to help me,” said Zimmer.

Though she is early in her student journey, Zimmer has her eyes set on furthering her salon experience and becoming a color specialist. 

“With this industry, you can go so many ways. I am aiming to go into a salon. I want to specialize in color, I think it is an amazing technique. Eventually, I would want to own a salon. But to start, I would like to gain more salon experience. My favorite thing about this field is boosting the clients self -esteem and being that person makes them feel beautiful,” said Zimmer.

Amanda Semple, an Empire Standale 2008 graduate, works in Recruiting and Administration for Great Clips. Semple received the opportunity to present Zimmer with this scholarship and celebrated with a pizza party at Empire Standale. 

“After passing my state boards, I began at Great Clips. I鈥檝e been there for 13.5 years. I鈥檝e done so much there from stylist, assistant manager, manager at different locations, assistant general manager, and general manager, and now I do recruiting and administrative tasks for the franchise,” said Semple. 聽

After 13+ years, Semple says it feels good to return to 海角社区 and reconnect with her previous educators. 

“I love my current position, and having the ability to visit schools. Cynthia Alexander was one of my educators when I was a student there, and I was able to go back and see her. It鈥檚 so fun to come back and continue those relationships. Empire has come a long way, in a good way,” said Semple.

Semple appreciates that the beauty industry allows her to follow her cosmetology dream while also following her other life dreams, such as being a mom. There are a variety of career options for you to choose from. By having a cosmetology license you are in control to choose which fits you and your lifestyle best. 

“The most rewarding part that I have seen is that you don鈥檛 just have to be behind the chair. There are so many avenues to take in the industry and you literally cannot get bored. There are always things to learn and things to do. I鈥檝e always wanted to be a mom and this industry fits right with that. You can still live that dream while being in the cosmetology industry. I also love what I get to do, helping students reach their dreams and potential,” said Semple.

If you are considering beauty school, Zimmer and Semple provides guidance on how to make the most of your cosmetology education that will prepare you for a successful career. 

Zimmer: “Don鈥檛 miss school. If you miss time, your graduation will keep being pushed back. This field has endless opportunities for you. Regardless if you want to touch someone’s head or not. Don鈥檛 feel pressure to do one thing, there are so many things to do. Put time and effort into it. Making friendships at school has been so helpful. If you鈥檙e nervous to talk to an educator, you can talk to your friends. The educators have been amazing. Everyone has been super helpful.“

Semple: “When you鈥檙e in school, treat it like a job. Those who are most successful are the ones who care about their attendance, professional appearance, and overall professionalism. That will look good to any employer and any salon that visits the school. You will have endless opportunities if you treat it like a job. It does matter, it鈥檚 not just school. It鈥檚 the start of your career.“

If you are interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities, Semple shares her advice. 

Great Clips gives away over $120,000 in scholarships every year, around 22 students are chosen for $5,000 scholarships. This occurs in the fall and spring. There are so many scholarships out there, just apply for them because you never know. Our Spring Great Clips scholarship is open now until March 1st, 2024. Visit to learn more. 

Congratulations Keely Zimmer on being awarded the Great Clips scholarship! You belong in the beauty industry, and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey. 

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll visit 

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Meet the latest recipient of the Regis Unleash the Beauty of Potential Scholarship, Maria Aoraha! Aoraha graduated from in Stone Park, IL August 2023. 

“I always loved anything that had to do with art. I used to paint all the time when I was younger. Instead of painting, I wanted to translate it into something more physical. I like hair design and hair color because people can wear my art. I always wanted to be recognized as the artist that I am,” said Aoraha.听

Jamie Suarez, SVP of Merchandising and Education, Regis Corporation, congratulates Aoraha on her achievement. 

“We at Regis are excited to announce the latest recipient of the Unleash the Beauty of Potential scholarship- Maria Aoraha! Maria鈥檚 impressive academic performance shows talent, enthusiasm, and dedication. We wish Maria all the best in her career in Cosmetology!”听

As a Cosmetologist, you will have the opportunity to transform the lives of others, both physically and mentally. A Cosmetologist listens to the needs of their clients to ensure they are achieving their desired look. Doing so will also boost their confidence, allowing them to put their best foot forward. The beauty industry will forever be a field that gives back.

“The most rewarding part about cosmetology is seeing people transform. They come in feeling insecure about an issue regarding their hair, but they leave glowing and happy. They share your work online, talking about how much they love their new hair color or haircut, and you see them become more confident,” said Aoraha.听聽

Since graduating, Aoraha has continued her education by assisting at a salon, all while keeping her end goal in mind. 

“Right now, I am training at Hidden Gem Salon. I鈥檓 currently an assistant, working under a stylist. She specializes in hair extensions and hair color. We are both working towards that path, learning more about both areas. My end goal after I spend some time at the salon, is that I would love to be a runway or stage hairstylist. I want to work for movies or TV shows. My goal is to be a celebrity hairstylist,” said Aoraha.听

offers an exclusive hands-on curriculum that fits all learning styles. When you enroll at Empire, you join a community.

“What I loved the most at Empire was the educators and the staff. They were excellent, they kept it lighthearted, and it was fun! I loved the different information we learned and ways to practice. I was there Monday- Friday from 9 am-5 pm, similar to a full-time job. We had good and bad days, but it became a community,” said Aoraha.听

Our Empire Team is available to all students at any point in their career. We are here to guide you through your journey, discuss concerns, and help you reach your end goal. Aoraha appreciated the support of Senior Director, Michele Salvadore. 

“I want to thank Michele Salvadore. She was the one who enrolled me and stayed so supportive of me throughout my time there. I could openly talk to her about my issues, but she never made me uncomfortable. She is super warm and welcoming. She is powerful, and people look up to her,” said Aoraha.听

One thing we love to see is students supporting students. When you come to beauty school, you are with others who share your passion. Students share their knowledge and cheer them on as they further their craft. 

“A memorable moment was when I first moved to the salon floor. I always thought of the salon floor as big and scary. I would watch the students on the salon floor and cheer them on. When I ended up on the salon floor, the other students would watch my work. I realized it wasn鈥檛 as bad as I thought. It was definitely memorable,” said Aoraha.听

If you are considering enrolling in beauty school, but still have hesitations, Aoraha shares her words of encouragement.

“I would recommend giving it some thought beforehand. If you have the slightest clue that this is for you, go for it. It won鈥檛 hurt to go for it. Before this, I was in college on a pre-medicine track. Then COVID happened, the world shut down, and I was no longer interested in pre-med. Beauty became everything to me in that time period. If you have the smallest idea that this is something you want, then go for it. There are so many things you can do in this industry, it鈥檚 not just hair,” said Aoraha.听

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll, click 鈥� 

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