Lynn Johnson spent decades guiding young people in Youth Development before deciding it was time to return to her first passion: cosmetology and teaching. Today, she is a Substitute Educator at 鈥檚 Dixie campus, inspiring the next generation of beauty professionals while sharing the knowledge and experience she has gained over a lifetime.

Her journey in cosmetology began more than 40 years ago. Lynn鈥檚 mother owned a hair salon, and when she became ill, Lynn stepped in to help care for her clients. 鈥�I decided I might as well go to cosmetology school and that was the beginning of my journey,鈥� Lynn recalls. She worked in the industry for a time before exploring a different path, dedicating her career to Youth Development.

After retiring in 2020, Lynn reflected on what she truly wanted to do next. She realized teaching was her calling. 鈥淚 told myself I can go back to doing what I always wanted to do, which is teaching,鈥� she said. She enrolled at 海角社区 to earn her Educator License and committed fully to the program. 鈥�I was determined to complete my program on time and I never missed a day. My instructors were excellent, and it was a one-on-one experience,鈥� Lynn shared.

Once she entered the classroom, Lynn quickly connected with her students. 鈥淚 fell in love with the students and they became attached to me. I am someone who listens and provides guidance while teaching them.鈥� She enjoys helping students prepare for exams, demonstrating professionalism, and encouraging them to develop confidence in every service they provide. 鈥淭he students keep me feeling young,鈥� she said.

Lynn encourages students to stay motivated and never stop learning. 鈥淵ou have to have an eagerness and a hunger. Don鈥檛 let anyone stop you from reaching your goals.鈥� Her colleagues describe her as a team player who works with anyone to get results and makes things happen no matter the challenge.

Earning her Educator License at 70, Lynn鈥檚 story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to follow your passion. She returned to cosmetology not only to teach, but to inspire, guide, and continue growing alongside the next generation of beauty professionals. At 海角社区, Lynn Johnson has found the perfect place to bring her experience, energy, and dedication to life.

Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at  where your dreams become reality.

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

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Which to Pick?

If you鈥檙e interested in a career in beauty, you鈥檝e probably seen both cosmetology and esthetics programs 鈥� and maybe wondered, what鈥檚 the actual difference?

While both paths can lead to exciting careers in the industry, they focus on different services, skills, and specialties. Here鈥檚 how to decide which one鈥檚 right for you.

What Is Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is a broader beauty license that covers hair, skin, and nails.

You鈥檒l learn how to:

• Cut, color, and style hair
  
• Perform facials and basic skincare
  
• Do manicures and pedicures
  
• Apply makeup
  
• Understand sanitation, customer service, and product knowledge
  

Cosmetologists are often found in salons, spas, blowout bars, or even working freelance. It’s a great fit if you love variety and want to offer multiple types of services.

What Is Esthetics?

Esthetics (sometimes called aesthetics) focuses specifically on skin care.

In an esthetics program, you鈥檒l learn:

• Facials and advanced skincare techniques
  
• Hair removal (like waxing or sugaring)
  
• Makeup artistry
  
• Body treatments
  
• Skin analysis and consultation
  
• How to use equipment like microdermabrasion or LED tools
  

Estheticians typically work in spas, dermatology clinics, or medspas 鈥� often alongside doctors or other skincare professionals.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Program Is Right for You?

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

• Do you love cutting and coloring hair? 鈫� Cosmetology
  
• Are you drawn to skincare and helping people feel confident in their skin? 鈫� Esthetics
  
• Want to work in a salon and do a little bit of everything? 鈫� Cosmetology
  
• Interested in clinical skincare and wellness? 鈫� Esthetics
  

Not sure? Visit a campus and talk to both departments!

What Do Graduates Go On to Do?

Cosmetologists often become:

• Hairstylists
  
• Salon owners
  
• Platform artists or educators
  
• Nail techs
  
• Freelance makeup artists
  

Estheticians often become:

• Facialists or skincare specialists
  
• Waxing specialists
  
• Medspa technicians
  
• Makeup artists
  
• Skincare product consultants
  

Both careers can lead to entrepreneurship, teaching, or working with high-profile clients 鈥� it all depends on your path and passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do both?
Yes! Many students start with one program and add the other later to expand their skills and services.

Is esthetics included in cosmetology?
Basic skincare is usually part of a cosmetology license, but esthetics dives deeper into advanced skin treatments and technology.

Do both require a license?
Yes 鈥� both programs require you to complete your training hours and pass the state board exam for your license.

Want to See It in Action?

Whether you choose cosmetology or esthetics, you鈥檒l be stepping into a hands-on career where you get to help others look and feel their best. The choice comes down to where your interests 鈥� and your creativity 鈥� feel most at home.

Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post Cosmetology vs. Esthetics: What鈥檚 the Difference? appeared first on 海角社区.

Thinking about a career in cosmetology or esthetics? One of the first things you might be wondering is: Do I need a license?

The short answer is yes 鈥� in most cases, you鈥檒l need to be licensed by your state to work legally in a salon or spa. But what does that mean, and how do you get there?

Let鈥檚 break it down.

Why Licensure Matters

A cosmetology or esthetics license is more than just paperwork 鈥� it鈥檚 proof that you鈥檝e been trained, tested, and are ready to safely and skillfully serve clients. State boards require it to protect the public and to ensure you meet professional standards.

In fact, most salons and employers 肠补苍鈥檛 hire you unless you鈥檙e licensed.

What Beauty Careers Require a License?

Depending on the services you plan to offer, here are some careers that typically require a state license:

• Cosmetologist 鈥� haircutting, coloring, styling, and more
  
• Esthetician 鈥� facials, waxing, and skincare treatments
  
• Nail Technician 鈥� manicures, pedicures, and nail design
  
• Barber 鈥� haircutting and shaving (may be a separate license in some states)
  
• Facial Specialist 鈥� select states offer this limited esthetics license
  
• Beauty Educator 鈥� advanced license often required
  

Even makeup artists may need a license if they plan to work in salons or perform services beyond basic application.

How Do You Get a Beauty License?

Every state has its own licensing board and requirements, but the path usually looks like this:

1. Complete an approved training program
   
   • Empire offers programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nails, and more.
     
2. Meet the required number of training hours
   
   • This usually ranges from 600 to 1,600 hours depending on your state and program.
     
3. Pass a written and/or practical exam
   
   • Exams are administered by your state licensing board.
     
4. Submit your application and pay fees
   
   • Once you pass, you鈥檒l officially become a licensed beauty profession

Does Empire Help with Licensure?

Yes. Every program at 海角社区 is designed with state licensure in mind.

• We provide all the required training and hours
  
• We help you prepare for the exam
  
• We鈥檒l guide you through the process, step by step
  

And many of our students go on to take 鈥� and pass 鈥� their state board exams right after graduation.

Internal Resources

• Explore the Cosmetology Program
• View All Program Options
• Apply Now to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work without a license if I鈥檓 just doing hair at home?
Technically, no. Most states require a license even for at-home services if you鈥檙e accepting payment.

What about social media influencers or freelance MUAs?
If you鈥檙e working on photo shoots or selling tutorials, you may not need a license. But once you provide hands-on services, especially in a salon, you likely do.

Do I need a separate license for each skill?
It depends. Some states bundle services into one license (like cosmetology), while others offer separate licenses for esthetics, nails, or makeup.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post Do You Need a License to Work in Beauty? appeared first on 海角社区.

What to Expect

You鈥檝e read about cosmetology programs. Maybe you鈥檝e toured a campus or explored financial aid. But there鈥檚 one part of beauty school that makes everything real 鈥� working in the student salon.

So, what鈥檚 it really like?

Let鈥檚 break it down.

From Classroom to Salon Floor

At 海角社区, students don鈥檛 just learn about hair, skin, and nails 鈥� they do it. After completing your core training, you鈥檒l start offering services in a real student salon.

You鈥檒l work with actual clients (yes, real people), just like you would in a professional setting.

That means:

• Booking appointments
  
• Greeting and consulting with clients
  
• Performing services like cuts, color, facials, and more
  
• Cleaning your station and managing tools
  
• Learning to handle feedback and improve
  

It鈥檚 the most hands-on part of the program 鈥� and one of the most rewarding.

Always Supervised, Always Supported

You won鈥檛 be alone. Licensed educators are on the salon floor with you at all times. They鈥檒l coach you, help correct mistakes, and offer tips in real time.

You鈥檒l grow your skills and confidence with every appointment.

Services You鈥檒l Practice

Here鈥檚 just a taste of what you鈥檒l perform in the student salon, depending on your program:

• Haircuts & Styling
  
• Hair Coloring & Highlights
  
• Facials & Skin Treatments
  
• Waxing & Makeup Application
  
• Manicures & Pedicures
  

Each service helps you build a real client experience 鈥� from consultation to execution. more about how long cosmetology school takes.

Why the Student Salon Matters

This isn鈥檛 just practice. It鈥檚 preparation.

Working in a student salon helps you:

• Build speed and technique
  
• Get comfortable with client communication
  
• Learn time management
  
• Receive tips and feedback from the public
  
• Feel prepared for your first real salon job
  

Many Empire graduates say the student salon is where they gained the most confidence.

Real People, Real Experience

Clients know they鈥檙e working with students, and they often love being part of your learning journey. Some become regulars. Some even request you by name.

It鈥檚 not uncommon for students to:

• Build a small following
  
• Get job offers from impressed clients
  

Create a portfolio before graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own clients?
Nope. Empire schedules appointments through the Guest Services salon, but you鈥檙e welcome to invite friends or family to book!

Do clients pay for services?
Yes 鈥� but at discounted student rates. It鈥檚 affordable for them and gives you real-world value.

What if I mess up?
Mistakes happen. That鈥檚 how you learn. Your instructors are always there to step in, guide you, and make sure each client leaves happy.

Want to See It in Action?

Working in a student salon is where beauty school comes to life. It鈥檚 where you take your classroom lessons and turn them into real confidence, real results 鈥� and real client connections.
Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post What鈥檚 It Like Working in a Student Salon? appeared first on 海角社区.

At 76 years old, most people are slowing down. But for Carl Tennyson, a student in 鈥檚 Dixie campus Educator in Training program, life is full of momentum again. After decades as a celebrated platform artist and stylist to iconic names including Prince and B.B. King, Carl decided to return to school, proving that passion and purpose truly have no age limit. Carl began his program in September 2025 and will proudly graduate in February 2026.

Carl had been trying to return to school for years. When he learned he could complete his training in seven months if he stayed persistent, everything clicked. 鈥淲hen I realized I could do it if I kept coming to school, I got excited,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚鈥檓 still learning, even in my 70s, and I want to keep learning.鈥� He believes education is a lifelong process, and being both a learner and a teacher is part of what he loves most about this industry.

After returning to church post COVID-19, a stylist approached him about working in his salon and later invited him to give a demonstration at 海角社区. 鈥淓veryone was excited that I came,鈥� Carl said. 鈥淭hey wanted me to come back and do more classes. I told them to give me a job. I鈥檒l get my teacher鈥檚 certification and teach.鈥� That moment set his new chapter in motion and opened the door to a future teaching opportunity.

Carl鈥檚 career in beauty began after a major shift in his college years. Born and raised in Louisville, he graduated from Shawnee High School in 1969 and attended Morehead University and the University of Louisville, majoring in art with a minor in interior design. During his sophomore year, he followed his passion and enrolled in Jefferson State Vocational School of Cosmetology. After completing his apprenticeship under Lillian Couffure, he spent nearly eight years traveling the country with a chemical hair specialist. From there, his career accelerated quickly.

A Look Into Carl’s Career

• Traveled nationally for nearly eight years with a chemical hair specialist
• Worked for Orr Laboratories, Paul Mitchell, and Sebastian as a platform artist
• Competed in a major hairstyling competition and won first place in 9 out of 10 categories
• Featured in Shop Talk Magazine
• Recipient of numerous industry awards
• Styled celebrity clients, including Prince, B.B. King, and Tracy Ross of Star Search
• Served on the Bluegrass Hair Fashion Committee
• Member of the National Hairdresser Association
• Trains upcoming hairdressers across Kentucky
• Owned several salons in Louisville, including Strands on Frankfort Avenue, in the Hyatt Hotel, and the Lincoln Federal Building

Today, he continues to work behind the chair at Christian Care Communities, carrying on the legacy of Wanda Young while specializing in both male and female styling.

For Carl, the most rewarding part of coming to Empire is the opportunity to teach and inspire future stylists. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a whole educational process,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 learning from them and they鈥檙e learning from me.鈥� He believes every student deserves a strong, high-quality education. 鈥淏e the best you can be. Pay attention and have a desire to learn. If you鈥檙e not paying attention, this is the wrong field for you.鈥�

Carl encourages students to keep seeking knowledge, remain motivated, and continue learning long after earning their cosmetology license. 鈥淚 have great colleagues,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey motivate me. I needed this recharge and this motivation again.鈥�

Carl Tennyson鈥檚 story shows that beauty is a lifelong calling. Even after four decades of platform artistry, celebrity clients, global travel, and award-winning work, he is still excited to grow. At 海角社区, he has found the perfect place to begin this next chapter.

Join a community, enroll at  where your dreams become reality.

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

The post A Lifetime of Experience, a New Beginning: Carl Tennyson appeared first on 海角社区.

Take a Look Inside!

Your tools play a huge role in your beauty school journey. That鈥檚 why every student at 海角社区 receives a professional-grade student kit 鈥� packed with everything you need to train, practice, and build real confidence in class and beyond.

Let鈥檚 break down what鈥檚 inside and how each item helps you grow.

The Full Breakdown

Shears & Clippers

• Clippers with guards for fades and men鈥檚 cuts
• Two sets of shears and texture shears for all cutting techniques
• Razor and blades for layering and detail work

Brushes & Combs

• Paddle brushes, round brushes, detanglers
• Rat-tail combs, sectioning combs, wide-tooth combs
• Tools for styling, sectioning, and heat application

Mannequin Heads

• Multiple mannequins with varying textures
• Great for practicing cutting, coloring, updos, and perms
• Includes stands for hands-on work at your station

Styling Tools

• Professional blow dryer with attachments
• Flat iron (陆鈥� and 1鈥�)
• Marcel curling iron 鈥� a salon-standard tool

Nail & Skin Tools

• OPI nail kit: nail files, buffers, polish, and brushes
• Practice hand and foot for nail care techniques
• Dermalogica skin care kit: applicators, sponges, analysis tools
• Facial mannequin for esthetics practice

Makeup Kit

• Foundation palettes, lipsticks, eye shadows
• Makeup brushes and sponges
• Bodyography makeup kit for a real-world training experience

Apron & Cape

• Keeps you and your clients clean during services
• Required for all practical salon floor work

Tool Bag or Rolling Case

• Durable, organized rolling bag
• Easy to store and carry your full kit between home and school

What Makes This Kit Different?

This isn鈥檛 just a starter pack 鈥� it鈥檚 real equipment for real work. These are the same kinds of tools you鈥檒l find in professional salons and spas. Empire instructors teach you how to use them, care for them, and master each one with confidence.

By the time you graduate, you’ll not only know how to use these tools, you’ll already feel at home using them.

Internal Resources

• Explore the Cosmetology Program
• View All Program Options
• Apply Now to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy my own tools?
No 鈥� the student kit is included with your tuition. You鈥檒l receive it during your first few days on campus.

Can I keep the tools after I graduate?
Yes. The kit is yours to keep 鈥� many students continue using these tools as they start their careers.

Are kits the same at every campus?
Mostly, yes 鈥� but some campuses may have slight variations based on your state鈥檚 licensing requirements or program type.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Your kit is more than just equipment 鈥� it鈥檚 your foundation. You鈥檒l use these tools daily while training, taking clients, and preparing for your state board exam. Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post What鈥檚 in the Empire Student Kit? appeared first on 海角社区.

Why Choose a Career in Beauty

If you’re on the fence about beauty school or wondering if cosmetology is a good fit, you’re not alone. A career in beauty isn鈥檛 just about hair or makeup 鈥� it鈥檚 about connection, creativity, and building something of your own.

Here鈥檚 why thousands of students choose to start their careers in beauty each year 鈥� and why it might be the right path for you, too.

1. Creative Freedom Every Day

This isn鈥檛 a desk job. You鈥檒l use your hands and your imagination every single day. From custom hair color formulas to bold makeup looks, your work becomes your art 鈥� and your clients are your canvas.

Explore what you鈥檒l learn in our Cosmetology Program and see how creative your training can be.

2. Real Skills That Travel

Beauty services are always in demand. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, people need haircuts, facials, and nail care.

• Work in salons, spas, or on cruise ships
• Launch your own beauty business
• Build a loyal client base anywhere you go

Check out our Esthetics Program if skincare is your passion.

3. Quick Start, Fast Growth

Most cosmetology and esthetics programs take less than a year to complete. That means you can start working 鈥� and earning 鈥� way faster than a four-year degree.ok

Even better? Your career grows with you:

• Stylists become salon owners
• Estheticians become skin care educators
• Nail techs create their own product lines

Learn more about how long cosmetology school takes.

4. Flexibility and Independence

Many beauty professionals:

• Set their own hours
• Choose their ideal number of clients
• Work part-time or build full-time businesses

Some build personal brands, while others work behind the scenes on photoshoots or fashion shows. You define what success looks like..

5. You鈥檙e Making People Feel Good

There鈥檚 something powerful about helping someone feel confident in their own skin. Whether it鈥檚 a fresh haircut or a relaxing facial, you鈥檙e not just offering a service 鈥� you鈥檙e boosting someone鈥檚 self-esteem.

And when you love what you do, that energy spreads.

FAQs: Choosing a Beauty Career

Is the beauty industry stable?
Yes. Self-care services like hair, nails, and skincare remain in demand 鈥� even during economic downturns. Committed professionals usually find consistent work.

Do beauty careers pay well?
It depends on your skills, location, and how you market yourself. Many Empire graduates become high-earning stylists, estheticians, or salon owners.

What if I鈥檓 not sure which program to choose?
That鈥檚 totally normal. Start by reviewing All Our Programs, or visit a local campus for a tour. Talking with an admissions rep can help you narrow it down.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Beauty is more than a job 鈥� it鈥檚 a career built around creativity, connection, and confidence. If you鈥檙e looking for something flexible, fulfilling, and future-focused, this could be the path you鈥檝e been searching for. Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Career in Beauty appeared first on 海角社区.

Looking to Fast-track Your Career?

If you鈥檙e weighing your options between beauty school and something like a four-year degree, the time commitment matters. The good news? Cosmetology school typically takes less than a year, depending on your state and schedule.

Here鈥檚 what to expect if you鈥檙e thinking about becoming a licensed cosmetologist.

How Long Is Cosmetology School?

Most states require between 1,000 and 1,600 hours of hands-on training.

• Full-time students usually finish in 9 to 12 months
• Evening or part-time students may take a bit longer, but the schedule is more flexible

Want to see how the Empire Cosmetology Program is structured? It鈥檚 designed to give you everything you need 鈥� fast.more.

What Counts Toward Those Hours?

Your required hours typically include:

• Haircutting, coloring, and styling
• Skincare, facials, and hair removal
• Nail care and basic manicuring
• Makeup application and beauty trends
• Safety, sanitation, and hygiene
• Client communication and consultation
• Business skills like scheduling and retail

It鈥檚 not just technique 鈥� it鈥檚 training for a real career.

How Soon Can You Start Working?

Once you finish the required hours and pass your state board exam, you鈥檙e eligible to become a licensed cosmetologist. At Empire, many students graduate and step right into their first salon job 鈥� some even secure offers before they finish school.

Explore all the Programs We Offer to see where your path could start.

Can You Go at Your Own Pace?

Yes. Empire offers different learning paths based on your needs:

• Daytime classes for faster completion
• Evening or part-time classes if you鈥檙e balancing work, parenting, or other priorities
• Hybrid learning options (online + in-person) available at select campuses

For more details, visit your local school鈥檚 page or Request Information.

FAQs: Cosmetology School Length

How many hours does cosmetology school require in my state?
That depends on your location. Most states require 1,000鈥�1,600 hours. Your local 海角社区 campus can give you the exact requirement.

Can I pause my program if life gets in the way?
Yes. You can speak with your School Director about taking a temporary break and coming back later. Just keep in mind it may affect your graduation timeline.

Do hybrid classes count the same as in-person hours?
Yes. Our hybrid cosmetology programs 鈥� like the one at our Manhattan campus 鈥� combine online learning with hands-on training and still count fully toward your licensure.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Cosmetology school doesn鈥檛 take four years. In most cases, you can be working in less than 12 months 鈥� doing something you love and building a career that keeps growing with you. Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post How Long Does It Take to Become a Cosmetologist? appeared first on 海角社区.

Welcome to Your First Day!

Your first day at beauty school isn鈥檛 just about showing up; it鈥檚 the start of your beauty career. Whether you鈥檙e starting in Phoenix, NYC, or anywhere in between, day one sets the tone for your entire journey.

You鈥檒l meet instructors, get familiar with your campus, and receive your student kit. But most importantly, you鈥檒l start learning the real-world skills that lead to success in this industry.

What You鈥檒l Need (And Why)

Don鈥檛 stress 鈥� Empire helps you get ready with everything you need. Just show up prepared to learn and grow.

What to bring to beauty school:

• Notebook, planner, and pens
• Closed-toe shoes (required at most campuses)
• Clean, dress code鈥揳pproved outfit
• Snacks and water for breaks
• Review our dress code

Your student kit will include everything else, including brushes, shears, mannequins, and more.

Get Mentally Ready

Cosmetology school is hands-on, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding 鈥� but only if you鈥檙e ready to show up and grow every day.

• Remember, every hour counts toward graduation

• Be open to feedback 鈥� it’s how you improve

• Get good sleep the night before

Helpful Resources:

• Cosmetology Program

• Explore Programs

• Financial Aid Info

• 海角社区 Dress Code

Not all schools are the same. Before enrolling, make sure the program offers:

• Accreditation
• Updated curriculum
• Financial aid options
• Career support after graduation
• Real salon experience

Why Students Choose Empire

Empire campuses are located across the country, and each one is set up like a real working salon. Students don鈥檛 just learn from textbooks. They practice on real clients with instructors guiding them through each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear on the First Day?
Most campuses require clean, professional attire and closed-toe shoes. Double-check with your student handbook or see our blog for details.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Tools?
Nope 鈥� Empire provides a full student kit. You just bring yourself, your mindset, and a few basic supplies like a notebook.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

The post How to Prepare for Your First Day at Beauty School appeared first on 海角社区.

It’s More Than Just Haircuts

Being a cosmetologist isn鈥檛 just about styling hair. It鈥檚 about helping people look and feel their best 鈥� from head to toe.

Licensed cosmetologists work with hair, nails, and skin, offering services that boost confidence and transform lives. They鈥檙e trained professionals 鈥� and always in demand.

What Cosmetologists Actually Do

• Cut, color, and style hair

• Perform facials, waxing, and skincare treatments

• Provide nail care and polish designs

• Offer consultations and build client relationships

Where They Work

The beauty industry is huge 鈥� and full of options:

• Salons and barbershops
• Spas and wellness centers
• Cruise ships and resorts
• Film, fashion, and media productions

Career Paths After School

You can become:

• A salon stylist or manager
• A makeup artist for weddings, TV, or film
• A beauty educator or trainer
• A content creator or product rep
• An entrepreneur with your own business

Not all schools are the same. Before enrolling, make sure the program offers:

• Accreditation
• Updated curriculum
• Financial aid options
• Career support after graduation
• Real salon experience

Why Students Choose Empire

Empire campuses are located across the country, and each one is set up like a real working salon. Students don鈥檛 just learn from textbooks. They practice on real clients with instructors guiding them through each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cosmetology a good career?
Yes 鈥� especially if you enjoy creativity, hands-on work, and helping others. The demand for skilled beauty professionals remains strong.

Where can I work after graduating?
Anywhere beauty lives. Salons, spas, TV sets, bridal suites, fashion shows 鈥� even your own salon or studio.

Ready to Check It Out for Yourself?

Schedule a tour and see what cosmetology school is really like.

Join a community, enroll at where your dreams become reality.

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

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We are thrilled to share that our incredible educator, Michelle McGrath, has officially been named the Educator of the Year, selected from over 70 locations nationwide! This recognition is more than just a title; it is a reflection of her deep commitment to education, her students, her colleagues, and the beauty industry as a whole. 

Michelle, affectionately known as Ms. Shelly, by her students, has been an educator at our Green Bay, WI location since 2022. The Educator of the Year was selected from all Educator of the Quarter recipients for the 2024鈥�2025 fiscal year, based on nomination forms, class attendance, academic performance, and the number of student drops.

Kyle Schoeneman, President and Chief Operating Officer, of 海角社区 shares:

鈥淢s. Shelly is an inspiration to all of us! Thank you for everything you do for our students who are fortunate to have you as a mentor! It was an honor to visit the wonderful Green Bay school and personally present her with this well-deserved award.鈥�

Ms. Shelly graciously reflects on the honor and significance of receiving the Educator of the Year award.

鈥淚 am happy to be a part of what Empire is about. Being Educator of the Year is amazing and it stands out among all my achievements. I鈥檝e won trips and other company-wide achievements, but being Educator of the Year is the best feeling ever. Knowing that I鈥檝e given back and that it鈥檚 appreciated by the company and the lives I鈥檝e touched means a lot. I鈥檓 all about continuing to grow and inspire. I want to continuously make our campus a better place to be,鈥� shares Ms. Shelly. 

For Ms. Shelly, the final push to enroll in beauty school came from her daughter, who encouraged her to pursue a dream she had always held.

鈥淲hen my daughter was about to graduate high school, she reminded me that being an educator was always a goal of mine. She told me it was my turn to go to school and we can have a graduation party together. My daughter also does hair, she went to beauty school right after high school,鈥� mentions Ms. Shelly. 

For Ms. Shelly, completing our educator program gave her the chance to learn the Empire way up close and truly embrace our community. 

鈥淲hat drew me to work here was that I did the educator program here. I did my educator program with Miss Kay, she is a huge mentor of mine. I knew their core values and the staff I did the program with. Being a part of the family-type community means a lot. We all work together and support each other. We all listen to each other. I have worked at other beauty schools but what sets us apart is that we have the drive to be the best of the best. The core values that align with that make Empire a great place to work for,鈥� said Ms. Shelly. 

What motivates Ms. Shelly on challenging days? It鈥檚 seeing students have that 鈥渁h-ha鈥� moment when everything finally clicks.

鈥淓ven on days where it鈥檚 hard, there is still a student that will tell you 鈥榳hatever you said to me really clicked today.鈥� It鈥檚 getting students to that ah-ha moment that makes it valuable to be an educator. This is what inspires us to keep going.,鈥� mentions Ms. Shelly. 

To our students, she shares her advice, encouraging them to be patient with their own growth. 

鈥淕ive yourself grace. Everyone has to start somewhere. Practice does not make perfect. If you think you are going to be perfect, you are going to set yourself up for failure. Practice makes it better,鈥� shares Ms. Shelly. 

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Shelly on this well-earned and inspiring achievement!

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

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Congratulations to Kasandra Olivera-Carlotta, a student at in Tucson, AZ, who has been awarded the AACS & L鈥橭r茅al Student Stylist of the Year 鈥� Best in Color! Kasandra was selected as one of only twelve finalists nationwide and traveled to the CEA Conference in Orlando to receive her award.

Tired of working a job she had no passion for, Kasandra decided it was time to chase her dreams. From collecting fashion magazines as a child to pursuing a hands-on education at 海角社区, her path became clear: she was meant to be in the beauty industry.

With a natural competitive streak and a passion for creativity, Kasandra seized the opportunity to enter the national competition.

鈥淚 have always been a competitive person; I like to strive for more. My educator came to us one day about this contest, and I knew I had to do it. It took me three weeks to complete my look. I love the look of big, voluminous curls. I knew others would go for an Avant-garde look, so I decided to create a look that a regular, everyday person would ask for. Something very natural. This is a look that someone could ask for and want in the normal day-to-day. At the end of June, I received an email that stated I was one of twelve finalists for this contest. I was so surprised, it was a great feeling. I felt like my hard work meant something. I was so proud of myself,鈥� shares Kasandra. 

As a finalist, Kasandra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Orlando, where she met with the other finalists for the awards ceremony. 

鈥淚t was absolutely surreal. I am very thankful for this opportunity. I was able to bring a friend with me, we stayed in Orlando and went to Disneyworld. It was such an unforgettable experience. I was able to meet other finalists and educators. They called the finalists on stage, and I was so excited. He announced my name as the winner, and it felt like everything happened so fast. I was shocked; it was surreal. I will always remember this,鈥� shares Kasandra. 

Lesha Neal, Executive Director at 海角社区 in Tucson, AZ, acknowledges Kasandra鈥檚 dedication and passion:

鈥淜asandra is an amazing young lady! She shows her passion and creativity in all that she does. She strives for satisfaction from her clients to give them the desired looks they request. Kasandra has a true gift and shares her love for the beauty industry with her fellow classmates, educators, clients and all around her. She is an excellent student nearing graduation and has put her all into everything she has learned. I am not surprised that she did so well for this contest, she worked hard and put her heart into this piece of work. I am so proud of her for this big win and we here in Tucson look forward to continuing watching Kasandra grow in this beautiful industry of Cosmetology.鈥�

Reflecting on her time at 海角社区, Kasandra highlights the hands-on learning environment that helped her feel confident and career-ready.

鈥淚 did not expect so much hands-on practice that we do at Empire. I chose Empire because on my tour I saw how everyone was working on something. There was music playing and people talking while being creative. I said this is where I want to go. As a student, there are always fun competitions and opportunities to work with people. My educators care about my future career and my education. I feel like I was able to learn so much from my educators. I genuinely feel ready to take on this career. Through Empire, it truly gets us ready to go out there.鈥�

Along with the hands-on training, Kasandra expresses how the educators supported her throughout her journey. 

鈥淚 want to give a shoutout to my educator, Annette Andree. She gave me the confidence for this competition, telling me to go for it. It was my creativity, but she kept telling me I could do it. I feel like she has always been there for me, telling me to do my best and believing in me.鈥�

After this experience, Kasandra grew confident in her craft and places no limit on her goals. 

鈥淚 have always been a hard worker and believed that anything could be achieved through persistence and hard work. This experience showed me that I can be confident in my craft, and I can strive for more. It makes me feel optimistic about my future career. I feel like there is no limit to what you can achieve,鈥� notes Kasandra. 

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, follow Kasandra鈥檚 advice.

鈥淵ou can learn and take what you want from beauty school as much as you want. You can create and shape this career as you want to. All you have to do is try and go for it. Do things that make you uncomfortable. When you are confused and uncomfortable, that means you are learning and growing. Put yourself out there, especially by keeping up with social media. Keep trying your best. Do things that scare you. You won鈥檛 succeed at everything; you鈥檙e there to learn. Don鈥檛 be afraid to mess up and try again. Comfort is the enemy of success,鈥� expresses Kasandra.聽

Kasandra, congratulations on this tremendous achievement! We are so proud of you for exploring your passion and pushing past your comfort zone. We are excited to see what your future holds. 

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

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