Latest Blog Posts

Most total career changes are challenging—but when it involves balancing school, a day job, parenthood, relationships and other commitments, it can seem too overwhelming to even try. We talked to new esthetician Jamaica Williams about her decision to enroll at the Aveda Institute at age 35 to pursue a new career in skin care, while…

Dreaming of call sheets and first looks? We are, too. With New York Fashion Week quickly approaching, we have one thing on our minds: how to get backstage. Whether you are a burgeoning stylist or looking for a career change, there’s one thing that’s for sure—runway styling is for everyone. To find out what goes…

Before she was a regular on the Hollywood awards show circuit, makeup artist Kierra Lanice Wray earned spending money stitching up jeans at Sexton High School. “I was turning people’s bootcut jeans into skinny jeans for, like, $20,” said the Lansing native, now 27. “My parents are like, ‘how are you making $200 every week?’ Little do they know, I’m…

Most hairstylists have to graduate cosmetology school before they become a Very Big Deal in the beauty world—but not Jesse Ervin! While attending the Aveda Institute Toronto in 2016, Jesse made a splash in the industry as one of the winners of the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). The category: Student Hairstylist of the Year….

Sara Pestella, creative director and educator for Level 10 Education and owner of Level 10 Salon. We all know about the benefits of a cosmetology license working behind the chair…but what about alternative paths for the beauty professional? We asked Sara Pestella, creative director and educator for Level 10 Education and owner of  Level 10 Salon, to chat…

It’s no secret that skin care has been on the upswing. Self-care is officially on-trend, and our skin thanks us for it. But have you ever wondered about taking your facial treatments a step further and enrolling as an esthiology student? We asked Erica Choi, an Aveda Institute esthiology student and content creator for @eggcanvas, what…

Thinking about your next career move? With the new year rapidly approaching, you may be considering options for advancing your dream career. To learn more about the perks that come with obtaining a cosmetology license, we asked two Aveda grads. Meet Nicole Higgins, Aveda Institute Denver grad and influencer, and Monica Stevens, content creator and…

THE BEACON EXPERIENCE By: Becca Thompson, Cosmetology Student a Aveda Institute Chapel Hill As an Aveda Institute student, there are many opportunities to explore with your cosmetology or esthetics education. One of my favorite experiences is the Professional Beauty Association’s (PBA) Beacon, an elite program that provides “top beauty industry students with a unique opportunity…

You’ve been dreaming of a career in beauty – you know it’s your passion and that you deserve a bright future. But between education planning, licensing, paperwork, industry nuances, and financing, getting there can feel daunting. We’re breaking down five key steps to get you working towards your dreams. FIND YOUR “WHY” Self-reflection is a…

Moms and dads do it all—from packing lunches to encouraging their kids to chase their dreams. Parenting can be pretty inspiring … but what if your own dreams have taken a backseat? Aveda graduates Rashea Gill, Dominique Finney, and Laura Tamez are here to tell you that your dream career is never out of reach….