Contests Archives - Ģý /blog/category/contests Ģý Trains Future Professionals in Hair, Skincare & Nails Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:40:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/favicon.png Contests Archives - Ģý /blog/category/contests 32 32 Fall 2025 Western PA Regional Competition /blog/latest-news/fall-2025-western-pa-regional-competition Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:11:39 +0000 /?p=17329 Students from our Ģý North Hills, Monroeville, and West Mifflin campuses faced off in this year’s Halloween-themed regional competition: “Experience the Art of Scary.” From chillingly creative fantasy looks to hauntingly beautiful nail art, the talent was to die for!  Our in-house competitions began in September at each individual campus, where students competed ... Fall 2025 Western PA Regional Competition

The post Fall 2025 Western PA Regional Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Ģý Pittsburgh, PA School Regional Beauty Competition

Students from our North Hills, Monroeville, and West Mifflin campuses faced off in this year’s Halloween-themed regional competition: “Experience the Art of Scary.” From chillingly creative fantasy looks to hauntingly beautiful nail art, the talent was to die for! 

Our in-house competitions began in September at each individual campus, where students competed for a chance to represent their school at the next level. In October, the North Hills campus hosted the final showdown, inviting the top three winners from each category across all three locations to battle it out for the regional title. The event featured three competition categories: Avant Garde- Total Fantasy Look, Trend Cut & Color, Nail Artistry- Nails in a Box. 

Video Recap:

Here are your winners:

Avant Garde – Total Fantasy Look

  • 1st Place: Maria Garcia & Nico Pomalaza Perez – North Hills
  • 2nd Place: Casey Harvey & Delaney Schmidt – North Hills
  • 3rd Place: Casper Fredericks & Elle Mangan – West Mifflin
Ģý Pittsburgh, PA School Regional Beauty Competition
Maria Garcia & Nico Pomalaza Perez, North Hills, PA

Trend Cut & Color

  • 1st Place: Emma Lattner Lane – North Hills
  • 2nd Place: Kathryn Klos – West Mifflin
  • 3rd Place: Taneka Jackson – Monroeville
Ģý Pittsburgh, PA School Regional Beauty Competition
Emma Lattner Lane, North Hills, PA

Nail Artistry – Nails in a Box

  • 1st Place: Riley Sedlock – North Hills
  • 2nd Place: Renaya Penney – North Hills
  • 3rd Place: Kacey Pieczynski – West Mifflin
Ģý Pittsburgh, PA School Regional Beauty Competition
Riley Sedlock, North Hills, PA

Fan Favorites (voted by Lawrence County Vo-Tech students)

  • Avant Garde: Barbara Macon – North Hills
  • Trend Cut & Color: Cassidy Burghardt – North Hills
  • Nail Artistry: Riley Sedlock – North Hills

Based on cumulative scores, we’re thrilled to announce that Team North Hills claimed the Steel City Trophy as Regional Competition Champion for best overall performance!  

Ģý Pittsburgh, PA School Regional Beauty Competition

We’re beyond proud of every student who brought their Halloween visions to life. Your artistry, creativity, and passion are what make this industry so thrilling. 

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 Ģý, or how to enroll, please click!

The post Fall 2025 Western PA Regional Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Halloween at Ģý /blog/campuses/halloween-empire Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:26:17 +0000 /blog/?p=10865 Some things just go together. Milk & cookies, bread & butter, up & down, here & there… and beauty school and Halloween. Hair, makeup and nails taken to extreme levels of creativity and craftsmanship, and at Empire, we start early. October 1st we kicked off the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge. Each day, one Halloween ... Halloween at Ģý

The post Halloween at Ģý appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

Some things just go together. Milk & cookies, bread & butter, up & down, here & there… and beauty school and Halloween. Hair, makeup and nails taken to extreme levels of creativity and craftsmanship, and at Empire, we start early.

October 1st we kicked off the 31 Days of Halloween Challenge. Each day, one Halloween inspired look created by one of our amazing students or alumni was chosen to showcase across our social media channels.

And our students did not disappoint. In fact, it was hard to choose just one to highlight each day!
Take a look at some of our favorites! And follow #EBSTalent on  for amazing work done by our students and alumni all year round!

Meanwhile, in Louisville, Kentucky our Ģý campuses were over-run with zombies for the 4th annual Zombie Crawl event at EBS Hurstbourne!

This yearly competition hosts students from all 3 Empire Louisville campuses and pits teams of students against each other to create the most terrifying zombie looks possible!

Requirements included creating an overall zombie concept, then transforming that idea on to a model or models to create a skit on the runway with music.

Local salons come to judge the students work and prizes are handed out for the first and second place teams. Nearly 100 students took part in the annual Halloween inspired event!

In Pennsylvania, our Pottsville campus put Halloween makeup to the test with a Face Off Challenge! A mix of spooky, cute, scary and dazzling looks dominated this competition. First, students chose an inspiration photo, then had to incorporate or re-create the look on half their face and half on their mannequin.  It’s not as easy as it looks!

Finally, we couldn’t just let our students have all the fun this Halloween! Plenty of our educators, campus staff, and home office staff joined in on the costume fun!

What makes Halloween so special at Empire is watching our students apply the techniques and skills they learn in school to create these amazing, over the top looks!

It’s not just fun, it’s education. At Ģý we do our best to teach the fundamentals of beauty in a way that allows our students to adapt the basics and create amazing, inspired looks for their clients. Having fun along the way is a great bonus!

Fill out the form on this page today or call us at 1-800-967-0047. You can even message us on  or !

The post Halloween at Ģý appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
9 Empire Educators Win Training at Sexy Hair California /blog/latest-news/9-empire-educators-win-training-sexy-hair-academy-california Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:37:46 +0000 /blog/?p=10814 The trip was the grand prize of a contest sponsored by Sexy Hair. “It was just the energy boost I needed.” says Lisa Willette, an Educator from our Bangor, Maine campus. Lisa is one of nine Empire educators who won the opportunity to attend the Sexy Hair Academy in Santa Monica, California. Along with Lisa, the ... 9 Empire Educators Win Training at Sexy Hair California

The post 9 Empire Educators Win Training at Sexy Hair California appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

The trip was the grand prize of a contest sponsored by Sexy Hair.

“It was just the energy boost I needed.” says Lisa Willette, an Educator from our Bangor, Maine campus.

Lisa is one of nine Empire educators who won the opportunity to attend the Sexy Hair Academy in Santa Monica, California.

Along with Lisa, the 8 other attendees were:

Cynthia Scribani, Rochester NY,
Morgan Nellling, Shamokin Dam PA
Jessica Seibert, Grand Rapids MI
Karen Storm, Hanover PA
Nicole Mazzone, Manhattan NY
Lindsey Simons, Grand Rapids MI
Diane Bogansky, Pottsville PA
Beth Cuttino, North East Philadelphia PA

“The techniques, the knowledge, the connections, the growth. They are treasures we can all possess forever.,” says Cindy Scribani.
The nine winners were chosen based on attendance, retail sales and social media engagement.

Then, educators who met the above criteria were required to submit a short video to Sexy Hair explaining why they should be sent to the Sexy Hair Academy.

In addition to learning the latest techniques and trends in hair, the Sexy Academy cadets began each morning with Tai Chi.

“As we progressed through our first day we incorporated our newly learned breathing techniques in our practical work. We also focused on ergonomics which to be honest we do neglect at times.,” says Morgan Nelling.

“We learned so much and are having so much fun passing on this knowledge to our students.,” adds Lindsey Simons.

“I’ve been in the industry for 23 years and an Educator for 5 years. Let me tell you I felt like a beginner after learning all those techniques.” shares Beth Cuttino.

Sexy Hair’s high-tech Academy is held in California and teaches their Structure in Motion Haircutting techniques. The educators learned advanced haircutting skills along with proper body positioning so stylists can practice a balance between creativity and technical skills.

They also learned proper body positioning while cutting hair to help extend their life behind the chair through Tai Chi inspired movements.

Congratulations to our Educators on winning this experience.

Fill out the form on this page today or call us at 1-800-967-0047. You can even message us on or !

The post 9 Empire Educators Win Training at Sexy Hair California appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Premiere Philadelphia Show /blog/fashion-trends/premiere-philadelphia-show Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:27:32 +0000 /blog/?p=10238 Ģý students, educators and staff from all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey recently attended Premiere Philadelphia, the first Premiere Beauty Show to be held in the Northeast.The two-day event featured the latest in products, styles, tools, and education. Historically, The Premiere shows have hosted events in the Southeast and the Western parts of ... Premiere Philadelphia Show

The post Premiere Philadelphia Show appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

Ģý students, educators and staff from all over Pennsylvania and New Jersey recently attended Premiere Philadelphia, the first Premiere Beauty Show to be held in the Northeast.
The two-day event featured the latest in products, styles, tools, and education. Historically, The Premiere shows have hosted events in the Southeast and the Western parts of the United States. This year’s schedule brought the show to Philadelphia.

Empire staff and alumni visiting the show attended advanced education classes offered by some of the best product lines and hairdressing experts in the United States.

The Second Day Featured A Student Competition.

1st Place Winner- Chucky inspired horror theme. Wyoming Valley Team.

2nd Place Winner. Amazing 90’s inspired look. Center City Team.

The theme was…

90’s Rewind: Celebrity Look Alike School Team competition.

Several Ģýs participated, with two of our teams taking the top spots!
Ģý’s Wyoming Valley Team placed first with their Chucky inspired horror theme.

While students from our Center City Philadelphia campus followed up with a 2nd place finish with their amazing 90’s inspired look.

The show also featured professional competitions, exhibitors and demonstrations.

The Premiere Shows Plan To Return Next Year To Philadelphia.

Premiere is one of several major trade shows serving the beauty industry throughout the country.

Shows like Premiere and others typically offer student discounts for entry. Many product companies and salons also offer scholarship opportunities.

There are many ways the beauty industry supports new and upcoming stylists. There are many scholarships available for those who choose to attend cosmetology school.


By visiting www.empire.edu you can learn about some of the ways scholarships can help your education become a reality.

If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology, please fill out the online form on this page or call us at 1 (800) 964-1328.

For important consumer info, please visit www.empire.edu/ge

The post Premiere Philadelphia Show appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
15 Empire Students Make it to Final Round of Regis Competition /blog/contests/15-empire-students-final-regis-competition Fri, 30 Sep 2016 19:52:37 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/?p=8703 Congratulations to the 15 finalists and 25 honorable mentions in Regis Corporation’s National Empire Contest! Empire’s Vice President of Education, Karie Schoeneman, personally called each finalist to share the news. The 15 finalists will receive a prize, and move to the final round of competition, where 5 will be chosen for an all-expense paid trip to Regis Headquarters in Minneapolis where they will ... 15 Empire Students Make it to Final Round of Regis Competition

The post 15 Empire Students Make it to Final Round of Regis Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

Congratulations to the 15 finalists and 25 honorable mentions in Regis Corporation’s National Empire Contest!

Empire’s Vice President of Education, Karie Schoeneman, personally called each finalist to share the news.

The 15 finalists will receive a prize, and move to the final round of competition, where 5 will be chosen for an all-expense paid trip to Regis Headquarters in Minneapolis where they will work on a Professional Photo Shoot!

Due to so many amazing entries, I have also chosen 25 additional students that deserve to be recognized.” says Jamie Suarez, Regis National Creative Director. “These honorable mentions will also receive a gift from me.”

Grand Prize winners will be selected on October 31, 2016 based on popular vote via .

 15 FINALISTS:


Zarina Dudas – Avondale, AZ

Caitlin Peluso – Florence, KY

Teddie Jo Sullivan – Grand Rapids, MI

Yazmine Mendez – Rochester, NY

Sandra Chapman – Manhattan, NY

Samantha Scott – Bordentown, NJ

Jasmine Horn – Tucson, AZ

Abbey Johnson – Bloomington, MN

Romika Williams – Nashville, TN

Oxana Arkadyeva – West Mifflin, PA

Kristyn Johnson – Gwinnett, GA

Jennifer Botelho – Malden, MA

Kadedra Jackson – Grand Rapids, MI

Christina Wood- Concord, NC

Aisha Harris – Brooklyn, NY

25 Honorable Mentions:

Ashley Richter – Florence, KY
Misty Steffens – Spring Lake Park, MN
Letitia Johnson – Highland, TN
Elona Hila – Boston, MA
Refugio Valenzuela – Tucson, AZ
Marcy Sandoval – Tucson, AZ
Angelino Parra – Tucson, AZ
Dana Yaw – Rochester, NY
Cheryl Peshtony – Flagstaff, AZ
Jasmine Drummer – Morrow, GA
Catherine Lopez – Portage, MI
Debra Warren – Pineville, NC
Tori Fultz – Shamokin Dam, PA
Whitney Smith – Portland, ME
Vanessa Rivera – Avondale, AZ
Paige Rowe – Morrow, GA
Emilee Swint – Tampa, FL
Nicole Hill – Morrow, GA
Taneisha Mckay – Morrow, GA
Shelbi Jernigan – Tampa, FL
Desarae Talton – Gwinnett, GA
Isha Balkcom – Tampa, FL
Chelsea Briar – Pineville, NC
Johnathan Keller – Florence, KY
Brittany Robinson – Highland, TN

The post 15 Empire Students Make it to Final Round of Regis Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Student Stars: From Braids to Beauty School, The Holiday Hair Contest Winner Shares her Story /blog/contests/student-stars-braids-beauty-school-holiday-hair-contest-winner-shares-story Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:05:34 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/?p=6445 For Roseline Ndubuisi, just coming to America was a dream in itself. “I was 23 years old when I came to the United States from Africa.” says Roseline. “I came here to have a better life.” As a child, Roseline always had a passion for beauty. She would braid hair for hours at a time, ... Student Stars: From Braids to Beauty School, The Holiday Hair Contest Winner Shares her Story

The post Student Stars: From Braids to Beauty School, The Holiday Hair Contest Winner Shares her Story appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

For Roseline Ndubuisi, just coming to America was a dream in itself.

I was 23 years old when I came to the United States from Africa.” says Roseline. “I came here to have a better life.”

As a child, Roseline always had a passion for beauty. She would braid hair for hours at a time, perfecting her skills and trying new techniques.
But when she came to the United States, her love of beauty took a backseat to a different career.

I started working in the medical field. But as time went on, I wanted more time with my family, and wanted to do something I could grow in.”
As a married mother of 2, Roseline decided she wanted more. She enrolled at the , and will graduate next week.

I wanted to learn everything I didn’t know. I already know how to braid and style hair. I am also a certified Makeup Artist. It was the technical hair skills I was lacking. But now I know haircoloring, hair cutting, texturizing and more. I feel prepared to find a job I will enjoy.”

As was finishing up her last few months of school, contest was announced in class.

I really didn’t want to enter. We do a lot of competitions in class, but I didn’t think about entering a national contest.”

After some encouragement from her educator, Roseline decided to enter. And it’s a good thing she did. Her design took 1st place out of nearly 900 entries. It was a shock for this hardworking student.

I never thought I would win. I am so thrilled I did, but I never thought it possible.”

Roseline will add the winning design to her portfolio and resume. She plans to start job searching soon and hopes to work in a full service salon for a few years before venturing out on her own.

My goal is to open my own salon. A full service salon offering everything I’ve learned at the Hair Design School.

The post Student Stars: From Braids to Beauty School, The Holiday Hair Contest Winner Shares her Story appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Student Stars: Former Model Turned Student Proves Age is Just a Number /blog/contests/student-stars-model-turned-student-proves-age-number Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:22:47 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/?p=6482 For Angela O’Bryan, beauty school came later in life. “I have always worked in the beauty industry, but now that my children are getting older, I decided it was time to really focus on making my passion a career.” Angela’s Holiday Hair entry So in October of 2014, this former model turned mom decided to ... Student Stars: Former Model Turned Student Proves Age is Just a Number

The post Student Stars: Former Model Turned Student Proves Age is Just a Number appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

For Angela O’Bryan, beauty school came later in life.

I have always worked in the beauty industry, but now that my children are getting older, I decided it was time to really focus on making my passion a career.”

Angela’s Holiday Hair entry

So in October of 2014, this former model turned mom decided to enroll at .

Entering Empire’s national  a few months after starting school, was certainly a concern for Angela. But she thought she would give it a shot, despite the overwhelming number of entries and amazing talent she saw online.

Her 14 year old daughter was the model for her winter fairy princess design. The entry came in 2nd place out of nearly 900 hopefuls.

I was shocked. There were so many amazing entries.”

Angela with her prize – Babyliss MiraCurl Iron

Angela says it took more than 3 hours to create the look. A process her 14 year old daughter was happy to help with, never considering the entry would rise so far to the top. It’s turning out to be a great early portfolio entry for this surprised student.

I put it on myand Facebook, and I already got a call from a photographer who saw the photo and contacted me about recreating a similar look for a photo shoot he is working on.”

Angela plans to continue working toward graduation, learning all she can in her time at .

I have always done hair and makeup, but it’s so great to finally know how to do things the right way and get even better results.”

Angela’s model pictures.
Left: photo credit Rikk DarkMoon – DarkMoon Photography
Right: Photographer – Tony Welscher

In terms of the future, she hopes to bring a bit of her past along with her. Once she graduates and gets her license, she hopes to do hair and makeup for models during photo and video shoots. A passion this former model can continue to explore, in a new way.

She says while it was great to come in 2nd place in the contest, the best prize of all was the vote of confidence it has given her for the future.

It made me realize I can get out there and compete. I worried that I was too old to be successful at my age, but this proved to me that is not an issue.

The post Student Stars: Former Model Turned Student Proves Age is Just a Number appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Empire Student Wins Top Prize in Fashion Frenzy Competition /blog/contests/empire-student-wins-top-prize-fashion-frenzy-competition Wed, 22 May 2013 13:08:29 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/?p=2726   Jessica Fair, a student at our Ģý in Whitehall, PA has won CosmoProf’s annual Fashion Frenzy national competition. Jessica’s winning style was the judges favorite of the top 6 finalists representing schools from across the United States and Canada. As the winner, Jessica receives a $500 CosmoProf shopping spree and gets her ... Empire Student Wins Top Prize in Fashion Frenzy Competition

The post Empire Student Wins Top Prize in Fashion Frenzy Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

Jessica Fair (right) and her model.

 

Jessica Fair, a student at our Ģý in Whitehall, PA has won CosmoProf’s annual Fashion Frenzy national competition. Jessica’s winning style was the judges favorite of the top 6 finalists representing schools from across the United States and Canada.

As the winner, Jessica receives a $500 CosmoProf shopping spree and gets her look featured on the cover of the CosmoProf Shopping Guide.

Jessica beat out hundreds of other entries to make it to the final round. The finale was held at the Intercoiffure’s Spring Symposium. While there she worked directly with mentor Luis Alvarez and participated in a photo shoot with NAHA award-winning photographer BABAK

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Jessica on a great win!

 

 

Here is a video of Jessica’s reaction as Luis Alvarez told her she won. [do action=”youtube” wordpress=”pxBsf_C_Q2s”/]

The post Empire Student Wins Top Prize in Fashion Frenzy Competition appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Winner of What's Your Beauty School Inspiration Contest /blog/contests/66-2 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:35:40 +0000 http://10.10.0.62/blog/?p=66 A couple of months ago we launched our newly createdTV commercialshoping to inspire people to follow their life long passion to become a cosmetologist. In honor of our commercials, we decided to launch an awesome contest on our mainFacebook pagecalled “What’s Your Inspiration”. We wanted to hear from our students, graduates and others what or ... Winner of What's Your Beauty School Inspiration Contest

The post Winner of What's Your Beauty School Inspiration Contest appeared first on Ģý.

]]>

A couple of months ago we launched our newly createdhoping to inspire people to follow their life long passion to become a cosmetologist. In honor of our commercials, we decided to launch an awesome contest on our maincalled “What’s Your Inspiration”. We wanted to hear from our students, graduates and others what or who inspired them to be a cosmetologist and when was the moment they new this was the career for them.

We received so many inspiring stories with about 150 total submissions in the contest. Out of the 150 submissions a team atpicked 3 finalists and those 3 finalists’ stories were displayed and the public voted for a week for their favorite story. The finalist that received the most votes at the end of that week would win a prize of professional products and tools valued at $500.00.

We greatly appreciate each and everyone who shared their story with us. We believe that by sharing your story with us you may have inspired others to follow or not give up on their dream.

The winner of our ‘What’s Your Inspiration’ contest is…Disabled to Inspired written by Michael Jegier.

My personal inspiration comes from a lifetime of trials and uncertainty.

I grew up dreaming of serving my country in the army. I was raised in an average household with a good sense of family values and to respect and treat others the way I wish to be treated. Until I was 12, living in Illinois on Ft. Sheridan. I had a perfectly normal child’s life. Expecting to one day follow in my father’s footsteps as a soldier. Until one day, unexpectedly, I fell ill and was misdiagnosed for several months with a simple stomach virus. Little did my family know the hardships that lay ahead.

After moving to Kentucky in 1992 and still suffering from this stomach virus. My mother took me to Ireland Army Hospital on Ft. Knox to have me reevaluated and get another Dr.s opinion. The doctor right away after hearing my symptoms knew what I had. He looked at us both and with sincerity in his eyes and voice, told us that without further testing, he felt that I was suffering from a rare and little known disease at the time, especially in younger children. He said, looking my mom in the eyes “I think Michael might be inflicted with one of two things. I think he has either Ulcerative Colitis or Crohns Disease.” My mom tiered up and me seeing this reaction to what the doctor had just said, I knew it wasn’t good and I to started crying. The doctor set us up for further testing the following week. After which we returned to the office to get the results. A few minutes into the follow-up, our worst fears came to fruition. He diagnosed me with Crohns Disease and proceeded to tell us what to expect. After which we knew that we had a long difficult road ahead of us.
For the next eighteen years of my life I struggled with balancing health and work. Trying to make ends meet, living day by day. Loosing job after job due to health complications and hospitalizations, and never finding my place in life. Feeling that I would never be able to make it on my own, I moved back to Kentucky to help my mother take care of my step-father, who had been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer the year prior. Soon after returning to Kentucky I was reunited with my high school sweetheart, Wendy, who I soon after married, knowing that she was the best thing in my life and would love me even on my worst days. Still to this day, I believe that I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her love and support that she gives me every day.

For the next few years I continued to lose jobs and my health gradually got to a point where if Wendy hadn’t taken action, would surely have taken my life. More than a year of constant hospitalizations, in and out with infections, collapsed lungs, a bowel resection and constant depression and anxiety. I was deemed disabled and was finally granted some relief for my wife and myself. My health stabilized for the first time since I was diagnosed.
Since then I have been looking to the future and never looking back. I have always strived to be the best I can be in every avenue of life. But for the first time in my life I actually believe I may have a future. A future making others feels as good about themselves as I do myself today. I have held many, many jobs in my past. From retail and customer service to automotive and even one of my passions in the restaurant industry. Always falling short and never truly being happy with what I was doing. I stumbled across a possible career in the cosmetology industry. I talked to a few friends in the field. Hearing about how happy they where and the various people they met on a daily basis and how these people felt after getting there hair, nails and/or makeup done. I thought to myself this is something I can do and enjoy. I knew right away with my personal abilities and love of working with my hands, that this was a real possibility of my finally making my place in life. So I proceeded to gather information on the cosmetology industry and knew that what I had been looking for all these years had in fact found me. So I jumped at the opportunity.
I am presently going to Ģýs of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and still in remission, knock on wood, and enjoying everything and everyone I come across. Every day is a new adventure and I look forward to my future as a beautician. I have plans to finish school and have been given an open ended opportunity to work with and for several salon owners. I am excited to see just what the years to come have in store for me now. Knowing that if I was to ever relapse I can still run and operate my own hours and still be able to work and make the bills that in my past I was not. Keeping that one little monkey off my back and relieving allot of stress.
I hope to be able to make a difference in many peoples’ lives, whether it’s just a haircut that makes them feel good or lending that open ear and giving them an outlet to express and relieve their feelings. This is what motivates me to be the best I can be and to continually educate others on my life’s trials with a disability and let them know that they can always exceed their own aspirations and go further in life.
I hope to meet many of you reading this in the years that lay ahead. Thank you for taking the time to read why I, am an aspiring cosmetologist.”

Congratulations Michael!!

The post Winner of What's Your Beauty School Inspiration Contest appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Empire's Future Professionals Expo 2012: Ivan Zoot's Highlights /blog/beauty-business/empires-future-professionals-expo-2012-ivan-zoots-highlights Fri, 25 May 2012 22:24:00 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/latest-news/empires-future-professionals-expo-2012-ivan-zoots-highlights/ Empire’s Future professionals Expo 2012 The Top 10 List The Empire Future Professionals Expo has just wrapped up. While it is all still so fresh (and loud) in my mind I am sharing my top 10 list of the highlights of the weekend. 10. Great deals.The show floor was teeming with deals from manufacturers eager ... Empire's Future Professionals Expo 2012: Ivan Zoot's Highlights

The post Empire's Future Professionals Expo 2012: Ivan Zoot's Highlights appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Empire’s Future professionals Expo 2012

The Top 10 List

has just wrapped up. While it is all still so fresh (and loud) in my mind I am sharing my top 10 list of the highlights of the weekend.

Ivan Zoot FPE 2012 Highlights

10. Great deals.The show floor was teeming with deals from manufacturers eager to see students and future salon professionals

9. Excellent networking. If you are a student approaching graduation from Empire this is a great place to meet salon professionals, ask questions and set yourself up for success. Who you know in this business can be more important that what you know. This is a great place to get to know the people you need to know to succeed.

8. Chocolate.There was plenty of chocolate. I would expect no less in this town. I had my fill… and then some. I even took some home. It will not last until next year but I will be back. Hershey will make more for me.

7. Competitions.The work showcased was amazing. Some of it as good as and better than what can be seen at professional competitions. The nail art is always stunning. The haircuts in the ladies division were inspiring. The men’s competition, which I was a big part of… I helped tweak the rules, I was a judge. There was more, better hair in the men’s competition than last year by leaps and bounds.

6. The Hershey Lodge team. Imagine your house being invaded by 2,000 cosmetology students. These guys handled it all with style and class. Great service and a great facility. Thank you for your professionalism. I look forward to coming back.

5. Energy.It was everywhere. How could it not be? Team spirit was evident in the school shirts worn by each locations represented students. Signs, posters, noise makers… the students pulled out all the stops.

4. Planning and co-ordination. that executed the event always does a great job and this event was no exception. Everything ran smoothly. No issues, no glitches. Thank you Frankie!

3. Masters of beauty.The was announced of the 1 year NYC Arrojo internship. This was a great contest and wrapping it up at the expo was a highlight for all. Not just for the winner. I am sure we have just begun to see great things form her.

2. Empire Educators.Chevrolet might be the heartbeat of America. Educators are the heartbeat of Empire. These dedicated professionals work so hard to see to it that Empire students are prepared to succeed. Kudos to the entire Empire educator team. Weather you made the trip to Hershey with your students or were back at the school holding down the fort you are the key to Empires success.

1. The Awards Ceremony.This is the most fun event of my entire hair show year. The energy, the excitement, the fun and all those prizes makes this a can’t miss event for the entire Empire world and the vendor and support community. Wow… they raised the roof. Even the MC did a great job.

The bar has been set VERY high for next year. Something tells me that there will be no problem for the Empire team to clear it. See you at FPE 2013!

 

The post Empire's Future Professionals Expo 2012: Ivan Zoot's Highlights appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Future Pro Expo 2012 Winners & Master Apprentice Winner /blog/beauty-student-advice/future-pro-expo-2012-winners-master-apprentice-winner Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/latest-news/future-pro-expo-2012-winners-master-apprentice-winner/ It was another EXCITING year at Empire’s Future Professionals Expo in Hershey, PA. Students came with full energy to win and to support their school. Here is a list of all our winners and their pictures: Long Hair Evening Design 5th Place Antonio Castillo – Boston, Ma Prize:19-20″ LCD TV, Andis Envy Clipper 4th Place ... Future Pro Expo 2012 Winners & Master Apprentice Winner

The post Future Pro Expo 2012 Winners & Master Apprentice Winner appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
It was another EXCITING year at Empire’s Future Professionals Expo in Hershey, PA. Students came with full energy to win and to support their school. Here is a list of all our winners and their pictures:

Long Hair Evening Design

5th Place

Antonio Castillo – Boston, Ma

Prize:19-20″ LCD TV, Andis Envy Clipper

5th place lhd

4th Place

Tamika Dawson –Laurel Springs, NJ

Prize:19-20″ LCD TV, Andis Envy Clipper

4th place lhdLong Hair Evening Design 4th Place

3rd Place

Jessica Hughes – Williamsport, PA

Prize:21″ LCD TV, Andis Envy Clipper
Long Hair Evening Design 3rdh Place3rd place lhd

2nd Place

Elsie Dixon – Nashville, TN

Prize:32″ LCD TV, Andis Envy Clipper


2nd place lhdLong Hair Evening Design 2nd Place

FIRST PLACE

Danielle DeVita – Florence, KY

Prize:1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship, Andis Envy Clipper, 42” LCD TV

Long Hair Evening Design 1st Place 1st place lhd

Red Carpet Experience Photo

5th Place

Graciela Silva – Aurora, CO

Prize:ISO K-Pak Iron, Andis Envy Clipper

4th Place

Crystal McQueen – L’ville/Hurstbourne, KY

Prize: ISO K-Pak Iron & Blow Dryer, Andis Envy Clipper

3rd Place

Lashawna Strayhom- Speedway, IN

Prize: ISO- K-Pak Iron, dryer and gift set valued at $300.00 &Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Georgia Kuntz – Chandler, AZ

Prize: ISO- K-Pak Iron, dryer and gift set valued at $500.00&Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Joyce Whitley – Dunwoody, GA

Prize: Travel & Accommodations to work with National ISO Artist, Andis Envy Clipper

Men’s Marketable Salon Cut

5th Place

Jasmine Martinez – Bordentown, NJ

Prize:$50 Gift Card, American Crew Product, Andis Envy Clipper

4th Place

Quatavia Jones – Concord, NC

Prize: $100 Gift Card, American Crew Product, Andis Envy Clipper

3rd Place

Cayla Becker – Pottsville, PA

Prize: $200 Gift Card, Feather Razor/Cape, Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Pio Anthony – Portland, Maine

Prize: $300 Gift Card, Clipper/Razor, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Amado Velazquez – Speedway, IL

Prize: 1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship, Andis Envy Clipper, $400 Gift Card,American Crew Clipper Set

Makeup Artistry

5th Place

Taylor Novlan – Phoenix, AZ

Prize: Bodyography Brush Set, Repechage Gift Set, Andis Envy Clipper

 

4th Place

Latrese Hayes – Memphis/Coleman, TN

Prize: Bodyography Brush Set, Repechage Gift Set, Andis Envy Clipper

 

3rd Place

Ana Maria Mejia – Malden, MA

Prize: $300 Gift Card, Clipper/Razor, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Amber Harbarger – Durham, NC

Prize:Bodyography Student Kit, Repechage Gift Set, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Huda Quhshi

Prize: 1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship, Andis Envy Clipper,Bodyography Artistry Kit, Repechage Gift Set

Nail Artistry

5th Place

Rocio Milan – Chandler, AZ

Prize: $150 Product, Shellac Gift Set, Andis Envy Clipper

 

4th Place

Keira Pasquarella – Wyoming Valley, PA

Prize: $300 Product, Shellac Gift Set, Andis Envy Clipper

3rd Place

Brigitta Torster – Bordentown, NJ

Prize: 2-day training with Trang Nguyen, Shellac Gift Set, Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Madison Pham – Lehigh Valley, PA

Prize: 2-day training with Trang Nguyen, Shellac Gift Set, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Teanna Licorish – Concord, NC

Prize: 2-day training with Trang Nguyen, 1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship,Andis Envy Clipper, Shellac Gift Set

Female Trend Cut & Style with Color

5th Place

Brysheila Edwards – Dunwoody, GA

Prize: Sexy Hair Tote/Product, $25 Gift Card, Andis Envy Clipper

4th Place

Janise Brunette – State College, Pa

Prize: Sexy Hair Black Purse/Product, $25 Gift Card, Andis Envy Clipper

3rd Place

Kevin Carreon – Avondale, AZ

Prize: Sexy Hair Red Purse/Product, $25 Gift Card, Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Monique Fitzgerald – Paramus, NJ

Prize: Sexy Hair Roller Bag/Product, $25 Gift Card, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Kyla Hall – Eden Prairie, MN

Prize: 1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship, Andis Envy Clipper, Sexy Hair Product,$100 Gift Card

Artistic Braided Design Style

5th Place

Percilla Culpepper – Avondale, AZ

Prize: iPod Mini, Andis Envy Clipper

4th Place

Jaleesa Walker- Wyoming Valley, PA

Prize: iPod Mini, Andis Envy Clipper

3rd Place

Rosa Izurieta – Bloomfield, NJ

Prize: Apple iPod, Andis Envy Clipper

2nd Place

Michelle McMullen – Harrisburg, Pa

Prize: Apple iPod, Masters of Beauty Tour, Andis Envy Clipper

1st PLACE

Aubrianna McCain – Morrow, GA

Prize: 1-year Goldwell Technical Associate Internship, iPad, Product, Andis Envy Clipper

2012 Future Professionals of the Year

Chelsea Bruce, Chandler
Jodie Kressler, Lehigh Valley
Julie Gravely, Winston Salem
Helen Robinson, Portage
Elizabeth Goddard, Framingham
Megan Westin, Bloomington
Keira Pasquarella, Wyoming Valley
Ashley Poplawski, Appleton
Stephanie Fowler, Elizabethtown
Stephanie Boyd-Thomas, Manhattan
Tracy Eddie, Lakewood
James Edwards, Savannah
Tonja Reid, Memphis/Colonial
Floyd Merritt, Shamokin Dam
Megan Simmons, Midlothian
Helen Appese, Paramus
Adrienne Brewster, Bordentown

National Future Professionals of the Year

4th Runner Up

Chelsea Bruce – Chandler, AZ

3rd Runner Up

Julie Gravely – Winston Salem, NC

2nd Runner Up

Floyd Merrit – Shamokin Dam, PA

1st Runner Up

James Edwards – Savannah, GA

National Future Professional of the Year

Keira Pasquarella – Wyoming Valley, PA

2012 National Educators of the Year

Lorri Fratus, Chandler
Amanda Teszner, NE Philadelphia
Andrea Brooks, Matthews
Alice McGee, Portage
Sandra Leal-Ruiz, Boston
Amanda Eng, St. Paul
Celina Good, Wyoming Valley
Carol Pick, Appleton
Alexis Gregorcyk, Cincinnati
Louise Lessa, Manhattan
Calendaria Salazar, Arvada
Julie Jenkins, Kennesaw
Sherita Broome, Memphis/Colonial
Aricca Barr, Monroeville
Shawna Thomas, Midlothian
Stefanie Rokins, Paramus
D’Jenaba Brown, Laurel Springs

National Educators of the Year

4th Runner Up

Celina Good – Wyoming Valley, PA

3rd Runner Up

Sandra Leal-Ruiz – Boston, PA

2nd Runner Up

Lorri Fratus – Chandler, AZ

1st Runner Up

Alexis Gregorcyk – Cincinnati, OH

 

2012 National Educator of the Year

Julie Jenkins – Kennesaw, GA

Total Quality Award

5th Place

Kennesaw, GA

4th Place

Lisle, IL

3rd Place

Malden, MA

2nd Place

Memphis/Colonial, TN

1st Place


Morrow, GA

Total Team Award

5th Place

NE Philadelphia, PA

4th Place

Malden, MA

3rd Place

Concord, NC

2nd Place

Pottsville, PA

1st Place


Paramus, NJ

Master Apprentice Competition

The Top 3 Finalists on stage with Nick Arrojo and Frank Schoeneman

 

Kristie McGunnigle (left), Sasha Brown (center), Maritza Velazquez (right)

Second Runner Up

Maritza Velazquez

 

Prize

3 Master Beauty Skill Classes
Beauty Systems Group event
Gifts and cash prize valued at $500.00

First Runner Up

Kristie McGunnigle

 

Prize

3 Master of Beauty Skill Classes
Beauty Systems Group Event
1 Tour of Beauty
Gifts and cash prize valued at $1,500.00

THE MASTER APPRENTICE

Sasha Brown

Apprenticeship with Nick Arrojo in his trendy NYC Salon, Arrojo Studio
$10,000 for Living Expenses

Congratulations to all of our winners and all those who competed!

 

The post Future Pro Expo 2012 Winners & Master Apprentice Winner appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Future Pro Expo 2012: All You Need To Know /blog/beauty-business/future-pro-expo-2012-all-you-need-to-know Fri, 18 May 2012 16:12:00 +0000 http://www.empire.edu/blog/latest-news/future-pro-expo-2012-all-you-need-to-know/ Here at Empire, we are gearing up for another fun and exuberant weekend ahead of us…Future Pro Expo 2012. This is one of the largest student beauty competition and trade show events in the world. The weekend will begin on Saturday as we welcome nearly 2,000 students from 22 states plus industry guests, alumni and ... Future Pro Expo 2012: All You Need To Know

The post Future Pro Expo 2012: All You Need To Know appeared first on Ģý.

]]>
Here at Empire, we are gearing up for another fun and exuberant weekend ahead of us…Future Pro Expo 2012. This is one of the largest student beauty competition and trade show events in the world. The weekend will begin on Saturday as we welcome nearly 2,000 students from 22 states plus industry guests, alumni and staff to the “sweetest place on earth” Hershey, PA. Students will vie for top awards, attend top notch educational events and network with some industry partners and icons.

What to expect at FPE?

After an early Sunday morning breakfast students begin their day at 9AM as the trade show floor opens and the educational classes begin. As students head to each of the events you can feel the excitement as they chant, dance and rally in support of their school and classmates.

FPE Supporting your School

 
FPE Trade Show FloorThetrade show floorwill host over 50 vendors like Sexy Hair, Andis, Joico/ISO andsomanymore, opening the door toprofessional product introductions, product usage, tools and tips to our future professionals. If you have never been to a beauty trade show event click for tips to walking the floor.

Education is our heart and soul and we want to encourage all the students attending to take advantage of the numerous workshops and presentations. This is a vast opportunity for students to meet and talk with well known industry partners and to be on top of the latest techniques.

At 10:00am, the morning competitions begin. This part of the competition is closed to spectators because of the intricate detail that is involved. However, we will be inside getting some good pictures to post on our social media sites. (Follow us on hashtag #fpe2012). The categories they will be competing in during the morning competitions are Nail Artistry, Men’s Marketable Salon Cut, Make-Up Artistry and Red Carper Experience (new this year). Competition will run for an hour with judging to immediately follow.

 

During the afternoon hours students who are not competing in the morning will continue with the educational classes and trade show floor. Outside the trade show floor there is an area set up called the Network Café. This is a salon and industry networking venue where Future Professionals have the opportunity to meet with hiring managers of top salons. The Network Café will host 8 venues: JC Penney’s, Great Clips, SmartStyle, MasterCuts, Holiday Hair Salons, Sports Clips, and Arrojo Advanced Education. Students can talk to the representatives about the type of career paths available and the skills and training necessary to become part of these selected salon organizations. We encourage students to dress appropriately and bring copies of their resume.

 

Around 4:00 the anticipation and excitement starts to fill the hallway for the Evening Competition. The doors will open at 4:30 allowing all the students to rally with their signs and props cheering on their competing classmates. The energy from the room is AMAZING every year. At 5:00 the time starts for our competitors to begin. They will be competing in either…Long Hair Evening Design, Female Cut &Style with Color or Artistic Braided Design Style. They will have 1 hour to complete their look. Then it is time for our judges to take the floor. Some of the judges this year will be Michael O’Roarke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts and new line “Rock Your Hair”; Shannon Lamm, elite Stylist and Goldwell Guest Artist; Francis Sorem, ISO Artistic Creative Team member; Fernando Fischbach, Vice President of Cinderella Hair, just to name a few.

 

After the competition and judging event is over, students will then be invited to a social event at Hershey Park, open exclusively to Empire, for a thrilling night of roller coasters and rides.

 

Monday morning begins with an early presentation from TV personality, industry friend, and star of our , Nick Arrojo. Nick along with his team as they demonstrate his newest trends, tips and techniques.

FPE Nick Arrojo

At 1:00 the Award Ceremony begins…we honor all the winners in the 7 competing categories plus Regional Future Professional of the year and National Future Professional of the Year. Two exceptional educators will be recognized as Regional Educator of the Year and National Educator of the Year and two outstanding performing schools will be awarded the Future Professionals Expo-Total Quality School and Total Team honors. Winners will walk away with professional products, tools, educational trips, as well as thousands of dollars in cash prizes not to mention the bragging rights as the top future beauty professionals in the country.

 

During the award ceremony we have the anticipated announcement of the winner of the Master Apprentice Contest. One lucky Empire student’s dream will come true…they will work as an apprentice with Nick Arrojo at his trendy New York City Salon, Arrojo Studio, as well as $10,000 in living expenses. The top 3 student finalists who will be competing for the coveted title, Master Apprentice, are Sasha Brown, Boston; Maritza Velazquez, Paradise Valley and Kristie McGunnigle, Williamsport. Who do you think it will be?

FPE - Master Apprentice

 

Click on our FPE 2012 Program Book below to learn about the different categories the students will be competing in, competitor names , judges, sponsors, etc.

FPE Program Book

You can still be a part of this exciting event even if you can’t attend… follow us on twitter () using the hashtag #FPE2012 for live updates and photos. Also watch the this Sunday from 5pm-7pm here.

If you have been to Empire’s FPE in the past please share with us what your favorite part of the whole event was.

 

The post Future Pro Expo 2012: All You Need To Know appeared first on Ģý.

]]>