is proud to feature alumni who make an impact in the beauty industry. Joel Flammer, a graduate of Ģ����ý Lehigh Valley, has built a remarkable career as a cosmetologist, educator, salon owner, and co-founder of the . From mastering technical skills in the classroom to leading a thriving salon and inspiring local stylists, Joel’s journey shows what’s possible with Empire’s education, dedication, and community leadership.

From Ģ����ý Student to Educator

Joel Flammer began his professional beauty journey at Ģ����ý Lehigh Valley, PA, where he completed the Cosmetology Program and later the Educator Training Program. After graduating, Joel returned to Ģ����ý as an educator, teaching and mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals. His experience as an instructor allowed him to give back to the school that helped launch his career while reinforcing his own skills in leadership, communication, and education.

Building a Vision Through Salon Ownership: East Coast Hair Co.

Joel and his partner and husband, Matt, opened . in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Matt is also a graduate of Ģ����ý Lehigh Valley and previously served as an educator, making the salon a true Empire alumni-led business. The salon is known for its curated environment built on a foundation of serenity, inclusivity, and elevated guest experience.

Co-Founding the Lehigh Valley Hair Showcase

In addition to salon ownership, Joel is one of three founders of the Lehigh Valley Hair Showcase (LVHS), alongside Alison and Andrea Lee. The Lehigh Valley Hair Showcase began when Alison, Andrea Lee, and Joel met at a FIG launch party in 2023 and discovered their shared vision: to create a non-competitive platform where local stylists could shine while supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, PA.

That vision came to life in 2025 with the inaugural Showcase — an unforgettable event that brought together salons, vendors, and the community. What started as a chance meeting has now grown into an annual celebration of artistry, collaboration, and giving back. Today, the Hair Showcase is more than an event — it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting the beauty industry and the community we call home.

Ģ����ý and LVHS 2026

Ģ����ý is honored to be the Platinum Sponsor of the Lehigh Valley Hair Showcase 2026. Supporting alumni-led initiatives like LVHS aligns with Empire’s mission to empower beauty professionals and strengthen the industry through education and community engagement.

Lehigh Valley Hair Showcase 2026

• March 22, 2026
• Wind Creek Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Tickets are available here:

Inspiring the Next Generation of Beauty Professionals

Joel Flammer’s journey is a testament to what Ģ����ý graduates can achieve. Through education, leadership, and a commitment to giving back, Joel continues to make a meaningful impact on the beauty industry in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Ģ����ý is proud to support alumni like Joel who inspire future professionals to grow, lead, and build community through beauty.

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

For more information about Ģ����ý, or how to enroll, please click!

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Every year, the prestigious Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools presents the Educator of the Year Award to honor outstanding educators whose techniques and innovations best respond to the needs of students in vocational training. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Larissa Lane from Empire North Hills has been awarded the MAACS Educator of the Year! This is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, expertise, and commitment to shaping the next generation of beauty professionals.

“I came to teaching because I’ve been in the beauty industry for a very long time, working in salons and film sets. Whenever you learn information and how to do things, you should take the time to give back that information. It’s a gift to be able to get that information, so it is important to give it back. That’s what I wanted to do. The type of person I am, I feel like I can give back to the industry and students. I have the experience and the knowledge behind it, the real-life experience of what it’s like in the field. To teach, for me, is to see others succeed further than what I had. That’s why I teach. To see people go further than I had,” said Lane.

MAACS encompasses over 100 trade schools across several states in the Mid-Atlantic region. Their annual conference is the largest post-secondary conference in the country. Nominees are reviewed by the Awards Committee and rated on their response to student needs, effectiveness and originality, professional achievements, and quality of recommendations. This is the second year in a row that an Ģ����ý educator has won this prestigious award.

Althea Hosler, Director of Educational Operations at Ģ����ý, believes Lane is well-deserving of this award.

“I interviewed Larissa in October 2020, for an Educator position at the North Hills Campus. Within 10 minutes of meeting her, I knew that she was something special and that Empire would be lucky to have her come aboard. As Larissa was performing her technical portion of the interview, I was thoroughly impressed and it takes a lot to impress me. Every time I visit the North Hills Campus I look forward to sitting in on Larissa’s class. She is the epitome of what we look for in an Empire Educator: knowledge, grace, class, consistency, and empathy. She brings all of her outside experience to her classroom. It is an honor to receive the MAACS award and no one deserves it more than Larissa Lane.”

Lane completed both the Cosmetology and Educator Training programs at our West Mifflin and North Hill locations, respectively. Believing that she has a gift to teach, Lane is dedicated to training the next generation of beauty professionals at Empire North Hills since November 2020.

“I do what I do because I believe we all have a purpose on Earth. I believe if you are on Earth, and you are breathing, then you should do something with that time. It is a gift to be on this Earth. It’s what you do with that time and it shouldn’t be just about you. It’s supposed to be about bettering those that come behind you. I find it important to be that person. You hear the phrase “it takes a village” and I love being a part of peoples’ villages. I had a village of people to help me become who I am. We can be people’s windows of opportunity and possibilities. I try to be that window. Not everyone has that, everyone comes from a different background. I think it is important for people to see the possibilities, and show encouragement because not everyone has that. It’s a part of my purpose. Not everyone has a gift to teach, but I think it is a gift to do so. If I could do that for someone, then I accomplished what I was meant to do on Earth,” said Lane.

Matthew Deem, Executive Director of Empire North Hills, notes Lane’s impressive accomplishments:

“I have had the distinct privilege of knowing Larissa for the past 11 years. Larissa was my Educator in Training during my very first year as a Cosmetology Educator at Ģ����ý, North Hills. Our goal as an Educator is to teach the next generation to be better than us. I followed Larissa’s illustrious career over the years. I’ve seen her launch her own skincare line, . I’ve watched her publish a book. I’ve seen her win an Emmy and now I get to call her my educator. I am so proud of how far she has come. Larissa is a shining example to her students and co-workers that there is no limit to what you can achieve with dedication, drive, and passion. Larissa amazes me every day with her positivity and selflessness.“

Lane has gone above and beyond to provide exceptional training, guidance, and mentorship to her students. Her passion for teaching has not only helped students develop their skills but also inspired them to reach new heights in their careers.

“As an educator, my connection with students can be inspiring for other educators. Winning this award is inspiring other educators to be their best selves. I think even as an educator, we are still students. I think this award will help inspire other educators, connect with students better, and bring their best when it comes to teaching while still being confident in themselves. As far as my students, they are excited to have the “educator of the year” with them. I think it’s enticing for a student, they want to check out my classes because of this. It’s inspiring to them because if I could do this, they can do far greater,” said Lane.

Through hands-on training and engaging classroom activities, Lane creates a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the beauty industry. Lane describes one of her favorite activities she used with her students.

“We were in design principles and our students had a task to pick a culture. Students randomly picked a culture and a century out of a box. They had to find a style from that and also learn the history of it. They created the style, presented it, and it was so amazing. I think it is important to connect the noun to history. I think it is important to understand where things come from and how they came about. My students connected with it, understood it, and created it. They did such a great job and it made them want to learn,” said Lane.

Beyond her role as an educator, Lane has played an active role in the beauty industry. So now you may be wondering… what’s next for Lane?

“My greatest accomplishment in this industry is being a teacher and watching my students grow and surpass me. That to me is gold. My career goals are to be able to teach at a higher level and be more effective in my teaching style, and how I connect students to reality. My skincare company goal would be to expand it to be in schools, spas, hotels, etc. I already published one book The BLUEPRINT to Building Clientele and I plan on writing another book that will be more focused on students finding their pathway to success,” said Lane.

“It is important to be your best self, always. You are good enough. Once people realize that for themselves, it allows them to bloom into who they are supposed to be,” said Lane.

Congratulations to Larissa Lane on being awarded the MAACS Educator of the Year, we thank you for your dedication to the growth and success of the beauty industry.

For more information about Ģ����ý, or how to enroll visit  

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Charmare Edmond, an Ģ����ý Northeast Philadelphia Graduate, is determined to make the most of each opportunity given to her. Edmond graduated in November 2022, with 100% attendance and was a member of our 90/90 club. The 90/90 Club is in recognition of the Future Professional Stylists who are excelling in our program, reflected in the 90% or better attendance and 90% or better grade point average.

Since graduating, Edmond is taking a well-deserved break and preparing to take her State Board Exams in the upcoming month. After completing the exam, Edmond plans on heading back to school for the Educators program.

“I love doing hair, especially natural hair. When I was a kid, my mom was sick and couldn’t do my hair. The person that did my hair used to pull it in ways I did not like. I told my mom I wanted to learn so I won’t have to ask someone else. I was only 6 or 7 years old, my mom told me I was too little to learn. I have a sensitive scalp and it is better when I do my own hair. I know there are others like me, and I want them to feel comfortable when other people are doing their hair. That is why I got into cosmetology,” said Edmond.

Edmond, originally from Haiti, is in the process of learning English as her third language. During her time there, she was able to begin her beauty journey.

“When I was 13 years old, I went to beauty school but did not graduate because the school closed. When we moved here, I asked my dad if I could attend beauty school, and at first, he didn’t agree. In the end, he was okay with it because I have always loved beauty,” said Edmond.

With English not being her first language, Edmond faced challenges in understanding the material. She worked with our Empire Team to try new ways of studying.

“As someone who speaks two other languages and is currently learning English, it was difficult. If I didn’t have supportive educators, I would have dropped out. Miss Dara really helped me, took her time, and went out of her way for me. She would give me a printed version of the PowerPoint, highlight it, and make sure I understand it. She never had problems explaining and would try to help me understand. When I felt like I wanted to quit, I would talk to her and she would explain everything to me. Miss Amanda was also helpful when I got to the salon floor. I was comfortable asking her questions and she never got tired of me asking her,” said Edmond.

One key characteristic about Edmond is her determination, which is through her accomplishments.

“If you say to yourself that you want something, then you do it. If you cannot do it, ask for help because there are people willing to help you,” said Edmond.

“When I first came to this school, I was stressed and failed my first test. My educator came to me asking how she can help. I explained to her that English was difficult to understand at times, and she did not hesitate to help. She will always try her best to understand what I am trying to say. If you want to do something, just put your head to it and do it,” said Edmond.

“I know I love cosmetology, and that is why I was in school. I am here for something that I love, not just for fun. I have to make the best out of it. Miss Dara would send us morning motivational texts that would make me want to go to school,” said Edmond.

For future and current students, Edmond shares her motivation.

“If you love it, go for it. I graduated with 100% attendance. Every morning I tell myself, you love cosmetology and you love doing hair, that is the thing that you love, you have to go to school to do it. Give yourself time to learn, do what you love, and you will enjoy it. The educators are really helpful to the students. It is important to be respectful to the educators because they will help you,” said Edmond.

For more information about Ģ����ý, or how to enroll, please visit 

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Sometimes, it’s just in your blood. Ģ����ý student Cara Higgins is just 12 weeks in to the cosmetology program at our Harrisburg, Pennsylvania campus and already knows it was the perfect choice for her.

“I am excited to come to school each day.” says Cara. “I love it here. I’ve made a ton of friends and Empire is a safe place for me to be.” Which is important to this self-proclaimed homebody, after a rough few years in high school.

“I was bullied in high school.” says Cara. “It was very difficult. I struggled a lot, but there was always one place I felt secure during that time. My grandmother’s beauty shop.”

Linda Higgins, Cara’s grandmother, opened her salon in the early 1980’s. A graduate of Ģ����ý’s educator program, she taught classes for the school system for years.

“Empire is family to me.” says Linda. “My experience as a student and an educator at Empire was wonderful.”

And for Cara, her grandmother’s love of the beauty industry, felt like a warm blanket. “I would go to the salon after school and just watch the connections my grandmother made with people. They were smiling and talking and laughing, and it was a great feeling to be around.”

So when Cara approached her grandmother about an interest in beauty school, Linda knew exactly where to go.

“We took the tour of the campus, and I knew within 15 minutes of being there this was the place for Cara. She just lit up.”

Originally enrolled in a college graphic design program, Cara opened up to her grandmother right before classes started. “She said she wished she would have enrolled in beauty school instead. I told her it wasn’t too late to change her path.”

Now, 3 months in to the program, Cara hasn’t missed a day of school, and is exploring future options as a beauty professional.

“I am really interested in learning more about barbering. I also love skin care. My mom works in the skin care industry and I really enjoy that side of beauty. I am just enjoying my time at Empire, learning all I can about cosmetology and the opportunities it brings.”

As for Linda, a fresh connection with Ģ����ý has brought back a lot of great memories.

“I got out these old photographs to show Cara and the current staff at Empire. I just wanted to share what a special experience I had and to let them know I believe in what they do for young future professionals.”

And while her shop closed a few years ago, Linda says she still has solid advice for her granddaughter.

“I tell her she has a bright future, and a big support system. I tell her to stay focused, take care of her body, and learn to listen to your clients. I know she’ll make a great cosmetologist.”

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

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When Tarissa Todd was just five years old, she suffered a stroke that affected the entire left side of her body. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Tarissa battled lasting damage to her motor skills in her left foot and hand. It was a set of circumstances that left her wondering if her dream career was out of reach. “I always wanted to be a cosmetologist but I was always worried I wouldn’t be able to overcome my setbacks.”

Unsure of how she would fair in beauty school, she researched her options, eventually taking a tour of Ģ����ý in Shamokin Dam, PA. She knew immediately she wanted to try and follow her dream. “I was worried about how I would grip the hair and to be honest, my sectioning was horrible in the beginning. It was really hard. But I worked at it and I am doing great. I adapted and I am able to do everything like everyone else.”

Tarissa says it was her educators that kept her going, even when she felt like she couldn’t.

“They boosted my confidence level and eventually I built up confidence in myself. I’ve learned to adapt. I am so passionate about this industry and I never felt like I belong somewhere as much as I feel I belong here.”

Just a few days from graduation, Tarissa has perfect attendance and nearly perfect academics. One day, Tarissa hopes to open her own salon. However, for now, she plans on working and growing in an established business where she can enjoy her current success as a new licensed professional.

“I love making other people feel beautiful. That’s what drives me.”

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.

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These are just a few of her shining characteristics, still inspiring us today. Consider this an ode to her, but also a cosmetologist (and life) manifesto to adopt. And while you read, ask yourself, who inspires you?

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The video below Leah talks about ��how��her salon, the Bell Tower in Reading, PA, and its product line Oribe, donated products to a local hair salon that works with a women’s program in the country. ��She got to talk with some of the stylists from the salon and bond over being hairstylists even though they come from opposite sides of the world and don’t speak the same language.

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Leah never thought that being cosmetologist ��would take her to Africa. ��While there she provided����haircuts and coloring services to women who find it very hard to find a stylist in the country. ��She really had to use her skill set in order to fix prior damage as she worked through their hair. ��This was a very rewarding experience for her because she saw how much they appreciated her.

If your career as a cosmetologist gave you and an amazing experience please share it with us.

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A couple of weeks ago we stopped in at the ��in New York City to��see how Kristie McGunnigle, winner of Empire’s ‘Master Apprentice’ contest, was doing with her apprenticeship now that she has been there for a few months. ��Kristie, a graduate from the, Pennsylvania won the online contest, beating out 500��other Empire students for the chance to work with��Nick Arrojo at his world famous salon in SoHo. ��As soon as we saw Kristie, we could see that she was fitting in with the Arrojo team and the New York City life. ��She changed her hair and became very trendy in her style. ��Not to say that she wasn’t before but she is definitely adapting well. ��Kristie says she is growing as a stylist each day and learning more than she ever thought she would. ��In addition to her assisting duties on the salon floor,��Kristie takes classes on ARROJO cutting��techniques. ��“She reminds me a lot of myself at her age. A small ��town kid, moving to the big city and following her��dream.” says Nick Arrojo. ��Kristie says the experience has been life��changing so far.

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Empire Alum Leah Perlman stopped by Empire��Education Group headquarters in Pottsville, Pa to��tell us all about her upcoming trip to Tanzania, Africa! ��Leah is a ��2006 graduate of Empire’s Pottsville campus��and��is currently a level 4 stylist at����. ����During her trip she plans��to deliver donated salon products to a women’s��health program in the country. ��Below is a video of Leah explaining how this amazing opportunity popped up for her and what she will be doing over there. ��We will be following Leah throughout her trip, we even supplied her with a camera so she can take some videos and pictures for us, so check back her to see more about her adventure to Tanzania.

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