Five esthetics students are one step closer to achieving their dreams of a career in the professional esthetics industry through the generous financial support of Murad, LLC. The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation (BCL) and Murad, introduced the first BCL scholarship focused solely on esthetics during Cosmoprof last summer and are pleased to announce the inaugural winners of five $2,250 tuition scholarships. Winners and their respective esthetics schools are as follows:

Jada Butler, Avalon School of Cosmetology, Phoenix, AZ

Carianne Cordova, Bellus Academy, El Cajon, CA

Alycia Gulbranson, Marinello Schools of Beauty, Chico, CA

Andrae Kovak, International Salon and Spa Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Jeanette Rivera, Lancaster School of Cosmetology, Lancaster, PA

A panel of celebrity estheticians and industry leaders evaluated applicants’ essays, inspiration boards and online videos that described their visions of how a career in esthetics will change not only their career calling but the lives of those they serve. Judges were moved by the personal stories applicants shared; stories that connected their personal passions with their career goals. Applicants’ visions of a career in esthetics were as varied as their personal experiences. For example,  Alycia Gulbranson shared how the loss of many loved ones to cancer instilled in her a desire to help others. Upon beginning her studies at Marinello Schools of Beauty, Alycia was introduced to the field of oncology esthetics. “For me, this career is a great way to honor my family members who lost the cancer battle,” Alycia stated.   

Jeanette Rivera channeled her passion for companies that manufacture cruelty free products not tested on animals into her application essay while Jada Butler shared how integrating Murad products into her regimen helped her gain control of chronic acne and achieve skin that looks and feels healthy. Carianne Cordova of Bellus Academy, also struggled with acne and wants to use her esthetics license to teach others how to properly care for their skin. While every winner’s application was compelling, it was Andrae Kovac’s video, http://www.youtube.com/embed/jYfZWLcomp0 presented in a two-screened format that that earned her a “perfect 10” score during the competition judging.  

“It is my belief that an integral part of my Inclusive health approach to health and wellness is esthetics. I have seen the healing power of many estheticians in my practice and I truly value the impact their work has on people. I am thrilled to be able to support these scholarship recipients and the incredible potential that can be achieved through a career in beauty,” said Howard Murad, M.D, FAAD, founder of Murad, LLC and Inclusive Health®.

BCL Foundation President Lynelle Lynch said the esthetics-only scholarship fills a valuable place in the BCL scholarship suite. “As the line between beauty and wellness becomes increasingly blurred, esthetics is providing an opportunity for individuals to integrate their interest in self-care and wellness with their desire to help people look and feel better. Dr. Murad’s founding of Inclusive Health pioneered much of the philosophy and science that is advancing skin care today and we feel honored and blessed to have Murad’s support,” she stated.

Murad, LLC funds two BCL|Murad competitions annually. The spring competition application window opens March 14, 2016. For additional information on BCL scholarship offerings, visit www.beautychangeslives.org/scholarships.

About Beauty Changes Lives:  The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools to build awareness of the extraordinary career opportunities available in the beauty and wellness industry and massage therapy. The Foundation also organizes and participates in numerous philanthropic fundraisers that shine the spotlight on the charitable initiatives of the beauty and wellness community.

ABOUT MURAD, LLC: Murad was founded in 1989 by Dr. Howard Murad, a board certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist and Associate Professor at the UCLA, Geffen School of Medicine. Murad offers people a path to youthful good health through science-based, clinically-proven skincare and healthcare products that have been developed as part of Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health^® system of care. With a full range of skin-condition-specific, high-performance products for home and spa—backed by 19 unique patents for advancing the science of skin health and a 30 year legacy of research and clinical testing—millions of people look to Murad with confidence for products, services and tools to help them look, live and feel Better Every Day^®. Murad is used and recommended by over 30,000 professionals all across the globe and is sold in over 40 countries.