
How to Build a Sustainable Beauty Career Without Burning Out
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
They travel coast-to-coast, living out of a suitcase packed with hot tools, brushes, products and more. They are the experts and educators who demonstrate new techniques, products and trends to audiences both nationally and internationally.

If you are graduating from cosmetology school and have an idea of what career you want to pursue, but you’re not exactly sure how to get there, FIRST CHAIR is doing a special feature series on the beauty industry’s most sought-after jobs. Stay tuned to this series as FIRST CHAIR’s Associate Editor Lauren Salapatek takes you on the personal journeys of some of the beauty industry’s leading figures and how they reached their dreams.
They travel coast-to-coast, living out of a suitcase packed with hot tools, brushes, products and more. They are the experts and educators who demonstrate new techniques, products and trends to audiences both nationally and internationally. They are the faces of beauty brands, performing in front of thousands on stage or in private classrooms. Who are they? Platform artists.
As the first story in FIRST CHAIR’s ongoing career feature series, you will quickly realize the career path for each of these highlighted platform artists wasn’t quick or easy. Each has a unique stage presence, and at the core of their jobs is a passion for teaching others. Besides promoting their company’s products and cutting/coloring/styling techniques, they are the figureheads for innovation in the beauty industry, and they inspire others to unleash their creativity.
Read their stories below.
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