MENU
SEARCHHow beauty school and two scholarships helped this cosmetologist discover her passion for teaching.
In late 2019, Lexie Pitts of Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology in DeKalb, Illinois was the first runner-up in the Rosy Rewards scholarship program. The winnings were sent directly to her school to help offset the cost of her tuition or other school expenses. Little did Lexie know at the time how this first win would lead to another, and help take her career in a new and exciting direction. We catch up with Lexie for a little Q&A about her growth.
SALON TODAY: What are you up to now?
Pitts: I am now a licensed cosmetologist and am currently a student in the educator’s program for cosmetology. I plan to be a licensed educator this summer and I am so excited.
ST: Since beauty school, what is your greatest accomplishment or realization?
Pitts: I realized that I can be all of who I want to be - no title will define my future. I have realized in order to be the best version of myself, I have to be selfish sometimes. My dreams will only work if I do so I can’t and will not stop. My biggest accomplishment has been setting the bar higher for myself. I am now able to define who I am and who I want to be.
ST: What are you looking forward to in the future?
Pitts: I am looking forward to becoming an educator, as I want to inspire the success of students who dream to become confident in their skills. I want to show students that their dreams can become a reality if they believe in themselves.
ST: How did your scholarship make a difference while you were in school and after?
Pitts: It lead me on a path to receive another scholarship for the instructor program. My scholarship allowed me to finish school, get my transcripts and begin my career. I was in a hard place in school, working low wages, just trying to maintain. Receiving the Rosy (scholarship) gave me the freedom to start my career without a financial burden. I could not have been more grateful for them believing in me.
ST: What are your words of advice for future professionals looking to succeed in this industry?
Pitts: Ask for help. The world is full of opportunities and sometimes those opportunities aren’t always obvious.
My advice would also be to focus. There will always be events and hardships that may take you off your path, but you have to focus. Focus on your goal, focus on your dreams. No one is going to be successful for you, you have to do it yourself. If you focus on your success, you will realize there will never be a finish line. Success will be everlasting as long as you focus.
Know a first-time beauty, barber, or esthetics student who could use a leg-up? Let them know to enter the Rosy Rewards scholarship.
Originally posted on Salon Today
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
