Five future Nail Professionals are one step closer to entering their career calling upon receiving a BCL│CND│Tippi Hedren Nail Scholarship. Global nail care innovator CND and their generous distributor partners are the creators and funders of the scholarship administered by the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation. Each scholarship winner receives $2,750 tuition compensation toward a qualified nail education program.  

 Spring 2017 BCL│CND│Tippi Hedren scholarship winners and their respective schools are as follows:

Melissa Haseley, The Salon Professional Academy, Buffalo, NY.

Nails are the canvas on which Melissa Haseley pours forth her inspiration. The CND scholarship is providing the funds to help Melissa her pursue a dream long-deferred. “It feels like a waste to not do something with this “spark” I have for the professional nail industry. Melissa’ inspiration board showcased the myriad forms of artwork that inform her as a Nail Professional in training, noting that hope and determination come together at the interchange of “possibility.”

Hasira McGee, L’esprit Academy, Livonia, Mich.

Hasira was raised in a culture where women are hidden but still find ways to express dramatic style through their fingers. “I want to empower women to display confidence and their natural beauty through their nails,” noted Hasira in her application. As a child, Hasira enjoyed decorating with henna which influenced her decision to pursue a career as a Nail Professional. “I plan to use traditional henna designs to complement my work as a nail professional in order to produce dramatic and inspiring results for my clients,” said Hasira.

Kira Motley, L’esprit Academy, Livonia, Mich.

As a college student, Kira dreamed of a career doing nails, but her family didn’t think of it as a real profession. Fifteen years later, Kira decided to “live my own destiny” and enrolled in nail school. Kira’s application essay reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for giving back. “I want to open a nail studio that visits local shelters and helps women transitioning into the workforce,” she wrote.

Cassie Myers, Aveda Institute-Maine, Augusta, Maine

Residing in a rural part of mid-coast Maine, Cassie wants to offer a mobile nail salon that will bring the gift of beauty and pampering to individuals right in their home. She also plans to offer services for weddings, birthdays and other pampering parties. “I’ve considered different career paths, but nails is the career that combines my creativity with my passion for self-care,” noted Cassie in her application.

Valnedra Rosser, L’esprit Academy, Livonia, Mich.

With two children, a nice home and a good job, many would say that Valnedra was living the American Dream, she noted in her essay. But Valnedra wasn’t fulfilled. “Truthfully, something was missing and I learned that living a happy life is following your passion and working that passion until it becomes your destiny,” she wrote in her application essay.

 Two CND scholarships are awarded annually. CND established the scholarship to honor the legacy of professional nail industry pioneer Tippi Hedren. The actress and humanitarian is often referred to as the “Godmother” of the Vietnamese-American nail movement for her efforts to help thousands of Vietnamese refugees find careers in the nail industry.    

 “We are honored to have the support of longtime partner and founding nail scholarship funder CND,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation. “Through CNDs generous gift and support of emerging talent, these scholarships are helping the next generation of professionals join a nearly $8.5 billion industry in the U.S.”

 Jan Arnold, CND Co-founder and Style Director, said the scholarships fill an important role in preparing NextGen talent. Expressing her enthusiasm for the competition and winners, Arnold stated, “Congratulations to all of our winners!! We are all so proud and excited to see these amazing and talented women fulfill their dream of becoming Nail Professionals!  A career as a Nail Professional is a rich, rewarding and incredibly exciting choice, especially now when Nails are at an all-time high.  We will watch these new Professionals soar with greatness. 

 Winners’ inspiration boards may be viewed here. 

About the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: With a mission to elevate, educate and empower, Beauty Changes Lives is uniting the industry and building awareness of the extraordinary career opportunities in the beauty, wellness and massage therapy industries. Learn more at www.beautychangeslives.org or find us on Facebook. 

About CND

Founded in 1979 and based in San Diego, CA, CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) is the global leader in professional nail products and services – including CND®SHELLAC® Brand 14+ Day Nail Color. Deeply committed to advancing the nail care industry, CND devotes significant time and resources to product research and development, education and customer support. Only CND delivers high performance nail color on the cutting edge of fashion and technology.