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SEARCHEstablished in 2012, BCL funds scholarships, mentorships, and other generous efforts that have enriched careers and built immeasurable goodwill. This is part of our Giving Guide series.
MODERN SALON is pleased to bring you inspiring news from our "Giving Guide."
On April 10, 2022, the professional beauty community will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Beauty Changes Lives during the Beauty Changes Lives Experience in suburban Chicago. Since the initial scholarships were established in 2012, brands representing the salon, skin, barbering, spa, nails, and esthetic sectors have funded scholarships, mentorships, and countless acts of generosity to nurture next-generation talent and support licensed professionals seeking to advance their careers. Stakeholders representing all facets of the industry, from product brands and artists to salons and spas, have united to support the Beauty Changes Lives mission of equipping and empowering the future of professional beauty.
While no single word or phrase can define the more than 700 career journeys supported by Beauty Changes Lives, "courage," "confidence," and "freedom" come up frequently when scholarship recipients reflect on what they have found within the beauty industry and thank Beauty Changes Lives for the impact on their individual career journeys. The Beauty Changes Lives Experience will celebrate the next generation of artists and look back on 10 years of transforming lives.
Past winners include:
Lauralyn McClelland (@lululockssmith), 2021 winner of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Foundation Art of Hairdressing Scholarship. When Broadway went dark in spring 2021, a new career path was illuminated. The accomplished dancer and actress who spent 20 years on the stage discovered hairstyling as a stable craft after two decades of uncertain work. “While I love performing, I never had the security of knowing what my next job would be," McClelland says. "I love having a secure skill, and I love cutting hair.”
Ismenia Olavarria (@alljazzedupx3), 2021 winner of JCS Nourish & Shine. While society often tells women they must be “more” to be beautiful, for cosmetology student Olavarria "being Black is enough.” Like many busy moms, Olavarria looks online to simplify her life—and her hair. That’s where she discovered @mshairandhumor, created by 2016 Beauty Changes Lives winner (Vidal Sassoon) Kamilah Gerestant. “Like Kamilah, I want people to know you are beautiful as you are,” Olavarria says.
Kadee Brown@hotpinkzebrapolish, 2014 CND Tippi Hedren Nail Scholarship Winner. “Everyone has a time, and this is my time to do what I’m made to do, if you’ll take a chance on me,” Kadee said in her application video. Among the top four professionals in Season 7 of the Nails Next Top Nail Artist competition, Kadee lives up to the “artist” designation as she applies her immense creativity to the tiniest of canvases.
These individual stories are representative of the beautiful career paths facilitated by Beauty Changes Lives. Over the past decade:
Beauty Changes has awarded more than 700 scholarships.
95% of Beauty Changes Lives scholarship awardees complete their programs.
90% of awardees are now licensed professionals.
92% of awardees are working in the beauty industry.
30% of awardees are business owners.
54% of those beauty owners are people of color.
A reimagined Press Conference and Official Show Launch will feature the artistry and creative direction of the Chrystofer Benson Artist Team, an exclusive first look at America’s Beauty Show 2027, and an invitation to EXPERIENCE the PULSE - The Heartbeat of the Professional Beauty Industry.
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.
This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
