Francis Tesmer is redefining beauty as a catalyst for social change. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educator, Tesmer is the  founder of the LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute, powered by L’Oréal, a trailblazing academic program meant to uplift the beauty industry and women within it.

A collaboration between L’Oréal USA and Arizona State University, LEAD ROLFS Global Institute provides an accredited degree pathway for licensed beauty professionals to complete an associate’s and bachelor’s degree. It’s the first-of-its-kind academic program built to elevate the beauty industry and empower the women within it. 

 Tesmer offers MODERN an update on this beautiful program with this Q and A.

Q: For readers hearing about LEAD for the first time, how do you describe what it is and who it’s designed for?

A: LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute is an internationally accredited college and university degree pathway built specifically for beauty professionals. From individuals who are currently obtaining their license to those who have been in the industry for decades, LEAD is designed for beauty professionals who want a wider range of long-term career options.

“LEAD exists because beauty professionals have always used more essential skills in their work day than many other professions — they just haven’t been given access to the higher education they deserve until now” says founder and CEO, Francis Tesmer.

The program is designed for beauty professionals who want to take their career to the next level with success, entrepreneurship, management, education, brand leadership, and so much more. LEAD offers the one-of-a-kind degree pathway for beauty professionals to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Beauty and Wellness and Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership from leading college and universities.

“If you’re building a career in the salon industry,” Tesmer adds, “your experience shouldn’t be the thing that holds you back from higher education—it should be what kickstarts your future”

What does “accredited” mean in this context, and why should salon professionals care?

Accreditation means the degrees earned through LEAD’s partner institutions are fully recognized, approved and transferable within the U.S. and international higher-education system.

Mesa Community College, one of the largest, leading college systems in the US, which delivers the associate degree, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This allows students to transfer credits, qualify for financial aid, and earn degrees recognized on a global scale for a wider range of career opportunities.

It is time for beauty professionals and their career to be recognized as a respected, worthwhile profession. LEAD, as the only accredited higher education pathway for the beauty profession, is spearheading this transformational, global movement.

“Accreditation matters because it changes how the world sees the beauty profession,” Tesmer says. “this degree shows everyone that beauty is a serious, interdisciplinary career that deserves a customized higher education pathway.”

How is LEAD different from traditional cosmetology education?

Cosmetology programs are designed to deliver the foundations of technical services and provide the education to pass boards to obtain a beauty license. LEAD is not another cosmetology education program, it is a higher education degree program for the beauty profession which never existed before. LEAD is an innovation in education offering a transformational journey with well-rounded knowledge and skills so that a beauty professional is ready to be a successful leader in the industry they love. LEAD focuses on the science of creativity, health and wellness, business acumen, marketing, whole brain and emotional intelligence, communication, finance and more.

“Traditional beauty education teaches you how to do the basics of beauty work. LEAD teaches you how to lead in one of the most powerful, multi-billion dollar industries,” Tesmer explains.

The curriculum is built around leadership, business, communication, innovation, and understanding how successful salons and beauty businesses actually operate and scale into the future. It’s designed for professionals who want career longevity, financial prosperity and a seat at the table of the future, not burnout.

“Salon professionals are taking care of our external and inner wellness and running businesses every day,” Tesmer adds. “They deserve the college and university degrees just like other esteemed professions.”

What are some courses that might stand out to MODERN SALON readers?

Courses like Beauty Professional of the Future and Salon of the Future provide an innovative mindset and approach to beauty from the foundation of science, art, intelligence, and humanity. Throughout the LEAD journey, students experience a personal and professional transformation by learning the power and impact of intelligent beauty, how to embody it, how to create it, and how to lead into the future.

Understanding and building the strategic mindset required to build innovative business models, exceed the evolving client expectations and needs, and foster sustainability gives beauty professionals the pathway to financial prosperity, increased impact, ultimate success, personal and professional happiness.

Additional coursework includes Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Marketing, Communication, Technology, Nutrition and Wellness, Systems Thinking, and Mindfulness. The LEAD courses are customized to deliver the future of beauty, creating a one-of-a-kind intersection between science, art, sustainability, innovation, humanity and creativity.

“LEAD is more than just a degree, it's an innovation in education — empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and lead with purpose. Our coursework is designed not only to teach beauty professionals to thrive in the modern beauty industry, but to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.” Tesmer notes.

How is the program structured for working salon professionals?

LEAD provides beauty professionals with a customized pathway to earn their college and university degree in the fastest, most cost-effective way. Understanding that the majority of beauty professionals interested in this degree are working professionals, LEAD created a higher education pathway that removes the typical barriers to college and university degrees. Some of these customized features include a concierge enrollment, online - anytime classes from anywhere in the world, scholarships and financial aid, free college credits against a beauty license, impactful life-coaching, personalized tutoring and so much more. All of these unique program customizations offer a 360, holistic support to the student, giving them the freedom to obtain their degree on their own terms and timeline.

Depending on credit for prior learning, students can often complete the associate degree in approximately one academic year and then continue toward a bachelor’s degree.

This transformational journey is designed to awaken one’s curiosity and love for learning while offering futuristic, well-rounded courses to give students the knowledge and confidence they need to become the best version of themselves and thrive in their career. All while enjoying the courses and journey with a community of beauty professionals from around the world. This gives students a unique experience to learn what the curriculum looks like from multiple different points of view, adding to their own learning experience and expanding their understanding.

“Your license = free college” has gotten a lot of attention. What does that actually mean?

LEAD is the first ever program to honor the hard work of the beauty profession as a valuable and worthwhile commitment, by awarding college credits against a valid license at no cost.

Through a one-of-a-kind Prior Learning Assessment, beauty professionals can earn up to 30 college credits (equivalent to one year) towards their Associate degree, depending on license type. As part of its commitment to empowering beauty professionals and taking on the global transformation of the beauty space, LEAD fully sponsors the transfer of credits. This means that not only does LEAD remove the time barrier of typical college degrees, but it also allows a student the financial freedom to earn their degree. So when a licensed beauty professional starts the program they are already one year ahead, completely free of charge, and can therefore earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in Beauty and Wellness in as little as one year. To continue this commitment at the bachelor level, the LEAD program allows students the opportunity to transfer two years worth of credits at no additional cost, so that they can earn their Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Leadership in as little as two years.

LEAD, through innovative and strategic partnerships, is the only accredited program that will recognize the beauty license from anywhere in the world. This program provides U.S. college credits to internationally licensed students, through a one-of-a-kind evaluation process.

Prior college credits may also be evaluated for transfer approvals towards their Associate and/or Bachelor degree.

“Your license is not the end of your education — it’s the beginning,” Tesmer says. “LEAD is building a future that starts with honoring your hard work as a beauty professional.”

What outcomes matter most to you?

For Tesmer, the individual and collective successes of every beauty professional within and beyond their education journey are the heartbeat of the LEAD program. With its world-class design and intention, LEAD provides students with the state-of-the-art knowledge and confidence they need to implement the education they are receiving in real-time. This drives transformation on a personal and professional level, giving students positive results they can look forward to within and beyond the program.

“Success isn’t just graduation,” she says. “It’s stronger salon leaders, better managers, happier beauty professionals, exciting promotions, increased earning potential, and all the growth that happens as a result of the real-time implementation of the education our students are receiving.”

She adds, “Education gives salon professionals options—and options are what create sustainability. This program is changing the landscape and longevity of the beauty profession, giving beauty professionals the confidence, a successful pathway and reigniting their passion to stay in this powerful industry.”

What role does L’Oréal play, and how do you protect academic credibility?

The LEAD program is honored to have the support and power of L’Oréal, who as a leader of beauty, has been at the forefront of science, innovation and technology for decades. L’Oréal’s involvement brings industry innovation and global perspective, allowing every beauty professional the opportunity to know about this program and the future of the beauty industry that LEAD is creating.

At the same time, academic integrity remains central. Degrees are delivered and governed by accredited public institutions, and curriculum oversight follows established academic standards.

“The power of the beauty industry has a major impact on the future of beauty education,” Tesmer reflects, “and it’s time we invite the innovation and credibility of the beauty industry into the education of its profession. LEAD is spearheading a new future in beauty by providing academic credibility, world-class innovation, and customized transformation - paring academic rigor with creative real-world relevance.”

Final Thoughts

“Beauty has always shaped our humanity,” Tesmer shares. “And now beauty professionals are finally getting the education, opportunities, and empowerment they deserve to shape the future of the industry, transform their own destiny, and therefore positively impact each and every one of us to the next level.”