À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ

Student Blog: The Beacon Experience

By: , Cosmetology Student a À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute Chapel Hill

As an À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute student, there are many opportunities to explore with your cosmetology or esthetics education. One of my favorite experiences is the (PBA) Beacon, an elite program that provides “top beauty industry students with a unique opportunity to gain career insights from leading beauty influencers, and network with owners from the most prestigious salons across the United States.” (PBA Beacon)

As Beacon is an exclusive program, students must submit an application with hopes of being selected for the experience. As a current À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute student, I recently completed and submitted my application for 2021! The application is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work and practice your skills through a professional lens.

This year’s application included four primary elements: a professional Instagram account, a Canvas Me profile, a recommendation letter and a video explaining why you should be selected for the Beacon program. I found these components to be extremely helpful in building my rapport as an artist. In developing my application, I had the opportunity to run my own photoshoot, film and edit a creative video and seek feedback and expertise from industry professionals. Regardless of whether I am selected for the Beacon program, I am so thankful for the experience that the application provided me. With help from my educators at the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute, my Beacon experience allowed me to practice and sharpen my craft, while also producing something creative and fun!

JOIN THE COLOR CLUB

Receive one color retouch per month with a complimentary conditioning masque for $45 a month!

Learn More

Cosmetology Blog

How to Build a High-End Beauty Portfolio

In the beauty and cosmetology industry, your resume is only half the story. Your portfolio is the ultimate proof of your talent, technical precision, and creative vision. It’s the visual handshake that introduces you to high-end salon owners, celebrity clients, editorial directors, and major...

Brilliant Future Scholarship

We're excited to announce our annual Brilliant Future Scholarship. This is an opportunity for 2026 graduating high school seniors who start in our July or August 2026 classes to be awarded a scholarship toward their education! GUIDELINES AND RULES To qualify for the...

Behind the Chair: The Top 5 Skills You’ll Learn (That Aren’t Just Cutting Hair)

Stepping into the world of professional hair styling is about so much more than mastering the perfect fade or a seamless balayage. While technical prowess is the foundation of your education at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute, what happens behind the chair transforms a student into a successful professional. If...

Why 2026 is the Best Time to Start Your Cosmetology Journey

Whether you’ve been dreaming of mastering the perfect balayage, becoming a skincare expert, or launching your own salon brand, there has never been a more exciting moment to step into the beauty industry. As we look toward 2026, the world of cosmetology is undergoing a massive...

How to Pass the Ohio State Board Exam: 5 Pro Tips

Passing the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology exam is the final hurdle between you and your dream career. Whether you’re pursuing cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology, the pressure is real, but so is your potential. At À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institute, we don’t just teach you the craft; we...

Why the À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Difference Matters for Your Future Career

If you’re considering a career in beauty and wellness, you’ve likely realized that where you get your education matters just as much as the talent you bring to the table. At À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Institutes, we don't just teach you how to cut hair or perform a facial; we prepare you for a lifelong...

Get the Skills to be a Beauty Professional