Beauty Changes Lives Announces Inaugural ISPA Scholarship Winners
Generously funded by ISPA, the ISPA Scholarship raises awareness of spa employers’ soaring demand for qualified professionals. Announcing the scholarship earlier this year, Lynne McNees, president of ISPA stated, “With over 30,000 open positions within the spa industry, attracting new professionals to the industry is a top priority.”Winners were evaluated on two criteria – a digital video demonstrating an esthetics treatment, massage therapy technique or makeup application and their response to a question about why they love esthetics, massage therapy or makeup, why they chose a spa career and how working in the spa industry will fulfill their passion.
The International Spa Association (ISPA) announces the eight inaugural recipients of its ISPA Scholarship. Each winner receives a $1,000 tuition scholarship toward her program in makeup artistry, esthetics or makeup artistry at an accredited school. Winners are as follows:
Jennifer Davis, Philomath, Ore., @MS_JenDavis
A crisis can be an opportunity for reinvention says Jennifer in her application video. After depression and anxiety led to problems with hair loss and acne, Jennifer realized that her nightly self-care skincare regime was the most therapeutic part of her day. “I want to help others feel pretty again and school is helping me keep my path lit toward that goal,” says Jennifer, who ultimately wants to offer clients a breadth of beauty services including laser treatments and eyelash extensions.
Mallory Gutierrez, Lake Elsinore, Calif., @intestinebuffet
Pop culture – specifically the TLC program “What Not to Wear” opened Mallory’s eyes to a career in beauty. “Makeup is not a tool for hiding who you are but a tool for enhancing who you already are,” says Mallory in her application video. Acting in community theater, Mallory uses makeup as part of her costuming. Working at her “day job” at a large beauty retailer, Mallory says, “My love of beauty gets to surge like a supernova!” Eventually, Mallory aims to merge her passions for makeup and marketing, working as a makeup artist or perhaps even the host of her own makeover program.
Jourdan Henderson, Kansas, City, Kan., @glambyjashlee
Jourdan is inspired by the unlimited pathways available to estheticians and makeup artists. The aspiring esthetician notes in her application video, “Knowing you are beautiful starts with feeling beautiful.” While she loves the artistry, Jourdon says beauty school is not all “glam and glitter” and she says the ISPA scholarship is helping relieve some of the financial burden associated with pursuing her dream of a career in esthetics.
Kendall Kerns, Crawfordsville, Ind., @glaambyken
“I’m an artist, my canvas is skin and my pencils are actually brushes,” says Kendall in her application video. As an artist, Kendall finds time stands still when she practices her craft at her vanity. As she learns from mentor makeup artists, Kendall is moved by the power of beauty to make an impact. “After a few strokes of a brush, my client’s reaction shows me that I’ve truly made an impact on her life.”
AnnaNisa Najera, Baldwin Park, Calif.,
The client becomes a real life “canvas” to AnnaNisa as she works to draw out the unique beauty in each client. In her video application, AnnaNisa says the scholarship is helping her show her children how it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. “This is my moment to transition from the caterpillar to a butterfly” she says in her video while demonstrating her transformative talents with makeup.
Julia Potter, Oakridge, NJ, @Jules_Makeup354
Julia’s Instagram page features inspirations that range from stenciled artwork to day-glow eyes, natural makeup and dramatic color infused inspirations. She markets her ever evolving makeup artistry on Instagram. An artist, Julia says, “Makeup is an easy and enjoyable way to put my art out there.” And as for receiving the Beauty Changes Lives scholarship she says, “This scholarship is what made it possible for me to pursue my dream.” Eventually, Julia aspires to work as a celebrity makeup artist or in broadcast.
Joyia Summers, Elgin, Texas
Joyia’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her line of curated skincare products infused with raw, organic shea butter. In her video, she shows off some of her product formulations, as well as a day in the life of her beauty school experience. “I love to create moments of relaxation that allow my facial clients to get away from the stressors of life,” she says in her video.
Krista Vinsick, Aliquippa, Penn., @KristaVinsick
“I call myself a chameleon” says Krista in her application video. Passionate about color, Krista wants to expand her passion for beauty into microblading and skincare. As she plans her career as an esthetician, she talks about her passion for a career that gives clients joy and boosts their confidence, while never feeling like a job. “Work feels different, when it’s something you love doing,” she says.
