Beauty Changes Lives, thanks to the Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Foundation having awarded six cosmetology and esthetic scholarships.
Twice annually, the Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in an accredited cosmetology or esthetics program. As a result, the influence of scholarship recipients is already being seen through their contributions to the industry. For instance, previous awardees have founded salons and been featured in leading media outlets. “The generous financial support the Miller Family Foundation provides to next gen talent is making a difference to the future of professional beauty, one winner at a time,” says Lynelle Lynch, president of Beauty Changes Lives. “We are honored that the Miller family’s generosity is nurturing emerging talent and helping change lives.”
The Winners!
Once again, the Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Foundation has invested in the future of professional beauty. It generously funded six cosmetology and esthetic scholarship awards administered by Beauty Changes Lives. Indeed, 2022 marks the midpoint of the Miller Family Foundation’s ten-year commitment. A commitment that totals $1M gift to fund cosmetology and esthetics scholarships. As the competition continues, the winners become ever more impressive.
Esther Knorpp, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, Charlotte, NC
Arnold M. Miller Find-A-Way Scholarship – $15,000
As a foster child in China, Esther @estherknorpp had never imagined a future full of possibilities. Adopted at age 9, Esther was surprised by a simple question her mother asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Esther recalls, ”I didn’t think about what I could be because I wasn’t used to people caring about me.” As a young child, Esther says playing with hair was among her happiest moments. “If I could go back and talk to the little girl I was, I’d tell her that she is strong and capable. That life can be so full,” she says. She expresses her sincere gratitude to the Miller Family Foundation. This scholarship will allow her to transform her passion for hair into a future. A future that transcends anything she could have imagined as a young child.
Alexia Guerra Chavez, Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics, New York, NY
The Sydell L. Miller Total Image Beauty Schlarship – $7,500
Immigrating to the U.S. from Guatemala, Alexia @alexiaguerra found that art was a form of escape and communication that transcended language barriers. Unfortunately, other students and even a guidance counselor discouraged her artistic interests. “I was told by one classmate I’d be homeless if I pursued art as a career,” she says. Fortunately, Alexia opted to pursue her career calling. She says that building a career in esthetics will allow her to combine her passion for art with an interest in skincare. This way she can help others put their most confident face forward. Alexia uses bold, colorful make-up looks. Her scholarship application reflects her talent for bringing artwork to the canvas of a client’s complexion.
Averi Mazur, Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX The Sydell L. Miller Total Image Beauty Scholarship – $7,500
A recent college graduate and fitness class instructor, Averi @averimazur is an advocate for self-care. “Whether it is a 50-minute fitness class or a 50-minute facial, I believe in the benefits of self-care,” Averi says. She also firmly belives that self-care is also an investment in mental health. In high school, Averi blended her interest in makeup and skincare with budding entrepreneurial talent, doing make-up for proms and pageants. She appreciates the power of aesthetics to go beyond the surface. It can help clients replenish not only their skin, but their sense of self.
Rayna Byrd, Broken Arrow Beauty College, Tulsa, OK
Art of Hairdressing – $5,000
Rayna @rayna.wall_styles witnessed first-hand how Beauty Changes Lives. During a recent ministry project that served incarcerated women, she saw the remarkable reactions of women receiving hair and makeup services. “For many of these women it was their first time sitting in a salon chair,” she says. “It’s not about what these women did in the past, but who they are becoming.” Rayna views hairstyling as a means to empower women with confidence and help them embrace a new vision of themselves. And while technique is important, Rayna also values listening. “I ask women what they want their hair to look like,” she says, noting that this is the first step in moving toward a new vision.
Makayla McGary, Paul Mitchell The School – Rexburg, ID
Art of Hairdressing Scholarship, $5,000
Makayla @thebridetrends believes every great haircut begins with a creative vision in mind. So she focuses on enhancing a client’s face shape. This often means creating a dynamic angle or adding movement and body. Makayla is just as direct when it comes to the top three reasons why she wants to become a hairstylist. “First, I want to help clients look and feel their best. Second, I want to make a difference one great haircut at a time. And Third, I want to change the world for the better by being a good and kind hairstylist,” says Makayla.
Sierra DeLeon, Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
Art of Hair Coloring – $5,000
In hairstyling, Sierra @curlgirlmagic is inspired by nature, family and popular culture, but also by her experiences as a “curly girl”. Because she is not willing to settle for the basics, Sierra believes in lifelong education. “I want to learn what I don’t know – and help others learn to love their own curls,” she says. After graduation, Sierra wants to create a safe haven for curly hair types who don’t want to resort to “the big chop”. “I’ve learned so much and I’m looking forward to giving back,” she says.
More information on upcoming scholarships is available here.