Non-profit organization Beauty Changes Lives welcomes beauty industry veteran Christie Smaidris as Scholarship Program Manager.
Beauty Changes Lives is honored to name Christie Smaidris as Scholarship Program Manager. As the non-profit organization approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2022, Beauty Changes Lives is investing in leadership to support and nurture the next generation of beauty leaders. Smaidris assumed full-time duties with Beauty Changes Lives upon completing 18 years of service with Cosmetologists Chicago and the America’s Beauty Show on October 31.
Beyond her responsibilities with Cosmetologists Chicago, Christie Smaidris brings to her role a rich and diverse background in the professional beauty space, including experience developing educational programs and managing scholarships for various industry associations and partners. While Christie’s role at Beauty Changes Lives is new, she has long been a supporter of Beauty Changes Lives events and programs. The Cosmetologists Chicago team presenting America’s Beauty Show have always supported the Beauty Changes Lives Experience (BCLE) and its efforts to support the next generation of beauty professionals. At previous BCLE events, Christie collaborated with Beauty Changes Lives to integrate the Global Image Awards into the signature event. In her new role as Scholarship Program Manager, Christie will draw on a rich background producing digital and real-world educational content development and event planning and execution. Throughout her years in the industry, Christie has cultivated deep connections with industry leaders in the cosmetics, esthetics, and nail sectors.
Remarking on her new role, Christie Smaidris credits a “pandemic epiphany” for her career pivot. When the pandemic disrupted the economy, she considered how her experience, skills and industry connections could most effectively serve an industry she cares deeply about. “I love all the industry connections I have developed working with manufacturers, distributors and the people who make up this business. Although I am not a licensed professional, I am in awe of the creativity, work ethic, and honest, pure passion lived out by beauty professionals,” she said.
Beauty Changes Lives Executive Director Lauren Conway said Christie’s industry relationships and passion for professional beauty position her to lead the organization into its second decade. “As our scholarship programs grow and more brands and leaders come on board, Christie’s experience and contacts in the industry position us to accelerate the impact Beauty Changes Lives is making as we seek to change lives through education, mentoring and networking,” Lauren said.
The Beauty Changes Lives Experience will return to America’s Beauty Show, April 10, 2022, and Christie looks forward to working with brands, artists and colleagues to develop an extraordinary event and runway experience. But she is also gratified by her work supporting a core component of the Beauty Changes Lives platform – introducing new entrants to the many pathways and possibilities available to those who choose a career in beauty. “Knowing I can help someone make their dream happen, especially when I know all the good this industry has in store for new professionals, is very exciting,” she said.
Despite the pandemic-induced challenges of the last 18 months, Beauty Changes Lives has continued to grow its scholarship programs; offering more scholarship awards in 2021 than at any other point in its 10-year history. “Beauty Changes Lives is reaching a critical mass with our scholarship programs, and the addition of Christie positions us to enter a new decade with a robust, vibrant team that can not only sustain but accelerate our momentum and the impact we’re having in the lives of beauty professionals,” Conway said.