My career goal is to open a one stop beauty shop that offers makeup services, hairstyling, skincare treatments, and beauty products all under one roof. I want it to be a welcoming, empowering space where people of all backgrounds, especially women of color, feel beautiful, seen, and celebrated. My passion for the beauty industry started during the COVID pandemic, when I began practicing makeup at home. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a form of therapy and self-expression. I realized I wanted to help others feel beautiful too, and that this was more than just a passion, it was my purpose. To gain professional experience, I enrolled in the cosmetology program at Hazleton Area Career Center during high school. That experience gave me real hands-on skills in hair and beauty services, and it confirmed that I was on the right path. It also taught me the importance of customer service, time management, communication, and professionalism. I enjoyed helping people look and feel confident, and I knew I wanted to keep growing my skills while also learning how to run a successful business of my own. I plan to achieve my long-term goal by studying business and entrepreneurship in college. I want to learn how to manage finances, build a brand, market my services effectively, and grow my business over time. I am already laying the groundwork by starting small with my own beauty service business. My college education will give me the tools I need to grow it into a full-scale business that provides jobs, uplifts my community, and offers something fresh, creative, and inclusive to the beauty world. Losing my brother in 2023 to gun violence gave me a new perspective on life. It reminded me that time is not promised, and it motivated me to chase my dreams with more urgency and heart. I want to build something beautiful in his memory, something filled with love, passion, and purpose. I want to create a space that reminds others they are worth the effort, care, and beauty that they desire. This scholarship will help me focus more on my studies and my business without being overwhelmed by financial pressure. I am committed to using my education to create a lasting impact, not just for myself but for others. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my goals and turning my vision into reality.

Who is Anaiviv? Anaiviv Julanni Cepeda Torres is a young woman shaped by deep family values and both ordinary and extraordinary life challenges. I was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Hazleton, Pennsylvania, at the tender age of two. My family is an integral part of my identity; I have two brothers—an older brother, Rolando Cepeda Jr., who tragically passed away at 18, and a younger brother who is currently 12. My long-term aspiration is to become a successful makeup artist and entrepreneur, owning a business that empowers others and reflects my passion for creativity and beauty. My core values encompass family, peace, and independence. Growing up, my family frequently relocated within Hazleton, and I often visited New York to connect with extended family. My mother worked long hours, leaving my father to care for my brothers and me. This environment fostered my independence at an early age; I learned to dress myself, style my hair, and cook for myself. The loss of my brother in April 2023 due to gun violence has been a life-altering experience. Although we were very close as children, we grew apart in our teenage years, and I regret not nurturing that bond. His death left me heartbroken and profoundly affected my sense of safety. Following this tragedy, my family sought refuge with relatives, and I transitioned to online schooling. This shift was particularly challenging, as I thrive in a traditional classroom environment and found it difficult to adapt to online learning. Despite these struggles, I remain resilient and am determined to rewrite my narrative. My passion for makeup began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had the time and space to explore my creativity. That interest quickly turned into a deeper love for cosmetics and the artistry behind it. In high school, I enrolled in a cosmetology program at the Hazleton Area Career Center in 10th grade. There, I developed not only my technical skills but also a vision for my future. I realized that I wanted more than just a career in beauty—I wanted to build something of my own. That’s when I discovered my interest in business and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a degree in business and entrepreneurship to gain the knowledge and tools needed to start and grow my own makeup business. I dream of creating a brand that inspires confidence, self-expression, and empowerment—especially for young women like me who have faced adversity. I also hope to eventually move to Florida, where I can start fresh while staying connected to a vibrant and diverse beauty industry. Although my brother’s death has presented immense challenges, it has also fortified my resolve. I have learned that perseverance is key, and I am equipped to face any obstacles that arise. My commitment to attending college is strong; I believe that this institution can provide the education and community I need to fulfill my ambitions. I am eager to contribute my unique perspective, creativity, and resilience to the community. Thank you for considering my application.