My name is Ashley Frahm, and I am currently studying cosmetology. I started school on August 26th, 2024, and I will graduate on December 15th, 2025. Choosing cosmetology was not just about picking a career, it was about finding a purpose. For me, beauty is not only on the surface, it is about healing, confidence, and connection. I did not always know that cosmetology would be my path. A few years ago, I went through a very difficult period with my mental health. I felt like I had lost myself and had no direction. What helped me through that time was discovering cosmetology as an outlet. Doing hair, learning about makeup, and experimenting with styles gave me something positive to focus on. It gave me a way to express myself when words fell short. What started as a way to cope slowly turned into a passion, and eventually into the career I want to dedicate my life to. Being in cosmetology school now feels like I am finally stepping into who I was meant to be. I know this trade requires patience, skill, and constant learning, and I am committed to putting in the work. Every day in school I push myself to get better, whether it is practicing new techniques, studying the science behind healthy hair, or learning how to connect with clients. I want to graduate not only with my license but with the confidence and creativity to succeed in this field. Even after graduation, I plan to keep learning by attending advanced classes and surrounding myself with mentors who inspire me. I see this as more than a job. It is a lifelong craft that I want to master. What excites me most about cosmetology is the impact it has on people. I know firsthand how much better someone can feel when they look in the mirror and see themselves in a new light. A simple haircut or style can boost confidence, brighten someone’s day, or even change how they carry themselves. I want to be the person who creates those moments. I want every client who sits in my chair to feel cared for and to leave feeling better than when they arrived. I also believe strongly in giving back to my community. My goal is to use my skills to help those who may not have easy access to professional beauty care. I hope to volunteer at local shelters, offering free haircuts to people who need them most. I want to help students look and feel their best before job interviews and give workshops that teach people how to take care of their hair and skin at home. Beauty should not be a luxury only for some, it should be something that can empower anyone. Cosmetology saved me in many ways. It gave me strength when I felt weak, and it gave me direction when I felt lost. Now I want to take what I have learned and give that same sense of confidence and hope to others. With dedication to my craft and love for my community, I know this trade will allow me to make a lasting difference.

Cosmetology, to me, is more than a career choice. It is a lifeline, a passion, and the foundation of who I am becoming. I did not always know this would be my path. For most of high school, I imagined my future would revolve around sports. I spent years playing lacrosse and saw it as my outlet, my team, and my identity. During my senior year, however, everything changed. A chronic health condition made it impossible for me to continue playing. Overnight, it felt as though everything had been taken from me. The sport that had provided structure, friendships, and confidence was gone, and I was left feeling lost and uncertain about my future.That period of my life was one of the most difficult I have ever faced. Not only was I grieving the loss of something I loved, but I was also struggling to understand who I was without it. I battled feelings of isolation and self-doubt, and it seemed as though the ground had shifted beneath me. This was when cosmetology entered my life. What began as a small interest quickly became the outlet I had been searching for.At first, cosmetology was simply a distraction, but I soon realized it gave me the same sense of focus and relief that lacrosse once had. Working with hair and makeup allowed me to feel calm, creative, and purposeful. It was not just about beauty on the surface. Instead, it became a way to express emotions I could not always put into words. Cosmetology gave me direction when I felt I had none and reminded me that even when one door closes, another opens. Through this trade, I also rebuilt my social connections. I met people who shared the same passion, and I formed friendships that were both genuine and supportive. In cosmetology, I found a new kind of team, not on the field, but in the classroom and salon. These connections reminded me how much I value collaboration and how meaningful it is to help others feel their best.Looking ahead, I see countless opportunities in cosmetology. My goal is to continue bettering myself in this trade by expanding my knowledge, mastering advanced techniques, and remaining open to lifelong learning. I want to help clients discover the same sense of confidence and renewal that cosmetology has given me. Losing lacrosse once felt like losing my entire future, but in reality, it guided me toward something more meaningful. Cosmetology gave me back my confidence, my purpose, and a career I truly love.

Cosmetology, to me, is more than hair, makeup, or beauty. It is an outlet, a creative space, and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. It is a trade built on both skill and heart, where the goal isn’t just changing someone’s look but changing how they feel about themselves. This career path has given me direction and helped me through some of the most challenging moments in my life. My journey with cosmetology began when I was struggling with my mental health. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself, searching for stability and meaning. Picking up a brush, experimenting with hair, and exploring creativity gave me a sense of calm when nothing else did. It became my outlet, the thing I could pour myself into when I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling. Slowly, cosmetology pulled me out of a dark place and gave me hope. It showed me that beauty isn’t just surface-level, it can be healing, empowering, and transformative. That experience shaped my goals for the future. One of my biggest goals is to continue bettering myself in this trade every day. I don’t want to just be “good” at cosmetology, I want to excel, push myself creatively, and master new techniques that allow me to serve my clients in the best way possible. Cosmetology is a lifelong learning journey. There will always be new trends, products, and approaches, and I want to stay curious and open to growth throughout my career. Another goal of mine is to use my skills to help others feel confident and valued. I know firsthand how powerful it is to sit in a chair, walk out with a fresh look, and feel like a weight has lifted. I want to give that feeling to others. Whether it’s preparing someone for an interview, making a bride feel beautiful on her wedding day, or simply giving someone a confidence boost, I want to be the stylist who sends people out the door smiling. Looking ahead, I hope to work in a salon where I can learn from experienced stylists and build lasting client relationships. Over time, I’d love to mentor others just as I’ve been supported. One of my dreams is to eventually open my own salon, a welcoming, creative space where clients feel cared for and stylists feel inspired to grow. I don’t just want to build a business, I want to build a community. This scholarship will play a huge role in helping me reach those goals. Education and training in cosmetology require focus, time, and financial commitment. Having financial support would ease that burden and allow me to dedicate myself fully to learning, practicing, and developing my skills. It would give me the freedom to focus less on stress and more on perfecting my craft, building confidence, and pursuing the future I envision. The company’s values of G.R.I.T., generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork, are values I try to live out every day. To me, generosity means going the extra mile for clients and peers. Respect is treating every person with care and taking pride in quality work. Innovation means staying creative and open to new techniques as the industry evolves. And teamwork is the foundation of a great salon, built on communication, reliability, and support. Cosmetology has given me more than a career path, it has given me purpose, healing, and direction. It helped me through one of the hardest times in my life and showed me the kind of person I want to be: someone who uplifts others, shares creativity, and spreads confidence. My goals are to keep bettering myself in this trade, continue learning and growing, and create a future where I can inspire and support others the way cosmetology has inspired me. This scholarship would allow me to fully focus on those goals, build a strong foundation in my trade, and move forward with confidence and determination. I am excited for the opportunity to grow, learn, and embody the values of generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork as I continue my journey in cosmetology.