Growing up, I always found myself captivated by the transformation that beauty could bring not just physically, but emotionally. Watching my family members light up after a new hairstyle or seeing a friend’s confidence grow with a fresh braid made me realize that beauty isn’t shallow; it’s empowering. These early moments planted a seed in me. A desire to help others see their worth and feel their best through cosmetology. What truly inspired me to choose this career path was the combination of creativity, connection, and community. I’ve always had a creative soul. As a child, I’d experiment with styles on dolls, friends, and even myself, not just to make things “look pretty,” but to create something meaningful and personal. Cosmetology is a unique field where creativity isn’t just encouraged it’s essential. Each client is like a blank canvas, and every appointment is a chance to make art that uplifts someone’s spirit. As I got older, I realized that beauty professionals often become more than just stylists—they become listeners, motivators, and supporters. The salon is more than a workplace; it’s a safe space where people come to vent, celebrate, heal, and transform. I want to be a part of that. I want to be someone clients can trust, not only with their hair but with their stories and their lives. In Fall 2025, I will be starting my education at Empire Beauty School in Philadelphia, where I plan to master my craft and build a strong foundation in both the technical and personal sides of the beauty industry. I haven’t worked with clients yet, and I don’t rely on tutorials; instead, I am eager to learn from licensed instructors and hands-on practice to build real-world skills that reflect professional standards. But my goals don’t stop at becoming a skilled cosmetologist. I want to give back. I’m passionate about helping underserved communities where access to beauty services is limited. In the future, I hope to open a salon that provides affordable services and mentoring opportunities for young people interested in cosmetology. I want my journey to show others that beauty isn’t just about outer appearance it’s about confidence, creativity, and care. Choosing cosmetology wasn’t just a career decision for me, it was a calling. It’s where my love for art and community all come together. With the education I receive from Empire Beauty School and the support of scholarships like this one, I’ll be able to turn that calling into a lifelong mission to uplift others, one style at a time.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved doing hair. It started with just playing around on my friends and family doing braids, twisting, trying new styles from YouTube tutorials, and learning as I went. I didn’t have formal training, just curiosity and a love for making people feel good. At first, I didn’t see it as anything special. It was fun, a creative outlet, and something I naturally gravitated toward. But over time, I started to realize it was more than that. Doing hair made me feel confident, focused, and proud. More importantly, it gave other people confidence too. Seeing someone smile because of something I did with my hands that’s when I realized this could be my career. My goal is to become a licensed cosmetologist and eventually open my own salon. I want to create a space that feels safe, stylish, and full of love a place where people come not just to look good, but to feel good too. I already started my brand, “No Limits by Skye,” and while it’s just the beginning, I can see where it could go with the right training, support, and consistency. I want to be known for not only creative, protective hairstyles like braids and locs, but for uplifting people’s confidence, especially young Black women like me who deserve to feel beautiful in their natural selves. A lot of people don’t always respect cosmetology as a real trade, but I believe it absolutely is. Like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC workers, stylists have to learn techniques, build hands-on skills, and train hard. It takes hours of practice, precision, and problem-solving. We work with our hands, listen closely to clients, and constantly learn new trends and tools. It’s more than just styling it’s service, it’s art, and it’s business all in one. I’ve seen firsthand how a fresh hairstyle can change someone’s whole energy. I’ve had clients walk in stressed or sad and walk out smiling, feeling like themselves again. That’s the kind of impact I want to make every day. This scholarship would mean everything to me. Cosmetology school is expensive, and even though I’m doing all I can to make it work, the costs add up fast. Between tuition, kits, supplies, and transportation, it’s a lot to manage. I’m not afraid of hard work I’ve always been someone who hustles and figures things out but having extra financial support would take a huge weight off my shoulders. It would allow me to focus more on my training and less on how I’m going to pay for the next month. I could take extra classes, invest in quality tools, and start building my portfolio the right way. In the long run, I also want to give back. I see myself creating opportunities for other young people who want to get into the beauty industry but don’t know where to start. I’d love to mentor, teach, and even one day open a beauty academy or program for young girls in the community. I’ve already helped a few friends learn the basics, and it’s a great feeling to pass that knowledge on. I don’t want to just make it for myself, I want to open doors for others, too. Everything I’ve experienced so far from doing hair in my bedroom, to building my brand, to saving for beauty school has made me more determined than ever. I know this path won’t always be easy, but I also know I’m meant for it. I have the passion, the vision, and the drive. All I need now is the support to keep going. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. With your help, I’ll be able to turn this passion into something real something lasting not just for me, but for everyone I hope to reach through the beauty trade.

Since I was 12, doing hair has been my creative outlet, my escape, and my happy place. It all started with me practicing braids on myself in the mirror, trying different styles, learning through trial and error, and falling in love with the process. At first, it was just something I did to make myself look good. But over time, I realized it was so much more than that, it was something I wanted to do for others too. That’s when I knew cosmetology was my path. I’ve always believed that how we look can affect how we feel, and sometimes a new hairstyle is all it takes to boost your mood and confidence. I’ve seen it in myself, and I’ve seen it in others when I’ve done their hair. Being able to create that kind of transformation, not just on the outside, but emotionally too, is what keeps me passionate about this field. Cosmetology, to me, isn’t just about looks. It’s about connection, comfort, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves. What really motivates me is the feeling I get when someone sits in front of me and leaves standing a little taller, smiling a little wider. I want to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Especially people who might not always get that kind of care. I want my work to remind them that they matter, and that they deserve to feel beautiful in their own skin. I’ve always had a deep love for creativity. Whether it’s through hair, music, or even baking, I enjoy putting my energy into things that bring people joy. Cosmetology allows me to combine all of that with my desire to build something for myself and my future. I’ve already taken the first steps by creating my hair page, NoLimitsBySkye, which represents my belief that there’s no limit to what I can create or who I can help feel beautiful. Eventually, I want to open my own salon but not just any salon, a place with good energy, good vibes, and a strong sense of community. I want to create a safe, welcoming environment where people feel at home while also leaving feeling and look good. I see it being more than a business. I want it to be a movement. A space where people come not just to get their hair done, but to feel uplifted, empowered, and inspired. This scholarship would make a huge difference in helping me move forward with my education and turn my passion into a real career. I’m ready to work hard, stay dedicated, and keep learning. Cosmetology is more than a job to me, it’s my purpose. And with the right support, I know I can make a real impact, not just in beauty, but in people’s lives. I’m building something special, and I know this is just the beginning.

I am pursuing a career in cosmetology, focusing on hairstyling, braiding, and lace fronts. Hair has always been a passion of mine. Even though I had access to salons growing up, I preferred doing my hair and experimenting with different styles almost every week. I didn’t rely on tutorials or videos; I taught myself by trial and error, testing what worked best and learning from mistakes. When quarantine hit, I had more time to dedicate to improving my skills, especially learning how to install lace fronts, which has become a specialty of mine. What drives my passion is how a hairstyle can completely change the way someone feels about themselves. It’s not just about looks; it’s about confidence, self-expression, and empowerment. Cosmetology lets me combine my creativity with a meaningful way to help others feel beautiful and valued. It’s more than a trade to me, it’s a way to make a positive difference in people’s lives every day. After completing my education and earning my license, I plan to open a salon that offers affordable and welcoming services to my community. I understand firsthand how expensive salon care can be and how many people can’t easily access it. My goal is to create a space where students, single parents, and anyone who needs it can come for quality hair care without breaking the bank. In addition to providing services, I want to give back by teaching and mentoring others interested in the trade. Since I taught myself without much guidance, I know how valuable mentorship is. I plan to host workshops and one-on-one sessions to help young people, especially females, learn braiding, styling, and the business side of cosmetology. I want to make the path easier for others, just like I wish it had been for me. One of the biggest challenges I faced was when my family’s financial situation changed, making salon visits no longer affordable. Even though I was already doing my hair, quarantine pushed me to get better and more independent with my skills. I didn’t have the luxury of relying on professionals, and I didn’t watch tutorials or videos; instead, I learned by experimenting, practicing almost every week, and figuring things out on my own. It wasn’t always easy. I had moments of frustration when styles didn’t turn out how I wanted, but I stayed patient and kept trying. Learning to install lace fronts was tough at first, but I dedicated myself to mastering it. That experience taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of patience. It strengthened my passion for cosmetology and made me want to help others who might be in similar situations, people who need affordable, quality hair care and the confidence that comes with it.

My name is Amirah, but most people call me Skye. Growing up, I had regular access to salons and professional hair care, but I’ve always loved doing my own hair. Even before quarantine, I was teaching myself how to braid, style, and experiment — changing my hair almost every week just to see what I could create. I didn’t watch tutorials or follow videos; I learned by trial and error, by playing with different styles and figuring out what worked. When quarantine hit, I had even more time to practice and improve, and that’s when I started working with lace fronts, which I’ve been focused on since last year. Doing my own hair has always been a way for me to express myself and be creative. But it wasn’t until quarantine that I realized this skill could be my future. I spent hours practicing, sometimes making mistakes, but always learning. That process taught me patience and dedication. It showed me that cosmetology is more than a hobby — it’s a career I want to build. What motivates me most about this trade is how hair can change someone’s confidence. A fresh braid or a clean lace front isn’t just about looks; it’s about how someone feels about themselves. When I style hair, I want to help people feel seen, confident, and ready to take on the world. That feeling is powerful, and I want to give it to others. I also want to give back to my community by making beauty accessible. I know how expensive salon services can be, and I want to offer affordable or free styles to students, single parents, or anyone who needs it. A good hairstyle can boost someone’s confidence, especially before important moments like interviews or school events. Everyone deserves that chance to feel their best. Beyond styling, I want to teach others what I’ve learned. Since I taught myself without much guidance, I want to be the mentor I never had. I plan to hold classes and workshops to help young girls and others who want to learn braiding, lace fronts, and hair care. Sharing my skills and encouraging others is important to me. This scholarship will help me take the next step — getting licensed, improving my skills, and building my career. I’m ready to work hard and grow in this trade that has already changed my life. Cosmetology is my passion, and I’m excited to use it to uplift myself and my community.

Hair has always beeHair has always been something I naturally connected with. I’ve been doing braids, trying new styles, and helping friends feel good about themselves since I was young. At first, it was just for fun, but over time I realized this is what I love to do — and what I want to do long-term. That’s why I’m pursuing cosmetology. I’m passionate about it because it allows me to be creative, work with my hands, and most importantly, make people feel confident and beautiful. I recently started exploring my own brand idea — something I call The Skye Effect. It’s still new, and I’m figuring things out, but the meaning behind it is clear: I want to create something that leaves a positive, lasting impression. Whether it’s through a fresh hairstyle, a comfortable environment, or just treating clients with care and respect, I want people to walk away feeling better than when they came in. I’m still growing and learning, but this is the direction I want to take. Cosmetology is more than just hair to me. It’s a way to connect with people, support them, and boost their self-esteem. I know how powerful it can be to look in the mirror and finally feel like yourself — or like the best version of yourself. That’s the feeling I want to give to others every day. In the future, I plan to give back to my community by creating access and opportunity. First, I want to offer free or affordable services to those who may not be able to afford salon prices — like students, single parents, or people preparing for job interviews. I’ve seen how a good hairstyle can completely change someone’s mood and mindset, and I want to make that feeling available to everyone, not just people with money. I also want to teach and mentor others. Once I’ve gotten more experience and my license, I’d love to host beginner classes for braiding, styling, and installing lace — especially for younger girls who want to learn but don’t know where to start. I didn’t always have guidance when I was getting started, so I want to be that support for someone else. This scholarship would help me get one step closer to turning my goals into reality. Cosmetology is the path I’ve chosen, and I’m ready to put in the work. I may still be figuring out my brand and building my name, but one thing I know for sure is that I’m passionate about this trade. I’m excited to grow, give back, and leave a real impact — not just with styles, but with love, purpose, and care.

From a young age, I’ve always found joy in using my hands, my creativity, and my heart to help others feel seen, valued, and confident. That’s why I chose to pursue a career in the trades—specifically in cosmetology. It’s more than just hair for me. It’s a way of uplifting people, creating safe spaces, and expressing beauty in all its forms. I started braiding my own hair when I was twelve, turning my bathroom into a mini salon. Over time, I began doing hair for friends and family, and I fell in love with the process of transformation—not just on the outside, but on the inside too. The beauty industry is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most personal trades out there. People sit in my chair with more than just a desire for a new look—they bring their stories, their emotions, and sometimes their pain. Being able to connect with them, make them feel beautiful, and give them a safe space where they can fully be themselves is what drives me. That’s what makes this trade so powerful. It’s not just about styling hair—it’s about changing lives, one appointment at a time. One of the social causes that’s most important to me is mental health, especially in Black and brown communities. Growing up, I didn’t always see mental health being talked about in open and supportive ways. There was a lot of stigma, and not many safe spaces where people felt comfortable being vulnerable. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much inner healing and outer beauty are connected. When someone feels good about how they look, it can brighten their entire mood and shift how they move through the world. As a future hairstylist and salon owner, I want to make my space a healing space—one where people not only leave with fresh styles, but with lighter hearts. I also care deeply about empowering young girls and women to see themselves as strong, worthy, and creative. In this trade, I’ve found confidence and purpose, and I want to share that. I dream of mentoring young girls who are interested in cosmetology, teaching them not only the skills but the mindset it takes to grow in this field. I want to show them that the trades are a powerful path to success and self-sufficiency, especially for those of us who come from underrepresented communities. Choosing a career in cosmetology was not just about my passion—it was about my purpose. It gives me a platform to express myself creatively, support mental wellness, and create spaces where people feel empowered and accepted. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to further my education in the trade I love, build a career that makes a difference, and give back to my community in meaningful ways

The trade I am passionate about pursuing is cosmetology. My love for hair started when I was just 12 years old, braiding my own hair in front of the mirror and experimenting with different styles. At first, it was just something I did to make myself feel cute and confident. But over time, it became much more than that—it became a form of self-expression, a source of healing, and a creative outlet that inspired me to help others feel good about themselves too. From a young age, doing hair gave me a sense of power and pride. I didn’t always have the money to go to salons, so I learned how to braid my own hair and eventually moved on to learning how to do lace fronts, cornrows, box braids, and more. I watched videos, practiced on myself for hours, and even started doing hair for friends and family. Seeing their reactions—how their whole energy changed when they looked in the mirror—was the moment I realized this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Cosmetology isn’t just about appearance; it’s about confidence, self-worth, and joy. What inspires me most to pursue cosmetology is the way it brings people together. I want to create a space where people feel seen, safe, and uplifted. In the chair, it’s not just about hair—people open up, share their lives, and trust you not only with their appearance, but also their stories. I want to be the kind of stylist who makes people feel good both inside and out. Cosmetology gives me the chance to not only be creative with my hands, but also to be a positive force in someone’s day. Another inspiration behind my journey is my community. Growing up, I saw how important hair is—especially in Black culture. It’s a source of identity, pride, and tradition. From protective styles to bold looks that make a statement, I want to be part of that legacy. I also want to give back by providing affordable, high-quality services and eventually teaching others the skills I’ve learned along the way. Representation and access matter, and I want to create a space where everyone—regardless of background—feels beautiful, valued, and cared for. My long-term goal is to open my own salon. I want it to be more than just a beauty business—it’ll be a space where people feel welcomed and inspired, where stylists support each other, and where we celebrate culture, creativity, and confidence every single day. I also hope to branch out into teaching classes, mentoring younger stylists, and maybe even launching my own line of hair care products someday. Pursuing cosmetology means chasing a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl. It means turning my passion into a purpose and building a future that’s not just about success, but about service. I know this path won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to put in the work, learn everything I can, and grow into the professional I know I’m meant to be. With support from this scholarship, I can continue my training, sharpen my skills, and get one step closer to turning this dream into reality.