
Hobbies and interests
Modeling
Painting and Studio Art
Reading
Fashion
Spirituality
Reading
Drama
Adventure
Classics
Mystery
I read books multiple times per week
Zaire Gray
1,545
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Zaire Gray
1,545
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I’m a determined, creative Black woman working to rebuild my life and pursue new opportunities. I’m passionate about personal growth, financial stability, and using my voice to uplift myself and others. With every opportunity, I’m focused on creating a more secure, independent future.
Education
Arts Academy At Benjamin Rush
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Trade School
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Career
Dream career field:
esthetics
Dream career goals:
Liquor store clerk
Fine wine and good spirits2022 – 20242 yearsSales associate
Old navy2018 – 20202 years
Sports
Dancing
Varsity2010 – 20166 years
Awards
- n/a
Research
Nutrition Sciences
Issa — Yoga instructor/ Nutritionist2022 – 2023
Arts
Philadanco
Dancen/a2010 – 2012
Future Interests
Entrepreneurship
Dustan Biegler Memorial Scholarship
Most people would not expect a skincare laser to change someone’s life, but I have seen what happens when the right hands, the right training, and the right intention come together. I am passionate about pursuing a future in the skilled trades, specifically in esthetics and laser technology, because it allows me to transform people’s lives in real, hands on ways using tools, technique, and science. I am excited by how this path blends both technical skill and human care.
I have always been a tactile learner. I do not feel fulfilled sitting behind a desk or staring at a screen all day. I enjoy being active, solving problems in real time, and watching the results of my work unfold in front of me. The beauty industry, especially the more technical side, requires the same kind of training, precision, and discipline as any construction or mechanical trade. Learning how to operate lasers safely, care for different skin types, and perform advanced treatments is what excites me most. This field lets me blend creativity, science, and compassion, all things I deeply value and want to bring into my future career.
The person who has influenced me most on this path is honestly myself. I have had to lead myself through instability, toxic home environments, and start over multiple times without much support. But through those experiences, I learned how to survive and keep choosing myself even when no one else did. That strength and determination brought me here, touring schools, applying for aid, and pushing forward despite fear or uncertainty. I want a future I build with my own effort and confidence, where no one can take it away from me.
Eventually I want to open a clinic that centers Black women and other people of color, especially those whose skincare needs have been overlooked for too long. I want to offer services that build confidence and educate clients, especially those dealing with acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. I want my studio to be a place where people feel safe, seen, and transformed, no matter their background or circumstances.
Skilled trades give people the tools to create a better life, not just for themselves but for others too. I may not be working with concrete or steel, but I will be rebuilding self esteem and restoring confidence. That is the kind of impact I want to make, one person, one treatment, one life at a time. I am ready to dedicate myself fully to mastering this craft and making a lasting difference in my community and beyond.
WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship
I never really had anyone telling me I was beautiful — so I had to figure that out for myself. Growing up with eczema and scars, I spent years avoiding mirrors, picking at my skin, and feeling like I didn’t belong in my own body. But somewhere along the way, I realized nobody was going to hand me confidence. I had to build it myself — and I did. It started with small things: learning how to do my own nails, how to style my hair, how to cover blemishes with makeup, and eventually how to actually take care of my skin, not just hide it. That’s when I fell in love with the world of aesthetics.
For me, this field isn’t just about beauty — it’s about taking back control over how you feel when you look in the mirror. I chose to pursue a career as a laser technician because I know firsthand what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your skin. I’ve been there — walking into rooms feeling invisible, avoiding photos, and trying to shrink myself. But I also know what it feels like when that changes. When you start to glow — not because someone told you to, but because you did the work to get there. That feeling is priceless, and I want to help other people experience it, too.
I’ve always been quiet and observant, the type to stay to myself. But I’m also determined. I’ve survived situations that forced me to grow up fast — unstable homes, toxic environments, and people trying to control me. Through all of that, the one thing I’ve always had is my independence and my ability to teach myself what I needed to know. That’s what led me here.
Laser technology caught my attention because it’s powerful. It’s not just about surface-level beauty — it can help with real skin issues like acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation. It’s a way to make people feel confident and seen. And it’s fast-paced, constantly evolving, and requires precision — all things I’m drawn to.
But beyond the skill, this career represents freedom for me. Financial freedom, personal freedom, and finally being able to rely on myself fully. I’m ready to create a life where I don’t just survive — I thrive. I’ve already made it this far by trusting myself, and I know this is the next step.
Choosing this field wasn’t about anyone else’s expectations or opinions. It was about me — finding my own version of beauty, building my own confidence, and now turning that into a career that helps others do the same.