Maccasso Blog
Welcome to my blog, where I share my journey as a student cosmetologist.With 7 months of experience at Avalon Institute, I've achieved academic awards and industry recognition, including winning the Sephora Beauty Scholarship, Avalon Institute Academic Scholarship, and the Avalon Clipper Competition.Join me as I continue to make my mark in the beauty industry, sharing tips, insights, and updates on my latest achievements.
Academic Awards & Achievements
My journey as a cosmetologist:Sephora Beauty Scholarship
As a male latinx cosmetology student, I am proud to share my exciting journey of winning the Sephora Beauty Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship offered by Sephora, a leading beauty retailer, will provide me with incredible opportunities and benefits that will shaped my career in the beauty industry.One of the significant benefits of winning the Sephora Beauty Scholarship is the in-store paid internship. This internship has given me the opportunity to work in a professional setting, learn from experienced beauty experts, and gain practical hands-on experience. It has been an invaluable opportunity to hone my skills, learn about the latest beauty trends, and interact with customers in a real-world retail environment.Another incredible advantage of the Sephora Beauty Scholarship is the tuition support of up to $7500. This financial assistance has helped me pursue my passion for cosmetology without the burden of overwhelming student loans. It has allowed me to focus on my education and training, and invest in my future as a beauty professional.Furthermore, as a recipient of the Sephora Beauty Scholarship, I have gained access to the Sephora Alumni Program, which provides ongoing support and networking opportunities. This program will connect me with fellow scholarship recipients, Sephora alumni, and industry professionals, creating a supportive community that has been instrumental in my career growth.I am grateful for Sephora's support and encouragement, and I am excited to continue my career in the beauty industry with the skills, knowledge, and confidence gained from this prestigious scholarship.
My Unexpected Victory:Avalon Clipper Competition
In March 2023, I participated in the barber competition held at my school, Avalon. It was the first time the competition was held at Avalon, and it was an exciting opportunity for me to showcase my skills.To be honest, I wasn't planning to participate in the competition at first. I had tried to sign up two clients, but they backed out due to work commitments. I thought it was a sign from God that I wasn't meant to compete. However, fate had other plans for me.My stage one teacher, Ms. Crystal, convinced me to compete and even found me a client. The client was a bit late picking up his wife, but he was excited to get a free haircut for the competition. He initially wanted a light fade, but I convinced him to go for a drop fade to stand out from the other contestants.The competition was tough, but I was confident in my skills. I finished the haircut in about an hour and a half, which was faster than my usual time. I was excited about how clean and fresh the haircut looked, and I knew I had done my best.During the competition, my classmates and I did some amazing work. I was honored to have some new students come in and shadow me. It was great to see everyone's creativity and skills on display.When the competition was over, I was shocked to hear that I had won first place! It was such an unexpected victory, but I was grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills and compete against some of the best barbers at Avalon. I was proud of myself for pushing through my doubts and taking a chance on the competition.I had an amazing time at the competition, and I'm grateful for the experience. It was great to see my skills improve and to get some recognition for my hard work. I want to give a shoutout to Avalon and the student body for making the competition happen, and to my teacher, Ms. Crystal, for pushing me to participate.If you're interested in seeing some pictures and footage of the competition, check out my YouTube video. And don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this!
my perspective on the hair industry:Avalon Institute Scholarship
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, the barbershop held a special place in my heart. It was more than just a place to get a haircut; it was the heart of my community. Some of my earliest memories were going to the barbershop with my dad, feeling a part of something bigger. The conversations, the buzzing sound of the clipper, and the familiar smell of Cool Care created a comforting environment that left a lasting impression on me.From a young age, I knew that I wanted to cut hair. However, I didn't realize at the time that it could mean so many different avenues. When I moved to Las Vegas, I was faced with a choice between barber school and cosmetology school. After careful consideration, I decided to enroll in cosmetology school, as it fit my schedule and budget better. Little did I know that this decision would open my eyes to a whole new perspective on cutting hair.At cosmetology school, I discovered a whole new world of creativity and possibilities. I learned not just the technical skills of cutting hair, but also the art of styling, coloring, and grooming. The diverse curriculum exposed me to various hair textures, styles, and techniques, and I gained a deeper understanding of the hair industry as a whole.One of the most significant benefits of attending cosmetology school was the financial aid opportunities. Despite my financial situation, the supportive staff at the school helped me explore options such as scholarships, which I didn't know were available outside of traditional 4-year universities. I applied for Avalon's internal scholarship and was awarded the grant, which became the first step on my journey and made my transition into the world of hairdressing much smoother.
