Salon Success Academy Graduate Overcomes Challenges on her Way to Success

January ’15

Alexa Perry always knew she wanted to do hair and when she graduated high school, Alexa said “I wanted to attend beauty school right away, I didn’t want to wait.” She went for a tour at Salon Success Academy and said she “knew right away that it was the place for me.” She said it was the right “look and feel and I signed up that same day.”

Throughout her journey at beauty school, Alexa faced and overcame many challenges. At one point, she held down two jobs while juggling a full time class schedule. That meant that “I often had to change in bathrooms, take the late night shifts at the restaurant, and get very little sleep.” Even more difficult was the emotional challenge of watching her mother battle cancer while Alexa was attending school. She would visit her mother at the hospital and then help with her two younger sisters. Alexa’s sisters couldn’t drive, so she was often called upon to play chauffeur and handle other family responsibilities while her mother worked to get well.

According to Alexa, one of the reasons she was able to keep going through some really difficult times was because the faculty at Salon Success Academy was so helpful and supportive. “Miss Evelyn was a big help right from the beginning.” She helped Alexa deal with school-wide schedule changes, but most of all, gave her the reassurance she needed to believe that she could succeed. Alexa said that Miss Evelyn was especially helpful in preparing her for the practical and written portions of the State Board exam and calming her nerves. Miss Evelyn inspired Alexa to keep going. It wasn’t always easy, but Alexa made it through and said that she firmly believes that “if I can get through it, anyone can.”

Alexa said the best part about Salon Success Academy was the “relationships I created and the life lessons that I didn’t expect to learn.” She appreciated the support and attention the entire staff gave her. The best advice she would offer to someone thinking about attending beauty school would be that it can be challenging and a big time commitment, but that it’s worth it!

Alexa graduated from the Cosmetology program in Upland, CA in 2014. In August, Alexa landed her dream job at Refresh Bar & Spa in Rancho Cucamonga, CA which is a blow dry bar that specializes in up-and-coming styles. She said “it’s the best job ever. I love it.” She always wanted to style hair and now she’s living her dream! Her Mom is in remission and is doing well. Alexa couldn’t be happier.