8 Beauty School Alumni Success Stories To Inspire You

The beauty industry offers a wealth of opportunities for those with passion, creativity, and dedication. From launching successful product lines to becoming sought-after makeup artists, these real-life beauty school alumni have turned their dreams into reality. Their journeys serve as inspiration for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the beauty world.

Inspiring Beauty School Alumni Success Stories

1. Michelle Phan: From YouTube Tutorials to Makeup Mogul

Michelle Phan began her journey by sharing makeup tutorials on YouTube, captivating millions with her approachable style and innovative techniques. Her online presence led to the creation of EM Cosmetics, a successful makeup line that reflects her philosophy of enhancing natural beauty. Phan’s story exemplifies how digital platforms can launch influential careers in the beauty industry. ​

2. Tara Fela-Durotoye: Pioneering Nigeria’s Beauty Industry

Tara Fela-Durotoye is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s beauty scene, establishing the country’s first makeup school and launching the House of Tara International. Her commitment to empowering women through beauty education has transformed the industry and created numerous job opportunities. Fela-Durotoye’s dedication showcases the impact of combining entrepreneurship with social responsibility. 

3. Kadi Lee: Hollywood’s Top Colorist and Entrepreneur

Kadi Lee’s passion for hairstyling led her from beauty school to becoming a renowned colorist for celebrities like Julia Roberts and Meghan Markle. Her journey began out of necessity, as there were no hairdressers familiar with her hair type in her hometown.

After attending Aveda’s cosmetology school, she trained at Frederic Fekkai’s salon before moving to Los Angeles, where she built a notable client list. Lee recently launched Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness, focusing on holistic hair health and demonstrating her innovative approach to beauty and wellness. 

4. Victoria Jackson: From Makeup Artist to Philanthropist

Victoria Jackson revolutionized the beauty industry in the 1980s with her “no makeup makeup” philosophy, generating a billion dollars in sales. Her career included a successful 10-year run on QVC and the launch of over 600 products.

After her daughter was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in 2008, Jackson dedicated herself to funding research, contributing $80 million to the cause. In 2025, she relaunched her beauty brand as No Makeup Makeup, featuring new products like a 4-in-1 foundation and showcasing her resilience and commitment to beauty and philanthropy. ​

5. Sandra Don-Arthur: Elevating Ghana’s Beauty Industry

Sandra Don-Arthur, founder of Alexiglam Studio, has significantly influenced Ghana’s beauty industry. Her work as a makeup artist has graced numerous celebrities and political figures, and she has represented West Africa at international events like New York Fashion Week.

Don-Arthur’s dedication to her craft and her efforts to train upcoming makeup artists have elevated the standards of beauty services in her region. 

6. Eveline Charles: Building a Beauty Empire in Canada

Eveline Charles started her career as a hairstylist and expanded her vision to create EvelineCharles Salons and Spas, a chain of luxury salons across Canada. She also established the EvelineCharles Academy, providing education in cosmetology and esthetics.

Charles’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have made her a prominent figure in the Canadian beauty industry. 

7. Emily Laubach: Young Entrepreneur in Makeup Artistry

Emily Laubach’s passion for beauty led her to enroll in Ulster BOCES’ cosmetology program during high school. By 2017, she had become a professional makeup artist, licensed cosmetologist, and owner of Emily Elle Makeup. Her dedication and early start exemplify how vocational education can fast-track a flourishing career in the beauty industry.

8. Kelly Hanna: From Beauty School to Celebrity Makeup Artist

Kelly Hanna’s journey began at Taylor Andrews Academy in Salt Lake City, where she honed her skills in cosmetology. Her talent and unique style led her to work with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Liv Tyler. Hanna’s story highlights how dedication and continuous learning can lead to a successful career in the competitive world of celebrity makeup artistry. ​

Your Beauty Career Awaits

These real-life success stories demonstrate that with passion, dedication, and the right training, a thriving career in the beauty industry is within reach. Whether your goal is to work with top clients, start your own brand, or educate the next generation of beauty professionals, the possibilities are endless. Ready to turn your passion into success? Your journey starts now!

Cath

Cath initially pursued a Doctor of Medicine degree but eventually shifted her focus to writing. While she remains passionate about health and wellness, she also explores beauty and fashion as a creative outlet. Her diverse interests empower her to blend scientific insight with artistic expression.