Vegas, Here We Come!
Every year the Aveda Institute Portland encourages our student to enter the student PBA Beacon competition. The student competition is hosted by the Professional Beauty Association, an organization for stylists, estheticians, salon owners, salon manufactures, beauty schools and more. The PBA works to highlight the incredible work and professionalism within our industry and give resources for professionals to grow. Beacon is a student competition that asks students to showcase just that. How are they growing their business, becoming professionals and making their mark in the industry? Winners and honorable mentions get the chance to go to Vegas for PBA Beauty week, a week jam packed with education, networking and the biggest hair show around, NAHA.
The Ones to Watch
Students at the Aveda Institute Portland have the unique advantage of being guided through entering the competition by staff. A 3-part class series is put on for those interested in entering. The classes cover marketing, resume building and a how-to on creating a portfolio and submitting. This year we were proud to have twenty-two students attend all three classes and submit for the chance to go to Vegas for PBA Beauty Week. We could be prouder of all or entries, the work they submitted this year blew us away!!! After all was said and done, we were left with eight. Two winners and six Honorable mentions. Check them out below and be sure to watch as these eight make their mark in the industry!
The All Star- Jenny (PBA Beacon Winner)
(Jenny pictured to the right; To the left hair color and hair cut by Jenny)
If you have ever met Jenny the first thing you will notice is how colorful she is. Not just in her dress but also in spirit. She is lively and honest and her work in the hair industry insofar is very reflective of that. Her portfolio ranges from wildly colored hair to sleek shapely cuts. If you are in the mood for vibrant hair with a PDX edge, Jenny is the perfect stylist for you!
Instagram: @redstarcosmo
The Nerd- Kaitlin (PBA Beacon Winner)
(Kaitlin pictured to the right; To the left nail art by Kaitlin)
Self-described nerd, Kaitlin is doing something different. She is capturing nail looks in a way you have never seen before. Her Instagram, Nerd Girl Nails is full of playful, and yes, some nerdy, designs. Her unique name came from the discovery that nerd by definition is, knowing a lot about something, and Kaitlin knows a lot about nails. To own her craft, she coined the name @nerdgirlnails. This is an Instagram you don’t want to miss if you are a lover of flirty nail designs.
Instagram: @NerdGirlNails
The Photographer- Dorian (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
(Dorien pictured to the right; To the left hair by Dorien)
Dorian is the one with the eye. In beauty school, he picked up a camera because he wanted to get the right shot and it came seemingly natural to him. His camera skills combined with his eye behind the chair make all his images read like a fashion editorial. If you are in the mood for hair that wows and want a bonus pic of yourself looking amazing, Dorien might be the perfect stylist for you!
Instagram: @DorienDoesHair
Website: http://dorien2jimenez.wixsite.com/doriendoeshair
The Visionary- Brandon (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
(Brandon pictured to the right; To the left makeup by Brandon, modeled on himself)
Brandon is an artist. Stop him in the hall to talk about his craft and his eyes light up. For him this isn’t just a career, just a job, for Brandon his craft is his art. Pop into his Instagram and you will find beautiful color swatches and inspiration pics leading up to a final look created on Brandon himself. Do yourself a favor and check out his website, to peek at his video bio, you will not be disappointed!
Instagram: @BrandonEdwardCosmo
Website: https://www.brandonedwardcosmo.com/
The Artist- Rachel (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
(Rachel pictured to the right; To the left hair by Rachel)
Rachel wants to create hair that means something, that captures each individual in her chair. Her all black and white portfolio reads like a portrait session; each cut embodies its new owner. Every picture an expression of their inner-self. The decision to make her portfolio all black and white was a thoughtful one. But her focus is cuts and the black and white showcases every line, every shape. Don’t miss her work if you are the kind of person looking for hair that goes beyond a trim and enters the world of artistic expression.
Instagram: @HairyArt_byrachel
The Go-getter- Taylor (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
(Taylor pictured to the right; To the left hair by Taylor)
Taylor is quiet and pointed. This is a girl with a path and she doesn’t let much stop her. Including being one of the few freshman students to enter the contest. When she entered she had barely learned the six Aveda cuts but she is a woman with a mission. She quickly cultivated a website and an Instagram with work done on herself and her classmates. Her web page is personal and professional. You get a strong sense of exactly the kind of girl Taylor is and she ekes of professionalism.
Instagram: @_tldesigns
Website: http://tldesignspdx.weebly.com/
The Sunny One- Whitney (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
(Whitney pictured to the right; To the left hair by Whitney)
Talk about a bright spot! Whitney has an ever-sunny disposition that comes through in all her work. If you are looking for hair touched by the sun, light and flowy then look no further! Her Instagram is the perfect blend of sun kissed highlights, girly braids and ultra-feminine cuts. If you are looking for pretty hair that will get you some major Instagram love, Whitney is the gal to get you there!
Instagram: @whitneyzellerhair
The Self Starter- Nicole (PBA Beacon Honorable Mention)
Nicole has a big bubbly personality. She is humble but finds success in most things she does because she is not the type to half-do anything. Even before enrolling into beauty school Nicole was working on her website. Her Instagram is a plethora of inspiration with pics ranging from wild makeup to chic before and after. Another of our students to enter the Beacon competition as a freshman Nicole is driven to succeed and her warm personality will take her far. If you are looking to a stylist who will give you a great cut and a kind ear then Nicole is one to watch!
Instagram: @Frizeronooda
Website: http://www.frizeronooda.com/
