Brillare Hairdressing Academy

Lea Ann Callaway is a full-time hair stylist at Salon Blu in Santa Monica, CA. Upon graduating July 2008, Lea Ann moved to the mecca of west coast style, Los Angeles, to begin her new career. Though the beauty industry in Southern California tends to be extremely competitive, Lea Ann was prepared for the challenging road that lay ahead of her. At her first employer, Lea Ann found her creativity and growth to be very stifled by the salon's assisting program. "My employers didn't see me as an asset to their company," Lea Ann said, "They saw me as future competition."

She learned the importance of finding the right fit, which led her to Salon Blu in Santa Monica. There, Lea Ann, found an employer who has been willing to not only to guide her in her hairstyling skills, but to also teach her about creating, building and running a successful business. In her time at Salon Blu, Lea Ann has immersed herself in every aspect of hairstyling, including getting her certification in Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex, and Coppola. Her talents have been called upon for various photo and music video shoots.

In her free time, Lea Ann likes "to do the same things lots of women do," including shopping and "obsessing over fashion," spending time with her family and boyfriend and writing. Her number one takeaway from attending the academy? "I loved learning to do hair, but I mostly loved meeting some amazing people who are still part of my life to this day."

Reagan Jones graduated in October 2001, and she has been a local leader in the hairstyling industry ever since. Today Reagan is a full-time hair stylist and Executive Director of Dolce Salon and Spa in Peoria, AZ. Reagan says she was fortunate to be in a position to begin working at Dolce when they opened in 2002, and she has played a key role in the growth of the company, which now has three locations, including Reagan's (which is the largest). So after years as a stylist and dealing with the rigors of running a salon, is Reagan's love for the industry in decline? Not a chance: "I am in love with my career," she said. "It's so rewarding and exciting!"

When asked about her experience at the academy, Reagan lights up at the thought of her education. Even on her first day at the Academy, it seemed like she was meant to be there: "I chose the Academy because I walked in and felt like I was at home. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's so true!" After learning from elite instructors, as well as from guest stylists like Angus Mitchell and Jeanne Bra, Reagan hopes to "pay it forward" by getting her instructors license. Reagan is always looking for inspiration and the opportunity to learn, and she loves doing photo shoots and visiting museums in her free time.

One of the qualities instilled in all graduates is the lifelong passion for learning, which can be easily seen in 2009 graduate Kaylin Foisy. Kaylin is currently an apprentice at Taglio Salon in North Scottsdale, AZ, and has spent her time there soaking up all of the learning opportunities available to her. She chose the academy knowing that it was the place to go to get the best education, and she was not mistaken. Because of the high quality training she received at the academy, she was able to dive right into her current apprenticeship. There was no review or "back to the basics" needed for Kaylin, as she has been able to build on her education from day one at Taglio.

And where does her career stand now? "I am completely happy with what I have accomplished since graduating from the academy. I'm so excited to learn more and work my way to the floor and start taking my own clients." Kaylin has shown a knack for both styling and coloring, and she looks to continue her growth in those areas.

Since graduating in June 2008, Brittany Guzman has continued her education while working at Perry Monge Salon in Phoenix, AZ, where she is a Junior Stylist and Esthetician. Brittany has felt fortunate for her opportunity at Perry Monge, stating, "The salon has a great assisting program, and Perry is a wonderful mentor who really takes the time to see how each individual learns and makes it work for them." However, while Brittany still considers herself to be a student of her industry, she is also now a teacher, as she helps educate the new assistants at her salon. While on a trip to her salon's annual hair show presentation with Intercoiffure, Brittany pulled triple-duty. Not only was she there with her salon, but she also taught choreography for the models, and even had the opportunity to be a model for a couple of the shows.

When Brittany enrolled at the academy, she did so knowing that she would be able to learn advanced techniques from the most knowledgeable instructors around who cared about her as a person as well. Her favorite memory? "I was returning from taking my state boards test, and I was very sad and worried. I saw Marty and said, 'Marty guess what happened!? During my haircut my mannequin head fell on the floor!' She looked at me sweetly and said, 'Oh don't worry about it, honey, your client's head isn't going to roll on the floor, they understand that.' I was relieved, and she said not to worry." Brittany is eager to continue her career and hopes to do more traveling with her salon.

Alison Parmer is a recent graduate of the academy and is now apprenticing at Taglio Salon. After graduating in June 2009, Alison moved to California to further her hairstyling career, but the transition for her was a bit rocky. She ultimately returned to Arizona and joined Taglio Salon, where she says she could not be happier and that she is on the right track to accomplish her goals. She plans to complete her apprenticeship at Taglio and remain there on the floor for several years before moving back to California.

Alison praises the academy for uniquely improving her life on both professional and personal levels. Going into her study program, she knew that being a graduate of Toni and Guy would give her a leg up when searching for job opportunities. Furthermore, by participating in events like the annual hair show and the photographic awards, Alison was able to gain practical experience in a constructive learning environment. Alison also looks back at her time at the academy fondly because of the special bonds she was able to make with her fellow students.

Brittany Wallis is an alum who is well on her way to a glowing career in the hairstyling industry. After graduating in July 2008, Brittany has established herself in the Valley in a very short period of time. Brittany is currently working as a stylist and shift leader at Cielo Salon and Day Spa in Chandler, AZ, and has played a key role in the growth of the new salon. Brittany notes that Cielo is a great salon to work at because the stylists are always learning from one another and helping each other grow. Ultimately Brittany hopes to be a part of New York Fashion Week. "It's a big dream," she said, "but hopefully one day."

Brittany notes that she benefited greatly from the academy's full focus on hair, which aligned perfectly with her own goals. Her favorite memory? "This is probably a silly memory, but my favorite was the first time we cut hair, doing the one length square cut. IT TOOK ALL DAY! It's just funny to look back at that now."

When the salon partners guest teach at the academy, they do not just teach new skills and refine techniques. They also teach their students how to be confident, skilled artists, which is one reason why Shea Wheeler decided to attend the academy. A 2008 graduate, Shea explains, "I chose [the academy] because I was confident I could get the highest education possible and that the academy had a strong focus on getting their students to stand on their own feet as stylists." Since graduating, Shea has been able to consistently (and rapidly) build her clientele at Indulgence Salon and Boutique thanks to her strong knowledge base and commitment to continually taking more color and cutting classes.

One of Shea's favorite memories from her time at the academy was the care that her instructors constantly showed for the students. Shea fondly recalls numerous occasions when her instructors, after teaching for hours, would stay after class with her to teach her extra techniques. Such a commitment to others has stayed with Shea, and she in turn takes the time to help others as well, explaining, "I've had the opportunity to volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul about four times a year at the Homeless Haircutting Marathon and the Midwestern University Cuts for Kids event."