Teaching our students artistry and creativity is very important to us, and it all starts with our educators. We stand behind them as they continue to develop their skills, and we love to recognize their achievements. Every year, each of our 91¹ú²ú submit one student team entry and one educator team entry to the Edwin Neill Full Potential Competition. This year, our 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida educator team placed 1st and our 91¹ú²ú Institute Tampa Bay educator team placed 3rd!

The Edwin Neill II Full Potential Award was created to acknowledge the promise and potential of future professionals. A role model for all – Edwin Neill II not only believed in our mission, he lived it on a daily basis. His greatest memory will be his contribution to the youth of the beauty industry. Recipients of this award have been chosen by 91¹ú²ú for their artistic accomplishments and their commitment to making a difference in the beauty industry and the world.

We wanted to recognize the educators from our South Florida team. Learn more about their journeys to cosmetology!

Bianca Dunlap, 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida

My dreams of being a hairstylist started to come true the moment I enrolled at 91¹ú²ú Institute Tallahassee. It was the beginning of an amazing journey. After working behind the chair for several years I realized that my passion was in education. I’ve been teaching at the 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida for 10 years where I am currently the lead educator. Every day gives me an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.

Carley Leitao, 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida

I have had my cosmetology license for 5 years now but I have always had a fascination with anything hair, makeup or fashion since I could remember. These 3 components helped me express myself on an artist level. The day I started cosmetology school is when I knew my goal was to become an educator. I am originally from Connecticut but decided to take a risk and move to Miami Beach. After working in a full-service salon on Miami Beach I decided to work towards my ultimate goal as an educator. I have now been with 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida for over a year. I truly feel like I found where I belong. I can not wait to further my career and help others fuel their passion for this craft. I am beyond grateful for my journey as an artist and educator.

Candice White, 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida

After receiving my degree in design and working as a graphic designer for 4 years, I found myself looking for a new form of artistic freedom. I started my career in cosmetology 9 years ago and never looked back. It was during my time as a student at 91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida I discovered my true passion in hair and education. The experience I had there as a student really molded me into the stylist and educator I am today. I try to pass along that same passion to my students and encourage them to dig deep and every day better their best.

Learn Beauty from Award-Winning Instructors

Bianca, Carley, Candice, and all of our talented instructors have the skills and passion they need to teach the next generation of beauty professionals. If you are interested in cosmetology, our 91¹ú²ú are the place for you. A member of our team would be happy to answer your questions!

If you are a licensed cosmetologist looking to further your craft, becoming an instructor could be the right path for you. Let’s get in touch!

Entries are judged by a panel of 91¹ú²ú Global Artists and Educators in the following categories: Creativity, Artistry, Difficulty, Photographer Composition, and Technical Precision.

Students from each 91¹ú²ú Institute traveled to select locations to bring their visions to life. Check out some behind the scenes photos from the 2017 Full Potential photo shoot.

91¹ú²ú Institute Jacksonville

91¹ú²ú Institute South Florida

Makeup: Mandi Lee Sweeney

Color: Hanna Staub

Model: Kendall McNay

Stylist: Kelli Chauvin

Makeup: Ian Moreau

Color: Sophia Simon

Model: Taylor Otken

Stylist: Maryann Bruno

Makeup: Allison Barber

Color: Krissy Fabre

Model: Haley Jacobs

Stylist: Katlyn Wagner

Makeup: Natalie Connell

Color: Haley Phillips

Model: Madison Bryant

Stylist: Sashia Collins

Makeup: Anna McCord

Color: Felicia Vega

Model: Nathalie Fernandez

Cut & Style: Tiffany Williams

Makeup: Mo Lopee

Color: Kelli Duym

Stylist: Meghan Gregory

Makeup: Mona Eghterafi

Color: Kiersten Pate

Model: Emma Vail

Stylist: Indigo Williams

Makeup: Greggory Quarels

Color: Nancy Teppan

Stylist: Ìý ÌýKineta Hudson

Makeup: Jacquelynn Marroquin

Color: Amanda Johnson

Model: Sarah Small

Stylist: Jalyne Hopkins

Makeup: Megan Morales

Color: Sonya Aleman

Model: Shauna Aubry

Stylist: Heidi Platt

Makeup: Spencer Pursell

Color: Erin Cron

Model: Margaret Russell

ALT: Amy Taylor

Stylist: Ìý Dustin Burke

Makeup: Macy Malin

Color: Taylor Cardenas

Model: Christina Patricio

Stylist: Ìý Noemi Torres

Makeup: Arian Brumby

Color: August Tapia

Model: Lara Prevallet

?Last night, each of our schools hosted our annual eco-chic fashion runway scholarship contest and Earth Month fundraising initiative, Catwalk for Water! ?

Funds raised from this event go towards our Earth Month partners; , , , and the . These organizations are dedicated to raising awareness and protecting clean water, globally and regionally.

We were blown away by the talent and passion that was demonstrated and it was an honor to award a winner from each institute with a full tuition cosmetology scholarship.

Check out some of the looks from our 2017 Catwalk for Water that were created by current 91¹ú²ú students, educators, and incoming students.

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A post shared by Michaela Ashlynn Stewart (@rockin_curly_qutie) on Mar 19, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

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Read about the reasons why some of our new students chose 91¹ú²ú for their beauty school education.

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because, just like myself, it stands for something so rare nowadays: care for the Earth in which we inhabit, care for the world we live in. It shows that no matter how “big” your name is ethics and morality are still a priority.”

-Destiny P

“I did a lot of research around which Institute I wanted to attend and I felt I belonged the most at 91¹ú²ú, the atmosphere, the morals, everything just screamed “CAMI THIS IS YOU!!”.”

-Cami

Each winner will submit their own collection on behalf of 91¹ú²ú Institutes South.

Check out the amazing work of the student and educator winners along with all the entries we received this year. We are so excited to watch participants reach their full potential using their talent and passion for beauty.

Student WinnersÌý

Region 1 – 91¹ú²ú Institute Austin

Jackie Stroud

Region 2 – 91¹ú²ú Institute Covington

Krissy Fabre

Region 3 – 91¹ú²ú Institute Birmingham

Hannah Power

Region 4 – 91¹ú²ú Institute Tampa Bay

Crystalle Bevelot

Newcomer Student

91¹ú²ú Institute Nashville

Amy Wilson

91¹ú²ú Institute New Orleans

Paige Brunet

Newcomer Educator

91¹ú²ú Institute Dallas

Kayla Ruffino

Student Entries

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We had so much fun getting to know these new beauty school students and introducing them to the 91¹ú²ú culture!

Read about why some of these students chose 91¹ú²ú and check out pictures from last week’s activities.

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because of it’s uniqueness in this industry, and the fact that it is the most prestigious yet the most natural. It’s mission aligns with my personal mission in life.”

-Ashley H

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because it’s fancy! LOL! And to me it’s the definition of what beauty school should be and the diversity it offers.”

-Bri H

Raul Araujo

A-Side Student of the Month

Salon Concepts

Why 91¹ú²ú?

“There were many reasons I chose 91¹ú²ú. First, I liked the school schedule because it allowed me to not only pursue my education, but maintain a job while doing so. Second, I liked the fact that 91¹ú²ú provided more credit hours so that I wasn’t limited in career paths or locations. Third, (and what really sealed the deal), was viewing the work of current students on social media and seeing how polished and aligned 91¹ú²ú was with my own aesthetic!

I went to high school at in Kissimmee, where I was Vice President of the National Art Honor Society. After high school, I attended , where I achieved an A.S degree in Computer Programming and Analysis. While in college, I was the Senator of Scholarships/Webmaster for Phi Theta Kappa and had the opportunity to intern with the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington DC.Ìý I also interned with the Department of Defense in Battle Creek, Michigan.

My work can currently be seen at I will be debuting my professional Instagram account soon!”

Elba Calderon

B-Side Student of the Month

Masters Student

Why 91¹ú²ú?

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because I wanted something that was hands-on, advanced, and had opportunities to train with real guests. When I toured the institute, it felt like home once I walked through the door. I went to in Orlando. I love to do makeup and hair in my free time. I also do craft projects and hang out with my friends to make memories that last a lifetime.

You can view my work on Instagram @stylesbyelbss”

Trinity Ervin

Spa Student of the Month

Why 91¹ú²ú?

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to help people find their beauty. Though I grew up as a tomboy, I had always felt beauty within, and I knew that I wanted others to feel that kind of natural beauty.

When I was looking for a college that inspires greatness and helps you grow as a person, I chose 91¹ú²ú. At 91¹ú²ú, we don’t tell you want beauty is, we help you feel the beauty that defines you because we genuinely care. As part of our mission, we care for the world we live in from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. I truly feel at home with 91¹ú²ú and I am thankful for the help they are giving me to fulfill my purpose.

My hobbies include yoga and meditation. I am a dedicated gamer so I love to play video games. I also love cats and would buy a mansion and fill it with cats if I could!”

Last night, winners were announced and we are excited to congratulate Evan Erickson for taking home the top spot for the 2016 Newcomer Stylist of the Year Award!

We are so proud of both our educators and their teams for being recognized for their passion and talent.

Kayla Ruffino

91¹ú²ú Institute Dallas
Photographer: Dallan Flint
Wardrobe Stylist: Dallan Flint
Makeup Artist: Paige Roberts

Evan Erickson

91¹ú²ú Institute Dallas
Photographer: Daryna Barykina
Wardrobe Stylist: Evan Erickson
Makeup Artist: Paige Roberts

Make sure to check out all the winners from this year’s !

Spa Student of the Month-Venus Robinson

Why did you choose 91¹ú²ú ?

“I choose AVEDA because I wanted to learn about 91¹ú²ú’s Philosophy. I wanted to know more about Ayurveda therapies, become a full specialist and become an 91¹ú²ú partner Spa. I LOVE 91¹ú²ú products, the science behind their creation, the purity of the herbs they use, and the way they care about the environment. By being in 91¹ú²ú, I have learned a lot more than esthetics and have met wonderful people. True Leadership is done by example and I have the most passionate Teachers constantly inspiring me to be better and learn more. We are all ONE. I found true friendship and a place where I belong in the AVEDA family. I found real people coming together for something bigger than themselves, protecting the Earth, helping the homeless and the community, and helping each other through every day struggles. There is always a hand, a smile and a hug to keep you going and bring out the best in you. I’ve learned that beauty is what beauty does. And
it has been a beautiful experience. 91¹ú²ú is very demanding, but definitely encouraging and pushes you to excel!”
Which high school/additional education did you graduate with?

“I’m from Venezuela and went to La Presentation Catholic High School, Marisa Palacios Aesthetics institute, , .”

What is your favorite 91¹ú²ú product?Ìý

“It’s very hard to choose a favorite 91¹ú²ú Product, although I really like the Perfecting Plant peel. It is the most amazing WARM experience for the skin and rejuvenating it without irritating it! I also like all the aromatherapy products as well as the Blue composition oil and the Active composition oil which act as a warm and cold therapy for muscle relaxation, giving amazing results.”

What are some of your other passions?

“I recently opened my own spa called Venus Le Spa and I’m a member of contemplative outreach as well as a teacher of contemplative prayer (extensión contemplativa). Some of my passions are reading, dancing, and outdoor sports.”

Cosmetology A side Student of the Month-Jenny Oyola

Why did you choose 91¹ú²ú?

“When I was “shopping” for schools, I was looking for an educational facility that made me feel at home, one that made me feel like I wasn’t just a dollar sign, and that when I’m going through life, I had a support system to get me through. I went on a tour of a school the day before I came to 91¹ú²ú and well, it was very limited on diversity and culture. When I came to 91¹ú²ú I instantly felt at home, from the ambiance, to the professionalism, to the hug when I met with Michelle, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. As I thought about the commitment and all the hours I would have to invest in my new career I knew to be the best at what I want to do, I need to start with the best education. 91¹ú²ú!

Which high school/additional education did you graduate with?

“I graduated in 2007 from Cranston High School East all the way up in little Rhode Island. I also have a certification as a Paraprofessional and completion of three levels of ASL both from the Community College Of Rhode Island.”

What is your favorite 91¹ú²ú product?

“My favorite 91¹ú²ú products…. I actually call these three item my life line, without them I don’t know what I would do…
Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil, Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair and Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme.
Yes my hair is damaged, I’m in hair school, I have done a lot of things to my hair in a short period of time haha!”

Cosmetology B side Student of the Month-Adam Larison

Why did you choose 91¹ú²ú?

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because I felt I would be pressured to improve here. I studied theater in college and I hope to return to theater as a cosmetologist. I enjoy learning the process behind theater wigs and stage makeup.”

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Read about the experiences of our new students below.

“I love Camp 91¹ú²ú.Ìý They welcomed you as soon as you walk through the door, and the energy is wonderful.Ìý I’m so glad that I chose to come to the 91¹ú²ú Institute!”
-Summer Davis

“I chose 91¹ú²ú because it shares the same values for the environment as I do.”
-Alisia Hopkins

“I came to 91¹ú²ú because I have always had a passion for making people feel and look good about themselves.Ìý When I came to 91¹ú²ú I realized that 91¹ú²ú is so much more than what I expected.Ìý It was once told to me if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life, and I know this will come true.”
-Jessica Losey

“I have fallen in love with 91¹ú²ú.Ìý Not only am I here to learn about Spa Therapy, but I received the added bonus of learning overall wellness.Ìý 91¹ú²ú rocks!!!”
-Keshia Smith