We believe in you and your vision for the future. That’s why we’re honored to support your professional growth through our Suite Relief Fund Scholarships. These scholarships, funded by the generosity of Suite Elite Community members and MY SALON Suite Franchise Partners across the nation, provide financial assistance so that Members can pursue the educational opportunities that will empower their careers.
In 2023, 100 aspiring professionals will realize their dreams, with 25 $250 scholarships awarded quarterly. Whether it’s advanced training, classes, or certifications, we want to see you continue reaching new heights.
Check out the September 2023 Scholarship Recipients below:
Name: Britney Bechtel
Location: Manchester, PA
Short Bio: I have been in the industry since 2005, my best year has been this year since coming into MY SALON Suite. My business has grown and I continue to learn new things and challenge myself to new business goals. I love doing blowouts and creative coloring. I have a son and we love to go camping on weekends so owning my own business is a blessing.
IG: @Britmichele_yorkpastylist
Name: Rochelle Braswell
Location: Hendersonville, NV
Quote: This scholarship will allow me to grow in my business by providing me the ability to take continuing education classes and attend conferences for my industry. At the conference I will be able to attend workshops for business growth, techniques and many other types of classes.
Short Bio: I am originally from San Diego California where I started in the beauty industry as a cosmetologist and transitioned into a lash extension Artist here in Nevada. I have two girls, one that is 24 and one that is 8. I have a passion for making people feel beautiful, and I feel being a Lash Artist allows me to do that.
IG: @Blissfullylashed_Lv
Name: Leslie Fabrizio
Location: Burlington, NJ
Quote: I have been a member of this online education platform called Expert Color Solutions for two years now and the funds will help me pay for it so that I can continue to have access to ongoing education to further my business education, color education, and also make it affordable so I can continue to run my business and pay my rent without feeling like I need to give up the cost of the access to the education. The scholarship is a fantastic idea to help stylists motivate themselves to want to continue to further their education without relying on salon owners or when you’re in your own suite like I am.
Short Bio: I attended a cosmetology program in 11th and 12th grade during high school at a vocational school in my area. I started working at a salon as an assistant at 15 years old in 10th grade and have been in the business 34 years. After being in four different salons over the years I finally had the opportunity to go into my own suite and own my own business, which I thought I would never do. My Salon Suite’s business model is the only way I would ever go into business for myself and it is genius. I’m so glad it finally came to my state after all these years. I absolutely love working for myself and my clients absolutely love the privacy and relaxing vibe of my suite.
IG: @leslie.fabrizio
Name: TyEsha Fenderson
Location: Commerce City, CO
Quote: “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come, get out and make them” -Madam CJ Walker
This is an important quote to me as it keeps me motivated, especially when I feel overwhelmed. I’m currently expanding my services and as a mother, student and entrepreneur I have to remain motivated and progress in the opportunities as they are presented to me.
Short Bio: I am an army veteran with a Bachelor degree in business administration, after graduation I thought I had it planned out finding a career in such a broad degree was a struggle. On the side, I always did dreads and natural hair after moving to Memphis, TN I started attending natural hair classes and received a license. Soon after I started in a shop, which I hated; after a few years of making it work I moved back to Colorado started going to cosmetology school and looking to expand my services with lashes, natural hair, perms and some barber work. My clients have given me the name, Sweet Tee Best in The West. As humble as I can be, I love to express myself through my work and remain the best in the west.
IG: @Sweettee__hair
Name: Tina Frimel
Location: Brecksville, OH
Quote: Earning this scholarship will help me to continue to grow and learn as a hairstylist. Education in this industry is the number one priority, it helps us to stay relevant, learn new things and to be inspired by other super talented and creative people. Never stop learning!
Short Bio: I went to Cosmetology school right after graduating high school. I got licensed in 2008 and started assisting Charles Scott Salons and Spa under Chaz Henline. Chaz was my mentor and put me through an apprenticeship for 1.5 years when I finally earned my own chair! I worked hard over the next 5 years and grew my business and in my craft. I eventually got to a place where I was ready to spread my wings and start my own business. I started my little salon Tina Marie Hair Boutique a little over 4 years ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! I love helping people to feel beautiful, inside and out.
IG: @tmhair_boutique
Name: Erika Geller
Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL
Quote: I am so excited to have the opportunity to take a class I have been wanting to take for a while now! This scholarship has helped me take it sooner than I would have been able to do.
Short Bio: I am 25 and have been in the industry just over 6 years. I specialize in sew-in extensions and lived in color. I have been a Floridian most of my life and absolutely love it! I own my own salon suite called Coastal Hair Co. and have absolutely loved having my own space! growth.
IG: @coastalhaircofl
Name: Jenna Harry
Location: Lyons, IL
Quote: This scholarship means to the world; that my education is taken seriously and doesn’t go unnoticed.
Short Bio: My name is Jenna Harry and I am 25 years old. I have just celebrated my 6th year in the industry and couldn’t be more proud to have decided to make My Salon Suites part of this journey. I have wanted to do hair since I was 3 years old and never looked back; I couldn’t be more proud to have pushed myself through many personal struggles to follow my dreams and now be able to further my education with the freedom of having my own suite.
IG: @Jennamichellebeauty
Name: Danielle Holmes
Location: Metarie, LA
Quote: This educational scholarship means everything to me to be able to further my skills in the business of the beauty industry to be able to give back to someone else the information. I am seeking to have a better business in the beauty industry!
Short Bio: My name is Danielle Holmes, a native New Orleanian ! I hold a bachelors in business administration! I’m a business owner now for 12 years in the beauty industry as a salon owner and operator. I love to give back so that I can see the future as I would like it! To that I say I’m ready everyday to create and change the world of the beauty industry for many years to come!
Name: Jasmine Lynch
Location: Enola, PA
Quote: This scholarship will help me tremendously right now. I am the only parent to two amazing girls. I recently have been having a tough time financially. My oldest just went to college in the uk followed by my bathroom flooding. I’m very grateful to have been chosen to help invest back into my salon during this difficult time.
Short Bio: I have been in the industry since 2006. I graduated from empire beauty school in Harrisburg pa. I have dabbled in private salon life as well as corporate where I managed multiple chain salons mentoring over 20 stylists directly. My friend and I decided it was time to invest in ourselves in the fall of 2022. We share a double suite at my salon suites in Mechanicsburg pa. Each under our own business names. My salon, The Hair Alchemist LLC, finally opened in May of 2023. I couldn’t be happier! I love the freedom working for myself has given me. My guests have noticed a huge positive change in my life since coming here. They absolutely love the new salon as well.
IG: @Hair.alchemist.jaz
Name: Jessica Marine
Location: Tampa, FL
Quote: I am so thrilled to have been chosen for this scholarship. I have felt stagnant lately, and I am so excited to have some hands-on education to get me reenergized! In person education is so important to me, and since Covid, it’s been difficult to find as many opportunities.
Short Bio: My name is Jessica Marine and I have been a licensed cosmetologist in Florida since 2006. I primarily specialize in hair coloring and cutting. My go to products are Goldwell color, Redken, and Olaplex. I was fortunate that I started out my career as a booth renter and for the last nine years I have been at My Salon Suites. Hair is my passion, and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
IG: @Jesleamarine
Name: Leah Mayo
Location: Tampa, FL
Quote: This scholarship has allowed me to take a certification course that will upgrade my salon services and bring me a wider variety of clients. There are infinite possibilities for financial income and the greater success of my small business.
Short Bio: I have been a hairstylist in the Tampa area for the last 6 years. I love this area, I’ve grown up in this area my entire life and I’m happy to serve my community.
IG: @Mullet.mommy__
Name: Nicey Quildon
Location: Charlotte, NC
Quote: I live by the motto of “Each one teach one”. One person sharing their gifts with me gives me yet another tool to share with the world. Receiving this scholarship impacts me in this way.
Short Bio: Nicey is the owner of Silk-E Studios in Charlotte, NC. Born a PG County, MD native, Nicey moved to the Queen City in 2020 to expand her beauty brand. In that time Nicey became a full time hair artist, was a platform artist in a Bridal Expo, graced the cover of a local magazine, initiated a segment on local news, and became a first time suite owner. Nicey believes in the guest experience being bigger than hair. It’s a, “Let your hair down conversation” where the subjects range from self-care reminders to new music. In her spare time Nicey can be found enjoying life with her son, hiking, singing karaoke, and creating feel good meals from scratch.
IG: @silk_e.studios
Name: Jennifer “Melissa” Sawers
Location: Cooper City, FL
Quote: Receiving this scholarship is a testament to the remarkable commitment that sets My Salon Suite and PBA apart from others. It demonstrates their genuine dedication to elevating our industry and supporting our ongoing education. This opportunity represents a significant milestone in my career, propelling me forward and fostering continuous growth and learning. By investing in my professional development, I am better equipped to provide exceptional services and experiences for my valued clients. This scholarship not only affirms the value of my work but also fuels my passion to excel in the beauty industry, allowing me to continually refine my skills and deliver the best possible outcomes.
Short Bio: I go by Melissa, but in the beauty world, I am known as the wicked hair witch. My passion lies in the art of creative color, where I weave spells with hair to create mesmerizing transformations. Over the years, my work has been featured in advertisements, allowing me to showcase my ability to bring imaginative visions to life. In addition to being a skilled hairstylist, I have also been a platform artist. I have had the incredible opportunity to educate fellow stylists in the realm of color, sharing my knowledge and expertise on various stages. It is my ultimate goal to return to the world of education, as I am deeply passionate about elevating our industry and inspiring others to push boundaries and explore their creative potential. With every client I serve and every new color creation I bring to life, I am fueled by the desire to make a lasting impact. My dedication to my craft and my artistic flair set me apart, allowing me to leave a trail of enchantment wherever I go. Be sure to follow my journey on Instagram, and join me on this magical journey as we delve into the realm of vibrant, extraordinary hair transformations. Together, we can elevate the beauty industry to new heights and create hair magic that leaves a lasting impression.
IG: @wickedhairwitch
Name: Courtney Smith
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
Quote: Thank you so much for this incredible grant. Throughout my cosmetology career I quickly learned that Cosmetology school prepares you to pass the state board. It gives you general knowledge so you are able to get licensed and continue to pursue your career. Similar to college, only “Hair College”. Afterwards you have to go back and get more education. Every single year I have invested in mastering my craft behind the chair. Sharpening my technical skills. This grant means a lot to me because now I will be able to master my skills in front of my chair. This means running my business more effectively. For example learning how to hire and train employees. Which will create job opportunities for other artists. A part of my dream is to create a safe space for new artists and help nurture them along their transition from school to salon without them having to incur so much debt with continued education. Possibly getting discouraged and giving up on their new trade. Although I have so much raw natural talent behind the chair, running a business/salon requires much more than talent. So this grant will help me learn all the missing pieces. I always believe learning isn’t just continuing to learn more of what you already know, but to study the things that you don’t. Thank you.
Short Bio: Hi I’m Beauty! I’ve been in the industry for over 15 years. I have owned my salon for 7 years. Specializing in extensions and color. However, I’ve been doing hair my entire life! I came out of the womb with a comb and brush! I’ve always had a passion for hair and anything beauty related since a very young age. Having fine, curly hair I’ve always wanted the long, luxurious hair I saw on television and in magazines. I personally have struggled with finding the right hair extension method. Most methods were either too painful, bulky, or I had trouble styling it. I was determined to find a method that was natural looking, pain free, and practical for everyday life. After studying hundreds of extension methods I finally found the perfect system that caters to all textures and hair densities. Using these advanced techniques I am able to give women with fine, thinning hair that just doesn’t seem to grow their confidence back through the art of hair extensions and color. I have mastered how to achieve longer fuller hair without damage. My clientele ranges from stay at home moms, new anchors, entrepreneurs, realtors, and even celebrities. I love everything about what I do and what I represent as a brand. Thank you!
IG: @TheBeautySmith
Name: Leah Taylor
Location: Ruskin, FL
Quote: A PBA scholarship not only provides monetary support to pursue industry education, it unlocks endless possibilities toward career excellence while enabling beauty professionals like myself to reach new heights of knowledge, skills and personal growth.
Short Bio: Leah is a dedicated hair colorist who strongly believes in empowering her clients through customized color. Each appointment is an opportunity to not only transform her client’s appearance but also boost their confidence and self-esteem. Outside of the salon, Leah enjoys collaborating with other beauty professionals, continuing her education and contributing to the industry. She actively participates in hair competitions and shares her knowledge through social media platforms and online tutorials. She aims to inspire aspiring hairstylists and fellow professionals by showcasing her work and sharing valuable experiences, insights and advice.
IG: @leahe.taylor
Name: Jennifer White
Location: Lavon, TX
Quote: I’m so thankful for the gift of the scholarship to better hone my craft, evolve and grow my knowledge in hair, on the cosmetology side, as well as the barber side.
This will positively grow my clientele audience, and hopefully share this new information with mentees and friends in the hair world.
Short Bio: I am Jennifer, I’ve been a “shop baby” my whole life, my aunt and mentor helped raise me in the salon world from early childhood, and a huge inspiration to my now thriving career. I’ve been in the hair industry for almost 20 years, and I set a personal annual goal to take at least 24 continuing education hours, so I don’t fall behind the ever changing trends and techniques. I’ve been self employed for three years now, and so excited for many more! The BEST move I could have ever made for myself professionally. My husband and I have four children (and three large dogs), who keep me very busy with their sports and arts. I’m typically found on a soccer field, in the bleachers at a football game or basketball court, or in the audience of a play when I’m not behind the chair. I enjoy exploring outdoors with my family, and have recently taken up cycling and hummingbird watching. My husband and I both enjoy being active in our community, he volunteers coaching a local soccer team, and I’m on our local Parks & Recreation board.
IG: @fivestarbarberdallas
Name: Andrea Williams
Location: Conshohocken, PA
Quote: Be the change you want to see in the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi
Short Bio: I get great satisfaction making people look and feel their best. It means the world to me to make others feel better.
IG: @blackhummingink