Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and Murad Announce 2017 Scholarship Winners

May 11th, 2017

The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and Murad, the pioneering clinical skincare brand, today, announced 10 esthetics students from across the U.S. to be awarded the Beauty Changes Live Murad Esthetics Scholarship. The scholarship program was established in 2015 to encourage individuals to pursue opportunities in the beauty and wellness industry, and celebrates the power of skin care professionals to change lives. Each winner will receive $2,250 to put towards their esthetics program tuition at an American Association of Cosmetology School (AACS) member school, along with Murad skincare product valued at $500, and the opportunity to be paired with a Murad mentor for additional learning and professional development.

The 2017 Beauty Changes Lives│Murad Esthetics Scholarship winners and their respective schools are:

Yvette Bosch, Bellus Academy, El Cajon, Calif.: “If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it,” proclaims the inspiration board accompanying Yvette’s scholarship application. Following a job loss, Yvette resided in a transitional living center where a yoga class helped her realize that self-care is an integral part of a healthy life. Now a certified yoga instructor teaching children and seniors, Yvette aspires to help people look and feel better as an esthetics professional.

Chini Davis, Christine Valmy International School, New York City: A single mother of two, Chini is committed to bettering her family’s life through a career in esthetics. “This is my journey to greatness and I am doing things I never thought were possible for my family,” she noted on her application’s inspiration board. After earning her esthetics license, Chini aspires to eventually open a skin care studio and educate clients on the importance of healthy skin.

Kelly Densberger, Penrose Academy, Scottsdale, Ariz.: Kelly looks forward to applying her esthetics education to help people manage various skin conditions including acne, scarring or pigmentation issues while helping their inner beauty shine through. After battling an eating disorder for a decade, Kelly believes in the power of confidence to overcome challenges. “This scholarship will not only boost my self-confidence but also establish a solid foundation for building my career,” said Kelly.

Crystal Freeman, Bellus Academy, Manhattan, Kan.: A military wife and expectant mom, nurturing comes naturally to Crystal who wants to inspire other mothers to take care of themselves. And as she awaits her family’s new arrival, she is particularly grateful for the scholarship. “The Murad scholarship will ease the financial stress as we await our baby and help us avoid additional stress brought on by loans,” she said. Giving comes naturally to Crystal who wants to use her esthetic skills to help others feel more confident.

Bryana Fugitt, International School of Skin, Nailcare and Massage Therapy, Atlanta: Quoting style legend Coco Chanel, Bryana says, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” She says that beauty is not an exclusive privilege, but is alive in every individual. “There exists tremendous healing impact through the energy of touch,” noted Bryana in her scholarship application.

Magdalena Hernandez-Espitia, Phagan’s Cosmetology Schools, Salem, Ore.: Magdalena is excited about how the Murad scholarship will provide entry into a career that will help her family flourish. “I want us to feel excited about what I accomplished and what it means for all of us, she said. Her application showed her passion for the “American Dream,” noting her commitment to, “work as hard as possible and never give up.”

Analisa Martin, Glen Dow Academy, Spokane, Wash.: Analisa is inspired by Dr. Howard Murad’s quote, “Make your heart happy and your skin will glow.” She is excited to learn about and work with the Murad line of skin care products and learn from a Murad mentor. “I want to guide others through the process of finding their own individual glow,” said Analisa.

Michelle Matthews, Casal Aveda Institute, Austintown, Ohio: Michelle’s passion for the esthetics profession stems from witnessing the power of massage to alleviate the rigid, aching muscles her father experienced while afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. The inspiration board accompanying her application noted, “Nothing is as healing as the human touch. Michelle says the Murad scholarship will be life changing, propelling her toward becoming a healer through rejuvenating facials, stress-relieving massage or skin care advice. “Esthetics is the profession of touch and healing, improving wellness holistically,” said Michelle.

Christie Russell, Casal Aveda Institute, Austintown, Ohio: Being the oldest student in her class has only reinforced Christie’s commitment that goals can be accomplished at any age. “I want to teach others that beauty is within and that age cannot dictate what any person can or cannot do,” says Christie. “I want everyone to realize that as women, we are strong and powerful regardless of age.”

Mikayla Smariege, Douglas J. Aveda Institute, E. Lansing, Mich.: “Everyone should be able to feel beautiful inside and out, and it will be amazing to make people feel beautiful every day,” said Mikayla in her application. She added, “The most important thing about the Murad Esthetics Scholarship is that I will have an opportunity to change the lives of others every day.” She also looks forward to the opportunities that will arise from working with a Murad mentor.

In 2015, Muard became the first skin care organization to sponsor a Beauty Changes Lives scholarship “We are honored to have the support of a brand that is favored by many of the world’s leading spas and skin care specialists,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation. “Murad has been a consistent champion of professional beauty education and their support makes a powerful statement to the next generation of skin care professionals entering the industry.”