Ratner Companies and Beauty Changes Lives are honored to announce four winners of the Fall 2019 Passion and Purpose scholarship. The Scholarship celebrates purposeful careers and the passion of aspiring hairstylists.  Each winner receives a $3,125 tuition scholarship toward cosmetology education. Fall 2019 Passion and Purpose winners are:

Elizabeth Dornian, @estheticsby_eliz, Vidal Sassoon Academy, Santa Monica, Cali.

As a child, Elizabeth would brainstorm salon concepts with her dad – including a salon based in a daycare. During her high school years, Elizabeth worked in a nail salon where she saw how the salon provided a “safe space” for clients to relate to beauty professionals. “I knew my business would have to include the human connection beauty offers,” said Elizabeth in her salon video. After imagining a training program to help beauty professionals relate to clients and communicate with clients, Elizabeth entered pitch contests to fund her concept. “I’ve found that my purpose in beauty is to enrich lives – the lives of guests in the salon and those behind the chair,” said Elizabeth.

Samantha Hill, @styledwithsam, Empire Beauty School, Camby, IN

In a world where beauty is often evaluated in terms of “likes” or “follows” on social media, Sam believes beauty professionals can reframe the definition of beauty. “Beauty is not about altering the surface of a client, but recognizing and bringing to light that beauty that is saturated within the client,” said Sam in her application video. As a beauty school student, Sam enjoys seeing how a sharp, extended eyeliner or a blended contour can help a client recognize her beauty which is more than skin deep. As a beauty professional, Sam says her purpose is to help each individual feel valued, worthy of love and safe in her presence. “Beauty is more than my passion; beauty is my calling,” she says.

Danielle Lindsey-Miranda, @styledby_ellemiranda, Paul Mitchell-the School, Tysons Corner, Washington, D.C.

“After losing almost everything, I found Paul Mitchell-the School, and a community of like-minded people who love being different,” Danielle stated in her application video.  As an aspiring world-class hair cutter and barber, Danielle wants to help people who feel ugly on the outside feel beautiful on the inside. Enrolling in beauty school opened her eyes to living with purpose. A mother to three children, Danielle wants to show how love, patience, hard work and dedication can lead to a life of purpose.

Mina Milosevic, @mina.does.hair, Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy, Santa Monica, CA

Beauty is expression, whether it is expressed in music, fashion or hair, says Mina in her application video. And while it is easy to change one’s hair or one’s music playlist, Mina notes, “Your hair is something you wear every day.” She sees hair as something that can make a person’s day. “Sometimes great hair equals a great day,” she says.  Mina views her craft as a means for helping unlock a client’s beauty. “I don’t make people beautiful; I just show them how beautiful they already are,” she says.

Passion and Purpose scholarship applications were evaluated by a judging panel composed of licensed hairstylists and leading influencers in the professional beauty industry. Applicants submit a video describing why beauty is their passion and how a career in beauty will fulfil their purpose.

About the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: With a mission to elevate, educate and empower, Beauty Changes Lives is uniting the industry and building awareness of the extraordinary career opportunities in the beauty, wellness and massage therapy industries. Learn more at www.beautychangeslives.org or find us on Facebook. 

About Ratner Companies: Ratner Companies is the largest family-owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, operating nearly 1,000 salons in 15 states and the District of Columbia, and employing more than 12,000 stylists. Its diverse brands include Hair Cuttery, BUBBLES The Color Salon, Salon Cielo, Salon Plaza and Cibu for Hair. Led by co-founders Dennis Ratner and Ann Ratner, the Ratner family also includes Gary, Kelly and Lauren, who serve in capacities ranging from licensed stylists to Resource Center leaders. For more information visit ratnerco.com.