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BEACON APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

 Beacon 2025, now in both Orlando and Chicago, offers exclusive education and networking opportunities to support and inspire emerging talent and shape the future of the industry. 

 The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is excited to announce that applications are now open for Beacon 2025. Beacon shapes the future of the beauty industry by supporting and inspiring emerging talent, elevating students and new grads with the ability to enter the industry with confidence and a unique set of skills. For the first time ever, PBA will be bringing Beacon to both Orlando and Chicago, providing opportunities for more students to participate in Beacon 2025 than ever before. 

Designed to inspire and prepare students for a successful career, Beacon goes beyond traditional education, focusing on creativity, networking and community building. Beacon amplifies emerging talent by connecting students with industry icons like Geno Stampora, Sam Villa, George Alderete, and Elizabeth Faye. Past Beacon educators include Michelle O’Connor, Michael Devellis, John Mosley and Jamal Edmonds. Previous Beacon students who now lead the industry include Jalia Pettis, Elizabeth Faye, Fallyn Mireault and Gina Bianca. 

The application process is now open and closes January 17, 2025, culminating in two live Beacon 2025 events for the first time ever. The first live Beacon event will be held at America’s Beauty Show (ABS) in Chicago April 5-7, 2025, while the second event will take place at Premiere Orlando May 31-June 2, 2025

At both the ABS Chicago and Premiere Orlando events, students will have the chance to engage directly with seasoned industry professionals and mentors through exclusive networking sessions, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings. These interactions are designed to help students build valuable relationships, gain insights into industry trends, and receive personalized career guidance from experts who are deeply invested in the future of the beauty industry. 

“Beacon is the ultimate pathway to career success,” explains Leslie Perry, PBA Director of Membership & Education. “It’s a comprehensive program designed to guide young beauty professionals by providing them with national visibility, access to a vast network of top industry icons, and the practical skills needed to forge their own successful career paths.” 

Key Dates: 

Entry Currently Open! 

Entry Closes- January 17, 2025 

Beacon Chicago- ABS Chicago April 5-7, 2025 

Beacon Orlando- Premiere Orlando May 31-June 2, 2025 

Ideal applicants are currently enrolled students or recent graduates of a beauty industry specific school: cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nails, massage, or likewise. To enter, applicants must provide a professional resume, a letter of recommendation, social media portfolio and video introduction. The application fee is $25 for PBA members and $50 for non-members. For more information on PBA’s Beacon program and the application process, please visit www.probeauty.org/beacon. For images from past Beacon programs, please visit https://probeauty.smugmug.com/Beacon to download accordingly; images must be credited to PBA in editorial usage.