If you’re considering beauty school in Nashville, you may be wondering: What can a career after beauty school really look like? Meet the Aveda Arts Nashville alumni making their mark in the beauty industry.
At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Nashville, our graduates go on to build thriving careers as hairstylists, estheticians, salon owners, extension specialists, and beauty entrepreneurs across Tennessee and beyond. Today, we’re catching up with three talented alumni who turned their passion into successful careers and sharing their advice for future beauty professionals.
What Careers Can You Pursue After Beauty School?
One of the biggest advantages of attending beauty school is the variety of career paths available after graduation. Whether your passion is skincare, hair color, extensions, wellness, or business ownership, the beauty industry offers countless opportunities to create a career that’s uniquely your own.
Meet a few Aveda Arts Nashville graduates who are doing exactly that.
Alumni Spotlight: Kenzie Cammuse
What is Kenzie doing after graduating from Aveda Arts Nashville?
Since graduating from Aveda Arts in 2017, Kenzie has built a career specializing in advanced skincare and medical aesthetics.
Her expertise includes:
- Medical-grade skincare treatments
- Sciton laser technology
- Customized skincare treatment plans
- Skin barrier health and corrective skincare
- Gut health and wellness as it relates to skin health
Kenzie combines science-backed treatments with a holistic approach, helping clients achieve healthier skin through personalized care.
What was your favorite memory from Aveda Arts?
“My favorite memory is meeting one of my dearest friends, Lindsey Kingsbery. We still talk regularly and ask each other industry questions. The relationships you build in school can last far beyond graduation.”
What advice would you give future beauty school students?
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. School is where you’re meant to learn. You don’t have to be the best—I certainly wasn’t! Focus on enjoying the process and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. Master the fundamentals, ask questions, and understand the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing.”
What should future beauty professionals know?
“There is no single right path in this industry. Stay open to growth, invest in continued education, and remember that success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Comparison only takes away from your own growth.”
Kenzie also encourages aspiring salon owners and entrepreneurs to gain experience working under established professionals before launching their own businesses.
“It’s an opportunity to build a clientele, gain hands-on experience, and learn what kind of leader you want to become.”
Follow Kenzie’s journey at @itskenzieleigh.
Alumni Spotlight: Ellie Bailey
Can beauty school lead to business ownership?
Absolutely.
After graduating from Aveda Arts Nashville in January 2021, Ellie Bailey turned her passion into a thriving business as the owner of Ellie Bailey Hair Co., a private studio located in Brentwood, Tennessee.
What is your specialty?
Ellie specializes in:
- Hair extensions
- Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE)
- Customized extension transformations
- Luxury guest experiences
What was your favorite memory from Aveda Arts?
“Getting to collaborate with people from different seasons of life who shared the same passion for hair. Every day was different, and I was always eager to learn.”
What advice would you give current beauty students?
“If this industry is your passion and you’re willing to give it your absolute all, you will succeed.”
Ellie shares that behind every successful stylist is a commitment to growth, education, and perseverance.
“There have been many 14-hour days and long sleepless nights working on my business. I don’t regret any of it because it got me to where I am today. You can accomplish your dreams too—possibly even quicker than you imagined if you put your mind to it.”
Follow Ellie’s journey at @elliebaileyhairco.
Alumni Spotlight: Avery Layne Burch
What opportunities are available after cosmetology school?
For Avery Layne Burch, beauty school became the foundation for salon ownership and a growing clientele.
Today, Avery is the owner of Sage Hair Co., where she specializes in:
- Hair extensions
- Blonding services
- Lived-in color
- Gray blending techniques
What advice would you give future stylists?
“Trust your gut.”
Avery also shares a practical tip for aspiring colorists: “Always do test strands and remember—you can always tone it down.”
Her career is a reminder that success often comes from trusting your instincts, continuing to learn, and building confidence through experience.
Follow Avery at @beauty.by.burch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beauty School Careers
Can I own a salon after beauty school?
Yes. Many Aveda Arts graduates go on to become salon owners, suite renters, educators, and entrepreneurs. Building experience behind the chair first can provide valuable business and leadership skills before launching your own brand.
What careers can estheticians pursue after beauty school?
Licensed estheticians can work in spas, medical spas, dermatology offices, wellness centers, luxury resorts, and skincare clinics. Many also specialize in advanced skincare technologies and eventually open their own businesses.
Is cosmetology school worth it?
For students who are passionate about beauty, creativity, and helping others feel confident, cosmetology school can open doors to a rewarding and flexible career with significant growth potential.
What makes Aveda Arts Nashville different?
Aveda Arts Nashville combines hands-on training, professional business development, salon-ready skills, and industry-focused education designed to prepare students for real-world success in the beauty industry.
Start Your Own Success Story
Every successful stylist, esthetician, salon owner, and beauty entrepreneur started somewhere.
For Kenzie, it was discovering a passion for advanced skincare. For Ellie, it was building a business from the ground up. For Avery, it was creating a career centered around extensions and color expertise.
Your path may look completely different—and that’s the beauty of this industry.
Whether you dream of working behind the chair, specializing in skincare, becoming an educator, or owning your own salon, your journey can start right here in Nashville.
If you’re ready to turn your passion into a profession, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Nashville is here to help you build the skills, confidence, and connections to create a future you love.
The next success story could be yours.
make your mark on the industry
Have questions? Ready to tour? Contact the Admissions Manager at your nearest Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute!