Breaking Beauty Podcast – Bonus Episode Summary: Small Business Day Special!

Podcast Information:

• Title: Breaking Beauty Podcast
• Hosts: Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins
• Episode: BONUS: Small Business Day Special! How-to Level-Up and Unlock $$$ Working in the Beauty Industry with Lead by L'Oréal
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In this special bonus episode aligned with National Small Business Day, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins delve into the transformative impact of the Lead by L'Oréal program on beauty professionals. Partnering with the Lead the Rolfs Group Global Institute powered by L'Oréal Professional USA, the episode spotlights the innovative Bachelor of Science degree tailored specifically for beauty industry entrepreneurs and professionals.

Lead by L'Oréal: Transforming Beauty into a Profession

Francis Tesmer, founder and CEO of Lead the Rolfs Group Global Institute, joins the conversation for her second appearance. She discusses the inception and evolution of the Lead program, emphasizing its role in elevating the beauty industry from a trade to a respected profession.

Key Highlights:

• Challenging Stereotypes: Francis addresses the long-standing perception of the beauty industry as a "secondhand" field lacking professional recognition. She states, “[...] everybody forever, for a long time has seen the beauty industry as like a secondhand industry [...]” (03:41).

• Academic Collaboration: The creation of the degree program required over a decade of collaboration with academics and higher education specialists to ensure the curriculum met industry and professional standards (03:41).

Sherry Lynn Smart’s Journey

Sherry Lynn Smart, a recent graduate and Redken Regional Education Manager at L'Oréal, shares her transformative experience with the Lead program.

Notable Insights:

• Personal Growth: Sherry highlights the boost in her self-confidence and professional capabilities, remarking, “How I stand a lot taller today than I did like three years ago” (09:38).

• Balancing Commitments: She managed to complete the degree while working full-time, dedicating a few hours each day to her studies and emphasizing the importance of time management (10:57).

Program Structure and Flexibility

The Lead program is designed with flexibility to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of beauty professionals, many of whom are women balancing careers and family responsibilities.

Francis Tesmer explains:

• Online and In-Person Options: The program can be completed entirely online or through in-person classes at the Arizona campus, catering to both newcomers and seasoned professionals (12:40).

• Accelerated Learning: Students can earn their bachelor’s degree in approximately three years, with a customized curriculum that integrates beauty industry knowledge with business acumen (15:07).

Networking and Career Advancement

Sherry Lynn discusses the invaluable networking opportunities facilitated by the program, fostering connections with peers globally and enhancing collaborative skills.

Key Points:

• Global Perspective: The program’s diverse student body exposes participants to various cultures and industry practices, enriching their professional outlook (22:23).

• Career Impact: Sherry attributes her promotion to Regional Education Manager to the comprehensive education and confidence gained from the Lead program, stating, “I feel like I've earned my seat at the table” (23:44).

Graduation and Success Stories

Francis Tesmer shares the emotional and celebratory moments of the inaugural graduating class, underscoring the program’s success in empowering beauty professionals.

Highlights:

• Emotional Milestones: The graduation ceremony was a poignant moment for graduates like Sherry, marking their achievements and the program’s impact (28:16).

• Growing Community: With over 500 graduates and nearly 4,000 bachelor-level students, the Lead program continues to expand, supporting more beauty professionals globally (27:26).

Introducing the Apprenticeship Program

Francis introduces the new apprenticeship pathway, a groundbreaking initiative allowing aspiring beauticians to learn through hands-on experience while earning.

Key Features:

• Earn While You Learn: Apprentices can gain practical salon experience and receive payment simultaneously (18:02).

• Technological Integration: Incorporating virtual reality and other modern technologies, the program ensures apprentices are well-equipped with both traditional and digital skills (20:56).

Scholarships and Accessibility

The Lead program offers extensive scholarship opportunities, making higher education in the beauty industry accessible to a broader range of professionals.

Francis Tesmer states:

• Financial Support: “We have given multimillion dollars in scholarships” and continuously support students to access higher education and advance their careers (30:31).

• Inclusive Pathways: Whether entering management directly or advancing from beauty school, the program accommodates various career trajectories within the beauty sector (30:31).

Advice for Prospective Students

Sherry Lynn encourages aspiring students to pursue formal education at any stage of their careers, emphasizing that it’s never too late to invest in personal and professional growth.

She shares:

• No Regrets: Inspired by a conversation with her mother, Sherry advocates for seizing educational opportunities to unlock greater potential and success (29:12).

Closing Remarks

Jill and Carlene commend Sherry and Francis for their contributions and the profound impact of the Lead program on the beauty industry. They encourage listeners interested in advancing their careers to visit the Lead Institute’s website for more information.

Final Thoughts:

• Empowerment Through Education: The program equips beauty professionals with the necessary skills to elevate their businesses and achieve financial success.

• Community and Support: Graduates benefit from a strong support system and a network of like-minded professionals committed to advancing the beauty industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Jill Dunn on Networking: “It just reminds you of the power of networking” (22:54).
• Sherry Lynn on Degree Ceremony: “It was a great moment in my life... very emotional” (32:18).
• Francis Tesmer on Apprenticeship Impact: “It's a game changer. It's just a whole new way of learning and earning” (20:59).

Additional Information

For more details about the Lead by L'Oréal program, prospective students can visit leadinstitute.degree. Links and exclusive promo codes mentioned in the episode are available in the show notes and on the podcast's website.

Connect with Breaking Beauty Podcast:

• Website: breakingbeautypodcast.com
• Instagram: @BreakingBeautyPodcast
• Facebook Group: Breaking Beauty Podcast Chat Room
• Voicemail: 1-844-227-0302
• Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the bonus episode, capturing the essential discussions and insights shared by the hosts and guests. For a deeper dive into the conversations and firsthand experiences, tuning into the full episode is highly recommended.