I’m sneaking in a short blog post this evening because I received information about an OPI initiative that may be of interest to some of you.

Even though I’m not a nail technician or a nail professional by any means, I am a nail junkie, which means that I love promoting the nail industry and unique opportunities.

See below for the official press release to learn more about how you could earn an OPI scholarship!

OPI HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION OF NAIL TECHS
WITH $25,000 IN BEAUTY INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS

To support the future of beauty technicians, the OPI PRO Development Sector has made two $500 scholarships available each month to worthy students attending preferred* OPI Nail Technology or Cosmetology schools. Since 2004, two lucky winners have been chosen each month based on essays and personal recommendations. For students attending AACS Member Schools, nine $500 scholarships are available through www.beautyschools.org. 17 additional $500 scholarships are available through OPI various channels.

Last year, Charise Hunt, a student at the Grabber School of Design in St. Louis, MO, was one of the deserving OPI Scholarship winners for the month of February 2014. Charise graduated in April of 2014 and was licensed the very next month.  After 10 years of working in education helping children with special needs, she decided to turn her hobby of polishing nails into a full time career, and enrolled in cosmetology school. Charise explains, “While I love working on nails, I’ve also discovered that I truly enjoy the customer service aspect of the beauty business. It makes my day when customers leave feeling happy and good about themselves.”

Winning the OPI Scholarship helped support her journey from educator to nail professional. Charise says, “I never expected to win the scholarship. It was a complete confidence booster.  I wasn’t able to work while in school, so the scholarship provided financial assistance while also solidifying my decision to change careers.” Now Charise works at two salons—her sister’s full service salon, Essence of Beauty, as well as at Beauty Brands. Follow her budding career on Instagram at #ladylacquer_llc. To help turn your dreams into reality, like Charise, apply today through your OPI preferred* school or www.beautyschools.org.

*To qualify as a Preferred Nail Technology Program, every student must receive an OPI On the Go Nail Technology Kit as part of a Nail Technology/Manicuring Program.

*To qualify as a Preferred Cosmetology Program, every student must receive an OPI On the Go Nail Technology or Cosmetology Kit as part of a Cosmetology Program.