Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1528796
Explore your benefits at associatedhairprofessionals.com 13 COSMO CLIPS MV: One hundred percent. is event is all about the mindset—how to grow it through business skills and how to shift it to become powerful in every situation you are going to be in and in every level of your career. It is about passion, but passion doesn't make you money. You have to have the right foundation. IS: How does Beauty Gives Back set up current and future beauty professionals for success? JH: It's about getting them in the right room so they can have access to mentorship. A lot of times, people aren't positioned the way they need to be. It's about having incredible changemakers and companies . . . and getting them in a room with students and professionals to have that exposure, connection, and network. IS: Any plans for the future of Beauty Gives Back? MV: Our whole goal is to have this event in an arena. We want the whole beauty world to be in one space—and a big space— to make a more powerful impact. Learn more at beautygivesbackfoundation.org. Empowering the Next Gen The second-annual Beauty Gives Back event took place in September, bringing together beauty professionals and students from all over for a day of education, inspiration, and motivation—with proceeds benefiting students through grants and scholarships. is year's event featured a jam-packed lineup of industry leaders, including Anna Manukyan, Nick Stenson, and Erica Roberson. To learn more, AHP Indie Stylist sat down with cofounders Julie Hightower and Mireya Villarreal. AHP Indie Stylist: What inspires you to give back to the beauty industry? Mireya Villarreal: Every time we visit beauty schools, I start sharing my story of how I got from a 600-square-foot salon and $12 haircuts to growing an international brand, and the students' eyes just sparkle. I can see they want more. I want to help as many people as I can because I didn't have mentors when I started, and I made a lot of mistakes. Julie Hightower: I think everyone has an assignment. I know in this season I'm in [in life], I'm assigned to be an advocate and a champion for the next generation, whether it's with beauty or any industry. at's really where my heart and my passion are. IS: is industry is a lot about passion! The 2024 grant and scholarship recipients with Julie Hightower and Mireya Villarreal.