Alumni Feature | Aly Blair | The Style Academy

Alumni Feature | Aly Blair

Esthetics – Skincare & Nail Technician Alumni

Name, what you do and where you work

What made you choose this career?

I love making people feel beautiful. I have always wanted a job where I could make people smile and feel amazing!

When did you graduate?
May 2016!

What’s the most valuable thing you took from The Style Academy?

I learned so much! I loved the amount of hands on work we did. I think it really helped me build my confidence and learn a lot of teamwork. I also loved having instructors that were extremely passionate about their careers, it was very inspiring to me!

Hydrafacial before & after

Henna brows & wax

Eyebrow lamination

1 2 3

What keeps you motivated to push forward?

I loving pushing myself and learning. My clients are like family now so I enjoy everyday I go to work. It feels like a second home with amazing people all around me always supporting my journey along the way.

What are some of your biggest achievements?

I won skills Saskatchewan while at The Style Academy and got to travel to Monton, NB for nationals. Although I placed 5th at nationals it was such an amazing experience and a big eye opener. I also have won (by peoples choice) Prairie Dog’s Best Esthetician in Regina, 3 years in a row now. 2017, 2018 & 2019.

How do you build industry connections and gain new experiences?

Instagram has been a huge tool for me in my career. At first it’s very intimidating to put my work out there for the world to see, but it has made me really zone in and perfect my work. I can also connect with others who have similar passions. I am always reaching out to others. I think supporting other women in the beauty industry is so important.

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why?

Honestly all of the women around me inspire me. I think it’s so important to keep really amazing people around you that you can constantly be learning from.

What have been some obstacles that you’ve faced in your career? How have you overcome them?

Switching cities and trying to build up a whole new clientele. I used Instagram to my advantage and put myself out there. A lot people ask me how I built up such a large clientele. It takes a lot of persistence and consistency. It isn’t a quick overnight thing. It’s very gradual.

What are your favourite services or area of your career that you enjoy the most?

I love anything skincare related or eyebrows!

How have you continued to grow and educate yourself as a professional in the beauty industry?

I’ve taken extra courses in Hydrafacial, Oxygeneo, Microneedling (2 times), Henna brow & Eyebrow Lamination. I love learning and upping my education.

What is the one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you?

Don’t take everything so personally. It’s hard to not take things personally in this industry because you are the one performing the service. Just try and remember everyone is human including you. Not every client is going to love everything you do. Take constructive criticism openly and you can learn a lot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Soak all of the knowledge in that you can! You will constantly be around passionate people in this industry and you will learn so much from them. Take opportunities when they come and don’t doubt yourself!