Five aspiring beauty industry professionals will receive financial awards up to $5,000, through generous funding from CND, to cover tuition for nail tech programs. The five scholarship winners were selected in a formal application process that included submissions of inspiration boards expressing how a career in nail design will make a difference in their lives and the lives of those they serve.

 “While doing nails, you grow a relationship with your clientele,” says scholarship winner Michelle Arnett.  “As I challenge myself, I’m inspired to create a masterpiece of art on someone else’s fingertip.” Scholarship winner Tiffany Williams shared her custom nail art in a video to express her passion for the industry.

The BCL CND Tippi Hedren Nail Scholarship honors actress and humanitarian Tippi Hedren, widely recognized as the “godmother” of the Vietnamese-American nail movement.  Ms. Hedren helped thousands of Vietnamese refugees find careers in the nail industry during the 1970s. “As immigration continues to be a sensitive issue for our nation, we are inspired by the generosity of individuals and businesses who help people of all ethnicities, genders and lifestyles achieve transformative careers in the rewarding and affirming nail industry,” says Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation. 

Professional nail careers have expanded exponentially as manicured fingertips have evolved from good grooming to high fashion style statements. Licensed nail professionals are an integral part of a nearly $7.5 billion industry in the U.S. 

Lynch said she is grateful to brands like CND for investing in the future of next generation talent. “The CND team is a longtime advocate and we are so gratified by their efforts to champion the careers of next-gen nail professionals,” says Lynch.

Jan Arnold, CND Co-founder and Style Director, noted that the fashion industry continues to present demand for Nail Professionals. “From the avant-garde runways of New York Fashion Week to everyday style statements, CND is always looking for ways to elevate the Nail Professionals who help clients look and feel their best,” says Arnold. “By providing quality education and guidance to emerging talent, we are proud to help the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation support and celebrate next-gen talent.” 

Winners and their respective scholarship schools are as follows:

Michelle Arnett, Piqua, OH; Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Catrina Clayton, Milwaukee, Wis.; Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Kathryn Harrod, Sidney, OH; Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Milani Rojas, Vacaville, Calif.; Blake Austin College

Tiffany Williams, Bronx, NY; Brittany Beauty School

Launched in 2014, the BCL | CND | Tippi Hedren Scholarship is administered by the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and features a spring and fall competition. Information on Beauty Changes Lives scholarship programs is available here.

For more information about your career in nails, check out NAILS Career Handbook.

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