Cosmetologists, estheticians, celebrity stylists - Success Stories

Every day, Pivot Point launches the careers of highly-skilled and talented professionals, such as the founder of American Crew hair products for men, David Raccuglia; and the Senior Vice President of Education for Redken, Christine Schuster. But the list doesn’t just stop there. Many Pivot Point alumni discovered great success from opening up their own salon & spa, competing in International hairdressing events, or even becoming authors. Learn about the success stories of Pivot Point graduates.

Nikki Greene

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Nikki Green is a makeup artist and hairstylist for the film and television industry. She is also an instructor for the Hairstyling and Makeup classes at the CINEMA MAKEUP SCHOOL in Hollywood and at the Burbank Adult School. She has been working professionally in the industry for seven years. Nikki has had great success doing makeup in several films. Most recent films include: In my Pocket, Sutures, Evilution, and Lost Dream. She does everything from films to music videos, red carpet to character makeup.

When Nikki isn’t making someone over, she is playing saxophone or guitar. She enjoys hiking with her dog, shopping and spending time with her friends.

Nikki chose Pivot Point because, “it seemed like a good school for me. I have always loved doing hair and makeup, and wanted to learn more so I could find a career in that field. I never had intentions of working in a salon. I always just wanted to work in the film industry. You are required to have a cosmetology license to join the hair union. Pivot Point was the best choice for me to accomplish these goals.”

When describing her career, Nikki says, “This is an extremely competitive industry that I work in, there are thousands of people competing with me all of the time for the same jobs. Competition motivates me, and I love what I do. I do everything I can to be successful and to move forward getting bigger and better jobs each time.”

Nikki believes, “If you really want something, you can achieve it. It's never too late, and by going to school to learn your trade, you will just be a step in the right direction to making your dreams come true.”

Pivot Points: Nikki graduated from Pivot Point in 2000.


 

Julissa Badgett

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Julissa Badgett is a proud owner of Beauty Brought Out, her own makeup and hairstyling company that specializes in photo shoots, film/productions, fashion shows, competitions, weddings, education and makeovers.

Julissa’s work has been seen on the cover of magazines, calendars, fashion shows, advertisements, and even in special training seminars. Julissa is a Pivot Point graduate and just a glance through her portfolio will show that she knows what’s she’s doing.

Born and raised in Waukegan IL, Julissa did her research and learned that Pivot Point was the best beauty school. As a young girl, Julissa’s cousin worked at a beauty salon. She loved to go there and that’s when she found her love for the art. Julissa knew when she started attending Pivot Point this would be what consumed a new beginning in her life.

Currently, Julissa resides in Florida and is still very passionately pursing her dreams. The uniqueness of individuals from their hair to their face and their personality is what keeps her inspired. “I love it when clients come in and say I trust you, do whatever you think is best,” says Julissa. “That’s when I have the most fun!”

Most people don’t know that Julissa is married and has three teenage boys. She enjoys interior decorating, crafts and painting but her work is what she takes the most pride in. At her company, she truly believes “Your Beauty within, will be Brought Out”.

Pivot Points: Julissa graduated from Pivot Point in 1998.


 

Michael Flowers

 

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Michael Flowers is creator and proprietor of Van Cleef Hair Salon and Michelle Obama's hair designer. He entered Northern Illinois University in 1973 as a Pre-Med / Psychology major, where he studied until 1976. However, a growing natural interest in hair led him to enroll in Pivot Point International, where he received his degree in Cosmetology in 1977. After receiving practical training at Vidal Sassoon for several years, his rapidly increasing following of clients encouraged him to open the original Van Cleef in 1981, just blocks off of Michigan Avenue. With foresight, he purchased the salon’s present location in 1988, in the then still undeveloped River North area. The building was originally constructed in 1912 as The Carter Presbyterian Church, servicing a large Assyrian congregation. The building later served as a restaurant, photography studio, theater, as well as a jazz club owned by Julius Monk. The historic structure was fully renovated to express Michael’s lifelong vision of providing African American women with a sophisticated, professional and luxurious environment in which to relax and enjoy their beauty treatments.

 

Van Cleef has been Chicago’s premiere salon for almost 30 years. Our staff of expertly trained and talented professionals considers it a privilege to treat you to the finest service and products available. Our passion for excellence has consistently earned us top honors in the area’s most prominent publications. Our high standards and rigorous training programs ensure that every member of our team is qualified to provide you with the outstanding service that has become the signature of the Van Cleef experience.

Read more: Michael Flowers

   

Andre Walker

oprahandandreAndre Walker, five-time Emmy Award winner and personal stylist to Oprah.

A native of Chicago, Andre Walker started playing with hair as a young man using his mother and sister as models. When his sister-in-law saw a newspaper article about an amateur hair competition, he decided to enter. That decision won him a partial scholarship to Pivot Point International, Inc. The education and training he received helped launch a career that would make him one of the most respected and well-known hair stylists in the country.

Read more: Andre Walker