Empire Graduate Takes Career International
Life took a few twists and turns for Shawna Lynn Dunning Fulton. She started her cosmetology career back in the 1990’s, attending cosmetology school and eventually owning her own business.
However, the struggling economy that hit in the early 2000’s took its toll. To provide for her family, she left beauty behind and went to work in the armed security industry. She raised her 2 boys, working as an account manager for a major security company.
But once her youngest son left home, she decided it was time to return to the industry she always wanted to be in.
Needing to return to school and regain her license, Shawna Lynn was looking for something special.
“I was looking for a school that was further advanced in cosmetology than the school I attended in the 90’s.” says Shawna Lynn. “The school had to push business fundamentals and the staff had to be just as eager to teach as I was to learn.”
Deciding to attend Empire Beauty School in Morrow, GA, was the first step to getting her beauty career back on track.
“The education I received advanced the education I already had. Empire filled the gaps of information I was missing over the years I had been absent from the industry.”
Shawna Lynn says Empire’s industry connections helped her network and brand herself. Today, she is travelling the world educating stylists, something she never imagined was possible.
“Shortly after graduation I relocated from Atlanta to Las Vegas. I went to work as a Nail Tech instructor at a school and took my students to a national competition. From there I was asked to tour Paris, France educating stylists for Prosphair (a salon in France), on proper hair care techniques.”
“I have been to Paris several times now. I have even brought fellow Empire graduates with me. I am working hard to open the International doors for up and coming stylists.”
Shawna Lynn returns to Paris this fall for a three month tour. She says she keeps herself motivated by never being satisfied. “Everyday I am my own competition. I am working hard everyday to out do the old Shawna!”
“Empire helped me reconnect with my platform and find my voice. It reminded me who I was and what I always wanted to do.”