Student Stars: Former Model Turned Student Proves Age is Just a Number
For Angela O’Bryan, beauty school came later in life.
“I have always worked in the beauty industry, but now that my children are getting older, I decided it was time to really focus on making my passion a career.”
So in October of 2014, this former model turned mom decided to enroll at Empire Beauty School’s Louisville/Dixie campus.
Entering Empire’s national Holiday Hair Instagram contest a few months after starting school, was certainly a concern for Angela. But she thought she would give it a shot, despite the overwhelming number of entries and amazing talent she saw online.
Her 14 year old daughter was the model for her winter fairy princess design. The entry came in 2nd place out of nearly 900 hopefuls.
“I was shocked. There were so many amazing entries.”
Angela says it took more than 3 hours to create the look. A process her 14 year old daughter was happy to help with, never considering the entry would rise so far to the top. It’s turning out to be a great early portfolio entry for this surprised student.
“I put it on my Instagram and Facebook, and I already got a call from a photographer who saw the photo and contacted me about recreating a similar look for a photo shoot he is working on.”
Angela plans to continue working toward graduation, learning all she can in her time at Empire.
“I have always done hair and makeup, but it’s so great to finally know how to do things the right way and get even better results.”
Left: photo credit Rikk DarkMoon - DarkMoon Photography
Right: Photographer - Tony Welscher
In terms of the future, she hopes to bring a bit of her past along with her. Once she graduates and gets her license, she hopes to do hair and makeup for models during photo and video shoots. A passion this former model can continue to explore, in a new way.
She says while it was great to come in 2nd place in the contest, the best prize of all was the vote of confidence it has given her for the future.
“It made me realize I can get out there and compete. I worried that I was too old to be successful at my age, but this proved to me that is not an issue.”