Spotlight on Success: Apollo Alleman’s Journey
Apollo Alleman’s transition from a successful 15-year career as an executive chef to pursuing a passion for beauty reflects a profound personal transformation. Enrolling at Empire Beauty School Harrisburg, PA in January 2024, he has embraced the challenges of his new path with enthusiasm and determination. As he balances his studies with a role as a Salon Coordinator at Sports Clips Haircuts, Alleman’s journey exemplifies resilience and commitment, setting the stage for an impactful future in the beauty industry.
With less than four months remaining in his studies, Alleman is fully committed to maximizing his educational experience. In August 2024, he received a student feature award for having his work showcased on Empire Beauty School’s social media. He is also a member of the 90/90 Club and was named Student of the Month. The 90/90 Club recognizes Future Professional Stylists who excel in the program, achieving at least 90% attendance and a 90% GPA. Alleman has earned several scholarships, including the Schwarzkopf Shaping Future Professionals, Moroccan Oil Student Scholarship, and the High Performance Salon Academy – Elevating Perceptions Scholarship.
As Alleman reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the pivotal moment that led him to the beauty industry, sharing insights into his past and motivations. He states:
“I switched over to this after spending 15 years as an executive chef working in various positions in the kitchen. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t what I wanted anymore and it wasn’t aligning with my values. It was filled with long hours and late nights. I have a 10-year-old daughter, and being away from her for those hours was not what I wanted. My mom and sister-in-law were both Cosmetologists, I was always having crazy things done to my hair. I had an underlying interest in it, I figured it would be a great career choice to channel my creativity. I wanted to help people feel good about themselves.”
To maintain such high academic standards, Alleman emphasizes the importance of passion in his work.
“In addition to what I’m learning at school, I’m also learning from Sports Clips and other cosmetology avenues. I’m trying to absorb all the information since it is new to me. I’m keeping the passion alive and keeping things fun. You have to enjoy the learning aspect. I have ADHD, if something is not giving me dopamine then I am not doing it,” said Alleman.
Looking ahead, Alleman outlines his goals for the beauty industry.
“Short-term I would like to get more into the niche of precision cuts and vivid hair colors. I want to further develop my skills for magazine photoshoots and runways. Eventually, I would like to start a local foundation to provide free beauty services to domestic violence survivors. That has always been my main cause that I have supported. Helping them out would be a great way to give back. I was lucky enough to receive scholarships to help with the costs, I want to help out others,” states Alleman.
In addition to his studies at Empire Harrisburg, Alleman has earned two certifications that enable him to provide a safe environment for all clients: PBA Cut It Out Certification in Domestic Violence Awareness and Redken Safe Space Certification.
“The Cut It Out program with PBA is really important in our industry. This is training specific for our industry, to recognize signs of domestic violence and how to approach those conversations. We are in a unique position with our clients, since we are in their personal space. They see us more often than they might see a doctor. We are seeing the changes that can happen in people. Redken Safe Space Certified- surrounds the LGBTQ community. I am bisexual and the salon I will be working for is owned by a gay man. That training is about the community as a whole which I believe is important. When anyone sits in my chair, I want them to know that I see them as a person and as whatever they choose to identify as. I want to cater their service to their lifestyle and personality. I hate gender pricing, hair is hair. There’s not a whole lot of places where everyone feels safe, if I can provide one of them then I have done my part,” said Alleman.
As a full-time student, Alleman works as a Salon Coordinator at Sport Clips Haircuts. After graduation, he will take on a position at Salon Metro Mikee’s in Harrisburg. Reflecting on his current role, he shares:
“It’s a lot of fun; the team I work with is great and super supportive of my Cosmetology journey. Before I got to the hair coloring portion of school, my manager taught me how to do highlights on her hair. The experience has been invaluable. Working in a salon setting pushed me to do more in school. It solidified that this is what I want to do.”
Alleman advises aspiring beauty industry students to prioritize enjoyment in their learning.
“Make sure you are having fun with it. If you are enjoying what you’re doing, then it doesn’t feel like learning. Throw yourself into it. It will come to you much easier. The opportunities are out there, sometimes it could be difficult to find them. Anyone who wants this as a career can do it if they are determined and keep their mind to it. Show up to school. The more often you come, the quicker you can graduate, and you can start your career,” said Alleman.
Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
“When I was considering school, I was absolutely terrified. I spent 15 years in a career that I was successful in. Now I’m starting over completely at the bottom. I have never been happier, this year has been so fulfilling despite the setbacks. It’s doing something that I love doing and helping others. This has made my life so much better. If you’re passionate about creating and helping others, do it.”
We are incredibly proud of Alleman for his determination and passion as he creates a meaningful career in the beauty industry. Connect with Apollo Alleman on Instagram and watch his journey, @apollosnips.
For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll, please visit https://bit.ly/LearnMoreAtEmpire