Beating the Odds. Former Regency Student Thrives at Empire.

Bianca Lyons-Brown nears graduation despite challenges along the way.
Despite using a wheelchair for mobility, Bianca Lyons-Brown is thriving as a future professional at Empire Beauty School in Milwaukee, WI.

At 26 she is just a few weeks away from graduation.  A milestone twice as impressive, since she is also one of thousands of former Regency Beauty Institute students who had to finish their dream elsewhere, after the company shut down more than 80 locations throughout the country.

“I was hurt.” says Bianca. “I was confused and worried about the future. I had so many questions, like what would happen to my Financial Aid?”

As mom to a young son, Bianca was on track to graduate from Regency in January. But once the doors shut, she found herself again looking for a school where she could not only finish her education, but also, fit in.

“For me, it takes a little bit of adjusting to a new place. I get a lot of questions about why I am in a wheelchair. Most people are just curious and I don’t mind sharing, but it’s takes some adjusting.”

Now that she is on track to graduate in the coming weeks, Bianca is busy taking clients with her goal of opening a hair braiding businesses in the future.

“Everyone here at Empire really welcomed me here and made sure I was comfortable.
There are a few things I have no choice but to ask for help with. Everyone is really supportive of my goals.”

Bianca says her advice to any student feeling like their dream is too difficult to reach, is to think of how far they’ve already come.

“You can do anything you put your mind to. I really believe that.”

If your education was disrupted by the abrupt closure of Regency Beauty Institutes last fall, you could still qualify for our Displaced Student Grant.

This grant program expires soon. (March 31, 2017) If you have yet to continue your education after the closure of your Regency campus, we may be able to help you finish your program and reach your long term goals.

At Empire Beauty Schools, we care about your dreams. If you have yet to continue your education, it’s not too late to get back in the classroom and back on track.

If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology at Empire Beauty Schools, please fill out the online form on this page or call us at 1 (800) 964-1328.

For important consumer info, please visit www.empire.edu/ge