Beauty professionals from across the U.S. gathered on September 15 at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center for the third annual Beauty Gives Back™, a sold-out event that once again proved it’s more than a conference—it’s a movement shaping the future of the beauty industry.
Created by Julie Hightower, Executive Board President of the Daisie Foundation, and Mireya Villarreal, Founder and CEO of the Pink Pewter Foundation, Beauty Gives Back 2025 brought together over 1000 salon pros, students, educators, and brand leaders for a high-energy day of education, connection, and community—with a mission to Inspire. Develop. Empower. Give.
photo courtesy of Beauty Gives Back
A Transformative Day for Salon Professionals at Every Level
The 2025 event delivered a curated lineup of 25+ speakers and sessions that offered real-world strategies and heartfelt storytelling—bridging technical skill with business acumen and emotional resilience.
Featured Sessions Included:
Breaking Cycles, Building Empires: A Latina Founder’s Road to Impact – with Nadine Ramos, LASIO
Beauty Beyond the Chair: Cultivating Community and Wellness in Your Career – a panel presented by Ulta Beauty, featuring Dani Darmanin, Beto Sanchez and Bianca Donahue. Moderated by Kelly Ehlers, founder of The Evoke Agency and co-founder of The Tease.
Building a Beauty Community with SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro – led by Siiri Parks, SalonCentric
Redefining Beauty Standards: Driving Change in Hair Care Legislation & Culture – presented by Amika, and featuring Gianne L. Doherty, Keya Neal, Cara Crafton, and Jody Tyvela (PBA)
From Craft to Career: Lessons on Leadership & Client Loyalty – featuring Dimitra Louro, Mailá Extensions
Beauty on Your Terms: Entrepreneurial Journeys from Every Angle – featuring Jesse (Kirby) Perez Gil, Steve Wren, Dylan Pritchard and Kim Roxie. Hosted by Corey Gray from Hairdustry Podcast
The Psychology of Beauty: How Your Work Impacts Client Wellness & Confidence – featuring Dr. David Camacho, UI Health
Legacy Through the Clippers: The Ripple Effect of Barbering – featuring Larry Roberts
photo courtesy of Beauty Gives Back
A Surprise That Stole the Spotlight
The emotional high point of the day came when North Lawndale (IL) College Prep senior Jessica Thurmond, who gained attention for styling classmates’ hair in her school bathroom, was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Pivot Point Academy, valued at over $22,500. The audience gave her a standing ovation, underscoring the event’s core mission of creating tangible change for aspiring professionals. Beauty Gives Back also celebrated incredible moments of giving, from scholarships and grants awarded to students and professionals. A full-ride cosmetology scholarship was given from Larry’s Barber College valued at $14,939. To date, Beauty Gives Back has awarded $170,000+ to students and industry professionals.
photo courtesy of Beauty Gives Back
Industry Leaders Show Up for the Next Generation
Whether from the main stage or in hallway conversations, and at table sides, the emphasis was clear: Beauty Gives Back is setting a new standard for what professional development looks like in the beauty industry.
“We’re not just teaching skills—we’re offering access, mentorship, and real stories that show what’s possible,” said co-founder Mireya Villarreal.
“This isn’t about a moment; it’s about building momentum,” added Julie Hightower, co-founder. “When the beauty industry comes together like this, the impact is exponential.”
Beauty Gives Back featured:
25+ industry speakers and panelists
Scholarships and grants awarded
Countless moments of connection, confidence, and community
photo courtesy of Beauty Gives Back
Looking Ahead!
As Beauty Gives Back™ continues to grow, it remains grounded in its mission: to create opportunities for emerging beauty professionals—especially those facing financial hardship—through events, education, and ongoing support.
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