Everyone has a story of how they ended up in beauty school, and it’s usually a pretty colorful tale filled with creativity and passion.  But those that choose to teach beauty school are the special ones because they share everything they know to make others better. There is no doubt about it, whether in the salon or on set, everyone remembers their favorite teachers at opportune moments throughout their careers. From tips about cutting down on salon gossip to the exact way to create the perfect curl - teachers truly shape your career for years to come. As a brilliant teacher and an ongoing student, Sam Villa knows the importance of education. 

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) has a rich history of educating millions into the beauty and wellness industry.  They currently have over 250 owners as members representing over 500 schools across the nation.  Sam Villa, Co-Founder of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, whose school program avidly supports beauty schools, was the closing keynote speaker at the 2020 CEA & AMP Convention following the presentation of the 1st Annual School Spirit Award Winner to Tam Nguyen, President of Advance Beauty College!

“As teachers, we have the privilege to empower and highlight the potential in every student. We choose to make others better.  Choose to stand before audiences motivated by the passion to teach, not to say what is right or wrong, but to inspire curiosity. For over 40 years so many people have generously shared so much knowledge with me, and I choose to pay it forward by adding educational VALUE to the industry,” says Villa. 

Villa, ever the consummate student, continues to learn and share:

  1. As a teacher, passion, energy and ambition are important, but the most valuable thing we can give our students is time and attention.
  2. Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you make students feel is your trademark.
  3. The way we teach is as important as what we teach - leadership is based on inspiration and cooperation - not intimidation and domination.
  4. Even as teachers we must never cease to learn because education is what elevates the beauty industry.

“Let’s continue as educators to remain curious, inspire hope, ignite the imagination, build confidence and instill a love of learning,” he adds.