OUR IMPACT
About the Impact…
Explore testimonials from people who have transformed their beauty careers with our guidance.
I had the privilege of Briany teaching me during my Cosmetology course. She was always professional and completely dedicated to help me understand the material. She is an experienced stylist in many areas of hairstyles including men's cut, extensions, hair restoration, coloring, cutting. She is a great teacher that has patience for her students. I highly recommend her services for new hairstylist as a mentor. She will never disappoint you!
- Borsika Szivos
When I first started in the salon as an assistant, I was simply trying to get my foot in the door. I had big goals for myself. I knew I wanted to eventually own my own salon but at the time, I had no idea how I would get there.
Working with Bri changed that for me. She taught me so much, not just about doing hair, but about the business side of things and how to truly connect with and care for my clients. As an assistant, I didn’t expect that within just a few months, I would already be building and working with my own clientele.
She constantly pushed me to work toward my smaller goals, which ultimately led me to one of my biggest accomplishments yet which was starting my own business, A Touch of Beauty.
Today, I have a full book, a loyal clientele, and the knowledge and confidence to run my business the way I envision. I still have goals I’m working toward, but the foundation she helped me build gave me everything I needed to grow and continue moving closer to my ultimate vision.
- Nikki Young
Working with Mrs. Bree was the highlight of my cosmetology school experience! She is passionate, experienced, and wise. Her real-world salon experiences provided numerous examples on how to solve problems and interact professionally with clients. Mrs. Bree’s teaching style is easy to understand. She expects excellence while maintaining a posture of grace. Because of her, I passed both my practical and theory State Boards Exams on the first try! I am a better stylist after working with Mrs. Bree.
- Annalee Fryer
When Virginia Cosmetology Occupational center was open, opportunity came to me at an ideal time. I needed to get my cosmetology license, but unfortunately, my local classes did not have a schedule that worked for me. I came to VCOC because they offered a hybrid model that allowed me to take classes online and go in person to do my practical learning. Yes, I did drive 3 hours to my class, however, they made sure I got the best education while I was there. Briany Reid was so thoughtful and informative in her teaching style. She made sure each student left the classroom feeling confident in their learning. If I had to take the classes again, I would choose Ms. Reid as my instructor any day!
- Kim Ross
For the last four years, I’ve been walking by faith on a journey to earn my cosmetology license. There were moments of doubt, delays that I didn’t understand, and seasons where I questioned if this dream was really meant for me. I had to keep starting over the process of schooling and I was discouraged and almost gave up. But even in the waiting, God was working.
God blessed me with an incredible opportunity and placed me under a teacher who was kind, patient, supportive, and intentional with me. Bri didn’t just teach me skills but also she encouraged my spirit. She reminded me of my capability on the days I felt confused and needed someone to lift me up. Through her guidance and God’s grace, I was able to complete my schooling and now am a licensed cosmetologist!
- Cortney Wells
Learning under Bri was truly the highlight of my cosmetology school experience. She is kind, genuine, and has a remarkable ability to make you feel seen and heard, not only as a student, but as a future professional in the industry.
Bri takes the time to thoughtfully guide you through every step of the learning process. Whether it’s cutting, styling, coloring, or performing chemical services, she ensures you have a thorough understanding and the confidence to succeed. Her teaching style is supportive, intentional, and empowering.
I flourished under Bri’s mentorship and benefited daily from her knowledge and encouragement. I began my cosmetology journey nearly seven years ago, in 2019, through an apprenticeship that ultimately was not the right fit. For years, I placed completing my licensure on hold. However, after meeting Bri in 2024, I immediately knew I had found the right mentor and enrolled without hesitation.
I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I am grateful that the timing aligned for Bri to become such an important part of my professional journey. God placed Bri in my life exactly when I needed her.
- Kenzie Tomlin
My journey in this industry started at Divine Destiny Salon with Bri in 2017, and honestly, that experience changed everything for me. Coming in as an apprentice, I didn’t have it all figured out. I had the passion, but I needed guidance, structure, and someone to show me what this career really looked like beyond just doing hair. Being under Bri, I learned so much more than techniques. I learned how to carry myself as a professional, how to handle busy days without feeling overwhelmed, and how to truly connect with my clients. She taught me how to listen not just to what clients say they want, but to what they actually need. She showed me how to move with confidence, even when I was still learning. Most importantly, she believed in me during moments when I was still trying to find that confidence within myself. Those everyday experiences, the fast paced days, the challenges, the growth, & the small wins all shaped me into the stylist I am today. Over time, I took everything I learned and built on it. That journey eventually led me to open my own salon, Hair Journey Studio. And when I created my space, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a place to get your hair done. I wanted it to be a place where growth, education, and real support exist because I know how important that was in my own journey. Apprenticeship programs like this are so important because they bridge the gap between school and real life behind the chair. They give you real life experience, real clients, and real guidance. You’re not just learning how to do hair, you’re learning how to think, adapt, build relationships, how to move with confidence, and how to understand the business side of this industry. Today, as a salon owner I know firsthand that having the right mentorship can truly change your entire path. I’m truly grateful for Bri and everything she poured into me. That experience gave me the foundation & Values to build the career and business I have today. If you’re considering stepping into this industry or looking for the right place to grow, I highly recommend joining Bri’s apprenticeship program. It can truly change your path, just like it did mine.
- Ashley Rucker - Owner & Stylist - Hair Journey Studio