Welcome to the Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship Application Portal!
Beauty Changes Lives uses judging software Submittable to upload your application, documents and to facilitate the judging process.
If you are applying for the first time, you will be asked to Sign Up in Submittable and login. Please save this information, as only the team at Submittable can support any changes.
Once you are logged in follow the next steps for applying:
Click on the “Apply Now!” button for the scholarship you wish to apply.
You will be asked several eligibility questions that pertain to the specific scholarship. If you receive an “Ineligibility Message” after submitting, it will direct you back to the Beauty Changes Lives scholarship site. Check to see if you may be eligible for another scholarship! We are updating new scholarships every season!
Check out the current calendar at the bottom of the page HERE.
If you are eligible, you can begin the application process by filling in your contact, school information and demographics. Each scholarship asks for you to upload documents and submit a video for judging.
Your application saves a DRAFT of your application automatically. This gives you the ability to return and complete the application once you have finished your video submission. Make sure to complete prior to the deadline, as the application closes at the end of the season at 11:59 PM PST automatically.
Once you have provided the specific requirements, you can submit the application. You will receive a message showing you we have received your application. Your submission is now moved to the review stage and will change from NEW to IN PROGRESS.
You can always log back in to check on the status of the submission. Check out this helpful article on SUBMISSION STATUS.
GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO APPLY! The sooner you submit, the reviewer has time to reach out to you and let you know if anything is missing or needs clarification. This will give you time to edit your submission prior to judging. Don’t wait until the last minute!
If the application shuts off at the deadline, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASK FOR AN EXTENSION. If the application is not saved due to traffic because of an influx of last-minute applications, or if you experience computer issues within the last hour prior to the deadline and your application is not accepted, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EXTENSION.
It takes approximately a month after the deadline date to review, judge and announce the winners of the scholarships for each season. You will receive a notification regardless of being selected as a recipient.
Here are some helpful tools to review that can provide insight on how to complete a successful submission that will stand out to the judges.
- Watch this HOW-TO VIDEO that gives important tools to make your submission STAND OUT!
- Do NOT go over the allotted time for the scholarship video submission requirement. Even one second over and you will be disqualified.
- Make sure your YOUTUBE video is made public and make sure the link works. If it is private the judge will not be able to view it and it may be disqualified.
- Be Professional! Any foul language or inappropriate behavior or visuals will not be tolerated.
- Check out Past Winner’s Videos.
- Review the Judging Criteria used for scoring each submission.
- Read the FAQ’s.
If you need assistance using Submittable, please contact the Submittable support HERE.
Check back on a regular basis at Beauty Changes Lives for all the updated scholarships and check out our calendar HERE.
Follow us on Instagram @beautychangeslives and Facebook @beautychangeslives
Subscribe to our mailing list and get more helpful information on new scholarships, mentorship opportunities, advanced education, and grants and how you can support the Beauty Changes Lives mission.
Most of all when making your submission, HAVE FUN, show your personality, your creativity and your passion!
We look forward to having you as a part of the professional beauty industry and look forward to your career success.
GOOD LUCK!
Beauty Changes Lives
Mentorship Opportunity Description
Amanda Brown, @coiffurebyamandab, will support you on Solo Success - Gaining Confidence, Setting Boundaries, Pricing, and Self-Worth.
Under Amanda Brown’s mentorship, Solo Success, mentees will gain the tools and confidence to thrive as independent beauty professionals. From setting boundaries and mastering pricing strategies to embracing self-worth, Amanda’s guidance empowers mentees to navigate the unique challenges of working solo. This mentorship is perfect for those ready to build a sustainable, successful business while prioritizing their personal and professional growth.
- Five applicants will be selected to learn from Amanda Brown
- This program has an estimated value at $1,500
Learn more about Amanda Brown and her educational classes on The Lucid Network HERE.
Applications Accepted: SEP 15 - OCT 31
Mentee selection: NOV 2025
Mentorship Season: JAN - FEB 2026
ABOUT AMANDA BROWN
Amanda Brown is better known as @coiffurebyamandab on Instagram. Her followers enjoy watching not only her educational tips on business, French Haircutting and Balayage, but also her funny spin on the day-to-day life at the chair as a stylist.
Amanda grew up in the break room of the salon where her mom worked folding towels, sweeping hair, and cleaning product shelves at the age of 9 years old. Growing up in the salon environment made it an easy choice to take advantage of the Co-Op program offered during her junior and senior years of high school. She was able to go half the day to Cosmetology school off campus and half the day attending regular classes at her high school.
Living with ADHD and Dyslexia “regular” classes throughout school were very difficult for her to understand and lacked self-confidence. When it came to learning hands on and visually in beauty school, it was easy for her to pass tests and quizzes without any studying as beauty school “just came natural” to her.
At her high school graduation not only did she graduate with a high school diploma, she also graduated with a degree in Cosmetology and a career!
Fast forward 23 years and now Amanda is an independent salon owner. She has taken her knowledge from Dessage International (Paris France) and Jamison Shaw Academy (Atlanta Georgia) teaching French Haircutting.
In 2019, she was accepted to be a part of the SunlightsPro Artisan Team certified to teach Hand Painted Balayage using The SunlightsPro curriculum created by Candy Shaw aka “The Balaylama” and mentored under her meticulous care.
Amanda feels the best way to relate with her students is to still work at the chair. Serving guests and understanding how to wear all the different hats as an independent salon owner. She is truly passionate about helping other stylists elevate their craft.
Mentorship Opportunity Description
Megan Murray, Vice President, Events and In-Store Experiences, Ulta Beauty - @megan_murray_ultabeauty, will support you to Define Your Personal Brand - Executive Insights Mentor Edition.
Under Megan Murray’s mentorship, mentees will be immersed in the three-part mentorship series designed to help beauty professionals define their personal brand, lead with impact, and grow through meaningful connection and mentorship.
- Five applicants will be selected to learn from Megan Murray
- This program has an estimated value at $2000
Session Breakdown
Session 1: Career Pathways & Personal Branding
- Introductions
- How to tell your story and build your brand
- Setting goals and defining your professional “why”
Session 2: Creating Impact Through Culture & Experience
- Building high-performing, inclusive teams – and being a teammate of choice!
- Designing memorable guest experiences in salons and events
- Life and career lessons
Session 3: Mentorship in Action & Next Steps
- How to be a mentor and a mentee
- Building your network and industry presence
- Reflection, celebration, and planning your next move
Why Join? Participants will gain:
- Direct mentorship from a seasoned executive and industry leader
- Practical tools for career advancement and team leadership
- A supportive community of peers and professionals
- Inspiration to lead with purpose and passion
Applications Accepted: SEP 15 - OCT 31
Mentee selection: NOV 2025
Mentorship Season: JAN - FEB 2026
ABOUT MEGAN MURRAY
Megan Murray is the Vice President of Events and In-Store Experiences at Ulta Beauty, where she leads strategies that create impactful, high-touch experiences for guests and associates, both in-store and across internal and industry-facing events. Her work spans salon, events, pro industry publications, and major programs like Ulta Beauty World.
With over a decade of retail leadership experience at companies like Target and JCPenney (including Sephora and Salon divisions), Megan is known for her high-energy, results-driven approach and passion for building top-performing teams and culture.
Outside of Ulta Beauty, she serves on the Board of Beauty Changes Lives and leads the Mentorship Matters program, supporting the next generation of beauty professionals.
Megan holds a bachelor’s in public relations and a master’s in marketing from the University of Alabama, where she also captained the volleyball team. She’s a proud working mom of two and is passionate about driving impact while creating space for connection and growth.
Mentorship Opportunity Description
Ruth Roche, @ruthroche will support you on how to Editorial Foundations - Mentor Edition "Empowering hairstylists to engineer their wildest hair dreams."
Under Ruth Roche's mentorship, mentees will get tips on how to master the vision and storytelling of Editorial Hair. Ruth Roche, is a seven-time NAHA winner and trailblazer in hair artistry, who brings her fearless creativity to this mentorship.
Through demos, theory, and guidance, she helps stylists—whether new to editorial or already building a portfolio—expand their creative voice and refine impactful techniques. Her mission is to spark confidence, open new perspectives, and fuel the evolution of every artist she mentors.
- FIVE (5) applicants will be selected to learn from Ruth Roche that has an estimated value at $1,500.
Applications Accepted: SEP 15 - OCT 31
Mentee selection: NOV 2025
Mentorship Season: JAN - FEB 2026
RUTH ROCHE
Founder, VISION CRAFT UNIVERSITY
Ruth Roche has spent four decades redefining what’s possible in hair. As Artistic Director for Trevor Sorbie, Redken, and Pureology, she has shaped global trends while earning more than 15 awards, including 7 NAHA wins, the Uncensored Beauty Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career spans editorial shoots, celebrity styling, and groundbreaking education, where she’s known for blending technical mastery with fearless artistry. Through Vision Craft University, Ruth is channeling her expertise into a bold mission: revolutionizing advanced hair education and igniting creativity for stylists everywhere.
Mentorship Opportunity Description
Ambrosia Carey, @ambrosiacarey will support you on how to Optimize growth with Enjoyment - Mentor Edition - "Build clarity, create a strong marketing plan, and scale beyond the chair."
Ambrosia's coaching style is more hands-on, like a consulting partner focused on the steps that really make a difference. I’m all about helping you reach success quickly, so we can both celebrate those wins together! For the ambitious salon professional spinning all the plates, ready for a little more balance and a lot more fun. Are you up for increasing your profit as a highly acclaimed market leader, and kicking overwhelm to the curb?
- Managing & maximizing your insights
- Discuss social media marketing strategies
- Maximizing profit & setting attainable goals
- Gaining business and brand clarity
FIVE (5) applicants will be selected to learn from Ambrosia Carey that has an estimated value at $1,500 per person.
Applications Accepted: SEP 15 - OCT 31
Mentee selection: NOV 2025
Mentorship Season: JAN - FEB 2026
AMBROSIA CAREY BIO
MASTER HAIR STYLIST, SALON OWNER, & EDUCATOR
As a Master Hairstylist, salon owner, and leading educator, I have discovered the methods and tools it takes to be truly successful in the salon and as a business consultant in the beauty industry.
Thriving today, my story wasn’t without its challenges. I began my career at entry-level in the beauty industry as a teen Mother, collecting debt, and receiving financial aid to buy groceries and support a stable household. I found herself struggling to make ends meet and questioned if entering into the beauty industry was the right choice.
I had a personal breakthrough one day in the salon when I discovered something about my approach behind the chair. Two years later, I became the youngest 6 figure stylist in my salon and has since set new records every year thereafter.
Today you can find me working with leading brands such as Matrix, Olivia Garden, and Truss Professional in Hair shows, on stage, or behind the scenes. My work has been published in countless trade magazines along with my recent awards placing Top 5 Colorist Nationally with Kenra Neon Battle and Pravana Vivids International Top 6! My passion for making connections worldwide with people daily is what fuels my success beyond my personal journey, to enable others to find what success truly means to them.