ADU School of Cosmetology is devoted to developing underserved communities through professional and ethical hands on training.
Meet the Scholarship Recipients:
Nikki Gibson
My name is Nikkia Nicole Gibson. I am a cosmetology student attending ADU School of Cosmetology. I've decided to make a decision to venture into want i genuinely believe is my true calling, hair styling!
When I was around 7 or 8 years of age, you would always find me with my baby doll braiding their hair. Then as I got older, I began experimenting on my little sisters hair, doing relaxers, extensions, braids, and etc... The styles I came up with looked good! She would always get people asking,"Who did your hair?." I've always enjoyed doing hair as a hobby but I could never find the time nor afford to get formal training to become licensed because I am a very busy mother of 4 beautiful children. I was constantly working 2 jobs to provide for them. But now, with the generosity of Hair in the Spirit(HITS) offering me a scholarship to attend ADU School of Cosmetology, the encouragement of my wonderful fiance, and the support of my family I am finally able to move toward my goal.
LaIvory Tillman
LaIvory Tillman was born on March 21st ,1983 in Pahokee, FL. Graduated from Dillard High School.
I became interested in hair at the age of 10. I was in 5th grade and could remember all the little girls would wear their hair down in pretty hairstyles. I always asked my mom, "Why can't I wear my hair like all the other little girls in my class"? Instead I would have 5 ponytails twisted to the ends with a bow at the bottom. By the end of the week the 5 ponytails would gradually make its way into one ponytail and loose at the ends. I always loved Fridays because I would wear my hair out then. I couldn't wait till I got older so I could do my own hair. Once I got older I would practice on my friends and family hair. I explored my interest in hair to work as an assistant with one of the top hair stylist in Florida, Bryan McCray. Working under him I learned so much and it motivated me to continue my passion for hair. He always told me, " You will NOT be a Hair dresser! You are a stylist! You style hair not dress hair!." That has stuck with me till this day.Today, as a student at ADU School of Cosmetology, I'm here to make a change in my life to do what I enjoy doing. I truly believe ADU is an ELITE program. I love being creative and putting my passion to use. I thank Hair in the Spirit for the opportunity and for granting me the scholarship to be able to put my dreams into action! I am an Elite ADU Student.
Bianca Baker
Bianca Baker-Destination:Passion
As I took my first breathe on March 22nd 1989 I knew I had the passion for hair.
Growing up I always looked forward to my mother doing my hair every weekend. As a 2nd generation hair stylist in the making, it came natural to me. As a little girl, I loved playing with barbie dolls styling, braiding, combing, brushing, and curling their hair. At the age 9 I started combing my own hair into ponytails and experimenting with different ways to part and angle my ponytails. Around the age 10 I remember I learned how to braid by practicing on my barbie dolls for hours at a time. Age 15 I encountered my first weave style and thereafter i have been wearing and experimenting with weaves and extensions ever since. I remember getting tricked into cutting my hair short but ending up falling in love with it and even got my first highlights. During my high school years I began "building clientele" by doing my classmates hair and many are my clients till this day. I enrolled and graduated from nursing school and still wasn't satisfied with my life. After the birth of my daughter, Brielle in 2010 I was inspired and realized it was time to do what I have a passion for. What I have had always dreamed about doing. I was ready to go to hair school! I was ready to get into "the hair game". In 2011, with the help of Hair in the Spirit, I enrolled in ADU School of Cosmetology. I'm so happy I 've finally started my journey to succeed!Nicole McLeod
I was born and raised in Hollywood, Fl. I have a beautiful daughter that is 10 years old. Currently I work at Memorial Regional Hospital, as a Unit Secretary. I began my journey into becoming a nail tech in 1994. I did nails for 6 yrs in full services salon. I loved doing nails but, want more than just nails. I enrolled into Sheridan Vocational for cosmetology in 1999. I love to learn the different things in the industry. I continue to learn till this day. I hope to open my own salon in the near future, in which will be a full service salon.
Now I've arrived at ADU School of Cosmetology to take my skills to the next level! I was refered to the school by a fellow stylist Myriam. She worked with ADU School and All Dolled Up Salons. I'm now assisting at the school and salon while taking advanced hands on training with the ADU School educational team through a fellowship grant from Hair in the Spirit(HITS)!.
