Student Stories: An Inspiring Personal Transformation (Katie Estopellan)

By Katie Estopellan

Picture this: I’m sitting in this busy Aveda salon, the one that’s basically become like my second home over the last few months.

The air’s filled with that cozy mix of coffee and essential oils, and honestly, I’m buzzing with anticipation. It’s wild to think that it’s only been about five or six months since I took the plunge in August to really dive into this beauty world.

Inspired by Salons as a Girl

When I was a kid, I used to hang out at the local salons with my mom. I was that little girl who was fascinated by how stylists transformed her look. The sounds—the snipping of scissors, the chatter—felt almost musical to me.

That’s when I started dreaming.

Not just to watch, but to be the one creating those transformations.

How I Chose My Beauty School

Choosing where to study wasn’t just about picking a name from a list.

Aveda Institute – Boise, a beauty school associated with Nathan Layne Institute, felt personal. From the moment I walked in, there was this warmth, like everyone I met was already a friend. It just felt right, like this was where I needed to be.

And from day one, it was clear that my first impression of my new school was spot on.

Daily Life as a Beauty Student

Every day as a student at Aveda Institute – Boisee, we’d start with something called “huddle.” It’s this mix of updates and wellness exercises that, believe it or not, woke us up better than coffee.We’d chuck this speech ball around. It’s just such a fun way to kickstart the day.

Then it was on to the real work—servicing clients. That’s where the magic happened.

It’s one thing to learn from books and lectures, but getting hands-on experience? That’s where I really started honing my skills in things like highlighting and gel nail application.

A Quiet Transformation for an Introvert

Honestly, the whole experience has quietly transformed me.

I used to be this introvert who was totally fine staying in the background. But here, I found myself thriving on the interaction. Connecting with clients, bonding with classmates—it brought out this resilience and joy in me that I didn’t know I had.

Of course, I still need my quiet time to recharge, but I’m learning to balance that with the social demands of the industry.

Memorable Moments and Newfound Confidence for the Future

There were so many memorable moments during beauty school.

I had this one client who just came in to cover her grays, and that simple service turned into this amazing connection. It gave me so much confidence and reassured me that I was on the right path.

Looking ahead, I can see my goals so clearly. I dream of having my own space someday—a studio that’s part hair, part nails, where I can welcome clients into a world I’ve created.

The school’s been prepping me for that—teaching me not just the technical stuff, but how to build and keep a client base, which is so crucial for someone starting out.

Looking Towards the Future

I know I’ve got areas to work on, like networking and seeking mentorship. I’ve started creating an online presence and handing out business cards. Each small step feels like progress, helping me carve out my identity in this bustling beauty world. Being here at Aveda Institute – Boise, I felt this quiet pride and accomplishment.

This wasn’t just an education; it was the foundation of my career.

I’m growing not just in skill, but in confidence and self-awareness. With a heart full of hope and a head full of ideas, I’m ready to step into the professional world I’ve admired for so long.

The best advice I’d give to anyone thinking about this path is to stay open-minded. Embrace criticism and feedback—they’re not setbacks, but guides to help you get better.