I first met with Carrie in August 2017. We originally spoke on the phone for a bit before booking a tour, and I remember being very excited to meet her after we chatted.  In person, Carrie was just as sweet as she had been on the phone. Much to my delight, she enrolled into our part-time day Esthetics program, and began this past September. When choosing who would be our very first Featured Student, she was someone who quickly came to mind because she embodies the message I want to send- that there is no stereotypical student!

I sat down with Carrie to do a little question and answer time about her journey to New York Institute of Beauty!

NYIB: So, Carrie, tell us a little about you!

Carrie: My name is Carrie. I have been married to my husband for 17 years, and I am a mom to two kids. A 13-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old boy. I was a stay at home mom with them up until I started school here! 

NYIB: Ah that is so exciting! I know all too well what it is like to go from staying home with your children and then making the leap back into school!

NYIB: Before you became a mom, what were you doing?

Carrie: I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies.  I went to graduate school for a bit for Early Intervention as well. I moved to New York City after college and worked in Advertising for a few years before getting married and starting my family.

NYIB: So, after taking a break from the working world for a while, what drew you to the Esthetics industry instead of heading back into advertising?

Carrie: Well, about 5 years ago I started getting facial treatments. I began going more and more, and realized I really started to fall in love with skin care. As time went on and my kids got a little older and more independent, I saw that I finally had the chance to focus on me again and could pursue this.

NYIB: There are a few options here on Long Island for school. What made you choose NYIB?

Carrie: Well, honestly-I requested information from two schools. The one never got back to me. You reached out to me within a couple of hours, which I was immediately impressed by.  And then when I came in for a tour, you made me just feel very comfortable. You assured me that I wasn’t going to feel out of place here, and that the classes were full of all different but really friendly people. You made me excited about coming back to school and that I was making the right decision!

NYIB: (For the record-no I did not make Carrie say that! But I do love hearing it!)

NYIB: You’ve been here for a little bit now. What has been the most interesting thing you have learned so far?

Carrie: Honestly- anatomy and physiology! Totally unexpected. I have never been a “science” girl but I have found learning all about the muscles and bones so fascinating. We are beginning facial treatments this week though, so I am really excited to start learning that!

NYIB: What are your goals for after you graduate?

Carrie: Right now, I don’t have any set goals in place. I am taking this time to just get my hands wet. I figure as I go along and learn everything, at some point I will find something that will make me stop and go, “This is it for sure!” My gut is telling me that I will likely go on to Advanced Esthetics though, as I think the education is so important. The more well rounded and versatile I can be, the better.

NYIB: That is awesome to hear. Our Advanced Esthetics program is absolutely amazing for those who want to work in a more clinical setting.

NYIB: Do you have any advice for someone who may still be on the fence about joining this industry?

Carrie: Make sure you are ready, and take it seriously. It is so much fun, but be prepared-it is not all easy. But it is a great way to meet other people. I truly enjoy coming to school every day and learning. I feel smart. And a sense of pride in myself I haven’t felt in years.  I am happy.

Interviewed and written by Megan Leitch, L.E., NYIB Admissions Representative.