A groundbreaking institution in North Minneapolis is transforming the landscape of beauty education. Taylor’d Cosmetology School, founded by Nubiah Taylor, is making waves by offering inclusive education in cosmetology with a special focus on ethnic hair, skin, and nails—an area largely overlooked by many traditional beauty programs.
Taylor’d Cosmetology School is addressing a pressing need in the beauty industry, offering a unique space for students to explore beauty techniques relevant to their cultures and communities.
“I wasn’t into makeup and beauty growing up, but I knew there was something missing,” said Taylor, who established the school after her own experiences in beauty school. “I was the only Black student in my class, and that’s when I realized the lack of spaces where people like me could feel represented and learn about our own beauty.”
After losing her corporate job, Taylor took a bold step toward opening her own beauty school. “I decided I would never work for anyone again,” she shared, leading to her decision to pursue training in eyelash extensions and eventually launch the school.
Taylor saw a need in Minnesota’s beauty education scene—specifically for a curriculum focused on ethnic beauty care. “There was no school dedicated to ethnic hair, skin, and nails in Minnesota,” she explained. “I wanted to create a school that would be accessible, especially to the North Minneapolis community where I grew up.”
The school’s mission is not only to educate but to foster a sense of community and belonging for its students. “It’s important to provide a space where people of all backgrounds can feel welcome and empowered,” Taylor said. “We don’t cater exclusively to Black and Brown people. We’ve had students from all over, including Dubai and Mexico.”
The school’s model prioritizes small, intimate class sizes. Each class admits only six students, ensuring personalized attention and a close-knit learning environment. Vanessa Valdovinos, a student at Taylor’d Cosmetology School, was drawn to the school by Taylor’s vision and energy. “The space is full of boss-girl energy,” Valdovinos said, reflecting on her experience. “I feel seen and understood here.”
Since opening its doors in 2023, Taylor’d Cosmetology School has graduated more than 20 students, many of whom have gone on to thrive in the beauty industry. Among the first graduates were Daija Webb and Charlie Jones-Burge, who now own successful beauty businesses.
Jones-Burge, who owns Get Ready Rooms, cited the school’s unique approach and location as key factors in her decision to enroll. “I knew I wanted to expand my services, and becoming an esthetician was the perfect next step,” she said.
Webb, another graduate, echoed similar sentiments, noting that her decision to return to Minneapolis from Los Angeles to attend the school was life-changing. “It exceeded all my expectations. After graduation, I landed a job at EWC, which gave me the confidence to pursue my own business,” Webb said. “Now, I’m my own boss, and it feels amazing.”
The impact of Taylor’d Cosmetology School is felt not only by its graduates but also within the broader community. “It’s about giving back, teaching young people the importance of self-care and confidence, and showing them how they can build careers in the beauty industry,” Jones-Burge explained.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to expand her school’s influence. “I envision launching ethnic-focused beauty schools in areas with smaller ethnic communities, like North Dakota and Utah,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
Taylor’d Cosmetology School is on track to apply for accreditation within the next year as it continues to grow. This step will further open doors for students and ensure the school’s long-term impact on the beauty industry.
“My ultimate goal is for us to build our own success and not rely on Fortune 500 companies,” Taylor concluded. “We can create generational change through education and opportunity.”
For Taylor, the school is not just a place to learn beauty skills—it is a platform for empowerment, representation, and community building.
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