Stronger Together Part 3

In Partnership with

stronger

together

More Stylist Success Stories

PART 3

be bold!

Access more stories of success, career strength and growth from stylists in the digital edition of BeU from Ulta Beauty. Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

explore your possibilities

Buffy Roberson

Master Stylist / Assistant Services Manager, Monroe, LA 2 Years with Ulta Beauty @buffyroberson

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

I’d owned my own shop for 28 years and was very successful but had decided I personally needed more time to dedicate to myself. I’d been recruited for two years by a good friend, Nikki, who is the General Manager of the Ulta Beauty store in Monroe. When I said yes, it happened to be right before the pandemic in 2020. When we shut down, Ulta Beauty took care of me and my family.

“I love that I love my job”

My biggest hands-on mentor and supporter as I transitioned from owning my own business to adapting to the possibilities and culture at Ulta Beauty was Services District Educator DeeJay Swaney. Beyond that, my everyday mentors who help me succeed and grow every day are the entire team throughout our store. And my family.

mentors matter

The most important thing I’ve learned and embraced at Ulta Beauty is the value of planning out my day with the whole team. I’ve owned my own business, so I know how to make my own service day happen, but purposefully planning with the other parts of the business and helping everyone win is powerful. I love that I love my job. Winning together is a huge part of that.

best practices

Ulta Beauty gives me education, goals, and career opportunities I wouldn’t get working for myself. I am proud that I reached my goal of doing $100,000 in services after we were shut down from the pandemic, and exceeded it again in 2021. I really love watching our team grow. Because watching people do better makes me want to be better.

pride + passion

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / General Manager, The Gateway Center, Chicago 6 Years with Ulta Beauty @hairbyhugoking

Hugo Sanchez

“I’ve been empowered through many roles”

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For me, the greatest pride and passion comes from all the possibilities for growth and continuous education at Ulta Beauty. I feel supported and empowered to keep moving forward and reaching new goals.

pride + passion

I’ve learned to adapt to whatever comes in my professional or personal life. All my mentors have helped me focus my ability to take on new challenges and initiatives and helped me grow my inner voice to advocate for what I want to achieve in my journey at Ulta Beauty.

best practices

I’ve had mentors across the different stages of my Ulta Beauty journey, including Haley Kimble, Senior Manager of the Design Team. Working at the flagship Michigan Avenue store gave me inside perspective on how our creative team executes across all things beauty. Services District Educator Carmen Nichole Aguilar guided me, as did General Manager Ashley Hakmi, who helped me transition into salon management. I was lucky to connect with Regional Vice President Rob Sorum who gave me career advice when I needed it the most, to maneuver into operational areas of the business.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

While attending cosmetology school and leading an evening event for prospective students, I was approached by an Ulta Beauty Salon Manager. That night we set up an interview to tour the store, and I soon began working as a Salon Guest Coordinator. When I earned by license, I was promoted to Stylist, and 10 months later, double-promoted again. I then transferred to the Ulta Beauty flagship store on Michigan Avenue and grew through multiple roles. Within three years, I was promoted through two salon manager positions and am now the General Manager of the Ulta Beauty Chicago store at The Gateway Center.

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

be inspired:

be open:

be your best:

Every stylist has a story. And every stylist can see the possibilities are beautiful when they find the right salon, team and support system.

Learn how strong mentors, constant access to industry-leading education and immersion into a powerful team culture translate beautifully into career success, personal happiness and continued growth. Ready for a change? Beautiful opportunities are within your reach.

Beauty professionals from across the country, all of whom have found a salon home in which to create, thrive and live their beauty—share their personal, professional journeys. Their stories could spark a new chapter in your own. Read on!

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EVERY STYLIST HAS A STORY…

BUFFY ROBERSON

Hugo Sanchez

Kymberly Dawn Bouchard

Michael Eby

Deidra Smith

Hannah Heinrich

Cassandra Aragon

Carla Donnangelo

Jacinda-Renee Aguilar

Amanda Barbiero

experience their journeys

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Sevierville, TN 2.5 years with Ulta Beauty @kymberlydawnb

Kymberly Dawn Bouchard

“the possibilities are beautiful and limitless”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

For my story at Ulta Beauty, I truly feel like God put me where I needed to be. I really believe the possibilities are not only beautiful, they are limitless!

pride + passion

I’m a hard worker and I’ve always put in the time I need to accomplish my goals, and Ulta Beauty just helps us streamline the process and help us succeed even more. I can concentrate on showing up consistently for my guests, doing what I need to do to see that reflection of a smile in the mirror.

best practices

It is difficult to pinpoint one or two mentors—partly because of my timeline with Ulta Beauty starting right before the pandemic. The pandemic challenged in-person support from my district leaders, but Ulta Beauty found new ways to connect us, and we mentored each other throughout our store. I’m grateful, too, that my husband supported my new career adventures, and all the possibilities Ulta Beauty presented for me and our family.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I had been doing hair for 28 years, when I decided I wanted to make a change and the excitement, growth and security Ulta Beauty offered was appealing to me. In August of 2019, I put in my application. Within six weeks, I was hired and started a new chapter.

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Technical Ambassador, Lancaster, PA 4 years with Ulta Beauty @mane.focused

Michael Eby

“mentors help me improve always”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I have the utmost pride in my personal growth as well as the growth of the business we all share in at Ulta Beauty. I’m so excited to see the people around me grow their careers to the next level, especially my Assistant Stylist Jackie. I love watching newer stylists grow to new heights and become their best selves.

pride + passion

Focusing on continuous improvement was my biggest need when I started here at Ulta Beauty. I had an issue accepting honest constructive criticism and it almost cost me my position. After some serious consideration, I realized that I needed to change my attitude towards my work and if I didn’t, I was going to lose my career. Instead, I was able get support and rebuild a thriving clientele.

best practices

Madisyn Winters, now an Elite Stylist, not only recruited me to Ulta Beauty she coached me from day one and helped me start to grow my skill set into what it is today. Services District Educator Melissa Marshall saw my potential and helped me to improve always. When I had a major loss in my family and was struggling with grief and work, Melissa encouraged and inspired me again. Another SDE, David Ogonosky, has helped me navigate my Technical Ambassador role and grow our team’s mindset to think outside the box.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I had previously worked as an assistant in a private salon and a chain salon and needed change and growth. I had just started going back to school to become an educator when a new Ulta Beauty store opened in my area. I checked it out during the grand opening and was greeted by familiar faces from the local beauty industry who encouraged me to connect with the Ulta Beauty Salon Manager, Madisyn Winters. Soon after, I was brought on to the team!

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Olathe, KS 15 years with Ulta Beauty

Deidra Smith

“I have all the tools I need”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

One of my proudest moments at Ulta Beauty was the first time I hit $100k in annual services sales. The entire salon, store and organization help stylists reach then celebrate these milestones. What made it even more special for me was that the guest service that put me over the top was someone who knew me when I was very young, before I became a stylist, and always had faith in me. Having her and my amazing team members there for me meant the world. We all share a special bond.

pride + passion

I have developed wonderful relationships with my guests at Ulta Beauty, but what has most helped me drive my success is learning the importance and the daily systems of managing my business. I have all the tools and systems I need to build referrals and rebook appointments. Through Ulta Beauty’s ongoing education and special brand relationships, I was fortunate to become certified as a Redken colorist, and that has driven even more business and earnings.

best practices

Joel Emerson hired me and was my salon manager for many years. Then, Cassandra Aragon was my salon manager for 8 years and helped me reach my professional goals of attaining the Elite Stylist level and also to exceed 100k in annual services sales. She is now our Services District Educator, still providing amazing support and inspiration.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I started my salon career with Ulta Beauty in November 2006, when Ulta Beauty was new to the area. The moment I stepped into the store, I knew I had to work there. The salon and store environment felt fresh, different and I was excited about the possibilities. I’ve been an Ulta Beauty stylist ever since, through some very wonderful changes, growth and success.

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Omaha, NE 4 years with Ulta Beauty @hannahheinrichbeauty

Hannah Heinrich

“I haven’t come close to a stopping point”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am most proud of the growth I have been able to achieve—and share—through Ulta Beauty. Surrounded by positive peers and mentors at Ulta Beauty has, in turn, empowered me to help grow others. Knowing that I haven’t even come close to hitting a stopping point in my career growth makes me that much more excited for the future.

pride + passion

One of many skills I’ve had constant support in sharpening and improving throughout my time at Ulta Beauty is the ability to provide consistent service. We learn to over-deliver and “wow” guests with the technical and chair-side service we provide. This creates confidence and an environment for monumental growth.

best practices

Two important mentors who helped instill and grow my confidence are Rachel Fagan, former General Manager and now current Services District Leader, and Rachel Ramos, former Salon Manager and current General Manager.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

Ulta Beauty was my fourth job in cosmetology. I started working here at a time in my life when I wanted to reignite my passion for hair and for helping people in a supportive and inclusive environment. I was drawn to Ulta Beauty’s celebration of all walks of life and experiences. And I am very passionate about the opportunity for growth!

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator, Overland Park, KS 12 years with Ulta Beauty @_cassandraaragon_

Cassandra Aragon

“I moved, so had to rebuild. At Ulta Beauty, I grew quickly.”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am most proud when I get a text or phone call from another Ulta Beauty stylist sharing their own success stories and images. They may have had a great day behind-the-chair in sales or used a new technique I taught them in class, or had a great guest experience they want to celebrate. I'm passionate about all of it. I am their #1 cheerleader and want them all to be successful in their careers. I love being a part of a team and the collaboration we build together.

pride + passion

My most important lessons and the ones I share are: 1. Trust the process. 2. Trust and invest in yourself. 3. Time is money—learn to be efficient.

best practices

I have had great mentors during my 12 years with Ulta Beauty. Two that have been most influential are Joel Emerson, Services District Leader and Jackie Dinvaut, Senior Manager Store Development. Joel hired me and taught me to trust the process and trust myself. Jackie is a former District Manager and taught me to have patience, be a flexible leader, be compassionate and to take the emotions out of it when planning and prioritizing tasks.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

When I moved to the Kansas City area after working as a stylist for 10 years, I had to start over and rebuild a clientele. I. I joined the Ulta Beauty team at the ground level as a stylist and, with support and resources, I grew quickly through multiple positions including Elite Stylist, salon manager and most recently, Services District Educator.

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Portland, ME 9 years with Ulta Beauty @donnangelocarla

Carla Donnangelo

“there’s always someone who will believe in you”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

At Ulta Beauty, there is always someone working with you who will cheer you on and believe in you. The possibilities are beautiful and endless here. At this stage in my career, I am content with my role as an Elite Stylist, keeping my numbers and income up. But I like knowing that more growth and new challenges are always available at Ulta Beauty if I change my mind and want to try something new.

pride + passion

As a seasoned stylist, I had an established clientele, but the team and support at Ulta Beauty helped me to grow faster and retain more clients. Setting and checking in on personal goals and coming up with ways to achieve them one day, week or month at time makes a difference.

best practices

There’s access to mentorship at every level and daily for beauty pros at Ulta Beauty. My first mentor was my first salon manager, the one who recruited me, Anne Sturgeon. Anne is no longer with our Portland store, but she was instrumental in helping me make the most of my Ulta Beauty experience. She helped me achieve many of my early milestones, including moving up to Elite Stylist through education and skills, and achieving $100,000 in annual service sales for the first time.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I came to Ulta Beauty working for more than 15 years in other salon industry situations because I was looking to land in a solid business environment and culture I could trust and at a place I could feel good about building a future. I came to Ulta Beauty because I had known the salon manager for 20 years and knew her to be professional. It was a good decision!

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Harlingen, TX 6 years with Ulta Beauty @jay.thehairwizard

Jacinda-Renee Aguilar

“I’m living my dream of being a top stylist at an amazing salon.”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am proud to be reaching goals I set for myself when I first started doing hair. It makes me happy that I’m living my dream of being a top stylist at an amazing salon. I’m also excited for the future—to pass on my knowledge and mentor other stylists. I’m ready to see where else my Ulta Beauty journey is going to take me.

pride + passion

Like many stylists early in my career, I was passionate about color, cutting and technical skills, but also needed to learn the business side and take more control of my booking and schedule. Improving my speed was a definite factor. Once I saw I was moving up toward my goals, I was more excited to keep going and growing. A little friendly competition with our team helped motivate me, too, with Services District Leader Sholanda Carter always holding me accountable during store visits, and getting the team excited about future possibilities.

best practices

There are a lot of people who have positively mentored and helped me grow at Ulta Beauty, including past salon managers, awesome store managers and amazing coworkers past and present. But I would say Services District Leader Shalonda Carter really helped me to succeed. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me strive for more in my career at a time when I wasn’t sure of myself.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

After working for six months at a small locally owned salon doing haircuts, I knew I wanted to do more services, especially color. I knew I needed to be somewhere I could count on getting more training and experience. So I made a smart move and started working at Ulta Beauty in March of 2016.

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MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist /Assistant Services Manager, Brick, NJ 5 years with Ulta Beauty @hairbyamandab

Amanda Barbiero

“Ulta Beauty became my new home.”

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mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am most proud every day of our team at our store. My success comes from their success. Winning together is what we do.

pride + passion

Evolving my career path with Ulta Beauty has really showed me how working together with both salon services team and retail team makes the whole job more rewarding and fun. The most important best practices I live by are communication and belief in our one-box team.

best practices

As I started working in a different salon environment and culture, I discovered new and different levels of mentorship and support. I learned to adapt, grow skills and build my business from other stylists who worked alongside me but at different levels, including Jackie, a Master Stylist, and Jenny, at the Elite Stylist level. I also learned about team goals and success during chat-ins with Chanel, our Retail Operations Manager.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

Beauty was my family business. I spent the beginning of my professional career working as a stylist in my mother’s salon. When she retired and sold it in 2016, it was time to reinvent. I saw that there was a new Ulta Beauty store opening in Brick so I applied for a job as a stylist. Ulta Beauty quickly became my new home.

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

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The Career Possibilities Are Beautiful

We believe in creating lifelong career opportunities for stylists at every stage of their professional journey. Our education focused approach provides every stylist the opportunity to grow through three skills-based levels—from Stylist to Master, up to Elite—via industry leading Ulta Beauty Academy education. At every level, stylists have the chance to earn up to 70% commission, have retirement benefits and health insurance. Elite stylists can continue to maximize their guest services through working with rising talent in a unique Assistant Stylist program. The Assistant Stylist program was specially created for stylists starting their careers and will provide you with industry leading training, paid education and hands on learning while working with our Elite Stylists. It’s the first step to building a strong foundation for a successful career behind the chair. Education driven stylists can build their career path even further as Services District Educators. When they’re not working behind the chair servicing their guests, they teach and mentor stylists in their area through in-person education, training and one-on-one coaching. Learn more as you meet 10 successful stylists who have tapped into all Ulta Beauty has to offer!

Learn how strong mentors, constant access to industry-leading education and a powerful team culture come together to shape successful, satisfying careers.

HUGO SANCHEZ

AMANDA BARBIERO

HANNAH HEINRICH

DEIDRA SMITH

CASSANDRA ARAGON

KYMBERLY DAWN BOUCHARD

MICHAEL EBY

CARLA DONNANGELO

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

“i haven’t come close to a stopping point”

Elite Stylist, Omaha, NE 4 years with Ulta Beauty @hannahheinrichbeauty

Hannah Heinrich

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

I am most proud every day of our team at our store. My success comes from their success. Winning together is what we do.

pride + passion

“ulta beauty became my new home.”

Elite Stylist /Assistant Services Manager, Brick, NJ 5 years with Ulta Beauty @hairbyamandab

Amanda Barbiero

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

“i have all the tools i need”

Elite Stylist, Olathe, KS 15 years with Ulta Beauty

Deidra Smith

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

My most important lessons and the ones I share are: 1. Trust the process. 2. Trust and invest in yourself. 3. Time is money—learn to be efficient.

best practices

pride + passion

“i moved, so had to rebuild. at ulta beauty, i grew quickly.”

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator, Overland Park, KS 12 years with Ulta Beauty @_cassandraaragon_

Cassandra Aragon

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

For my story at Ulta Beauty, I truly feel like God put me where I needed to be. I really believe the possibilities are not only beautiful, they are limitless!

pride + passion

“the possibilities are beautiful and limitless”

Elite Stylist, Sevierville, TN 2.5 years with Ulta Beauty @kymberlydawnb

Kymberly Dawn Bouchard

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

“i’m living my dream of being a top stylist at an amazing salon.”

Elite Stylist, Harlingen, TX 6 years with Ulta Beauty @jay.thehairwizard

Jacinda-Renee Aguilar

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

“mentors help me improve always”

Elite Stylist / Technical Ambassador, Lancaster, PA 4 years with Ulta Beauty @mane.focused

Michael Eby

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

mentors matter

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

best practices

pride + passion

“mentors help me improve always”

Elite Stylist, Portland, ME 9 years with Ulta Beauty @donnangelocarla

Carla Donnangelo

JACINDA-RENEE AGUILAR

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