The 5th annual WELLA Student Competition occured at ABS Chicago on Monday, March 22 - 23, 2015. The competition was especially fierce this year, with 186 students representing 79 schools across the nation.
Twelve (12) talented cosmetology student finalists competed live on stage at America’s Beauty Show (Chicago, IL), Monday, March 23, 2015, and were judged by a distinguished industry panel, including: Wella top artists Anthony Cole, Michael Haase and Diane Stevens; plus John Gialluisi of Mario Tricoci Salons & Spas. Students and recent cosmetology school grads competed in either the Wella Professionals or Sebastian Professional categories.
“At Wella, we truly believe in the next generation and we know it’s very important that we do everything we can to mentor students, and to give them an outlet to compete,” noted Carole Protat, Wella Creative Director North America. “The Wella Student Competition continues to empower beauty school students year after year. We are committed to providing a platform for students to perfect their craft and advance in our industry.”
The Winners Include:
In the Sebastian Professional category:
First Place: Samantha Peters, Bellus Academy, Poway, CA
Upon accepting the award, first place winner Samantha Peters noted: “This feeling is incredible! Just being here inspires me. To be among all of these amazing stylists, instructors, talents and mentors 
– it pushes me to push my career.”
In the Wella Professionals category:
First Place: Valeria Lopez, Century College Inc., San Juan, PR
“The most valuable part of this competition for me was the experience,” noted first place winner Valeria Lopez. “I felt like I had already won just being a finalist. Seeing my finished work, and the finished work of my fellow students, was incredible for me.”
The top winner in each category was to be awarded a $1,000 cash prize, product prizes, a Voucher for training at a Wella Studio, Premium Bloom membership, and a Candy Shaw Educational DVD.
Instructor of the Year Named
Wella also believes that behind every great student is a great teacher. To honor cosmetology teachers, every student who competed in the 2015 Wella Student Competition could nominate their mentor or instructor for special recognition.
The “Instructor of the Year” is someone who encourages and inspires students throughout their journeys to becoming amazing stylists. Wella proudly saluted Lee Carter, Regency Beauty Institute, Mishawaka, IN, as the 2015 Wella Instructor of the Year. “I’m so happy to be here, and to build confidence in my students so they can reach their full potential,” said Carter.
About: WELLA products help make beauty dreams real everyday for millions of stylists and consumers worldwide. WELLA’s brands are distributed in more than 180,000 salons across the globe, and include Sebastian Professional, Koleston Perfect by Wella Professionals, Color Touch by Wella Professionals, Blondor by Wella Professionals, Clairol Professional and Nioxin. Visit wella.com for more information.