From Student to School Director: Nicole’s Inspiring Journey in Cosmetology

Nicole Bridwell’s Story

Nicole’s journey into the world of cosmetology began later than most. But at the age of 28, she finally took the leap, stepping into a field she had long been passionate about. Nicole admits, “The girls in my class just ran circles around me. They were young, they picked up on everything super fast. So I really had to work for it.”

She recalls having an “aha” moment during her training. Struggling with braiding, one of her educators sat down, demonstrating patiently until she got it. This experience was transformative for Nicole. It wasn’t just about mastering a skill; it was about the realization that she wanted to help others in the same way.

That’s when she knew her future lay not behind the chair but in front of the classroom, helping others find their path.

Learning to Teach Across Beauty Programs

After graduating her cosmetology program, Nicole plunged straight into beauty education. She didn’t just stick to one area: she taught barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics, covering both theory and floor work. Her dedication paid off, and she climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming the school director at the Aveda Institute in Twin Falls.

Nicole’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Starting as a student educator working at the front desk, she has held nearly every position at the institute.

“I started in 2020, and it’s been just over four years now. Each role taught me something valuable and prepared me for my current position as the school director.”

Nicole’s Philosophy: “Always Be There for Your Students”

Nicole’s time both as a student and an educator has been filled with significant learning experiences. She remembers a particularly tough day when an instructor, having a bad personal day, refused to help her fix a color gone wrong.

“It was pretty terrible,” she recalls. “But it also opened my eyes to how much I actually knew because I was able to fix it on my own.” This incident became a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy: always be there for your students, no matter what.

“In educating, you never know what’s coming in. The [salon] books could look one way an hour before and completely different shortly after,” she explains. This unpredictability has made her adaptable and prepared for anything, a quality she passes on to her students.

Behind the Scenes: A Day in Nicole’s Shoes

No two days are ever the same for Nicole. She juggles office work, meetings, coaching sessions, and sometimes jumps back into teaching when needed. “I do a little bit of everything,” she says. “And that all dials back to being mentored by Tina [Langdon]. She really instilled in me the willingness to fill the void wherever needed.”

Nicole’s favorite role remains being a cosmetology floor instructor. “I loved how fast-paced it was and helping with so many different things. Seeing the growth from students being afraid to hold their shears correctly to graduating and opening up their own salons—it’s just amazing.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Cosmetologists

Nicole advises current and potential students to make the most of their time in school, even though it may feel long.

“Learn every minute that you’re there. If you don’t have a client, grab a mannequin, do some research, watch a video, dive deeper into your book. Ask questions, ask hypothetical questions. Take as much as you possibly can because we’re only there for a short time.”

Unlocking a World of Possibilities

One of Nicole’s favorite things about the beauty industry is its endless opportunities. “My favorite thing about this industry is that it’s all-inclusive,” she says. “There’s someone for everybody.”

“You don’t have to just work behind the chair; you can work in a spa, be a platform artist, or even work in a mortuary. There are so many different avenues.”