First Nail Technician Board Member in the History of the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology: Michael Carter Appointed – August 2024

Louisville Beauty Academy Update: Celebrating a Historic Appointment in Kentucky’s Beauty Industry

At Louisville Beauty Academy, a Kentucky State-licensed and State-accredited beauty college, we pride ourselves on ensuring our students stay informed and up-to-date with the latest changes in beauty licensing and law in Kentucky. Our commitment to student success goes beyond education; it includes keeping everyone in our community aware of critical regulatory updates that impact their careers.

As part of our ongoing efforts to support our students, we are pleased to share significant developments related to the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. As of March 2024, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 14 into law. This legislation is a monumental step forward in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the beauty industry in Kentucky. Senate Bill 14 expanded the Board of Cosmetology by adding two new seats—one for a licensed nail technician and another for an esthetician.

Today, we are excited to announce that Governor Andy Beshear, along with Secretary of State Michael Adams, has officially filled the first of these new positions. Michael Carter of Richmond, Kentucky, has been appointed as the newest member of the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, representing licensed nail technicians. His appointment is effective immediately as of August 16, 2024, and he will serve a term that expires on February 1, 2026.

This appointment is a significant milestone for the beauty industry in Kentucky, particularly for nail technicians, as it ensures that their voice is heard at the state level. Michael Carter’s experience and dedication to the profession will bring valuable insights to the Board, benefiting all nail technicians across the Commonwealth.

As of August 19th, 2024 – KENTUCKY STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY MEMBERS

At Louisville Beauty Academy, we understand how vital it is for our students and graduates to be aware of such changes. We are committed to providing timely updates and ensuring that our community remains informed about important regulatory shifts. We encourage all our students to stay engaged and understand how these changes may affect their professional journey.

As we await the appointment of a representative for estheticians, we are confident that these additions to the Board will further enhance the diversity and representation within the beauty industry in Kentucky. We will continue to keep our students informed of any further developments.

Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, Louisville Beauty Academy is here to support you every step of the way in your beauty career.

Louisville Beauty Academy remains dedicated to excellence in education and compliance with Kentucky’s beauty regulations, ensuring our students are well-prepared to thrive in their professional careers.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this update is shared as known and publicly available at the time of publication. Louisville Beauty Academy does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology directly by emailing them at [email protected].

The Confusion of Accreditation in the Beauty Industry: Louisville Beauty Academy Emphasizes Transparency and Genuine Care for Students

In the beauty industry, the term “accreditation” often leads to confusion among students and the general public. This confusion arises because the term is used in different contexts, leading to misunderstandings about what it means for a beauty school to be accredited. This article aims to clarify the definition of accreditation, its implications, and how it affects beauty schools in Kentucky.

Understanding Accreditation

Accreditation generally refers to the recognition that an institution meets certain standards of quality and performance. In the context of higher education, it is often granted by national or regional accrediting bodies. These accrediting bodies evaluate institutions based on various criteria, including curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.

However, in the beauty industry, the term “ACCREDITED” can be used interchangeably with “LINCENSED” or “APPROVED” by state authorities. For instance, in Kentucky, beauty schools must be licensed by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology to operate legally. This licensing ensures that the schools meet state-specific standards and can legally offer programs that lead to state licensure in fields such as nail technology, aesthetics, cosmetology, shampoo and styling, beauty instruction, and special permits like eyelash extensions.

The Accreditation Misunderstanding

A common misconception is that some beauty schools are accredited while others are not. This leads to confusion, with potential students often asking, “Can I get my license studying at this specific school?” The answer is straightforward: If a beauty school is in operation and licensed by the state, then yes, you can get your license studying there.

All beauty schools in Kentucky that offer state-APPROVED licensing programs are, by definition, state-LICENSED, state-APPROVED, and therefore state-ACCREDITED. This state accreditation ensures that the school meets the necessary standards to provide quality education and training for licensure.

Federal Financial Aid and National Accreditation

The confusion deepens when it comes to federal financial aid. To be eligible for federal financial aid, a school must be nationally accredited. National accreditation involves additional requirements, including regular reporting and compliance with federal standards. This process ensures accountability and transparency, but it also incurs significant administrative costs.

For example, schools must report on:

  1. Student enrollment and graduation rates.
  2. Financial stability and audit results.
  3. Curriculum updates and changes.
  4. Faculty qualifications and professional development.
  5. Student support services and outcomes.

These requirements increase operational costs, which are often passed on to students, making tuition at nationally accredited schools higher. This is why some beauty schools can offer tuition at 50% less than larger, nationally accredited schools—NOT due to a difference in educational quality or licensing capability, but because they do not have the added expense of national accreditation compliance (OFTEN ABOUT REPORTING COST AND MEMBERSHIP COST).

Transparency and Student Interests

At Louisville Beauty Academy, we prioritize transparency and student interests. We are proud to be state-licensed, state-approved, and state-accredited. We offer state-approved licensing programs in nail technology, cosmetology, aesthetics, instructor training, and other specialized fields. Our commitment to transparency means that all relevant information is publicly available online, ensuring that prospective students can make informed decisions.

Moreover, our status as a state-accredited institution does not compromise the quality of education we provide. Instead, it allows us to offer affordable education without the added burden of federal reporting requirements. This affordability, combined with our dedication to student success, makes Louisville Beauty Academy one of the most accessible and cost-effective beauty schools in Kentucky.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between state accreditation and national accreditation is crucial for prospective beauty school students. State accreditation ensures that a school meets the necessary standards to operate and offer licensure programs, while national accreditation is tied to eligibility for federal financial aid and involves additional reporting requirements. At Louisville Beauty Academy, we believe in clear communication and transparency, ensuring that our students have all the information they need to succeed.

For more information or to enroll, text our enrollment department at 502-625-5531 or email us at [email protected]. Join us today and take the first step toward a successful career in the beauty industry.

Celebrating a Milestone: Senate Bill 14 Signing and a Call to Advocate for Inclusivity

As Louisville Beauty Academy, a Kentucky State-Licensed Beauty College, stands at the forefront of bringing the latest updates on laws and regulations related to the beauty industry in Kentucky, the academy is committed to teaching students about the importance of law, safety, and sanitation. Today, they are excited to share the hottest and latest news with the community. The academy urges all community members to self-advocate for their rights and join forces to bring their voices to the table.

On June 3, 2024, the Kentucky State Capitol buzzed with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Community leaders, business leaders, advocates, beauty industry professionals, licensees, students, and supporters gathered to witness a historic moment—the signing of Senate Bill 14 by Governor Andy Beshear. This event marked a significant milestone, celebrating the power of collective effort and the unwavering support from everyone involved.

A Testament to Collective Effort

The journey leading to the signing of Senate Bill 14 was one of dedication, resilience, and unity. Over the past year, hundreds and thousands of individuals came together with a shared goal: to improve beauty industry licensing, ensuring safe, sanitary, and professional services for the community. This celebration is not just about the passing of a bill but a recognition of the hard work and determination that brought this moment to fruition.

The relentless advocacy included:

  • Over 20 meetings with 100+ nail technicians, estheticians, cosmetologists, instructors, and community members.
  • Peaceful protests in challenging weather conditions to raise awareness.
  • Thousands of emails and letters sent to legislators and officials.
  • Extensive media coverage, both national and local.
  • Four new board members appointed to the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, with the anticipation of adding the first nail technician and esthetician in history.
  • The first Asian woman appointed to the board.
  • Ongoing discussions about multi-language licensing exams, showing promising prospects.
  • Increased awareness and unity in the beauty industry, advocating for fair treatment by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology.
  • Garnering support from thousands of licensees and community members nationwide.

These efforts led to unanimous support for Senate Bill 14 at every stage, a law primarily written to protect the beauty industry and ensure fair legal procedures for all licensees, salons, and schools. The law, effective in July 2024, also adds two new seats for a Nail Technician and an Esthetician to the board, expanding it to a 7-member board.

A Call for Continued Advocacy

While celebrating this significant achievement, it is crucial to remember that the work is not done. The Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology has not had a representative from the Louisville community for over 20 years. As the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville deserves representation on the board to ensure fair and inclusive governance.

For the two newly added seats for a Nail Technician and an Esthetician, Louisville Beauty Academy urgently calls on everyone to write letters to Governor Andy Beshear’s office, nominating themselves or others who are licensed nail technicians and estheticians from Louisville. The Governor’s office can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected].

The academy’s leadership, such as Di Tran, a Kentucky State Licensed Nail Technician with over 20 years of experience and a state-licensed Nail Technician instructor, urges the community to take this opportunity seriously. Nominations can include themselves, others they know best to serve, especially from Louisville.

Current Board Members:

  • Kerry Harvey, Chair – Consumer
  • Mickey Hobbs, Salon Owner
  • Lindsey Morgan, Salon Owner
  • Vacant, Nail Technician
  • Joni Upchurch, Technical Education
  • Lianna Nguyen, School Owner
  • Vacant, Esthetician

For more details, please visit the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology website.

In Closing

The academy extends heartfelt thanks to God, to each individual involved, to the state, and to the beautiful city. They appreciate the love, care, and relentless efforts put forth for each other and the small business community. This victory is a testament to what can be achieved together, but it also highlights the importance of continuing advocacy for an inclusive and fair government.

Let’s celebrate this achievement, but more importantly, continue to push for the representation deserved. Involvement and support remain as crucial as ever in ensuring a fair and inclusive governance structure for all.

Louisville Beauty Academy is also delighted to share this news, dedicated to staying up to date with the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology and beauty laws at both the state and federal levels. This achievement underscores their commitment to excellence and compliance, ensuring the community benefits from the highest standards of beauty education and practice.

Disclaimer: Louisville Beauty Academy does not endorse or support any specific candidates for the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology. All information shared is for informational purposes only. All inquiries regarding Kentucky state laws or regulations should be directed to the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology at [email protected].

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. Together, a brighter, fairer future for the beauty industry and the community can be created.

Media coverage list for Senate Bill 14 progress from 2023 to today:

  1. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/kentucky-nail-salon-owners-technicians-senate-bill-14/417-0d6235be-2649-48ad-b5a3-c15fb2d1f35a
  2. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/04/05/laws-for-the-beauty-industry-
  3. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/SB14.html
  4. https://louisvillebeautyacademy.net/louisville-beauty-academy-a-beacon-of-inclusivity-and-excellence-celebrating-spectrum-news-coverage-and-the-unanimous-passage-of-senate-bill-14/
  5. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/05/10/lianna-s-nail-school-florence
  6. https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3400161628017-gov-beshear-passes-bill-updating-regulations-for-nail-salons-in-kentucky
  7. https://online.fliphtml5.com/ahotm/vkgc/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2MfxkjJCUsf9g3Je6Q0ElnD0QKJOb9z8B82hlpU_oT-zjNHtRmiL9mRo0_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw#p=63
  8. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/04/05/laws-for-the-beauty-industry-
  9. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/senate-bill-14-passes-kentucky-legislature-nail-technicians-to-receive-opportunity-on-state-board/417-0e12847d-cccb-448b-838a-f6f86bc9d7df
  10. https://nkytribune.com/2024/02/opinion-john-schickel-sb-14-secures-a-fair-and-just-environment-for-kentuckys-small-businesses/
  11. https://www.wkyt.com/2024/03/07/kentucky-house-committee-passes-bill-that-would-make-changes-state-cosmetology-board/
  12. https://www.whas11.com/video/news/local/bill-to-help-nail-technicians-passes-kentucky-senate-heads-to-house/417-c7c57ea6-238b-455f-a2a1-b9e1352e8dce
  13. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/senator-gerald-neal-bill-proposes-changes-to-kentucky-board-of-cosmetology/417-d4ad5bb4-76cb-48c3-b76e-61e05b9db9a4
  14. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/politics/2024/02/06/changes-to-the-state-cosmetology-board-could-be-coming
  15. https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/beshear-appoints-former-justice-cabinet-secretary-to-cosmetology-board/
  16. https://www.lanereport.com/170837/2024/02/governor-appointed-leaders-to-kentucky-boards-and-commissions/
  17. https://www.facebook.com/SenatorSchickel/posts/pfbid02xMvWo3JSDoGCKDRS5rP5rvk6v3UfHC6X8Ffxxyz17XSCvXdBUnodvLyKcxd6qNqUl
  18. https://www.pbs.org/video/nail-tech-industry-asks-for-policy-changes-pjplv0/
  19. https://fox56news.com/news/kentucky/kentucky-nail-technicians-demand-licensing-tests-be-offered-in-multiple-languages/
  20. https://www.change.org/p/reform-the-kentucky-board-of-cosmetology
  21. https://www.change.org/p/reform-the-kentucky-board-of-cosmetology
  22. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2023/09/11/kentucky-legislators-meet-with-hundreds-of-mail-technicians-for-policy-concerns-
  23. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/politics/2024/01/22/nail-technicians-call-for-state-regulation-changes-
  24. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/investigations/focus/kentucky-nail-salon-cosmetology-board-louisville-bullying-racism-allegations/417-075ae5dc-5ccf-4d56-8801-5b42cd1b1075
  25. https://fox56news.com/news/kentucky/kentucky-nail-techs-go-head-to-head-with-the-board-of-cosmetology/
  26. https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/senator-gerald-neal-bill-proposes-changes-to-kentucky-board-of-cosmetology/417-d4ad5bb4-76cb-48c3-b76e-61e05b9db9a4
  27. https://vietbaolouisville.com/2024/01/beauty-and-brains-the-heartfelt-advocacy-of-kentuckys-highly-educated-beauty-professionals/
  28. https://vietbaolouisville.com/2023/10/upholding-democracy-the-crucial-role-of-voting-in-the-immigrant-and-asian-communities/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aoZjjY8Jyo
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TESXE40VG1g
  31. https://www.facebook.com/SBTNOfficial/posts/pfbid02b7VDqw7ma46jmdr37ehcNniX4PMoUhVUWbeRwM9593hpoy4p5c84n9sta9dtToeSl
  32. https://vietbaolouisville.com/2023/09/community-advocacy-empowering-the-passage-of-a-senate-sponsored-bill-in-kentucky/
  33. https://fox56news.com/news/kentucky/kentucky-nail-techs-go-head-to-head-with-the-board-of-cosmetology/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/KYSenateDemocrats/posts/pfbid02WMWjVnuHabeqNAa2yrRZyZiRosZufAeewZjEyWJAbLQXVSmeMvjvBkg2RALR3hkCl
  35. https://fb.watch/sngUFBoh3I/