At The Salon Professional Academy Maplewood, some of the people guiding our students know exactly what it feels like to be in their shoes. Sara, our Director of Admissions, is one of them.
Sara’s journey with TSPA began as a student herself. Today, she gets to use that experience to help future beauty and wellness professionals take their own first steps toward a new career.
Taking the Leap Into the Beauty Industry
Working in the beauty industry was something Sara dreamed about from the time she was a little girl—but she didn’t take the leap until later, when her children were school-aged.
She was drawn to the industry because of the opportunity to help people feel like the best version of themselves. While she no longer works behind the chair, she still gets to be part of that transformation every day—just in a different way.
Now, instead of helping a guest leave the salon feeling more confident, she gets to help future students discover a career where they can create that feeling for others. Sara
Coming Full Circle at TSPA
TSPA has always held a special place in Sara’s heart because she is a TSPA alum herself.
That experience gives her a unique perspective as Director of Admissions. Sara remembers walking through the doors as an adult with children at home and wondering whether she could really make going back to school work.
Because she has been in that position herself, she understands the questions, excitement—and sometimes nerves—that can come with considering beauty or wellness school. Sara
That personal experience is one of the things that makes Sara so passionate about admissions. She often meets students when a new career is still just an idea. She gets to answer their questions, help them navigate the process and then watch as they grow throughout their time at TSPA.
One of her favorite parts?
Seeing someone she first met on a tour eventually graduate and enter the industry doing something they love. Sara
Supporting Students Beyond Admissions
Sara’s role has grown beyond simply helping students enroll. She loves getting to know students as individuals and learning the different stories, personalities and goals that brought them to TSPA.
She describes herself as someone who enjoys cheering students on, celebrating their wins and sometimes giving them the little push they need.
School isn’t always easy, and Sara wants students to know they have someone in their corner. Sara
There is one lesson she especially hopes every student takes with them:
You are capable of so much more than you think you are.
There will be difficult days, mistakes and moments when students question themselves, but Sara believes those are often the moments where the most growth happens. Skills may help start a career, but work ethic, confidence and a willingness to continue growing can help take it much further. Sara
Her Advice to Someone Considering Beauty School
For anyone thinking about going back to school, Sara has advice that comes directly from her own experience:
Don’t wait for the “perfect” time.
Going back to school while balancing work, family, finances and everyday life can feel intimidating. Sara encourages future students to ask questions, do their research and not allow fear to be the reason they never try.
She waited until later in life to pursue the career she had thought about since childhood—and she is glad she finally took that chance.
As Sara puts it, sometimes you just have to bet on yourself. Sara
From Student to Leader
Sara says one of the things she is most proud of is how much her career has grown and evolved.
She went from being a TSPA student, to working behind the chair, to returning to TSPA and eventually growing into a leadership role. Along the way, she has continued challenging herself, taking on new responsibilities and finding new ways to use her industry experience. Sara
Today, she is especially excited about finding ways to make the student experience even better—whether that means improving a process, supporting the TSPA team or finding new ways to connect with students. Sara
A Little More About Sara
Outside of TSPA, Sara lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin, with her husband and their three kids. Hockey is a big part of their lives, and she is very involved with her local youth hockey association—so during hockey season, there is a good chance you’ll find her at the rink!
She also loves reading, concerts, Minnesota Wild games and spending time with family and friends. And although she usually likes having a million things going on at once, she fully appreciates an unscheduled day with coffee, a good book, maybe a nap and absolutely no guilt about doing nothing. Sara
And if students had to describe Sara in three words?
Supportive. Straightforward. Rule Enforcer. Sara
But she does have one clarification:
She promises she’s nicer than her emails about attendance, dress code and nametags might make her seem. 😂
Sara genuinely wants every student who walks through TSPA’s doors to succeed. Sometimes that means being the person cheering them on—and sometimes it means being the person holding them accountable. Her door is always open to answer questions, problem-solve or simply listen.
Just make sure you’re wearing your nametag when you stop in. 😉 Sara
Ready to Take Your First Step?
If you’ve been thinking about a career in beauty or wellness but aren’t sure where to begin, Sara would love to meet you, hear your story and help answer your questions.
Your career doesn’t have to start at the “perfect” time. Sometimes it simply starts with taking that first step.
