Paul Mitchell The School Esani Named AACS “School of the Year” — Again!
There are moments in a school’s journey that feel bigger than a trophy or a title — they feel like a collective “we did this together.” That’s exactly how we felt on October 26, 2025, when Paul Mitchell The School Esani was honored at the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) Annual Conference with two incredible national awards: School of the Year and the Advocacy Award.
And what makes it even more special? This marks our second School of the Year win in just three years. We took home the honor in 2023, and now again in 2025 — a milestone that places Esani among the top beauty schools recognized by AACS in the country. Hearing AACS leadership describe winners as schools “where passion meets purpose and students are empowered to thrive” felt deeply personal, because that is exactly what we strive to create every day inside our building.
If you’ve ever walked through our doors, you know Esani feels different. Since 2007, we’ve grown into more than a beauty school. We’ve become a gathering place for the Roswell and Alpharetta community — where future professionals train, neighbors receive amazing services at accessible prices, and guests come together for celebrations, fashion shows, fundraisers, and moments of inspiration. Education here is hands-on, high-energy, and fueled by connection. Our esthetics program offers advanced certifications like Hydrafacial and the CIDESCO Skin Care Diploma—an internationally respected certification from the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie, recognized as the global standard in the spa and beauty industry. We want every graduate leaving here not only prepared to take their licensing exams but also confident and ready to pursue a career with meaning.
What truly sets Esani apart, though, goes beyond the classroom walls. Our community work is woven into who we are. Over the years, our students and team have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, provided more than 2,500 free haircuts for families in need, provided complimentary haircuts and fundraising for veterans and cancer survivors, and brought joy to seniors through our Nursing Home Pamper Days. That heart for service is something we’re incredibly proud of. As our Founder and CEO Arlene Lyons said, it isn’t the building that makes a “School of the Year,” it’s the people inside who show up every day to lift others up.
For our team, Future Professionals, alumni, and partners, this isn’t just another accolade — it’s validation that the culture we’ve been building truly matters. As our Marketing Leader, Stephanie Floyd, shared, this win belongs to the entire community. Bringing both awards home to Roswell shows that Georgia isn’t just part of the beauty education conversation — it’s helping lead it, with purpose and heart.
As we celebrate, we’re also looking ahead. Awards are amazing, but the real reward is watching lives change — seeing Future Professionals find confidence, careers, friendships, and futures they never imagined. That’s why we do what we do. And if there’s one thing this recognition reminds us of, it’s that the best chapters of Esani’s story are still being written.
Because here, beauty isn’t just about style.
It’s about opportunity. It’s about belonging.
*Awards and recognitions are granted by third-party organizations based on established criteria. Educational experiences, certifications, and outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
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