Went for full highlights, shampoo, cut, and style using a Groupon. They up charged me the day of…read moreand said I was getting a different service (full color instead of full highlights) so my Groupon could not be used and I would have to buy an additional Groupon to get the discount for the day's service. The first Groupon I got was worth more than the second one they made me get. I will not be able to use the first Groupon before the expiration date. The front desk said it could still be redeemed after the date. We'll see about that. Anyway, I ended up spending more money than I thought. That said....the student who colored, shampooed, and cut my hair did a great job and even her teacher was impressed. The instructor Miss D made me feel that I could trust them and indeed everything about the hair was to my liking. They also took less time that I thought it would take. I would go back but the overall experience is not for everyone. I would say be very patient and understanding with everybody in the business. Anyway, I hope the student succeeds and reaches her stylist goals. I am rooting for them all!

I genuinely cannot believe the way the Elaine Sterling Institute handles customers -- and that's…read moresaying something, because I'm usually very patient and understanding, especially with students in training. Let me start with the student I worked with: she was sweet, eager to learn, and honestly the only bright spot in this entire nightmare. The rest? Absolutely atrocious. * Undertrained execution -- but I get she's new - I've had dozens of Hydrafacials from both spas and med spas, so I'm very familiar with proper technique. The student was clearly still learning and not yet comfortable with the suction component or the correct spacing of the device on the skin. I didn't say anything at the time because I understood she was in training -- and at $45 versus $150+ at a professional spa, I wasn't expecting perfection. Still, the bed was rock hard, and I left with a sore back. * Hospital-like setup - The treatment rooms are divided by odd curtains, giving the whole thing a cold, clinical feel instead of a relaxing spa environment. You're asked to put your belongings in plastic baskets "for safety," but those are left in the open which just makes it feel unsafe. * Random, low-quality products - Half of the benefit of a facial is using quality skincare products suited to your skin type. Here, they use a weird in-house line with low quality ingredients or use random products in small plastic tester cups. * Horrific customer service - The management is, without exaggeration, the most entitled and rudest I have ever encountered in any business. I was double charged for my service and treated with zero professionalism when I tried to get it resolved: * Predatory pricing & bait-and-switch tactics - Their own website spa menu listed a Hydrafacial at $45. My friend had been there two times before and always paid $45. I checked out without being told the total and was told my credit card on file would be charged. I later got an emailed receipt for $99. I emailed management politely asking about the discrepancy and seeking a refund, thinking it was a mix-up. No reply. The next day I called, only to be told that IT "couldn't find" the page I had screenshotted. When I checked the site again, the page was gone. A new "Spa Services" tab had appeared with brand-new pricing 2-3x higher than before. The manager insisted it had "always been $99" and they would not change the price (though I shared screen shots showing otherwise). When I asked her to reconsider so I wouldn't have to dispute the charge with my credit card, she told me -- verbatim -- "If you do that, you'll be banned for life." I have never met a more unprofessional person in my entire life. This is the sketchy facility they're running * Not an isolated case - Ironically, I later caught up with my friend who had been 2x before and her experience might have been worse. Her Hydrafacial machine broke mid-treatment, she was yelled at by management, and was also double charged -- despite previously paying only $45 for the exact same service. This isn't about one bad day or a single mishap. The issues here are systemic: poor training oversight, dismal facilities, random products, and management that treats customers like they're inconveniences rather than the reason the business exists. If you're considering going here to "save money" while supporting students -- think twice. You may end up paying more than you bargained for, both in dollars and in frustration.

I had a wonderful experience at the Aveda Hair School! From the moment I walked through the front…read moredoor to the time I checked out, everything was smooth, welcoming, and professional. The use of natural products really stood out to me--I loved knowing that products used was high quality and environmentally conscious. A special thank you to Audrey, Laquay, Nakita and Instructor Tucker--they were all absolutely excellent! Their friendliness, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire experience enjoyable and relaxing. I truly appreciate the care and effort from the whole team. I highly recommend Aveda Hair School to anyone looking for great service in a positive and uplifting environment!

I've been coming to Aveda for a while now and I try to use the same student until they graduate…read more This was my second time with Kamerah and shes great. She respectful, pleasant and professional. I get a lot of compliments on hair after visiting the salon but most importantly my hair is healthy and growing. I've observed the interaction between the stylista and I love it. They don't compete they compliment and they help. The camaraderie is refreshing to see among the students and the instructors. I don't know who is in charge of the playlist but it adds to the vibe. Aveda is an excellent choice for hair care. See you next month :)

Wendy who was awesome, that I wanted a flat style, no curls. The instructor CoCo who was also…read moreAmazing! They delivered exactly what I wanted. They were professional.

The beauty industry is already struggling with professionalism and consistency, and if there's any…read moreplace where standards should be elevated, it is a beauty college and one with a recognizable name. I frequent beauty schools not for discounted services, but because I value education, innovation, and seeing the next generation of professionals develop. However, my experience at Empire Beauty School at Northlake on Henderson Mill Rd. in Atlanta raises serious concerns about leadership, training culture, and professional standards. In a nutshell, it's a total mess over there! From the front desk to several instructors, there is a noticeable lack of accountability, communication, and customer service. The only professional and solution-oriented educator I encountered was Jasmine, who immediately addressed an issue and took corrective action when no one else would. She was the only positive point in this experience. My concerns largely stem from, and are centered with the transgender instructor at this location (the only one there, and therefore clearly identifiable to management). To be clear, my issue is not their identity, but their conduct which was unprofessional and far below the standards expected in a training institution. The behavior of this particular instructor is deeply concerning and in my opinion, warrants IMMEDIATE corrective action. I booked my first appointment for makeup a month in advance. Upon arrival, this same instructor said "I should have called again" to confirm staffing, which is a requirement that was never communicated to me. And instead of being accommodated, I was turned away, despite the error being on the school. No effort to problem-solve was made. When I returned for the rescheduled appointment, there were last minute changes to products and timing. Despite arriving late, but within the window they required, it became clear that time was limited. I conceded to just getting my lashes done, but CeCe was willing to work quickly. She had clear concerns with the products, but she worked around it. Later that evening, she texted me asking for a tip to which I provided. We exchanged text communications regarding product use and I booked another session to give her more time to use the schools products for additional practice. However, I then received an unexpected call from that same teacher telling me my appointment would not be honored, citing an issue that was never communicated by the student nor noticed during our previous interactions. It felt disorganized, inconsistent, and quite frankly, unprofessional. While CeCe initially appeared professional, the inconsistency between what she communicated to me versus what her instructor claimed is concerning. It comes across as vacillating and potentially a bait-and-switch situation. I wholeheartedly believe Empire should consider modifying student selection and training processes. Revenue is important but immaturity is expensive. I wouldn't roll the dice on liability. Additionally, there were hygiene lapses by the instructor during a lash application demonstration. In a licensed traing institution, proper sanitation is non-negotiable. Hygiene should never be an afterthought. This instructor's hands were dirty and I could smell them! The school urgently needs stronger leadership. The director sets the tone for training, talent development and service standards. Right now, the environment lacks structure, consistency, and professionalism. With appropriate oversight and truly professional educators, this school could operate at the level the industry requires. As it stands, it does not.

The Combo - Personal Shopper & 1-on-1 lesson with Ren Thomas exceeded my expectations!! Ren shopped…read morewith me at Sephora and helped me to select high quality products including skincare products to help with my problem areas. The make up lesson was amazing! Ren was extremely informative. She really taught me how to use brushes properly and she taught me some amazing techniques for applying makeup. I highly recommend the Combo - Personal Shopper & 1-on-1 lesson. It is worth every penny!! And she gave me some brushes!

I had a fantastic experience with Ebony. She was so pleasant and knowledgeable and made me feel…read morevery comfortable. I never felt pushed by her to buy anything or pressured into selecting products that I didn't feel were right for me. She gave her opinion but was not overbearing. She was also extremely patient in teaching me different techniques no matter how long it took for me to catch on. Her studio was very clean and her protocol was very hygienic. It was an incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

For this to be a black owned establishment they don't have students that can do locs…read more We are in Atlanta and locs, extension locs should be at the top with sew ins. They have maybe 2 students that can do them but I haven't been able to catch them in the Saturdays I go. The barber side definitely need improvement. Everytime my husband go get his hair cut the instructor have to cut it because no one knows how to cut. I do understand that this is a school and it's a learning process for us all but usually when you start attending a beauty school is the enhance your skills and add more, these people seems to just say I want to go to a school and but not learning what the instructors teach. I JUST NEED ONE GOOD LOCTICIAN.

Do NOT GO HERE If I…read morecould give this school 0 stars I would. I found out about this student from a client think that this would be the perfect start for me to get my license but when I say I was WRONG. The communication is horrible once you pay Ms Dee her communication stop if it's something important you have to hound her dog and even then she makes you feel like your a bother. I had text her about the zoom link for orientation multiple times nothing luckily I knew someone who got the link and she sent it me. My first week of class YOU won't start from chapter 1 you start where ever they last left off. YOUR teaching yourself the book because ms Tish doesn't teach book work, she very RUDE when it comes to us self taught nail tech & looks down at you. I paid $175 for a kit and it didn't even look like it was worth $50, the nail glue was dried up, I got 1nail file, 1 buffer, a cheap ass while that broke the first day I tried to use it. I end up still having to go to the store and buying my own stuff which I might add was $100 over what I spent for the kit. If the school is going on a field trip or having any type of activity outside of school hours you have to pay (okay cool) but if you do decide to do anything with you understand that your paying for your hours with is legal. I shouldn't be paying $30 for a SPA DAY for two family or friend member and in return you give me 25 credit hours. If you look Deedria Chauntee on the state board site her license is expired HOW you teaching classes with license. If you look up the school it's not even in names and it's ONLY 3 instructors have their license and that was cosmetology (2) & and a barber. So MS TISH talking about she been in the nail 30 plus years where is your license ms ma'am !!!!! I understand it's cheap and it looks good on PAPER but babbbbbbyyyyyy PLEASE DO NOT go to this school. State-board really need to shut this school down NOTHING is up to code. And when you say something to her instead of her trying to fit or address the issue she kicks you out of school for NO REASON at all

Great place for training and place to go and get model practice did three classes here very happy…read morewith the knowledge. The staff is great

I signed up as a model at Inked Cosmetics and I got my brows micro bladed . I had a great…read moreexperience with Ashley and trainee Janyae. They were very nice and fun and I love my brows.

I was passing thru ATL last week in need of some basic economical "Me" maintenance. Y'know: Hair…read moredone, Nails Done, Everything Done -- but on a traveling through budget? My hairdresser and usual nail salon were milles away. Plus I just hadn't taken time out for myself prior along with y'know, the whole Covid thing going on. This place was taking Walk Ins as well. Took me 2 days to complete due to scheduling conflicts but well worth it. First day I was greeted by the receptionist who was super nice and professional named Ashley. She kept me informed of wait times, prices and was very pleasant throughout. Next up was my barber Ms. Laura. She was also a Supervisor. She was fabulous. Totally knowledgeable of hair textures and barbering Techniques. Thank goodness bcuz I got that water and grease hair that can be difficult at the best of times, LOL. Fun Fact: Ms. Laura Little is also a Stand Up Comedian, Hostess, and Emcee in her off time. So you can get a fresh cut and book her for your next event too! Talk about a multi-tasker!! The following morning I went back to get my pedicure. Ms. Noi Nail Tech in training is off to a great start. She was knowledgeable and precise, very personable and attentive. When she gets her own shop one day she's going to be formidable. Now. One downside was Ms. Max. She's a supervisor there who came to inspect Ms. Noi's progress after she had completed the massage and moisturizer portion of the pedicure. Not before. When she came over, there was no greeting she just stated my toe nails were deformed. And that if she had looked at my feet before that she would have refused service. Look. I'll be the first to admit I've got weird looking toe nails (they slant weirdly in opposite directions..thank you military boots) but I took umbrage at her careless remarks especially since I saw no Podiatrist Certification hanging up anywhere. I'm totally aware that these are students and would not have minded if she had completed a foot examination on every client as they took off their shoes/sandals and socks. But that wasn't the case. So she gets 3 stars due to lack of consistency. All in all this Beauty School is gonna become my go to when I pass through and I'm looking forward to great things from these students and staff in the future.

Please read if you're interested in the NAIL TECHNOLOGY program. This school is a huge waste of…read moremoney. Attached is a photo of the nail kit you receive. You are paying over $3,000 for tuition and receive a $8 SHEIN nail kit. Not only is this the cheapest nail kit they could give us, but you're NOT allowed to use it for your practice. The tools provided are only for providing the school with your free labor. If you don't believe me, the SHEIN kit is proudly on display in the front area. Not only is the school cheap, the clients are disgusting. You will be doing pedicures on people who likely haven't washed their feet in the last three months. If you refuse to service them you will be clocked out and sent home. When it comes to sanitation and hygiene the school is lacking. I had to consistently ask for barbercide to sanitize my tools. They removed it from the floor and apparently "just rinsing the pedicure tub with soap and water" is good enough. Their autoclave doesn't work either. Attached is a photo of a desolate barbercide container and lack of sani spray bottle. It's likely the client floor will look like this on the daily. As far as a learning experience everything you do will be self-taught. The teachers do demos occasionally, but not often enough for you to build actual repetitions or confidence. It doesn't matter if you're confident or not. They made me take clients before I reached 150 hours. As far as my individual experience there is 0 consistency. They changed teachers on us mid semester, then changed school locations, then changed the dates and times you need to be in class. If you are just getting a license and want a cheap school this is the place for you. If you're a true beginner who knows nothing about nails, RUN.

Kelsea is great! The space is awesome and ready for students! She runs a good program and puts her…read morestudents first!

Kelsi was amazing. She did my hair and was so thorough with students in tow watching her hair…read moretechniques. It's so difficult to find someone who can do beautiful round brush curls. She made my hair smooth and silky with great products and finalized hair a work of art!!!! Totally recommend this place!!!!