Aura Salonware Scholarship winners Imogene-Icela Wyatt, Jennifer Barnes, Amy Chaves.
Credit: Aura Salonware
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey. The scholarship categories included first-time students, continuing education for licensed professionals, and a business scholarship for new salon owners.
“The Aura Scholarship program is not just about financial support; it's about empowering dreams and fostering a community where every current and future beauty professional has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential," said Aura Salonware Director of Client and Partner Relations Lori Obiedzinski.
To give future salon professionals an opportunity to start their careers, Aura provided funds to help cover a portion of their tuition. First-time beauty, barber, nail, and esthetics students throughout North America were invited to enter.
Imogen-Icela Wyatt, student scholarship recipient, who attends Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs said, “Accepting this scholarship means overcoming hardship, striving for greatness, and always looking forward to the next step ahead. Receiving this inspires me even more by knowing that my efforts will go far and I can earn my way to success.”
For licensed salon professionals, Aura offered a continuing education scholarship to help further their education and enhance their career.
“This scholarship validates the passion and hard work I’ve poured into both my education and my career in the beauty industry. It allows me to continue growing as a stylist and educator, while opening doors to opportunities that will help me impact others through confidence, creativity, and education,” added continuing education scholarship recipient Jennifer Barnes of Kennesaw, GA, who is currently pursuing her instructor license at Paul Mitchell The School Esani.
Aura also offered a scholarship for newer beauty businesses, offering the winner access to tools and services, allowing them to enhance their operations, grow their client base, and bring their creative visions to life.
“I am passionate about delivering high quality services, creating a welcoming client experience in my salon, and building a strong, supportive team environment,” mentioned Amy Chaves of Key to Beauty in Taunton, MA, who won the salon owner category. With her scholarship, Amy plans to invest in a new front desk computer system to support the salon's upgraded Aura POS system. She added, “This will streamline checkouts, improve booking efficiency, and elevate the overall client experience at our front desk- helping our team operate more smoothly and professionally every day.”
About Aura Salonware: Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue. For more information about Aura, visit aurasalonware.com.
