Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephany Meyer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

“One of the things that sets us apart is our technique-first approach.”

In our industry, there’s been a major shift ever since California removed the practical portion from the state licensing exam. Most beauty schools now focus almost entirely on theory, because the higher a school’s pass rate, the better the school looks on paper. And while of course we want the students to pass the state exam, many schools have become too focused on their success on paper than student success after they graduate.

At Alva Beauty Collective, our top core value is student success and that means preparing students not just to pass a test, but to thrive in real salons, spas, and studios. We’ve separated our theory and technique on purpose. Theory is offered online, which gives students the flexibility to study at their own pace from home and accommodate to their schedule. Classes are 3 times a week for 4 hours. At Alva in-person time is sacred, and not spent reading books, it’s where we dive deep into technique, hands-on training, and students run salon at Alva and take clients.

What really drives us is the story we hear over and over from employers and new licensees: “I got my license… but I still don’t know how to do the job.” That’s what we’re here to fix. Our students don’t just learn about the industry, they learn how to perform in it. And we do not differentiate between “beginner” and “advanced” techniques, at Alva we teach both. From day one, our students are immersed in real, applicable skill-building that will serve them throughout their careers.

We’re proud to diverge from the industry standard if it means our students leave confident, capable, and ready to work.

Stephany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

“I’ve always believed in chasing your dreams—and helping others do the same.”

In my early 20s, I knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry. It wasn’t just about skincare or style it was about what beauty could unlock: confidence, freedom, and possibility. I became a licensed esthetician and worked hands-on in the field, but I always knew I wanted to create something bigger. That dream eventually became Alva Beauty Collective.

I personally believe deeply in the beauty industry. Beauty is one of the few careers that welcomes people from all walks of life, could be moms who need a flexible schedule, someone who needs to make a career change, creatives with an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an industry of second chances, fresh starts, and fulfilled dreams.

That’s why one of our core values at Alva is achievement. We don’t just teach beauty, we teach students how to achieve. To dream bigger and achieve their dreams!

What I’m most proud of is seeing our students walk in nervous and unsure and walk out transformed, licensed, confident, and ready to ACHIEVE their future. That’s the heart of Alva Beauty Collective.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

“Alva was born out of a need I saw over and over again.”

I spent about 10 years in the apprenticeship space, and during that time, I saw the apprentice model could work for the right kind of student who had some experience and connections in the industry. Apprenticeship is amazing for those who are already in salons or have connections in the industry. But over time, I realized there was a growing number of students who were eager, talented, and full of potential… but they simply couldn’t find a salon to take them in. And without that opportunity, they were stuck.

That was my pivot point.

I saw that what these students needed wasn’t just access to the industry, they needed a school that could bridge the gap. A school that focused on technique first, where students could grow into confident professionals even if they were starting from scratch with no industry connections.

That realization became the inspiration for Alva Beauty Collective, and since then I have decided to focus on Alva because I believe in the Technique First approach.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

“Celebrate often, and don’t forget to have fun.”

At Alva Beauty Collective, we believe that high morale comes from consistent celebration and a positive atmosphere. One of the simplest but most powerful things we can do is celebrate each other!

We take our team out for dinners and get-togethers to change up the scenery and reconnect outside the daily routine. It’s not always about meetings or checklists sometimes, it’s just about laughter, food, and being together.

And because we offer students open enrollment, we have the unique opportunity to celebrate graduates almost every single week. There’s always a student finishing their program and stepping into a new career. That means there’s always something to celebrate always a reason to cheer someone on.

That sense of momentum and excitement carries into everything we do. It keeps our team energized, our students inspired, and our environment fun and uplifting. When celebration becomes part of the culture, morale is always positive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alvabeautycollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alvabeautycollective?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==