Wouldn’t you just love to try out a product before you commit to a full size? That’s what’s so great about samples. And what about easily accessing these samples? Wouldn’t it be great to pick from a vending machine full of great products? Well, now you might be able to.

At the Nordstrom in the Aventura Mall in Florida, a vending machine of sample products is available for customers to check out. Products range in price from $3-5 and you receive a deluxe-size sample of skin care, hair care, or makeup products. It’s the perfect way to try that fab new product you’ve been dying to check out but don’t really want to shell out the cash for without knowing how it works on you.

This new idea has been implemented by Boca Raton-based New Beauty Magazine. The goal is to feature products in the vending machine that can be found on the pages of their magazine. The goal is to place more of the vending machines around the country in malls and at airports.

I love this idea. How many times have you sampled a full-size product only to realize that it’s not really for you? I’ve done it countless times. I hope to see a New Beauty Sample Bar near me soon!

-Amanda Fornecker

It’s always a fear. What if you pick the wrong career path? It is possible to study for two or four years, come out with a degree, and start working in a field that doesn’t excite you or even have anything to do with what you want to do. So then what do you do?

It’s important to look at what you feel a passion for. If it’s cooking, you may become a chef; if it’s beauty products, you may become an esthetician; and if it’s helping others you may pick any of the beauty fields because they all contribute to making individuals feel genuinely good about themselves.

This kind of thing happens all the time. One instance: Andrea Hirsekorn. Starting out with a typical job in marketing, Hirsekorn quickly became restless with the stress and long hours. It is a job with nightclubs and bars in Sydney, Australia, that would help her along her path to massage and wellness school. Read her story here.

Others may have the passion, but they don’t exactly get into their beauty career right away. Joey Noufal earned his degree in graphic arts before he fully pursued his true passion of hair color. Today he owns his own salon in Tysons Corner, VA. See how he went from painter to big time hair colorist here.

A career in beauty doesn’t necessarily follow a traditional route of study. Some beauticians may start out in one place that will lead them into another. But it’s the true passion that really comes through in the end and helps these individuals be successful in a beauty career.

-Amanda Fornecker

Even the political scene likes to get a little makeover once in a while. Last week marked the 10th annual Welcome To Our World event, hosted by the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. And while members of Congress get to be pampered on this evening, some of the most important political issues facing the beauty industry are also brought to light. Let’s just say, it’s like ironing two birds with one flat iron.

According to the PBF, the beauty industry is a $60 billion industry that has limited qualified individuals to meet the demand they face. In fact, the shortage is about 3:1 — the demand is three times greater than the supply of qualified individuals. For this reason, it is paramount that the beauty industry have representation and fairness in taxation and other issues so that more individuals will feel confident in entering the beauty workforce.

Facing the beauty industry this year are important issues, such as inclusion in H.R. 3724 — the Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act. With this, salon owners could claim a tax credit for FICA taxes they pay on the tips of their employees (similar to what restaurants already have). Another big issue is access to beauty education and giving students the option to choose the programs that meet their own needs and career goals.

Beauty volunteers that included hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, makeup artists, and others were on hand to give over 600 members of Congress (plus their key staffers) a little beauty treatment. This was the perfect way to engage Capitol Hill in an industry that dedicates itself to helping other people and have them see what their supporters do on a daily basis.

-Amanda Fornecker

Being a spa or beauty professional doesn’t just mean getting your spa and beauty degree or practicing at a salon or spa. It goes beyond that. This is especially true when you talk to other beauty professionals out there. How can you find these professionals? Well, like most other professions, there exists a great many support groups out there in the form of associations. Here are a few you may want to check out!

International Spa Association
The International Spa Association (ISPA) was established in 1991 to support and further educate spa professionals. Members come from all different areas of the spa industry, including resorts, salons, cruise ships, nutrition, massage therapy, and much more. With all the possibilities and variety out there, you’re sure to find someone else who is in a similar situation as yourself. Conferences, networking events, and helpful information regarding the latest spa news is what makes membership in ISPA such an exciting thing for a spa professional.

National Cosmetology Association
The National Cosmetology Association has been around since 1921, which makes this beauty association quite and exciting place to belong. Salon owners, estheticians, nail technicians, and other cosmetology professionals join the ranks of this association. Volunteering is at the heart of those who participate in the National Cosmetology Association, as well as sharing their own knowledge and passing it on to those new beauty professionals.

Professional Beauty Association
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is different in that it supports salons and spa, distributors, and manufacturers. The association keeps you up-to-date on the latest news, rules, and regulations within the beauty industry. It’s a great place to network and even learn, as the Professional Beauty Association gives aspiring salon owners, for example, tips and tricks on being successful and achieving their goals.

-Amanda Fornecker