July 10th 2024.
Jacora Smart, a 29-year-old student at Beaver Beauty Academy in Decatur, Georgia, was ecstatic when she found out she had been chosen as one of the first recipients of the BeyGood student scholarship, a collaboration between Beyoncé's charitable foundation and Cécred. "It means the world to me," Smart shared with USA Today. "I was completely shocked, but at the same time, I had a feeling deep down that this opportunity was meant for me." The scholarship will cover Smart's tuition at the academy, easing her financial worries and allowing her to fully focus on her studies.
Before the application process even opened, the academy received a special visit from Neal Farinah, Beyoncé's personal hairstylist, and Dr. Kari Williams, Cécred's Education Director. They not only showcased their products but also engaged with the students, offering valuable insights and advice. Smart, who had included samples of her hair and makeup work in her portfolio, took a leap of faith and submitted her application. "I just hit send and prayed for the best," she revealed.
Upon graduation, Smart's goal is to become a licensed master cosmetologist and eventually open her own beauty supply store catering specifically to the Black community. She envisions her store to be on par with major retailers like Sephora and Ulta, providing a wide range of products and services. In April, BeyGood announced the winners of the scholarship, expressing their dedication to supporting the growth of talented hairstylists who play a crucial role in their communities. "And there's even more GOOD to come," they promised. Along with Smart, four other students from Beaver Beauty Academy also received the scholarship, including Christina Chatman, Curtissa Butts, Marcus Boatwright, and Sevaya Sayavong. The academy is just one of five schools where Cécred and BeyGood have established a scholarship program, helping students with tuition and supplies.
The partnership between Cécred and BeyGood was first introduced in February, following the launch of Cécred. The $500,000 initiative, known as the Cécred x BeyGood Fund, distributed twenty-five $10,000 scholarships to students across five cosmetology schools, including Beaver Beauty Academy. Additionally, an equal number of grants were given to salon owners in need. In June, the second round of business grant recipients were announced, with applications opening in May. This further highlights the ongoing commitment of both organizations to supporting and nurturing talent in the beauty industry.
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