Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Lia Beth Azbell recently took home the gold at Skills USA, becoming the state champion in cosmetology and earning a $2000 scholarship prize. Skills USA is a gathering of trade schools that allows students to compete in their respective trades and earn scholarship money.
Though cosmetology has always intrigued her, Lia Beth’s journey into the discipline began when she was a junior in high school. While attending dual enrollment classes at Bevill State Community College, she began doing prom and pageant hair and makeup for fun and to earn some extra money. However, this hobby quickly became a passion, prompting Lia Beth’s switch from nursing to cosmetology.
Now a senior in high school, Lia Beth has studied the trade for two years and competed in Skills USA twice. The second time around, her third-place finish at the district level was enough to land her a spot at the state-level competition. To secure her first-place win at state, she displayed skills such as preparing materials and numerous variations of hair coloring, cutting, and styling.
“Last year, I didn’t know what to expect, and I feel like I didn’t do that well,” Lia Beth recounts. “But this year, I had some experience under my belt. I knew what the judges were looking for, and that influenced my training. The whole thing felt like one big test. I was being watched and timed, but it gave me a glimpse of what working in an actual salon is like.”
Lia Beth recalls her surprise at not only placing first but winning scholarship money. However, she calls the experience a ‘God moment’ and says the prize put her on the right path for her future.
With several dual enrollment credits to her merit, Lia Beth plans to attend Bevill State in the fall to pursue her dream career. After graduating and becoming licensed, she plans to gain salon experience and eventually start her own business, specializing in event hair and makeup.
She also hopes to own a ‘glam shop,’ a one-stop shop for all things prom and pageants—hair, makeup, dresses, shoes, accessories—anything a girl needs to get glam!
“I’m very passionate about hair and makeup styling, and that is what I want to keep focusing on. I’m very excited for the opportunities that will come with that,” says Lia Beth.
The Walker Leader congratulates Lia Beth on this achievement and wishes her much success in the future! WL