If you already have something that you might be able to do as a permanent career, it can be hard to determine why you should do something else, like cosmetology or esthetics. This was exactly the problem that Aspen Capers ran into when she realized that esthetics might be the right choice for her after she had already trained to do something else. Read on to discover how Aspen made that difficult decision and why.

Aspen Capers’ Choice

What made you realize you really loved esthetics?

I grew up in a beauty salon, basically. I chose esthetics because I love skin. I love makeup. All my life, I had people who came to me for guidance. And I really felt like I needed education behind me so that I could guide people in the right direction.

What are you most passionate about?

I just like that you can just one day be somebody different. I can wake up tomorrow and be Marilyn if I want to, or I can be totally natural and look like I just stepped fresh out of the shower with lip gloss and just dewy skin, or I can turn into a drag queen, whatever I like to do.

What obstacles did you experience during your schooling?

It was hard leaving what was the norm for me. I’m also a nurse. That was my first career path, and it was chosen for me. I didn’t choose it, but I turned out to be pretty good at it. So I just stuck with it. And you get comfortable in what you know most. You’re kind of afraid to step outside the box and pursue the things that you dream about because it’s like, “Well this is paying the bills. I just might as well stay with this.”

Why did you want to go through an esthetics program?

It was time for me to go back to school because I felt like I didn’t have enough education. I really had to weigh my options as to where I wanted to focus my money, and what I wanted to invest in myself. And I was unhappy as a nurse. And so, I decided I might as well go and invest in what I really love to do, which is skincare and makeup. I love the beauty industry.

What was your deciding factor in selecting Ogle School?

I also model. Watching those commercials, you see the runway, the hair, the makeup, and the fashion. And it spoke to me, the commercial. That sounds really corny, but it’s the truth.

Did you look at other schools?

I know that there are more expensive schools, like Aveda and Paul Mitchell, but I didn’t know if I wanted to do hair too. And I’m glad I came here because I actually get to see the stylists out on the floor. And I really enjoy esthetics. And then when I got here and I did my interview and started going over the success rate of the school, I was like, “This is where I need to be.” Because I want to go somewhere where I get everything that I can get so that I pass that exam on the first time so that I’m prepared.

What about the beauty industry surprised you?

I would say the opportunities out there. I really thought that it was an industry that you had to make your own way, and you do. But I didn’t know that there were so many different ways that you could go into it.

Why do you do esthetics?

I like people, and I like women, especially. I like to make them feel good about themselves. And after I’ve done my facial treatment and I’ve educated them, somewhat, on how to care for their skin, I can actually see that they soak in what I say. And it feels good to know that somebody’s actually paying attention to me, and they believe me. They believe in what I’m telling them, so I love that. That’s rewarding for me.

What advice would you give to a new student?

Especially in the beauty industry, if you’re not passionate about it, you’re not going to stand out. You’re not going to make a difference in anyone’s life. You’re not going to make a difference in your own life. And if you’re not going to go all the way in there, put both feet in, jump all in, then what is the point?

Discover Your Own Beautiful Story

Whether this would be your first-ever step into a career or you currently have a career that you’re interested in changing, your Beautiful Story will always be individual. Ogle School is here to help with a cosmetology program and an esthetics program. If these seem interesting to you, request more information to get help in moving forward in the beauty world.