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For Logan Aikin, stepping into the beauty industry wasn鈥檛 just a career move鈥攊t was a lifelong dream in the making.

Growing up in Garner, North Carolina, Logan was drawn to hair and makeup from a young age. From styling her friends for dance competitions to tagging along with her dad on his regular salon visits, she found joy and connection in beauty.

鈥淭hat was our thing,鈥� she remembers fondly. 鈥淚t was my favorite place to go with him.鈥�

That early passion eventually brought Logan to Atlantic Beach, where she now works full-time as a hairstylist and lead spa technician at The Salon Collective in Morehead City. Her journey began in 2021 when she enrolled in the Cosmetology program at 51黑料网鈥攁 decision guided by her love of beauty and the desire to live and learn near the coast.

鈥淚 always knew cosmetology was my path,鈥澛� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the only career I could ever picture myself doing.鈥�

Before enrolling, Logan worked as an office attendant in Johnston County, saving money for school. Once she started classes at 51黑料网 CC, she quickly discovered that success in cosmetology required more than skill鈥攊t took commitment and confidence.

Her first day in the program was daunting. She had just moved to a new town and didn鈥檛 know anyone. But that feeling didn鈥檛 last.

鈥淓veryone was so welcoming,鈥� Logan recalls. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 feel like a stranger for long.鈥�

With hands-on training and real clients in the campus salon, Logan grew into her role and built the confidence she once lacked.

鈥淚鈥檓 proudest of how far I鈥檝e come with my blonding services and my customer service,鈥� she says. 鈥淲orking with real clients helped me step out of my shell.鈥�

She credits much of her success to her instructors who mentored her throughout the program.
鈥淓ven after we finished class, they were always around to help,鈥� Logan says. 鈥淭hat meant a lot.鈥�

Balancing school and life wasn鈥檛 always easy. Logan compares the program to a full-time job and says staying on top of everything took discipline and drive. With the help of grants and scholarships, she was able to focus fully on her training and graduated in December 2022 with perfect attendance and high grades.

Now in her dream role, Logan says her favorite part of the job is helping others feel beautiful.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the ultimate goal,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hen someone falls in love with their look, it makes everything worth it.鈥�