Bobbi Powell: Beauty School, Survivors, and Giving Back the Right Way

Bobbi Powell: Beauty School, Survivors, and Giving Back the Right Way

From Your Day Off @Hairdustry; A Podcast about the Hair Industry! by Follow on IG @hairdustry

June 8, 2026 · 45 min · Season 9 · Episode 11

About this episode

Bobbi Powell discusses her journey in the beauty industry, community service, and the importance of self-advocacy.

Bobbi Powell: Beauty School, Haven House, and Building Something Nobody Asked For She cold emailed a press team, showed up with no connections, and built something the industry didn't know it needed. Recorded live at ABS Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman, Corey sits down with Bobbi Powell (@beautyschoolbobbi) for a conversation that covers beauty school ownership, community service, self-advocacy, and what it actually means to show up for people. Bobbi is co-owner of Tennessee School of Beauty, a fifth generation school opened in 1934, and has been partners with the family for seven years after walking in to do admissions and operating like she already owned it. How She Got Here Bobbi grew up near Pittsburgh in a close-knit Italian family and almost became a high school English teacher. After one semester of observations in inner city Akron middle schools she knew it was not the path. She followed her mom to Knoxville, connected with a salon owner tied to Tennessee School of Beauty, and took the admissions job with zero beauty industry experience. She fell in love immediately. Seven years later the fourth generation owner made her a partner. Own the Space You Are In Bobbi did not…

People in this episode

Host: Geno Chapman

Guest: Bobbi Powell

Topics covered

  • beauty school ownership
  • community service
  • self-advocacy
  • industry innovation
  • personal growth

Keywords

  • beauty school
  • community service
  • self-advocacy
  • Tennessee School of Beauty
  • ABS Chicago

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tennessee School of Beauty

Places: Pittsburgh, Knoxville, Akron

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