What Makes Crave Beauty Academy Different? 5 Things That Set Us Apart

Choosing the right beauty school is one of the most important steps in building your future career. Whether your dream is to become a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, or beauty educator, the school you attend will shape your training, your network, and even your confidence as you step into the industry. With so many options available, it’s normal to wonder: What makes one school different from another?

What sets Crave Beauty Academy apart comes down to specifics you can see for yourself: hands-on training with real clients in our student salon, guided by licensed professionals, rather than practice limited to mannequins. You can train in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or instructor programs on full-time or part-time schedules at either of our two Midwest campuses, in Wichita, Kansas, and Ballwin, Missouri, near St. Louis. Small class sizes let instructors who are working beauty professionals get to know you and your goals, and you can use the same professional-grade tools and products found in salons and spas today. These are the details students point to when they explain why they chose Crave.

At Crave Beauty Academy, we know the decision to invest in your education is a big one, and we want to make sure you feel confident about the choice you make. Crave isn’t just a beauty school. We’re a community of passionate learners, dedicated educators, and industry professionals who are all working together to help you succeed.

Here’s a closer look at the five things that make Crave Beauty Academy different, and why students from across the Midwest choose us to launch their careers in beauty.

1. An Industry-Focused Education

One of the most important things to look for in a beauty school is whether the education reflects today’s industry standards. At Crave, we pride ourselves on offering up-to-date, real-world training.

Hands-On Training That Matters

Our programs are designed to give you hands-on experience from the start. From cutting, coloring, and styling hair to advanced esthetics services like facials, waxing, lash extensions, and dermaplaning, you’ll practice your skills in a real salon and spa environment*. By the time you graduate, you’ll have confidence in your abilities because you’ve already worked with real clients—not just mannequins.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Curriculum Backed by Global Leaders

Crave Beauty Academy partners with some of the biggest brands in the industry:

• Redken 5th Avenue NYC
• Dermalogica
• Matrix
• Tammy Taylor
• Verb
• FarmHouse Fresh
• CAO
• Babe Hair Extensions (specialized training in extensions with a top brand since 2009)

These partnerships mean our students learn with the same professional-grade products and techniques used in salons and spas worldwide.

Professional Tools and Kits

From day one, students receive an extensive professional kit filled with high-quality tools and products. This ensures you’re working with the same equipment you’ll use in your career—so you graduate ready to hit the ground running.

Career-Driven Programs

Our programs are intentionally crafted to align with specific career outcomes:

• Cosmetology: Hair cutting, coloring, styling, nails, and skincare.
• Esthetics: Facials, makeup, body treatments, waxing, and more.
• Nail Technology: Specialized training in nails and nail art.
• Educator Training: For licensed professionals ready to inspire the next generation.

This focused, career-driven training means you’re not just getting an education. You’re preparing for a real job in the field.

2. A Supportive, Student-Centered Culture

At Crave, we know beauty school is more than just learning new techniques. It’s about building confidence, creativity, and professionalism. That’s why we’ve built a culture that is centered around our students.

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

Unlike larger schools where students may feel like just a number, Crave offers smaller class sizes. This allows our instructors to provide personalized guidance and really get to know you as a learner. Every student is different, and we’re committed to helping you find your unique strengths and style.

Passionate, Experienced Educators

Our instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re working beauty professionals with years of experience in salons, spas, and the beauty industry. They bring that real-world expertise into the classroom, giving you insights into what it’s really like to work in the field. 

A Community That Feels Like Family

From day one, students often tell us they feel at home at Crave. Our academy is more than just a place to learn—it’s a supportive community where you can make friendships, find mentors, and create lasting connections. 

The Vitality Project

We also care deeply about student well-being and career longevity. Through the Vitality Project, Crave provides tools for mental health, sustainability, work-life balance, and overall wellness—because thriving in beauty is about more than just skills.

3. Career Readiness Beyond the Classroom

While learning technical skills is essential, true career success requires more. At Crave, we go beyond the basics to help our students prepare for every aspect of a beauty career—from building a clientele to managing business operations.

Business, Marketing, and Finance Training

We teach students not just how to perform services, but how to market themselves and run a successful business. Training includes:

• Building your personal brand.
• Using social media to showcase your work.
• Client communication and retention strategies.
• Business and financial education through the Qnity Institute, empowering long-term economic success.

Advanced Digital Learning Tools

Students also gain access to SkillsUP, a digital platform with over 150 educational videos plus monthly live-streaming classes featuring top educators like Sam Villa and Jesse Linares. This extra layer of learning ensures you’re always exposed to new techniques and inspiration.

Resume and Interview Preparation

Our team helps you prepare for the job search with resume workshops, mock interviews, and portfolio building. By the time you graduate, you won’t just have the skills—you can also have the tools to impress potential employers.

Career Placement Support

Crave has strong relationships with salons, spas, and industry employers in Kansas, Missouri, and beyond. We actively help connect graduates with job opportunities, and many of our students find employment quickly after completing their programs. Our goal is to set you up for long-term success, not just graduation.

And with a 98% state board pass rate, you can feel confident that we’ll prepare you for licensure and beyond.

4. Flexible Options to Fit Your Life

We know every student has different needs, and life doesn’t stop when you enroll in beauty school. That’s why Crave offers flexible scheduling options that allow you to pursue your education without putting the rest of your life on hold.

• Full-time and part-time schedules so you can choose the pace that fits your lifestyle.
• Two convenient campus locations in Wichita, Kansas, and Ballwin, Missouri, both offering the same high-quality training.
• Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify, so cost doesn’t have to stand in the way of your dreams.

5. A Commitment to Professional Growth and Community

At Crave, we believe beauty education is just the beginning. We’re committed to helping our students grow professionally and personally, long after they leave our classrooms.

Pivot Point Advanced Academy

Crave is proud to be the only Pivot Point Advanced Academy in North America. Pivot Point is a global leader in beauty education, providing cutting-edge tools, technology, and continuing education opportunities for both students and educators. This legacy connection sets our graduates apart on a global scale.

Advanced Education & Alumni Involvement

From guest speakers to specialized advanced courses, we offer ways for graduates to keep learning and growing. Our alumni network stays connected, sharing career successes and mentoring the next generation.

Community Involvement

Students often participate in local events, fashion shows, and service projects that showcase their skills while making a positive impact. It’s a chance to build confidence, contribute to the community, and demonstrate leadership.

Networking with Beautista

Through Beautista, students and alumni can connect with industry peers, discover opportunities, and build meaningful professional relationships.

Why Students Choose Crave Beauty Academy

When you put all these factors together, it’s easy to see why so many students choose Crave Beauty Academy as the place to start their journey.

Here’s what sets us apart in a nutshell:

1. Up-to-date, real-world education with strong industry partnerships.
2. Student-centered culture with small class sizes and passionate educators.
3. Career preparation that includes business, marketing, and finance training.
4. Flexible schedules, financial aid* options, and two convenient Midwest campuses.
5. Global reputation as a Pivot Point Advanced Academy with ongoing alumni support.
6. Advanced wellness, networking, and community opportunities.

At Crave, we don’t just teach beauty—we crave excellence, growth, and empowerment for every student who walks through our doors.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify

Is Crave Beauty Academy Right for You?

If you’re passionate about beauty and love working with people, Crave could be the perfect fit. Choosing the right school is about finding a place that aligns with your goals, values, and learning style—and we’d love for you to see firsthand what makes Crave different.

Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or educator training, our programs are built to prepare you for success. With two campus locations, flexible options, and a supportive team ready to guide you, your beauty career could start here.

Take the Next Step

Ready to find out more about Crave Beauty Academy? Here’s how you can get started:

• Contact us to schedule a campus tour to experience our culture firsthand.
• Meet with an admissions advisor to talk through your goals and options.
• Explore financial aid opportunities to see what resources may be available.

Your future in the beauty industry is waiting—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.