The Crave Beauty Academy team strives to stay abreast of the most current industry trends. Our team consists of some of the finest educators, guest service personnel, and directors. We have been recognized as leaders in the professional industry and our local communities. We have been honored with some of the most elite awards in Excellence in Education, Best in Business, Emerging Leaders and rated the Winner and Favorited in local community awards.
Jessica followed in her mother’s footsteps when she earned her cosmetology license and began working behind the chair in August 2005. She quickly discovered a desire to share her knowledge with aspiring stylists and became an educator at Xenon International Academy in Wichita, KS in 2007. Jessica grew into a well-known and respected teacher at Crave and currently leads the school’s sculpture, male specific styling, and makeup artist programs. She was inspired to become an American Crew educator after she attended Menswork™ Academy in 2011. Jessica was recognized for her work as a local educator and American Crew TeamCrew member in Wichita Business Journal’s “People on the Move” column that same year. Jessica worked her way through the educator advancement program and became a Master Educator. Jessica recently took on the role of assisting the owner and the director in managing students and staff. In addition to working at Crave, Jessica currently serves as a stylist and makeup artist specializing in beauty, bridal, editorial and special effects.
Rachelle Richardson, Admissions Advisor, & Licensed Cosmetologist
Rachelle is proud to be back at Crave Beauty Academy as the Admissions Advisor! She has been a licensed Cosmetologist for 17yrs. Rachelle graduated from Xenon International Academy in early 2006 and worked for Xenon/Crave for a total of 10 yrs. As a licensed cosmetologist, Rachelle has helped many nonprofits such as the Wichita Children’s Home, Domestic Violence shelters, American Red Cross, Multiple Sclerosis, American Cancer society and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She has had many great opportunities in this fabulous industry including working behind the chair in two salons, managing one salon, State Beauty Supply traveling representative for Kansas and part of Missouri, and also was the Kansas/Missouri sales representative for Enjoy Professional from California. Rachell is excited to put her passion and heart into the beauty industry once again at Crave Beauty Academy! Send all the future grads her way!
Stephanie Schooley, Lead Esthetics Instructor, Licensed Esthetician
Stephanie graduated from Crave Beauty Academy in 2016.
She worked in a spa specializing in sugaring and facials .
She then worked at Ulta as their esthetician doing facials and waxing.
She has been at Crave since 2021 as the lead esthetics instructor.
She has a passion for teaching others what she was taught and helping them to be successful.
Lacie Turner, Esthetics Instructor, Guest Services Coordinator, Licensed Cosmetologist
Lacie graduated Cosmetology school in 2016 and spent the next 5 years gaining experience in a spa setting. Lacie received a Lash Certification from Colorado Lash Company and later Borboleta. Lacie has also had extensive training with Image Skin Care, Alchemie, and Farmesthetics. Lacie then received her certification for Massage Therapy in 2018. Lash extensions, natural nail services, nail art, updos, and special effects makeup are some of Lacie’s favorite services, with her passion being to have a heart to serve and making each client feel as relaxed as possible. In 2021 Lacie joined the team at Crave Beauty Academy and changed her focus to achieving a work-life balance through mentorship in the industry of beauty professionals. She enjoys teaching education to the industry while providing a fun and calming environment to grow in.
Dajana Frey, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist
Dajana Frey began her journey is cosmetology 12 years ago. As a graduate from Eric Fisher Academy, she jumped right into salon life and continues to work behind the chair today. She has a passion for the beauty industry and loves inspiring the next generation of stylists to help achieve their dreams.
Lexi Marshall, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist
Lexi is a Crave graduate who spent 5 years behind the chair before returning to help students through their time at Crave. Originally from Delaware she has lived in South Dakota, Texas and has made Kansas her home. After school she went straight to the salons managing chain salons before moving to private studios. In the salon she specialized in blonding, waxing, and fashion color services. After time in the salon, she found that education was her true passion and made the decisions to return to Crave and began the next chapter of her career.
Kylie Bishop, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist
Kylie is from Joplin, Missouri, but now lives in Wichita, Kansas. She has owned a salon in Northeast Wichita since the beginning of 2018 and has been a cosmetologist since 2009. With several years of salon managerial experience prior to opening her own salon in addition to being behind the chair. A regency Beauty Institute graduate, right off the bat she decided to take the necessary steps to become a certified waxing specialist and specialize in nails. Through the years she chose to specialize in blonding and men’s cutting in addition to nails and waxing. Kylie knew within just a few years that education was a true passion of hers however, the right time to slow down behind the chair and begin teaching never presented itself. Nearly 13 years into the industry she chose to begin that journey here at Crave Beauty Academy. Kylie strives to better the industry every day and truly enjoys watching the students learn and grow. “It brings me great joy to teach the students and watch that education shine within their performance. I am giving them the power to be amazing!”
Cassi Boone, Nail Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist & Licensed Nail Tech.
Cassi began her career in 2019 after she graduated from the nail program at CBA as valedictorian. She realized very shortly into the program that she wanted to teach nails. As she grew into her profession, she decided to further her skills. Cassi went back to school and graduated salutatorian from the cosmetology program at Eric Fisher Academy. She plans to continue to further her education as she grows as an educator.
Jessica Camp, Business Office Administrator
Born in Kansas raised in Arizona. I enjoy traveling and seeing the world. I have 2 children. 6-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. I am engaged to a wonderful man. I am not originally from the Industry but I have an extensive background in finance and enjoy working in such a vibrant fun environment. I enjoy riding bikes with my family and just chilling watching shows. My favorite snack is kettle popcorn and caramel delights. I graduated from Mulvane High School. My mother and father were both Cosmetologists, which peaked my artistic creativity and interest at heart.I am delighted to see the students learn and grow in this industry and am ecstatic to be able to be a part in that from the beginning of their journey.
Makayla Moore, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist
My name is Ms. Moore and I am a new Instructors here at Crave Beauty Academy and I have been in the industry, outside of school, for over a year now. I became interested in the Beauty Industry in early high school while learning to do my own hair and make up since no one in my household was much interested and I ended up just teaching myself! Some things I enjoy outside of the Industry are fashion, spending quality time with my friends and dancing. I absolutely look forward to my time here at the Academy and my future molding professionals inside these four walls.
Gabby Stephens, Guest Services Coordinator
Hi, my name is Gabby (Ms. Stephens) and I am a new addition to the front desk team as a Guest Coordinator at the Wichita Academy! I am also a vocal coach part time and a blue jazz singer. I am a huge vintage fashion addict and love my eclectic style! You may also say that I am a pretty big makeup enthusiast which is what brought me to the love of the beauty industry! I can’t wait to be the smile at the desk that our guests and future professionals see everyday and am ready to make my mark here at Crave Beauty Academy!
Jana Hall, Creative Brand Director & Social Media Marketer
Ms. Hall here, hello nice to meet ya!😊I am a mom of 4 boys ranging from 16 to 3 years old. Ethan, Grant, Cooper & Logan. I love the beauty industry and have been involved and passionate about it from a very young age. Makeup artistry is my passion and helping women to look and feel beautiful is always going to be the basis of my being, no matter what I do. I am the Creative Brand Director for Crave Beauty Academy, both Wichita & Ballwin campuses. I enjoy building a positive culture and environment that can be engaged not only physically, but digitally as well through social media. My role here at the school is to not only build the professional platform, but to help our future professionals develop a sense of ownership and courage to build their own businesses through social media as well.
Cheyenne Russell, Guest Service Coordinator, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist
Cheyenne Russell, has an eye for color, and passion for all things beauty! Inspired by her Grandmother to persue a career in hair, she attended Xenon (Crave’s previous title), and graduated in December 2013 apart of the Ambassadors Program. After completing state boards she started right into the salon at Ulta, then opening her own studio salon in November 2014 till August of 2020. Besides hair and makeup, Cheyenne has two daughters, two dogs, and a plant or two around her house. She gives major praises to her educators and core curriculum, she hopes to bring her vibrant energy, drive for excellence, and strong skill set to the Cosmetology classroom. Catch Mrs. Russell smiling at the front desk while she is completing her student Educators program.
Kameron Wilson, Nail Educator, Licensed Nail Technician
Alicia Roberts, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist
Dena Moss, Director, Licensed Esthetician & Educator
Dena, a CBA alumni, has been licensed as an Esthetician since 2016. She is certified in Endermology, NovaLash, Microdermabrasion, Norvell sunless spray tanning, and has extensive knowledge in Dermalogica and Eminence. She began her career at a salon and spa where her ambition led her to become the Spa Director. She remained in that position until she decided to continue her journey through the beauty industry as an Educator. In 2018, she became a part of Crave’s educational team. Her passion for the beauty industry clearly shines through her teaching methods as she shares her knowledge with our students. While she assists our students in blossoming within the industry, she is a busy mom of 4 that she is raising alongside her fiancé! Despite the many obstacles Dena has encountered, she persists to be the best mother, esthetician, and educator she can be!
Ashley Larsen, Esthetics Instructor & Licensed Esthetician
Ashley is a Crave Beauty Academy graduate from the esthetician program. She moved to Colorado after high school and started in grocery business management. She has 8 years of customer service and sales experience. She started her beauty career at Avalon Beauty Institute in Layton, Utah then completed her hours at Crave. She is passionate about skin care and empowering others to feel beautiful inside and out. “I love seeing students getting excited about education and striving to meet personal expectations. In this industry there is always more to learn and experience.”
Jocelyn Walton, Nail Instructor & Licensed Nail Technician
Jocelyn is a licensed nail technician, servicing the greater St. Louis area. She shares her passion and knowledge of nails with future graduates here at her alma mater, Crave Beauty Academy. She loves creating classic looks but also enjoys expressing her wild side with the latest nail trends. She instills in her students that while nail enhancements are fun, maintaining the integrity of the natural nail is of the utmost importance. She dreams of one day opening her own nail salon and supply store. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and exploring new things.
Ashley Debonnaire, Guest Service Coordinator & Licensed Esthetician
I’m Ashley DeBonnaire and I graduated from Crave STL campus in August of 2021 as a cosmetologist. I would love to become an Educator as a future career shift, but at the moment I want to perfect my craft while working the front desk of the school to help other future beauty professionals work through their time here at Crave and service our guests with a passionate smile. I love seeing the student personality traits transform from a shy start to an outgoing confident professional at the end. Learning new things and continuing my education is my favorite part of the industry and my career.
Cearra Jenkins, Esthetics Instructor & Licensed Esthetician
My name is Cearra Jenkins. I have been a licensed esthetician since 2013. I am a graduate of The Salon Professional Academy, located in St. Charles , Mo. It is a blessing that I was able to open a medical spa with my mom , Dr. Jenkins in St. Charles. We have recently relocated into our very own building which has allowed us to expand our team. As an esthetician, I realized very quickly that I’m not here to just make you look good but to also feel good about yourself as well ! I am dedicated to this industry as it is my passion and will soon have my own mentorship program for estheticians looking to have someone they can call on for help. I am happy to be part of the next generation of estheticians here at Crave Beauty Academy!
Porcha Shucks, Cosmetology Instructor, Licensed Cosmetologist
Porcha has been in the hair industry for over 15 years. Becoming a Cosmetology Educator has been a goal of hers since cosmetology school. She has a passion for hair and is well versed in styling all hair types. Porcha strives to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry. Her goal is to share all she has learned with her students.
Rachel Ivester, Cosmetology Educator, Licensed Cosmetologist
My name is Rachel Ivester, I am so happy to have joined the Crave team! I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007 and has been active in the field ever since. I have been married to my best friend for 18 years and we have two awesome teenage boys. The last five years when my kids got older, I did move into the medical field full time so that I could attend games, events and practices on evenings and weekends while still staying in the industry part time. Cosmetology has always been my happy place and passion, and I am finally at a point in life where I can follow that passion into sharing my knowledge with the next generation of cosmetologist. I find nothing more rewarding than seeing some thing click and make sense to a student and watching them learn and grow. I look forward to many more years of teaching others how to make everyone feel good about themselves and brighten their day, we could all use a lot more of that in our lives
Libby Boleach, St Louis Admissions Advisor
Libby has over 20 years of experience in recruitment, in the maritime, education, and healthcare sectors. Her varied experience has made her the empathetic, driven, resourceful Admissions Representative that she is today.
Choosing a school that will help you achieve your goals and dreams is not an easy one. At Crave we make you feel at home once you enter our doors! During the interview process, you will tour our school, sit down with Libby and discuss your “WHY”. We then work with you to successfully and seamlessly enroll you in our programs.
Kimberly Orr, Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Cosmetologist,
Kim is dual licensed for over 10 years in Cosmetology & Esthetics and enjoys being an educator. She graduated from Paul Mitchell in Cosmetology and Skin Institute in esthetics. She credits this as being one of the best accomplishments and best decisions she’s made towards her career in the beauty industry. She owned and operated Kim’s Esthetic Service but has decided to pursue her passion in education as a full-time career now! “Crave Beauty Academy has been instrumental in me becoming a full-time educator, because the classes are intimate with plenty of in-depth conversations.” She loves that the students are hungry for information regarding their chosen fields and Crave Beauty Academy allows for that! Crave is truly….A Cut Above!
Raquella Gardner, Business Office, Licensed Cosmetologist
I have had a passion for the Cosmetology field since I was a little girl. I grew up spending most of my days watching, learning, and assisting my mother, sister, and both grandmothers in their own Beauty Salons. After working in Finance, I decided to finally follow my passion and became a Cosmetologist. I am a former Crave Beauty Academy alumnus and have learned so much about the industry and want to be able to help future professionals start their journeys with ease and excitement as I did.
Kim McIntosh, President/Owner
Kim McIntosh serves as President and Executive Director of Crave Beauty Academy.
Currently Kim and her husband, Stan McIntosh, own Crave Beauty Academy. She changed the name of Xenon International Academy to Crave Beauty Academy in Wichita, KS and Ballwin (St. Louis), MO in December 2014. Kim opened Salon Crave in Wichita, KS with her daughter and niece as managing partners in December 2014. Most recently, Kim has opened a professional beauty wholesale, KMac Beauty Supply, to assist local professionals in building their brand.
Kim and her husband acquired Xenon International Academy in Kansas and Missouri in 2013. Prior to the acquisition, the past eighteen years she has been partner in three of the six Xenon International Academy campuses. Her educational background includes college studies in Business Administration and Marketing. Kim has been active in the Beauty Industry for twenty five years. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructors license in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair, in salon management and as a manufacturer educator teaching professionals in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado. Kim currently serves on the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) board for the last thirteen years. Kim has served in various positions on the AACS board to include; Vice-President, Secretary, Historian, co-chair of the Annual AACS Convention, team leader of events and supervised an education task force team. Kim also serves on the MACS -Missouri Association of Cosmetology Schools. Kim is also active in the communities of the Crave locations. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women’s Business Owners (NAWBO), National Association of Female Executives (NAFE), Cricket Alley Ministries and the local toastmasters club in Wichita, Kansas. Read more about Kim on our blog!
Stacey Peters, Senior Director Corporate Office Wichita KS/Ballwin MO
Licensed Cosmetologist, Licensed Educator in KS & MO
Stacey has been with the Academy as of 2002 and has been a licensed Cosmetologist as of 1994/Educator as of 2004, and has been licensed in 5 states, with current licenses being held in 2 of those 5. Stacey obtained her associate degree at Eastern Wyoming college (1994) and moved to South Dakota after graduation. It is here that she began her career in the cosmetology field, and management. Stacey worked for a manufacturer as a field educator, while managing the Salon/Spa she worked at. In 2002 Stacey along with her family, moved to Omaha, it is here she began her journey in post-secondary education. Stacey worked at Xenon Int’l (Omaha) from 2002-2011, as an educator, associate director and then Director. In 2011, she and her family made the move to Wichita-KS, and she continued the journey with Xenon Int’l, in 2013 the Academy became Crave Beauty Academy. During her time in Wichita, Stacey worked as an Educator/Guest Services Director, Associate Director, Director and Senior Director. Stacey is now responsible for compliance with governing agencies, and ensuring the academies are following all regulatory requirements to maintain the standard that Crave Beauty Academy expects. Her primary role includes regular campus visits, at which time Stacey has an opportunity to interact with staff and students, as well as financial aid compliance and processing. Stacey feels that her season in life is to continue to grow and always inspire to do the same, believing that her career choice in Cosmetology has afforded her the opportunity to experience so many things, and working at the academies has proven to offer such.
Hollie Holtzinger, Executive Administrative Assistant & Licensed Cosmetologist
Hollie graduated from Crave in April of 2015 as a Licensed Cosmetologist. Shortly after graduating, she accepted a position as a Designer at Ulta Beauty where she did hair and makeup services. After some time, she decided to join the Crave team in early 2018. She is currently the Executive Administrative Assistant. She enjoys being back in the school atmosphere where she gets to meet so many new people, all of which have a unique story. She has always had a love for the beauty industry and a passion for helping people feel beautiful. Now she is able to see the students’ successes and the joy this industry brings them as well.