A Lifetime of Experience, a New Beginning: Carl Tennyson
At 76 years old, most people are slowing down. But for Carl Tennyson, a student in Empire Beauty School’s Dixie campus Educator in Training program, life is full of momentum again. After decades as a celebrated platform artist and stylist to iconic names including Prince and B.B. King, Carl decided to return to school, proving that passion and purpose truly have no age limit. Carl began his program in September 2025 and will proudly graduate in February 2026.
Carl had been trying to return to school for years. When he learned he could complete his training in seven months if he stayed persistent, everything clicked. “When I realized I could do it if I kept coming to school, I got excited,” he shared. “I’m still learning, even in my 70s, and I want to keep learning.” He believes education is a lifelong process, and being both a learner and a teacher is part of what he loves most about this industry.
After returning to church post COVID-19, a stylist approached him about working in his salon and later invited him to give a demonstration at Empire Beauty School. “Everyone was excited that I came,” Carl said. “They wanted me to come back and do more classes. I told them to give me a job. I’ll get my teacher’s certification and teach.” That moment set his new chapter in motion and opened the door to a future teaching opportunity.
Carl’s career in beauty began after a major shift in his college years. Born and raised in Louisville, he graduated from Shawnee High School in 1969 and attended Morehead University and the University of Louisville, majoring in art with a minor in interior design. During his sophomore year, he followed his passion and enrolled in Jefferson State Vocational School of Cosmetology. After completing his apprenticeship under Lillian Couffure, he spent nearly eight years traveling the country with a chemical hair specialist. From there, his career accelerated quickly.
A Look Into Carl’s Career
- Traveled nationally for nearly eight years with a chemical hair specialist
- Worked for Orr Laboratories, Paul Mitchell, and Sebastian as a platform artist
- Competed in a major hairstyling competition and won first place in 9 out of 10 categories
- Featured in Shop Talk Magazine
- Recipient of numerous industry awards
- Styled celebrity clients, including Prince, B.B. King, and Tracy Ross of Star Search
- Served on the Bluegrass Hair Fashion Committee
- Member of the National Hairdresser Association
- Trains upcoming hairdressers across Kentucky
- Owned several salons in Louisville, including Strands on Frankfort Avenue, in the Hyatt Hotel, and the Lincoln Federal Building
Today, he continues to work behind the chair at Christian Care Communities, carrying on the legacy of Wanda Young while specializing in both male and female styling.
For Carl, the most rewarding part of coming to Empire is the opportunity to teach and inspire future stylists. “It’s a whole educational process,” he said. “I’m learning from them and they’re learning from me.” He believes every student deserves a strong, high-quality education. “Be the best you can be. Pay attention and have a desire to learn. If you’re not paying attention, this is the wrong field for you.”
Carl encourages students to keep seeking knowledge, remain motivated, and continue learning long after earning their cosmetology license. “I have great colleagues,” he said. “They motivate me. I needed this recharge and this motivation again.”
Carl Tennyson’s story shows that beauty is a lifelong calling. Even after four decades of platform artistry, celebrity clients, global travel, and award-winning work, he is still excited to grow. At Empire Beauty School, he has found the perfect place to begin this next chapter.
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