When Kylie Baughman enrolled at Empire Beauty School, she was a mother looking for a new direction and a way to turn her interest in skincare and makeup into a career. She never imagined that her journey would eventually lead her to the Executive Director’s office.

Today, Empire Beauty School is celebrating Kylie’s promotion to Executive Director at its Indianapolis campus. From Esthetics student to graduate, educator, Assistant Director, and now Executive Director, her story reflects years of hard work, personal growth, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

“I tell the students all the time that I was once in their shoes,” Kylie shares. “I’ll never forget that experience. I remember what it felt like. It is what makes me strive to be a good leader.”

Finding Her Place in Esthetics

Before discovering Empire, Kylie had studied marine biology in Florida and enjoyed doing makeup for proms, homecomings, and bridal events. While she knew someone attending Empire for cosmetology, she did not see herself pursuing hair.

A visit to Empire’s website introduced her to another possibility: Esthetics.

The opportunity to study skincare and makeup felt like a natural fit. Kylie scheduled a tour, enrolled, and soon found an environment she loved returning to each day.

Her science background helped her connect with lessons about skin and cells, while her interest in makeup gave her a creative outlet. She graduated with 100% attendance and earned Student of the Month recognition during her program.

As she developed her skills, others noticed her ability to support and mentor her classmates. Before she graduated, they encouraged her to consider Empire’s Educator in Training program, also known as EIT.

Teaching had never been part of her original plan. But she enjoyed helping her peers, loved the school atmosphere, and felt she had more to experience at Empire.

A Decision That Changed Her Life

Looking back, Kylie considers returning for the EIT program one of the greatest decisions she has made.

Her EIT educator, Ms. K, became an important influence during a time when Kylie was finding her footing as a single mother. Throughout the program, Ms. K challenged her, encouraged her growth, and helped her see what she could accomplish.

“She challenged me and developed me into a better young woman,” Kylie recalls.

After completing EIT, Kylie was hired as an educator. That opportunity helped her build a career, support herself and her son, and eventually purchase a home.

For Kylie, the impact of her education reached far beyond the classroom. It helped her create a new chapter for her family.

Growing Beyond the Classroom

Over several years as an educator, Kylie taught across the Esthetics curriculum, including pre-spa, senior theory, and enrichment classes. Her science background was especially valuable when helping students understand the foundations of skincare. She also earned Empire’s Educator of the Quarter recognition.

As her confidence and experience grew, so did her desire to contribute across the campus. She helped with student council and school events, finding new ways to support students outside her classroom.

When an Assistant Director position became available at Indianapolis, Kylie applied and earned the role. Later, when the opportunity to become Executive Director opened, she took another chance on herself.

“Kylie’s journey from Empire student to Executive Director is a powerful example of what can happen when talent is matched with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to keep growing. I couldn’t be prouder to see her step into this well-deserved role,” says Ashley Patton, Regional Director.

Kylie credits Ashley with being a coach and guide who recognizes her hard work, believes in her abilities, and trusts her to lead the campus.

Leading With Heart and Compassion

Kylie’s own experience as a student continues to shape the way she leads. She remembers balancing school with motherhood and navigating personal challenges while working toward a better future. Those experiences help her understand that every student arrives with responsibilities and circumstances beyond the classroom.

Her approach is to meet people where they are, offer grace when it is needed, and continue holding them accountable to expectations.

“Lead with heart and compassion,” Kylie says.

For her, compassion and accountability work together. Understanding someone’s challenges creates an opportunity to support them as they move forward.

Taking a Chance on Yourself

Reflecting on her promotion is emotional for Kylie. The mother who once enrolled while trying to figure out her next steps is now leading the campus and helping students navigate journeys of their own.

Her son is now 10, they have a home of their own, and she remains grateful for the people and opportunities that helped her get here.

Her advice to anyone considering a new path is simple: “Take a chance on yourself.”

“Change is not comfortable,” she shares. “When you’re uncomfortable it’s because you’re growing.”

Kylie’s journey began with a visit to Empire’s website and a tour that made her feel she had found a place where she belonged. It continued because she was willing to learn, accept new challenges, and keep growing.

Now, as Executive Director, she brings that same commitment to her campus, along with a student’s understanding of how much encouragement and opportunity can mean.

“I truly believe in Empire’s mission and loved this place ever since I was a student,” Kylie says. “I love what we do and what we stand for.”