Our Story
Committed to Your Future
In an ever-changing market, finding the right trade and a fitting training program might seem like an impossible task. Chic Image Academy, was founded by some of the industry’s finest professionals who realized the need for great education and training in various areas of the beauty industry.
At Chic Image Academy, we’re committed to providing the highest quality education focused on leadership, innovation and advanced skills. Our programs are flexible and our instructors are some of the best in their field. So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn a new trade and make new friends – get in touch today.
Founders
Liz Galdamez brings over 38 years of experience in the beauty industry, holding licenses in Cosmetology and Esthetics in Louisiana since 1992 and currently licensed in Florida as both a Facial Specialist and Nail Artist.
After moving to Florida in 2008, while still working as a flight attendant for a major U.S. carrier, Liz began expanding her career as a skincare educator both internationally and in U.S. states including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.
Her journey in the beauty industry began as the Director of Admissions for a chain of five cosmetology schools in New Orleans, where she discovered her passion for education and pursued her own professional licenses. Liz’s first esthetics role was at an Aveda Concept Salon in 1992, which led her to specialize in advanced skincare treatments within a cosmetic surgery practice, focusing on medical-grade treatments and post-surgery recovery.
Throughout her career, Liz has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, learning advanced skincare modalities and working in product research, development, and formulation. She has collaborated with global skincare brands, equipment manufacturers, and distributors, gaining deep expertise in a constantly evolving industry.
In 2014, Liz launched Chic Image Lounge, an upscale full-service beauty lounge, followed by her own skincare line, Chic Image Skincare. After retiring from the airline industry in 2015, she dedicated herself fully to building the Chic Image brand, later expanding with Chic Image Lip Bar in 2017.
Together with her husband Kevin, Liz founded Chic Image Academy, a boutique-style academy with a real-salon setting. Their mission is to provide students with:
- Modern educational resources & industry-standard equipment
- Individual attention and mentorship from instructors actively working in the beauty field
- Preparation for Florida Board of Cosmetology & DBPR licensing exams
- A strong foundation in both technical skills and business knowledge
Liz and Kevin’s vision is to create a culture of professionalism, respect, and integrity, while empowering students to build confidence, creativity, and marketability in the beauty industry.
Today, Chic Image Academy proudly operates from its new campus at 8751 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33614, serving the Tampa Bay area with innovative beauty education in Esthetics, Makeup, Nails, Laser, and Massage Therapy.