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
MS Galdamez has over 38 years’ experience in the beauty industry holding licenses in Cosmetology and Esthetics in the State of Louisiana since 1992 as well as being currently licensed in Florida as a Facial Specialist and Nail Artist.
MS Galdamez settled in Florida in 2008 while still working as a Flight Attendant for a major US carrier and began actively working in the beauty industry specializing as a skincare educator internationally as well as in several northeastern states in the U.S. such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.
Liz worked in several different capacities since her initial licensing in New Orleans, she started her career as Director of Admissions for a chain of five Cosmetology Schools where she discovered her passion for the beauty industry and decided to obtain her Cosmetology and Esthetician License. Her first professional job as an esthetician was in 1992 in an Aveda Concept Salon where she later decided to concentrate her practice in more advanced protocols and modalities in the Cosmetic Surgery field using medical grade treatments and post- surgery recovery while working at a very successful Cosmetic Surgery Practice. Liz traveled extensively around the world learning various skincare modalities all over Europe, Asia and Latin America. She spent many years working for various companies in product research and development as well as formulation. The skincare industry is always changing and evolving, and Liz started recognizing that early in her career when she worked as an independent sales rep for various well-known skin care brands, equipment manufacturers and distributors.
After launching Chic Image Lounge ( an upscale full service beauty lounge ) in 2014, followed by her private label skincare line Chic Image Skincare , Liz formally retired from the Airline Industry after 25 years of service in 2015 to dedicate herself full time to the Chic Image Brand. Liz opened Chic Image Lip Bar in 2017 as a custom blending makeup and lipstick business. Liz and Kevin have concentrated on bringing to the Tampa Bay area innovative, effective and efficient treatments and services. As the Chic Image brand started to grow, Liz and Kevin realized that there was a very urgent need for more Esthetics , Makeup and Nails Education in the Tampa Bay Area and therefore they decided to create Chic Image Academy.
Liz and Kevin envisioned a unique, innovative boutique style academy, with a real salon setting to teach their students. The model is to follow a program curriculum that would prepare the students to take the exam required for licensing from the Florida Board of Cosmetology and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Students will have the benefit to learn with modern educational resources and equipment as well as the latest products actively used in each respective field, while still maintaining the individual attention focused on the students .The main goal at Chic Image Academy is for the students to learn from experienced instructors who are actively working in the beauty industry. It is also a priority for all graduates to feel confident in their field of training and gain a competitive edge and marketability . Liz and Kevin pride themselves in creating a culture of professionalism, respect and integrity. Jointly they have vast experiences in the corporate world as well as an appreciation for the creative and artistic side of people who choose to enter the beauty industry. Students will learn the business side of the industry as well as the technical skills while utilizing their creativity and allowing their individual passion for the beauty industry to thrive.
We are very excited to unveil our new campus located at 8751 N. Himes Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33614
