Gwen Chaney-Braimoh's journey from dreamer to achiever is a testament to her unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit. For over 36 years, she has been a trailblazing force in the beauty industry, pushing boundaries and redefining standards. Armed with her Instructor’s license and training from Dudley University, Ms. Braimoh was inspired to open a School of Cosmetology in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, NV. Her vision was not just to create a school, but to cultivate a hub of excellence and innovation in beauty education.

 

In 2002, with sheer determination and a clear vision, Ms. Braimoh co-founded and opened the Expertise School of Beauty, making history as Nevada's first African American-owned School of Cosmetology. Her commitment to excellence and her exceptional leadership skills quickly propelled the school to national recognition. The school's success was further solidified with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in August 2006, which also marked the launch of the state's first Spanish language cosmetology training program. Renamed as the Expertise Cosmetology Institute, the school remains steadfast in its mission to "Teach The Art of Beauty."

 

Ms. Braimoh's dedication to her craft led her to earn her Master Educators Certification in 2007, allowing her to conduct instructor development trainings on behalf of the prestigious Milady Career Institute across the United States. Her passion for education and empowerment didn't stop there. In 2014, under her visionary leadership, Expertise Cosmetology Institute secured funding to construct a Beauty/Barber College, expanding its services to the North Las Vegas community and introducing a new barber program to the state of Nevada. The newly constructed facility also includes a much-needed childcare center, reflecting Ms. Braimoh's commitment to supporting her students and the community at large.

 

Ms. Braimoh's impact extends beyond the walls of her institute. In 2015-2023, she was appointed by the Governor to the State Board of Cosmetology, where she served as Chairwoman for 7 years, shaping policies and standards for the industry. Her dedication to serving others is further exemplified by her partnership with the Nevada State Department of Corrections at Florence McClure Correctional Center for Women, where Expertise provides cosmetology training, changing lives one cosmetologist and one barber at a time.

 

Throughout her remarkable career, Ms. Braimoh's spiritual values and her unwavering faith in God have been her guiding principles. She firmly believes that to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others, you must first "Believe in Your Dreams." Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the conviction to serve others. As Ms. Braimoh continues to inspire and empower, she reminds us all of the importance of aligning ourselves with likeminded individuals who share the same passion for making a difference.