circle square ACADEMY

The beauty industry thrives when future stylists are supported and empowered. Circle Square Academy, our in-house apprenticeship program, is designed to develop confident, skilled, and thoughtful hairstylists ready for success behind the chair.

Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real salon experience, we help apprentices build strong foundations and a career they can be proud of.

Looking to book a free or low-cost service with one of our apprentices? Give us a call at (804) 355-9317

We began in 2011 with a simple dream: that education should be free, generous, and rooted in community. Everyone gets better when knowledge is shared – regardless of age, background, or prior experience. Our program offers solid, thoughtful training built on the belief that learning is something we do together.

PROGRAM DETAILS

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 2-year apprentice program

  • All classes & essential tools are provided at no cost

  • Full-time paid work in our salon

  • 1:1 mentorship

  • Path to Cosmetology Licensure (exam prep & testing)

“None of us arrive here alone. Someone once lit the path for each us — and we honor that gift by teaching what we know, practicing together, and passing the light forward.”
— Jess Avalon - Owner / Educator

what our apprentices learn

Our curriculum includes foundational and advanced training in:
  • Hair cutting & shaping
  • Color theory & formulation
  • Modern dimensional & hand-painting color placement
  • Smoothing treatments
  • Natural texture + curl care
  • Client consultation & communication
  • Ongoing professional development & salon culture

our commitment to you

We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of hairstylists. At Circle Square Academy, we provide:

  • A supportive, inclusive learning environment

  • Ongoing mentorship from experienced stylists and educators

  • Customized pacing and feedback for each apprentice

  • Practical, real-world education rooted in salon success

  • Guidance in building confidence, creativity, and client relationships

A Culture of Growth + Community

At Circle Square, learning is collaborative. Our apprentices are valued members of our team, not just students. We celebrate curiosity, encourage questions, and focus on progress over perfection. The salon experience is better when everyone grows together!

Meet the educators

Olivia Clarke

Thomas norman

Jess avalon

Sam Robinson

ebony diamond

rachel GIERLACH

charley soderbergh

We are here to educate and guide you as you start your journey as an apprentice and future stylist.

Meet our apprentices

  • Noah Whibley

  • Jam Weir

  • Rylee Holihan

  • Ava Peer

 FAQs

  • This program is free for apprentices. It requires you to attend classes and to work in the salon, where you will get paid an hourly wage.

  • That’s okay! We will meet you where you are. Experience is welcome but not necessary to join our program.

  • The program takes about 2 years to complete.

  • You will get tested out on certain topics and modules, and yes, you can fail those tests. But that doesn’t mean you fail the apprenticeship. Learning sometimes means trying again.

  • Circle Square Academy accepts applicants throughout the year, but generally new classes begin in the late Summer, early Fall.

  • Keep scrolling and you’ll find our submission form to get started!

Let’s work together

If you’re passionate about hair, eager to learn, and excited to build a meaningful career in a supportive salon community, we’d love to meet you.

Fill out the form below and we will be in touch!