Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Dixon.
Bobby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my story with Paul Mitchell the School Memphis my junior year of high school when I toured the campus. I spent my life in a very small town, Rossville. I had a very limited view of the world and the people in it. When I entered the building I immediately felt a sense of belonging, a feeling I had not ever experienced. The different walks of life, the different vibes and energy, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I began the enrollment process immediately (yes a full year ahead of graduation) and started my first day of school on July 8, 2013. I graduated from the program on September 24, 2014. Although I was elated to graduate, there was a part of my heart that felt empty leaving, so I pursed opportunities of employment and begin working in Admissions in January of 2015. From there spans a ten year long career with the school, moving through different departments. Admissions, Compliance, Sales, Education, and Director. Outside of a year working for another company pursuing events, my entire adult career has been spent affiliated with the Paul Mitchell Schools network.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were struggles along the way. Struggles of self identity, self worth, and being a “kid” in an adult world. All of those struggles paved the road to me stepping into the position of Director at 27 years old, a massive accomplishment for my career. I have always loved being challenged and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, because that is where true growth lies. Part of our mission here at Paul Mitchell Schools is when people come first, success will follow. As long as you continue to nurture relationships, guide with love and compassion, people will grow with you and support you along the way. I would not be where I am at today without my team and mentors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my current role as Director at Paul Mitchell The School Memphis, I oversee the daily operations of a cosmetology institution while ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accrediting standards. I lead a cross-functional team, manage financial performance, and drive enrollment strategies through data-informed decision-making. My experience includes overseeing audits, implementing policies, facilitating leadership development, and maintaining accountability across admissions, education, and student services.
Previously, as an Education Leader and Future Professional Advisor, I focused on instructional quality, curriculum consistency, and student success. I coached educators, monitored academic performance, and implemented retention strategies that supported student achievement and completion outcomes. My earlier experience in admissions and marketing allowed me to develop strong expertise in CRM management, community outreach, and strategic enrollment growth, skills I continue to leverage in my current leadership role.
I am most proud of the contribution made to encourage our future professionals to complete their chosen program and step into their future careers. I believe many people have a very closed perspective of what being in the beauty industry is. Most people laugh off our careers or steer people away from it. However, think about this… those surgeons that are saving lives, they have a hair dresser. Those news anchors that you see at 5AM on the morning news, they have an entire team of beauty professionals getting them ready for their interviews and air time.
What sets me apart from others? Compassion and truly caring for our future professionals. Knowing each of their names, greeting them every morning, supporting them in their struggles and celebrating their wins and accomplishments. Those small moments are what make big impacts. We know how much learners today struggle to find a place of belonging, or many of them do not have the support that they need, so I want to ensure that if no one else is there for them, I am…with a smile, a hug, or a kind word.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Our company and school culture. Fostering an environment of love, understanding, compassion and acceptance. Our future professionals come from multiple backgrounds and home settings, so ensuring that we embody being a “one size fits all campus” is at the top of the priority for me. I want everyone who enters the building to feel that sense of belonging that I did all those years ago and continue to experience presently. Leading by example and delivering our education by utilizing our fundamental systems which are exclusive to a Paul Mitchell education.
Pricing:
- $14,138.28 (esthetics tuition)
- $24,795.70 (cosmetology tuition)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paulmitchell.edu/memphis
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtsmemphis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pmtsmemphis/
