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 in July of 1995, in a small town, raised by Southern parents who instilled in me strong values of respect for others, kindness, hospitality, and a deep-rooted faith. Those principles became the foundation of who I am, both personally and professionally.
I spent my entire academic career in a small Christian school, where structure and stability were constants. While I built meaningful friendships, some that I still cherish today, my experience was also marked by adversity. I faced ongoing bullying and, at times, a lack of support from both peers and educators, which made those years particularly challenging. During my junior year, the school administration issued a statement to all families condemning and prohibiting homosexuality within the school community. It was a defining moment for me. Though nothing was said directly, I understood the message and continued forward with caution, determined to remain true to myself. In my senior year, what should have been a celebratory time took a difficult turn. After posting a photo with my boyfriend outside of school, I was suspended and nearly expelled. While I was ultimately allowed to return, the conditions were clear; I lost privileges, recognition, and opportunities I had worked hard to earn. Faced with the option to leave, I made a different choice. I stayed.
I returned to school, followed the guidelines, and graduated in 2013 with honors in Art. That moment was more than just a milestone, it was a statement of resilience. And in a twist of quiet irony, the tassels I wore at graduation were rainbow.
Those experiences didn’t break me, they shaped me. They gave me clarity, strength, and a deeper sense of purpose. That foundation led me to begin the journey that would ultimately define my career and passion: my path with Paul Mitchell the School Memphis. My Junior year of high school is when I toured the campus. I spent my life in a very small town, near Rossville. I had a very limited view of the world and the people in it, but knew I was different from what I was typically exposed to and had been reminded of it my entire life. 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 pursued 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, nor would I be here without the support of my friends and my husband, Chris Dixon. I am so thankful to have such a strong support team that rallies behind me in every storm I face.
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?
Professionally: 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.
Personally: Showing up as my authentic self and taking accountability for my shortcomings. I think living in your own truth is always the best policy, even for those who don’t understand that truth. Following God and keeping my eyes set on what he has in store for me. Being a great spouse and friend, and showing up for my family. Embrace change and be prepared to rise to any challenge, learning something from it. I hope to inspire others to be themselves and know that their past does not have to define their future. You can take those tough situations, difficult moments, and toxic relationships and you can rise above them. I believe the traumas we experience can also serve as guiding lights into something greater and more powerful than we expect. At the end of the day, spread Love. It’s what we are called to do.
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/
