Fueling the Future of Beauty Education through Aoorenticeship — Help Us Raise $3 Million to Grow the Workforce for Tomorrow’s Salons, Shops, and Spas.
Atarashii Apprentice Program Invest in the Only National Apprenticeship Model Transforming the Beauty Workforce
The beauty and wellness industry is at a critical inflection point. Salons, spas, and barbershops across the country are facing a widening talent gap, while aspiring professionals struggle to access affordable, relevant education that leads to licensure and long-term career success.
The Atarashii Apprentice Program offers a bold, future-ready solution—and we are the first and only national program of its kind. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as a federally registered multi-employer apprenticeship program, Atarashii was first to market with a model that is now grandfathered in under new federal approval processes, giving us a unique and unrepeatable advantage.
No other organization in the U.S. can provide what Atarashii delivers at this scale. We are the exclusive national-level provider of apprenticeship pathways in beauty, grooming, and wellness.
What We Do
Atarashii (meaning "new" in Japanese) modernizes how beauty professionals are trained—offering an accessible, scalable, and debt-free path to licensure through apprenticeship. We connect salons, shops, and spas with the infrastructure, curriculum, and compliance support they need to grow their workforce from within.
Our model:
Aligns with federal apprenticeship standards and state licensing boards
Delivers a structured yet customizable curriculum (built around Pivot Point)
Equips businesses with software (Apprentix) to manage progress and compliance
Trains mentors and business owners on how to succeed as sponsors
Supports learners with a blended, inclusive learning experience that meets them where they are
By removing traditional barriers—like costly tuition and rigid schedules—we make beauty education more equitable while helping businesses recruit, train, and retain top talent.
Who We Serve
Our customers are salon and spa owners, barbershop leaders, and industry changemakers across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases. From boutique studios to multi-location operations, they share one goal: to build a thriving team and invest in the future of their business.
We serve:
Small businesses launching their first apprentice
Established salons building internal talent pipelines
First to Market – We pioneered the national beauty apprenticeship model
Exclusively Grandfathered – We are the only organization allowed to operate this way under new federal DOL rules
Nationwide Reach – Operating in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases
Regulatory Expertise – We manage the red tape so businesses can focus on education
Modern, Inclusive Approach – Our model supports a diverse, multi-generational, and tech-savvy workforce
Meet the Team
The Atarashii leadership team brings decades of experience in education, beauty, and business.
Jessee Skittrall, Founder –Salon Owner, Licensed Instructor and Board Certified Haircolorist, Jessee has dedicated their career to democratizing access to beauty education for the industry and frustrated Salon Owners like himself.
Angela Dickenson, Curriculum Manager – A former apprentice, salon owner, and licensed instructor, Angela ensures all learning aligns with state expectations and empowers businesses through smart design and training.
A national network of seasoned educators – Our team includes licensed professionals from every corner of the beauty industry who support sponsors and learners in real time.
Our Growth Opportunity
We’re seeking $3 million in growth capital to:
Scale outreach to 1,000+ new businesses
Expand our educator and support teams nationwide
Upgrade digital infrastructure for learners and sponsors
Increase access in underserved and rural communities
Fund policy engagement and advocacy to further improve access to apprenticeship pathways
The Impact
By investing in Atarashii, you’re not just supporting a growing business—you’re fueling a national movement to:
Create accessible, affordable career pathways
Address the skilled labor shortage in beauty and wellness
Empower small business owners to grow strong, loyal teams
Change lives—one apprentice at a time
We’re building the future of beauty from the inside out. Join us as an investor and be part of the only national apprenticeship model shaping the next generation of salons, spas, and shops.