Student

Bachelor's Student Arli Bianco Founds New Student Organization Future Leaders in Beauty

Third-year student Arli Bianco is the Founder and President of a new student organization at FIDM, Future Leaders in Beauty (FLB), with a goal to create a space for students from all majors to learn about the beauty industry and gain networking opportunities. Two guest speakers are already lined up: Leigh Ann Pena, VP of Sales at PPC Packaging, will address sustainability on January 26th, and FIDM Career Advisor Alex Bruzzese will be hosting a resume building workshop on February 23rd. Arli graduated in June with her A.A. in Beauty Marketing & Product Development and is now working on her Bachelor's of Science in Beauty Business Management. FLB meets virtually, bi-monthly on Tuesdays from 2:45-3:30pm PT. We caught up with President Bianco to learn more.

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Arli Bianco and I am a third-year student here at FIDM, currently studying Beauty Business Management. I recently graduated in June with my A.A. Degree in Beauty Marketing & Product Development. I am also the Founder and President of a brand new club here at FIDM called Future Leaders in Beauty. I am 21 years old and originally from Orange County, California. I am a certified makeup artist and love color cosmetics.

Tell us about your decision to launch the new Future Leaders in Beauty student organization: I decided to start Future Leaders in Beauty in order to give the beauty majors more representation here at FIDM. I also thought it would be great to create an environment where beauty lovers (from any major) could come together to learn more about the industry and gain networking opportunities, especially while we are doing school online.

Where are you at with the organization of it? Since we are a brand new club, we are still working out the logistics of everything. We have some events and guest speakers planned but are still working out some of the finer details. As of now, we are currently meeting every other Tuesday from 2:45-3:30pm PST. Our next meeting is on January 26th and we will be having our very first guest speaker. We currently have around 30 members and are hoping to grow even more throughout the next quarter.

What are your goals for FLB? I feel like I have so many. I really want to see FLB grow in every avenue possible. I would love to have more members join the club. Another one of my goals is to have FLB work with a charity to really help make a difference in people's lives. My main goal is to have every member (after graduating from FIDM) leave the club feeling as though their knowledge of the industry has been enhanced and that they are 100% confident in pursuing a career in the beauty industry. I really want to make sure that FLB is helping to provide the proper tools for success for its members.

What types of activities do you have planned for it? As of right now, we have two guest speakers planned. Leigh Ann Pena (VP of Sales at PPC Packaging) will be coming to our next meeting on January 26th to talk about sustainability and how it pertains to packaging and the beauty industry. Alex Bruzzese (FIDM Career Advisor) will be coming to our meeting on February 23rd to host a resume building workshop. We are currently working on incorporating a philanthropical element into our club and are looking for some local charities to partner up with. We will always announce upcoming events at our meetings.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? One day I would like to run my own color cosmetics company. I want to start a brand that is unique and really captures who I am as a person and makeup artist. FIDM is definitely helping me reach my goals by assigning me the proper classes in order to succeed in the industry. FIDM does a really great job at making their students well-rounded. I feel like I have learned so much about the industry from both a business and creative standpoint. Every time I complete a quarter at FIDM, I feel like I am one step closer to understanding how I can achieve my goals.

When did you develop an interest in the beauty industry and what was the point at which you decided to pursue it as a career? I have been interested in makeup and beauty for years now. I remember getting really into makeup when I was around 12 or 13. I loved watching different influencers on YouTube do their makeup and seeing all of the different looks they came up with. At that time, I knew that I wanted to pursue something in the beauty industry. Prior to getting my makeup artistry certification, I taught myself everything about makeup. I actually got really good pretty quickly. That is when I decided I should pursue becoming a makeup artist, leading to me receiving my makeup artistry certification. Shortly after that, I realized I was interested in more than just artistry, but the beauty industry as a whole. This led to me applying to FIDM and now here I am.

How did you hear about FIDM and what made you decide to go here? I have known about FIDM for quite some time now. I remember hearing about it when I was really young, maybe around 10 or 11, but do not exactly remember how I knew about it. I always had an interest in going but never thought it would really be an option. After I graduated high school, I went to CSUF (California State University, Fullerton) and decided to study Communications. I quickly realized that this was not the right fit for me and decided to pursue my love for beauty, which ultimately led to me applying to FIDM.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? Go for it. FIDM is such a great school that is always eager to help its students grow. Going to FIDM was probably one of the best choices I have made in my life. I have learned so much going to FIDM and I have absolutely no regrets coming here. If you know you want to pursue a career in a more creative field, FIDM is the school for you.

Anything else you’d like to share? If you have a class with me or see me around campus (when things open back) feel free to say "hi." You can also add me on Linked In (under my name Arli Bianco) or follow me on Instagram (arlibianco_). I would love to connect with and follow any of you. If you are new to FIDM or have any questions, please reach out. I will help you as best as I can! Lastly, I have to mention my club one last time. If you or anyone you know at FIDM is interested in learning more about the beauty industry, please consider joining Future Leaders in Beauty! Thank you for taking the time to read this over.