• Diaspora Salon Apprenticeship Program Application

    Thank you for your interest in the Diaspora Salon Apprenticeship Program! This program is designed for individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for a professional career in the beauty industry through hands-on education, mentorship, and real-world salon experience. We encourage you to take your time and answer each question thoughtfully and completely. Your application is our first opportunity to learn more about who you are, the experiences you bring, and why you would be perfect for this role in our salon.

  • Before You Begin

    Click here to see the full Job Description for this position.

    Please be prepared to complete the following components of the application:

    • Applicant Profile
      Tell us about yourself, your previous experience.
    • Essay Question
      You will be asked to provide a written response that allows us to learn more about your perspective, goals, and interest in the apprenticeship program.
    • Video Submission
      You will submit a short video response as part of your application. Specific instructions and prompts will be provided within the application.
    • Professional Letter of Recommendation
      A recommendation letter will be required as part of the application process. Further instructions for submitting your reference letter will be provided in your Application Submission Confirmation Email.

    Please review your responses carefully before submitting your application. Completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance into the Diaspora Salon Apprenticeship Program. Selected applicants will be contacted regarding the next steps in the selection process.

    We look forward to learning more about you and the possibility of welcoming you into the next generation of beauty professionals at Diaspora Salon.

  • Personal Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Background & Experience

    Tell us where you're coming from.
  • Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?*
  • Current employment status*
  • Have you ever worked in a salon, spa, barbershop, or other beauty environment?*
  • Have you completed any beauty-related coursework, classes, or formal training, including online?*
  • Have you ever held or applied for a cosmetology, hairstylist, esthetician, barber, or other beauty industry license — or an apprenticeship registration — in any state?*

  • Professional Letter of Recommendation

  • Please submit one professional or character reference letter, ideally from someone who is not a family member (a teacher, mentor, manager, coach, or community leader). The letter should speak to your work ethic, character, and why you would be a strong apprentice. Upload the letter as a PDF, DOC, or DOCX file below.
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  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Essay Questions

  • Below are three essay prompts. Please choose only one to complete in your own words.

    Please do not use AI tools like ChatGPT to compose your response. We want to hear your voice, in your own words.

  • Video Submission and Acknowledgement

  • Record one short video — no editing needed — covering both prompts in one continuous take. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes total. Prompt 1: Introduce yourself — your name, where you're from, and a little about who you are outside of work or school. Prompt 2: Tell us why you want to be a Diaspora Salon apprentice — what pulls you specifically toward this program and this salon?

  • How to record: Your phone is fine (vertical or horizontal). Find good light — no bright window behind you. Find quiet — no TV, no driving. Look into the camera lens, not at yourself on screen. One take is enough. Save your file as LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_DiasporaVideo.mp4.
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  • Acknowledgement

    One last step — sign and submit.
  • By signing below, I confirm that the information on this application is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the Diaspora Salon Apprenticeship is a structured, approximately 18-month program with attendance, performance, and professional-conduct expectations. I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
  • Date.*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year

  • Cognitive Skills Assessment

    Three short parts. About 30 minutes total.
  • Three short parts — reading comprehension, following directions, and salon math. About 30 minutes total. Calculators are okay for the math section.

  • Part A — Reading Comprehension

  • Diaspora Salon is a Baltimore-area studio that specializes in textured hair. The salon is launching a registered apprenticeship program that combines on-the-floor training under licensed stylists with structured curriculum hours, leading to a Maryland Hairstylist license. Apprentices begin with a 12-week pre-apprenticeship paid at $15 per hour. After successfully completing the pre-apprenticeship, candidates move into the registered apprenticeship — up to 15 months at $18 to $20 per hour. The total program is approximately 18 months from start to license. Apprentices are expected to work full-time, attend all scheduled training, complete weekly evaluations, and maintain a professional appearance at all times.

  • Part B — Following Directions

  • You are preparing the color station before a client arrives. The setup procedure is: Step 1. Wash your hands and put on a fresh apron. Step 2. Wipe down the color counter with sanitizer. Step 3. Lay out one mixing bowl, one color brush, and one set of measuring tools. Step 4. Check that the developer bottle has at least 100 mL remaining; if not, get a new bottle from the back stock. Step 5. Place a clean cape on the chair. Step 6. Pull up the client's appointment notes and check for any color formula or allergy notes from the lead stylist.

  • Part C — Salon Math

  • For each math question, type both your work and your final answer in the same field.
  • Should be Empty: