Bellus Academy students, educator win at Premiere Anaheim

By AI, Created 10:11 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Bellus Academy said four students and one educator earned medals at the 2026 Premiere Anaheim Competition in Anaheim, Calif., a high-profile beauty and barbering event that drew international competitors. The school also brought its largest sponsored team to date and gave students access to classes, brands and industry networking.

Why it matters: - Bellus Academy used the 2026 Premiere Anaheim Competition to showcase student performance on a large industry stage. - The event gave Bellus students and an educator a chance to compete against international talent and build credentials that can support careers in beauty and barbering. - The school also used the competition as a broader training and networking opportunity for students.

What happened: - The 2026 Premiere Anaheim Competition took place Feb. 1-2 in Anaheim, California. - Bellus Academy said it brought its largest sponsored team to date, with 10 students and one educator. - Four Bellus Academy students and one educator won medals in their categories. - Bellus Academy said the competition is one of the most prestigious beauty and barbering events worldwide.

The details: - At Nailympia Anaheim, 83 competitors filled 252 seats and represented countries including Russia, Italy, Canada, Slovenia, Japan, France and Brazil. - Bellus Academy competitors entered Division 1, or Novice, and Division 2, or Apprentice. - Aaliyah Sagal of Bellus Academy’s El Cajon campus finished 2nd in Pedicure Poster. - Madison Sao of the El Cajon campus finished 3rd in Manicure Poster. - Lauryn Silva of the El Cajon campus finished 3rd in Reality Nails. - Robin Sloan Grepo, a spa nail educator from the El Cajon campus, finished 3rd in Pedicure Poster in Division 2. - At the Student Barber Battle, Bellus Academy said four students competed and Jeremy Dubose of the Chula Vista campus finished 3rd. - The barbering contest used a live-model format and judged contestants on technical skill, preparation, professionalism and performance under pressure. - Students also attended 180+ educational classes, met 115+ educators and influencers, and visited 120+ exhibiting brands. - Bellus Academy said students networked with national and local brands, connected with industry professionals, received discounts on professional tools and products, and got a look at industry trends. - Bellus Academy offers hybrid schedules, externships and career-aligned certifications from cosmetology to spa nail technician. - The school’s advanced programs include certifications in lash extensions, hair extensions and oncology skincare. - Students train on real clients under the supervision of licensed instructors. - Bellus Academy said its programs are backed by premium student kits, industry partnerships and real client experience. - More information is available on Bellus Academy’s website. - Bellus Academy’s Admissions team can be reached at (888) 990-7094.

Between the lines: - The medal count suggests Bellus Academy is positioning competition results as proof of training quality. - The size of the sponsored team signals a deeper investment in competitive exposure, not just individual wins. - The mix of competitions, classes and brand access suggests the school is using Premiere Anaheim as both a contest and a recruiting/training showcase.

What’s next: - Bellus Academy said Robin Sloan Grepo expects to return next year. - The school is likely to keep using major industry events to promote student achievement and professional readiness. - Students will continue to move through the academy’s hybrid, externship and certification pathways toward client-facing work.