Finding my Disney: 2012 Creative Cosmetology Design Professional Internship

Bored out of my mind one particularly snowy Spring 2011 semester at Salt Lake Community College, I googled cosmetology internships on a whim. Little did I know what fate had in store for me, never had I dreamed the outcome would be so magical! Growing up I was never a Disney fanatic, although I love Disney as much as the next person it was never somewhere I thought I would work. I applied for the Creative Design and Cosmetology Internship in July of 2011. After a grueling 3 months, 7 interviews, professional portfolio and audition in October of 2011 I was offered the internship as Creative Cosmetology Design Professional Intern in January of 2012! Say that ten times fast!

When I arrived in Orlando I discovered I was piloting the way as the very first Creative Cosmetology Design Intern EVER! As the first Intern to be given this amazing experience, this meant the internship was specifically designed for me, I spent my first week being whisked around every nook and cranny learning every facet of cosmetology and Disney, which included meeting all the managers and artists at the different locations.

I spent the following 5 weeks in the new hire training that all new cosmetologist receive when starting with Disney learning the basics of wig styling, so different then working in a salon. Don't worry I kept a journal! I will be posting entries soon, so stay tuned! I then spent the rest of my internship in the design headquarters working on incoming projects. I loved attending different meet and greets at Hollywood Studios in the Creative Costuming building networking, presenting ideas, learning about the company, taking tours and getting to know the other costuming interns that I was grouped with. Among the many experiences I had as a Disney Professional Intern one of my favorite experiences was getting up at 3 am and heading in for ride check in on of the parks. Meaning coming in before the rides open and ensuring the quality of wigs found on rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean.

My final design project was ... well I won't say here but let's just say she is a spitfire, sassy, independent lady with curly red hair that can't be tamed. Overall I cannot believe how blessed I was to gain this experience and meet the people I did.

In the words of Merida,

"Change your fate!"