A Kansas hairdresser—who almost didn’t go to hair school because she was told she would never make money and was “too smart” for hairdressing—was just named Wella Education’s 2016 National Instructor of the Year. Danielle Markley of Hays Academy of Hair Design in Hays, Kan. has spent almost two decades working diligently to change the perception of the beauty industry.

“Cosmetology instructors are the first stop on a beauty student’s journey, and when instructors truly mentor their students anything is possible,” said Fabio Sementilli, VP of Wella Education North America. “As an organization, we strive to…