An Amazing Beginning at Rich Institute of Aesthetic Arts

The first few weeks at Rich Institute of Aesthetic Arts have been amazing. Watching our founding students begin their journey has reminded me why I created this school: to turn a passion for beauty into knowledge, skill, and a career built with purpose.

We began our first cohort on September 14, and these early weeks have been full of learning, practice, questions, and discovery. Our students are building the foundation they will carry into every consultation, treatment, and client relationship.

Learning beyond the surface

At RIAA, we teach students to treat the skin like the organ it is. Before choosing a product or performing a service, they need to understand what they are working with—and why their decisions matter.

These first weeks have introduced skin science, anatomy and physiology, infection control, skin analysis, and product knowledge. Students are learning about the skin’s structure and functions, how body systems relate to their work, and why safe professional practices belong at the center of every service.

There is a lot to absorb. But this is where their professional judgment begins: connecting what they learn in class to what they observe during practice.

Understanding the “why” behind products

Product knowledge means more than recognizing a brand or memorizing a routine.

Our students are learning to ask thoughtful questions: What is this product designed to do? What role do its ingredients play? How does it fit the client’s skin needs? Why would we choose it?

That curiosity matters. We want our students to explain their choices with understanding and develop the confidence to make informed recommendations as their education progresses.

Bringing education into practice

Alongside their classroom learning, students have been developing their facial skills and beginning their education in hair removal and waxing.

Each practice session gives them an opportunity to strengthen technique, improve their preparation, and connect theory with hands-on work. They are also learning that a professional service includes more than the treatment itself. Sanitation, consultation, communication, and client comfort all shape the experience.

As an educator and founder, seeing those connections begin to form has been one of the most rewarding parts of these first weeks.

Our student clinic opens October 7

Now, we are reaching an exciting milestone: our student clinic opens Wednesday, October 7, for facial services.

The clinic gives students the opportunity to continue developing their skills with clients under instructor supervision. It also gives our community a meaningful way to support the next generation of aesthetics professionals.

When you visit our student clinic, you become part of that learning experience. Your appointment helps students build confidence, strengthen communication, and grow through supervised practice.

This is just the beginning

I am proud of the work our students are putting into their education and grateful to see this vision becoming a daily reality.

These first few weeks have been about laying a strong foundation. There is much more ahead, and I look forward to sharing their progress as they continue learning the art, science, business, and professional practice of aesthetics.

To everyone who has encouraged RIAA, shared our posts, or supported our beginning—thank you. We are excited to welcome you into our student clinic.

Book a student facial at www.richinstituteedu.com or call (336) 355-9050.

Phylicia R. Richardson
Founder & Educator, Rich Institute of Aesthetic Arts