Cosmetology Student Success Story: Anne Hashizume

About Anne Hashizume

Anne Hashizume had the degree. She had the corporate job. On paper, everything looked exactly the way it was supposed to. And yet, sitting at her desk as a data analyst, she kept coming back to the same thought: this is not it.

Before enrolling at EBC’s North Seattle campus, Anne earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Washington and went on to work full time as a data analyst. She had explored plenty of other paths along the way: nursing, PA school, human resources. None of them ever felt like a full yes. “It more so felt like I was just pursuing those career options since it was viewed as reputable,” she shares. It was not until she gave herself permission to ask a different question (not what looks good, but what actually makes me happy) that everything became clear.

The answer kept coming back to hair. Growing up, Anne spent hours watching YouTube tutorials, teaching herself styles and techniques just because she loved it. In high school, she joined the dance and drill team and became the person everyone turned to before competitions. She did the entire team’s hair, every time. It was never a chore. It was just something she was good at and genuinely enjoyed. Looking back on those memories from her corporate desk, she had a realization: “A part of adulting is rediscovering your childhood hobbies and translating it to your adult life.” Once she saw it that way, the decision was made.

The Evergreen Experience

Hair color designed by Anne Hashizume

What drew Anne to EBC specifically was the evening program. She was still working her 9-5 when she enrolled and needed a school that could work around her life, not the other way around. EBC’s hybrid cosmetology program made it possible. “I think this was the only school that offered an evening cosmetology program, which makes it very accessible for those who work a full time job, have families to take care of, or bills to pay for,” she says. She is proof that a career change does not require putting your whole life on hold.

In the classroom and on the floor, Anne has found her love in color and bleach services. There is something about doing a full transformation, watching someone walk in one way and leave feeling completely different, that lights her up. “Doing a full transformation on people and making them confident in themselves makes me happy.” It is the kind of work that reminds her exactly why she made the leap.

What has shaped her most at EBC, though, is the people surrounding her. “All the instructors truly love their job here and you can tell through all the support they show to each and every student,” she says. “They really try to get to know you as a person and are there for you through everything, even things that happen outside of school.” That level of care is something Anne brings right back to her clients. She is warm, funny, and easy to talk to, the kind of stylist who can connect with just about anyone. “I feel like I have experienced many different lives at this point,” she says, “so I am really good at relating to my clients and providing a comfortable safe space.” Her regulars already know.

The Next Step

Sun kissed hair color by Anne Hashizume

Anne is playing the long game, and she is doing it smartly. She is currently externing at a salon that has offered her part-time work after graduation, which means she already has one foot in the door. Her plan is to continue her corporate job while she builds her clientele, then make the full transition to hair once the foundation is solid. “I dream of switching to do hair full time in a year or two,” she says. “I am so grateful to have found a salon that offers part time work.”

For anyone still on the fence about making a similar leap, here is Anne’s advice: “Do it!!! Yes it’ll be a lot of work and there will be times where it feels difficult but it is all worth it. All good things take time and effort.”

Anne Hashizume is expected to graduate from EBC’s North Seattle campus in June 2026. Follow her journey on Instagram at @byannehashi and on TikTok at @hashi.co. We cannot wait to see where she goes next!

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry, check out our different programs or Schedule a Virtual Tour at one of our campuses: Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, Olympia, and Yakima.