Community Highlights: Meet Elaine Sterling of The Elaine Sterling Institute

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Sterling.

Hi elaine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is rooted in resilience, passion, and a belief that education can change lives. I began my career in South Africa, where I trained deeply in skincare and esthetics. When I came to the United States, I saw an incredible opportunity to elevate the standards of esthetics education by blending European traditions with modern innovation.

I was a single mother at the time, determined to build a better life for my family. I didn’t have investors or funding—I started The Elaine Sterling Institute with a credit card and a prayer. In the very beginning, I taught six students myself, pouring everything I had into creating an experience rooted in excellence, professionalism, and passion.

Life brought its share of challenges, including becoming a breast cancer survivor, which strengthened my sense of purpose even more. Those experiences taught me grit, empathy, and the importance of never giving up—qualities that I’ve carried with me every step of the way.

Through determination, hard work, and an incredible team, I grew the school from six students to more than 600, and from a single classroom to two thriving locations and over 70 employees. What started as a small dream has become a nationally respected institute that empowers students to build meaningful careers.

Looking back, I’m proud not only of the growth of the school, but of the community we’ve built—one that inspires confidence, fosters excellence, and changes lives. And that journey continues to motivate me every day

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been without challenges, and each one has shaped me as a leader and strengthened the institute. In the early years, navigating complex state and federal regulations was a steep learning curve. Ensuring full compliance while building a brand-new school required patience, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Becoming nationally accredited was another milestone that tested every part of our organization — accreditation is incredibly rigorous, but achieving it was one of the most rewarding moments of my career because it validated our standards and opened doors for our students.

As the school grew, I had to learn how to hire, manage, and inspire employees, which is an entirely different skill set from teaching. Building the right team — one that truly aligns with our mission, values, and expectations of excellence — has been both a challenge and a blessing. Today, having more than 70 employees across two locations is a testament to that growth.

All of this happened while I was also balancing life as a single mother, which required constant prioritization, sacrifice, and resilience. There were times when growth felt overwhelming — especially as we moved locations, restructured systems, and scaled from a handful of students to hundreds.

One of the most challenging periods was COVID-19. Shutting down the school, managing the uncertainty, and supporting both employees and students through such a difficult time took every ounce of leadership I had. We had to pivot quickly, find creative solutions, and remain present for our community when they needed us most.

And through all of this — the regulations, the accreditation, the staffing, the moves, the pandemic — we continued to grow, ultimately reaching the point where we could open a second location. Each challenge forced us to innovate, strengthen our systems, and stay anchored in our mission: to provide exceptional education and transform lives.

Overcoming these obstacles didn’t just build the business — it built me as a leader.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Elaine Sterling Institute. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At The Elaine Sterling Institute, we are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of programs in the Southeast, including Esthetician, Barbering, Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, and Nail Care. And in 2026, we will be expanding our curriculum to include a Medical Assistant Program, allowing us to bridge beauty, wellness, and healthcare in a truly meaningful way.

What sets our educational model apart is the breadth, depth, and quality of what’s included for every student. Our programs are dynamic, industry-responsive, and designed to prepare graduates not just for licensure—but for long-term success. Every student has access to CIMA, our interactive digital learning platform; Qnity financial literacy training; and Prosper U, a nationally recognized business and professional development curriculum. These tools help students build confidence, communication skills, business acumen, and financial empowerment.

For Massage Therapy students, we include the Beautista Massage curriculum, the first attempt at the MBLEX exam, and ABMP membership as part of their tuition—ensuring they have every advantage as they enter the workforce.

Our Esthetician Program is one of our signature offerings, and I am incredibly proud that it includes certifications in HydraFacial and Glo2Facial, two of the most in-demand treatments in clinical skincare today. These advanced certifications give our students a competitive edge and open doors to medical spas, dermatology clinics, and high-end skincare environments.

Overall, our goal is to create an educational experience that is industry-leading, student-centered, and grounded in excellence. We want our graduates to walk into any professional setting with the confidence, skill, and professionalism that the Elaine Sterling name represents

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that leadership starts with ongoing personal and professional growth. I’ve realized that I cannot expect my team, my students, or my organization to grow if I’m not actively evolving myself. Investing in my own development—whether through education, mentorship, training, or self-reflection—has been essential to becoming the leader my organization needs.

Another foundational lesson is the importance of continuous training and development for my employees. As the industry changes, standards rise, and expectations shift, it’s critical that our team is always learning. Empowering employees through professional development not only strengthens the school, but also builds confidence, consistency, and a culture of excellence.

I’ve come to understand that when leaders invest in themselves and their teams, the entire organization thrives. Growth isn’t a one-time event—it’s a commitment. And that commitment has shaped everything we do at The Elaine Sterling Institute. I wrote a book “Beauty Beyond the Mirror” I love to share my story and help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wwwlelainesterling.com

Image Credits
students and Instructor Andrea Williams