The Story of Brillare Beauty Institute

Brillare Beauty Institute is dedicated to providing nonprofit, hands-on beauty education. Learn about our story as Tennessee’s first licensed cosmetology school.

Book My Tour

Get to Know Brillare

Brillare (bree-LAHR-ay) Beauty Institute is more than a school—it’s a place where passion meets purpose. As a 501c(3) nonprofit beauty institute, we focus on education, not profits, ensuring students receive the highest-quality training in cosmetology and esthetics. “Brillare” means “to shine” in Italian, and that’s exactly what we help our students do. Through hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and real-world experience, we prepare future beauty professionals to build careers they love. Your journey to shine starts here!

Our History

Brillare Beauty Institute became the first licensed cosmetology school in Tennessee under the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology (TSBC) in 2005. From the beginning, we have been committed to hands-on education that prepares students for real-world success. Every service offered by Brillare Beauty Institute is designed to empower our students and clientele, and over the years, we’ve expanded our programs to meet the growing demand for skilled beauty professionals. Today, we continue to empower future cosmetologists and estheticians with expert training and mentorship.

1997
The Start
Brillare Beauty Institute, originally named Franklin Academy, receives 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a private educational institution in Cleveland, Tennessee. This marks the beginning of our commitment to high-quality beauty education. Mr. C.M. Fike of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, becomes the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
2007
A Leadership Transition
Following the passing of Mr. C.M. Fike, his wife, Esther Fike, takes over as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Under her leadership, the school continues to grow, strengthening its commitment to excellence in beauty education.
2008
Expanding Education
Recognizing the increasing demand for skincare expertise, Esther Fike introduces the Esthetics program. This expansion allows students to gain specialized training in skincare, facials, and advanced beauty treatments.
2012
A New Home
The Main Campus relocates to its current site on Professional Park Dr. in Cleveland, Tennessee. This move provides upgraded facilities and a more expansive learning environment for students pursuing careers in cosmetology and esthetics.
2014
New Leadership
Esther Fike entrusts Karl Petersen with the Chairman of the Board and President positions, ensuring continuity in the school’s vision. Under his leadership, Brillare continues its growth and commitment to student success.
2020
A New Identity & Expansion
To better reflect its mission, the school rebrands as Brillare Beauty Institute. That same year, we expand by opening an extension campus in Chattanooga, TN, strengthening our reach and impact in beauty education.
2025
Expansion to St. Louis, Missouri
Brillare Beauty Institute plans to open a new location in St. Louis, Missouri, further extending our reach and commitment to beauty education.

Previous Next

25+ Years

As a Nonprofit School

1,580+

Glowing Graduates

57,500+

SalonSpa Services Completed

Get in Touch

"*" indicates required fields

img:is([sizes="auto" i],[sizes^="auto," i]){contain-intrinsic-size:3000px 1500px;}img.wp-smiley,img.emoji{display:inline !important;border:none !important;box-shadow:none !important;height:1em !important;width:1em !important;margin:0 .07em !important;vertical-align:-.1em !important;background:none !important;padding:0 !important;}:root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square:1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3:4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4:3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2:3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3:2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9:16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16:9/16;--wp--preset--color--black:#000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray:#abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white:#fff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink:#f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red:#cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange:#ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber:#fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan:#7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan:#00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue:#8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue:#0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple:#9b51e0;--wp--preset--color--metallic-red:#b02b2c;--wp--preset--color--maximum-yellow-red:#edae44;--wp--preset--color--yellow-sun:#ee2;--wp--preset--color--palm-leaf:#83a846;--wp--preset--color--aero:#7bb0e7;--wp--preset--color--old-lavender:#745f7e;--wp--preset--color--steel-teal:#5f8789;--wp--preset--color--raspberry-pink:#d65799;--wp--preset--color--medium-turquoise:#4ecac2;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,#9b51e0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan:linear-gradient(135deg,#7adcb4 0%,#00d082 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red:linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,#cf2e2e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray:linear-gradient(135deg,#eee 0%,#a9b8c3 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum:linear-gradient(135deg,#4aeadc 0%,#9778d1 20%,#cf2aba 40%,#ee2c82 60%,#fb6962 80%,#fef84c 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffceec 0%,#9896f0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux:linear-gradient(135deg,#fecda5 0%,#fe2d2d 50%,#6b003e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk:linear-gradient(135deg,#ffcb70 0%,#c751c0 50%,#4158d0 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean:linear-gradient(135deg,#fff5cb 0%,#b6e3d4 50%,#33a7b5 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass:linear-gradient(135deg,#caf880 0%,#71ce7e 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight:linear-gradient(135deg,#020381 0%,#2874fc 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small:1rem;--wp--preset--font-size--medium:1.125rem;--wp--preset--font-size--large:1.75rem;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large:clamp(1.75rem,3vw,2.25rem);--wp--preset--spacing--20:.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30:.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40:1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50:1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60:2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70:3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80:5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural:6px 6px 9px rgba(0,0,0,.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep:12px 12px 50px rgba(0,0,0,.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp:6px 6px 0px rgba(0,0,0,.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined:6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255,255,255,1),6px 6px rgba(0,0,0,1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp:6px 6px 0px rgba(0,0,0,1);}:root{--wp--style--global--content-size:800px;--wp--style--global--wide-size:1130px;}:where(body){margin:0;}.wp-site-blocks > .alignleft{float:left;margin-right:2em;}.wp-site-blocks > .alignright{float:right;margin-left:2em;}.wp-site-blocks > .aligncenter{justify-content:center;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap:.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap:.5em;}.is-layout-flow > .alignleft{float:left;margin-inline-start:0;margin-inline-end:2em;}.is-layout-flow > .alignright{float:right;margin-inline-start:2em;margin-inline-end:0;}.is-layout-flow > .aligncenter{margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignleft{float:left;margin-inline-start:0;margin-inline-end:2em;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignright{float:right;margin-inline-start:2em;margin-inline-end:0;}.is-layout-constrained > .aligncenter{margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > :where(:not(.alignleft):not(.alignright):not(.alignfull)){max-width:var(--wp--style--global--content-size);margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;}.is-layout-constrained > .alignwide{max-width:var(--wp--style--global--wide-size);}body .is-layout-flex{display:flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*,div){margin:0;}body .is-layout-grid{display:grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*,div){margin:0;}body{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}a:where(:not(.wp-element-button)){text-decoration:underline;}:root :where(.wp-element-button,.wp-block-button__link){background-color:#32373c;border-width:0;color:#fff;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);text-decoration:none;}.has-black-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-metallic-red-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--metallic-red) !important;}.has-maximum-yellow-red-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--maximum-yellow-red) !important;}.has-yellow-sun-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--yellow-sun) !important;}.has-palm-leaf-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--palm-leaf) !important;}.has-aero-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--aero) !important;}.has-old-lavender-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--old-lavender) !important;}.has-steel-teal-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--steel-teal) !important;}.has-raspberry-pink-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--raspberry-pink) !important;}.has-medium-turquoise-color{color:var(--wp--preset--color--medium-turquoise) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-metallic-red-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--metallic-red) !important;}.has-maximum-yellow-red-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--maximum-yellow-red) !important;}.has-yellow-sun-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--yellow-sun) !important;}.has-palm-leaf-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--palm-leaf) !important;}.has-aero-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--aero) !important;}.has-old-lavender-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--old-lavender) !important;}.has-steel-teal-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--steel-teal) !important;}.has-raspberry-pink-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--raspberry-pink) !important;}.has-medium-turquoise-background-color{background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--medium-turquoise) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-metallic-red-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--metallic-red) !important;}.has-maximum-yellow-red-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--maximum-yellow-red) !important;}.has-yellow-sun-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--yellow-sun) !important;}.has-palm-leaf-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--palm-leaf) !important;}.has-aero-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--aero) !important;}.has-old-lavender-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--old-lavender) !important;}.has-steel-teal-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--steel-teal) !important;}.has-raspberry-pink-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--raspberry-pink) !important;}.has-medium-turquoise-border-color{border-color:var(--wp--preset--color--medium-turquoise) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background:var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size:var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap:1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap:1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap:2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap:2em;}:root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size:1.5em;line-height:1.6;}.a-stats{--akismet-color-mid-green:#357b49;--akismet-color-white:#fff;--akismet-color-light-grey:#f6f7f7;max-width:350px;width:auto;}.a-stats *{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;}.a-stats strong{font-weight:600;}.a-stats a.a-stats__link,.a-stats a.a-stats__link:visited,.a-stats a.a-stats__link:active{background:var(--akismet-color-mid-green);border:none;box-shadow:none;border-radius:8px;color:var(--akismet-color-white);cursor:pointer;display:block;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI","Roboto","Oxygen-Sans","Ubuntu","Cantarell","Helvetica Neue",sans-serif;font-weight:500;padding:12px;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;transition:all .2s ease;}.widget .a-stats a.a-stats__link:focus{background:var(--akismet-color-mid-green);color:var(--akismet-color-white);text-decoration:none;}.a-stats a.a-stats__link:hover{filter:brightness(110%);box-shadow:0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.06),0 0 2px rgba(0,0,0,.16);}.a-stats .count{color:var(--akismet-color-white);display:block;font-size:1.5em;line-height:1.4;padding:0 13px;white-space:nowrap;}@media handheld, only screen and (max-width: 767px){header#header{top:0 !important;z-index:9999999999;position:fixed !important;visibility:visible !important;transition:top .5s ease-in-out !important;}header#header.hidden{top:-160px !important;}div#main{top:0;position:relative;}}#top #header_main > .container,#top #header_main > .container .main_menu .av-main-nav > li > a,#top #header_main #menu-item-shop .cart_dropdown_link{height:60px;line-height:60px;}.html_top_nav_header .av-logo-container{height:60px;}.html_header_top.html_header_sticky #top #wrap_all #main{padding-top:90px;}#top .avia-font-entypo-fontello-enfold,body .avia-font-entypo-fontello-enfold,html body [data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello-enfold']:before{font-family:"entypo-fontello-enfold";}#top .avia-font-entypo-fontello,body .avia-font-entypo-fontello,html body [data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello']:before{font-family:"entypo-fontello";}#top .avia-font-homepage-results,body .avia-font-homepage-results,html body [data-av_iconfont='homepage-results']:before{font-family:"homepage-results";}#top .avia-font-gameface-icons-1,body .avia-font-gameface-icons-1,html body [data-av_iconfont='gameface-icons-1']:before{font-family:"gameface-icons-1";}#top .avia-font-siding-gutters,body .avia-font-siding-gutters,html body [data-av_iconfont='siding-gutters']:before{font-family:"siding-gutters";}#top .avia-font-numbers,body .avia-font-numbers,html body [data-av_iconfont='numbers']:before{font-family:"numbers";}#top .avia-font-general-icons-thin,body .avia-font-general-icons-thin,html body [data-av_iconfont='general-icons-thin']:before{font-family:"general-icons-thin";}#top .avia-font-general-icons-filled,body .avia-font-general-icons-filled,html body [data-av_iconfont='general-icons-filled']:before{font-family:"general-icons-filled";}#top .avia-font-general-icons-thick,body .avia-font-general-icons-thick,html body [data-av_iconfont='general-icons-thick']:before{font-family:"general-icons-thick";}#top .avia-font-brillare-v1,body .avia-font-brillare-v1,html body [data-av_iconfont='brillare-v1']:before{font-family:"brillare-v1";}#top .avia-font-brillare-v2,body .avia-font-brillare-v2,html body [data-av_iconfont='brillare-v2']:before{font-family:"brillare-v2";}#top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e9726c5b3ba47c61a37656c1e7d02a7a{margin:10px 0 0 0;padding-bottom:10px;}body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e9726c5b3ba47c61a37656c1e7d02a7a .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{font-size:25px;}.av-special-heading.av-av_heading-e9726c5b3ba47c61a37656c1e7d02a7a .av-subheading{font-size:15px;}#top .hr.av-jhe1dyat-4d09ad3ba40142c2b823d908995f0385{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.hr.av-jhe1dyat-4d09ad3ba40142c2b823d908995f0385 .hr-inner{width:100%;}

The Story of Brillare Beauty Institute

Get to Know Brillare

Our History

1997

The Start

2007

A Leadership Transition

2008

Expanding Education

2012

A New Home

2014

New Leadership

2020

A New Identity & Expansion

2025

Expansion to St. Louis, Missouri

Get in Touch

Our Cleveland Location

Our Chattanooga Location

Stay Connected