posted on: 05/07/2026
At the 2026 Premiere Anaheim Competition, Bellus Academy made history! Four Bellus students and one educator took home wins in their respective competition categories.
Bellus Academy made history at the 2026 Premiere Anaheim Competition, one of the most prestigious beauty and barbering events worldwide. At this premier platform for talent, four Bellus Academy students and one educator brought home wins in their respective categories.
The Premiere Anaheim competition was held from February 1-2, 2026 in Anaheim, California. Bellus Academy brought their largest sponsored team to the Premiere Anaheim to date, sponsoring and supporting 10 students and one educator in the competition.
Competitors from Bellus Academy walked away from the competition floor with both medals and confidence. Robin Sloan Grepo, Spa Nail Educator from Bellus’ El Cajon campus, said of the experience, “I’m beyond proud of all the students who said ‘yes’ to this experience, showed up, learned, and earned wins along the way. When our students rise, we all rise together. See you next year!”
At the Premiere Anaheim, Nailympia welcomed 83 competitors across 252 seats, representing countries from around the world, including Russia, Italy, Canada, Slovenia, Japan, France, Brazil, and more. Against that international field, Bellus Academy students competed in Division 1 (Novice) and Division 2 .png)
(Apprentice). Three Bellus students from the school’s El Cajon campus won medals: Aaliyah Sagall (2nd Place, Pedicure Poster category), Madison Sao (3rd Place, Manicure Poster category), Lauryn Silva (3rd Place, Reality Nails category), and educator Robin Sloan Grepo also took home a medal (3rd Place, Pedicure Poster category, Division 2).
At the Premiere Anaheim’s Student Barber Battle, competitors went head-to-head in a live, high-stakes environment that mimicked real-world industry standards. The barbering battle tested not just technical skills, but preparation, professionalism, and the ability to perform under pressure. Each contestant worked on a live model, completed the entire cut and style within the competition window, and was judged visually by industry professionals using a scored point system. Bellus was proud of the school’s four student competitors, and one—Jeremy Dubose, from the Chula Vista campus—took home third place in the competition.
Beyond the competition, Bellus Academy students immersed themselves in the full Premiere Anaheim experience: attending 180+ educational classes, mingling with more than 115 educators and influencers, and experiencing over 120 exhibiting brands. Students networked with national and local brands, connected with industry professionals, and gained a rare behind-the-scenes look at where the beauty industry is heading.
Bellus Academy offers hybrid schedules, externships, and career-aligned certifications, from Cosmetology to Spa Nail Technician. Bellus Academy’s advanced programs include specialized certifications in lash extensions, hair extensions, and oncology skin care all backed by premium student kits, strong industry partnerships, and real client experience. Students benefit from opportunities to train on real clients in a real-world setting under the supervision of licensed instructors.
For more information about Bellus Academy, visit www.bellusacademy.edu. To speak with Bellus Academy’s Admissions team, call 888-990-7094.