By Isis Philibert
JSI Scholar - Westinghouse, Class of 2019
Graduate of Duquesne University
Since graduating from Westinghouse High School, I’ve learned that life gives you so much free will, but the real question is, what will you do with it? After graduation, I enrolled at Duquesne University. Honestly, I chose it because they offered me an almost full ride, and it felt like what I was “supposed to do.” I started off majoring in Biology, and it was rough, not because of culture shock or workload, but because I was trying to fit myself into a mold that didn’t align with who I really was. I thought that was the definition of success: attend college, receive a good education, and everything will fall into place. But I’ve learned that life itself is the biggest teacher, and every day we wake up as students.
Being in a major and lifestyle that didn’t match who I was becoming pushed me to my limits. I failed classes, spent my summers retaking courses at CCAC, and still sometimes came up short. I was enrolled in college, but I wasn't a "real student.” I was working three jobs and trying to build a side hustle. Eventually, I decided to pivot. I transferred to the School of Business and majored in Entrepreneurship. That decision changed everything. It felt like I finally found my place halfway through my junior year at Duquesne. Fast forward: I graduated with my B.S. in Entrepreneurship, and the same side hustle I started during college has now evolved into a brick-and-mortar salon in downtown Pittsburgh.
Today, I’m the CEO of my own life, the creative and determined founder of ICEY Aesthetics, the largest lash brand in Pittsburgh, and the only Black woman-owned full-service esthetics salon in downtown. I’m focused on growing and developing ICEY Aesthetics beyond just a salon. I’ve been teaching and speaking at beauty shows across the country, hosting classes for aspiring lash artists, and creating my own lash education program, ICEY Aesthetics Pro. My goal is to help young women see that beauty can be a powerful and profitable career path.
I’m learning every day what it means to be both a leader and a creative, and how to build systems that allow my business to grow without losing its heart. I’m excited about where the brand is going and how it continues to inspire others to dream big, stay consistent, and trust their journey. Life will teach you everything you need to know. Let her guide you, challenge you, and sometimes break you down, because that’s how you learn to build yourself back up. I give all thanks to God for strengthening and guiding me. Respect and trust your process.