Our Story & Mission
Empowering the Next Generation of Beauty Professionals
Welcome to The Beauty Backbar Academy, a space born from passion, experience, and a deep commitment to uplifting the next generation of beauty professionals.
Our founder, Chaminade, began her journey in the beauty industry at just 19 years old as a licensed massage therapist. With fierce determination and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, she turned her passion into thriving businesses—launching her own line of premium professional beauty products under The Beauty Backbar, and becoming Hawaii's exclusive Certified Elleebana Educator and Distributor.​
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Her commitment to quality and innovation has been unwavering—every product she creates is something she would proudly use on her own clients.​
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The inspiration for The Beauty Backbar Academy came when Chaminade stepped into the role of guest instructor at the prestigious Paul Mitchell School of Honolulu. Deeply influenced by extraordinary educators Carly Sai and Miya Brown, she discovered a profound love for teaching and mentoring aspiring beauty professionals.
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Driven by this passion, she envisioned a school where students receive comprehensive training, advanced certifications, and real-world experience—fully preparing them to step confidently into successful careers from day one.
​Why Choose The Beauty Backbar Academy​​​​​​​​​​
Elite Educators:
Our students are taught by some of the strongest educators in the industry.
-Carly Sai led Hawaii’s largest beauty and cosmetology school, managing operations, staff, and student success with excellence.​
-Miya Brown is a highly sought-after stylist and makeup artist, regularly hired for pageants and special events, and one of Paul Mitchell’s most beloved educators.​
-Chaminade blends hands-on mastery, business strategy, and product development expertise—offering students insight few others can match.
Advanced Training from Day One:
Our curriculum integrates advanced skills and certifications from the start—saving students time and money after graduation.
Personalized Mentorship:
Every student receives one-on-one support tailored to their goals, strengths, and learning style.
Exclusive Industry Access:
Students work with professional-grade products, learn proven techniques, and even explore how to develop their own product lines.
Ongoing Alumni Support:
We offer lifetime mentorship, product discounts, job placement help, and refresher courses to support long-term success.
A Culture of Excellence:
We carefully interview all applicants to ensure our students are as committed to growth as we are to delivering excellence.
Our Commitment to Excellence
We believe education should be personalized, hands-on, and elevated. Our teaching style is dynamic, engaging, and always student-centered. We encourage creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability—because beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all.
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At The Beauty Backbar Academy, mentorship is at the core of everything we do. From your very first day through graduation and beyond, our educators are here to guide, challenge, and support you.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our high standards of care, quality, and innovation. Our vision includes expanding our offerings, training new educators in our methods, and building an even more empowered beauty community.
The Beauty Backbar Academy isn’t just about learning a trade—it’s about discovering your power, building real confidence, and launching a fulfilling career in beauty.
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​Join us, and together we’ll redefine what beauty education can be.
Meet the Heart of Our Academy
At The Beauty Backbar Academy, our educators are more than instructors — they’re mentors, leaders, and the soul of our school. With years of real-world experience, deep industry knowledge, and a genuine love for teaching, they’re here to guide, support, and empower you every step of the way. Their passion is what makes our academy feel like home.
Carly Sai
Master Educator & Mentor
Carly is a powerhouse in beauty education. As the former Director of Hawaii’s largest and most respected cosmetology school, she led every aspect of operations—supporting staff, maintaining educational quality, and guiding the success of over a thousand students with excellence and consistency.
She’s not just a leader; she’s a nurturer. A salon owner, educator, wife, and mother, Carly brings unmatched balance to the classroom. Her students describe her as grounded, motivating, and laser-focused on helping them reach their full potential.
At The Beauty Backbar Academy, she sets the tone for integrity, structure, and high standards—and she does it all with heart.
Chaminade Ornellas
Founder & Lead Educator
Chaminade is the visionary force behind The Beauty Backbar Academy. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the beauty and wellness industry, she brings unmatched knowledge in esthetics, business strategy, product development, and advanced technique training.
She’s the creator of The Beauty Backbar—a luxury line of professional beauty products designed for results, not trends. Her experience as Hawaii’s exclusive Certified Elleebana Educator and Distributor adds even more credibility to her teaching, blending technical expertise with entrepreneurial wisdom.
Chaminade doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter education. Her approach is bold, creative, and deeply intentional—focused on helping students master their craft, think outside the box, and build successful, fulfilling careers from day one.
Miya Brown
Master Educator & Mentor
Miya is known for her magic touch and magnetic energy. As a top educator at Paul Mitchell, she quickly became one of the most beloved instructors for her creativity, skill, and ability to connect deeply with students.
Beyond the classroom, Miya has built a name as a sought-after stylist and makeup artist, working with high-end clients and prestigious events across the country. From beauty pageants to editorial shoots, her artistry is versatile, bold, and always on point.
At The Beauty Backbar Academy, she brings her passion and presence to every lesson—empowering students to push limits, take pride in their craft, and bring their vision to life.