If you want to make the beauty industry your livelihood, you want to be the best there is. This is the principle LaFarn L. Burton, owner and founder of LB Beauty Academy, imparts to people interested in owning a salon, spa or tattoo business. Ms. Burton, also known as “Ms. LB,” is dedicated to helping beauty professionals achieve their entrepreneurial dreams through educational programs and services while using solid financial management practices and structures. Her passion is to share her business skills, knowledge and education with aspiring business owners. The Richmond native also is the president of LB Beauty Education Foundation Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2010 to help licensed professionals take a step further in the beauty industry with the knowledge needed to own and operate a business. It incorporates learning in the areas of financial management, public relations and marketing strategies. Ms. Burton started her beauty academy in 2000 with a nail program. “Then we began to write more curricula, adding on programs in cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics and tattoo artistry,” she says. “The academy is important because we teach, along with beauty and artistry, the most important aspects of the industry — safety, sanitation and welfare of the people we service.” Since then, the academy has grown and has a diverse student body that includes natives of Russia, Pakistan and Vietnam, Ms. Burton says. About half of the students in the four program areas are women, while men comprise the majority of those in the tattoo artistry classes. “The industry’s art is based on personal creativity and how the art looks and visualizing new hairstyles or tattoos on the body or the head and nail designs on the fingers,” Ms. Burton says.

While women have been the traditional customer base for the industry’s hair and nail salons and spa pampering treatments, men also now appreciate pampering and hair care. “Barbershops were here long ago and have always been a cornerstone in the community,” Ms. Burton says. “Men began to adopt a lot of the trends that some of the women already possessed. As the new generations come up in society, they want different artistic looks, as well color in their hair.” Once workers in the beauty industry have the creative skills and established clientele, they may want to open a shop. That’s where LBBEF comes in – helping with the financial skills and marketing strategies — “all of those elements that contribute to a successful business,” Ms. Burton says. “About 75 percent of the people we have worked with have developed successful, financially sound businesses,” she says. LBBEF is holding its 3rd Biennial Fundraising Gala from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 W. Leigh St. Proceeds will benefit LBBEF’s programs; help launch new local businesses; and bring awareness and help to struggling new beauty business owners. For information and tickets, go to: www.eventbrite.com/e/lb-beauty-education-foundation-gala-2018-tickets-45654759615. This year’s event will highlight breast cancer survivors and their families and help bring awareness to the disease. There also will be a fashion show, silent auction, raffles and entertainment, Ms. Burton says. Terrell Newman, owner of Salon NewRell in Chesterfield, will be this event’s featured entrepreneur. Meet educator, entrepreneur and this week’s Personality, LaFarn L. Burton:

Occupation: Founder and owner of LB Beauty Academy.

No. 1 volunteer position: President, LB Beauty Education Foundation Inc.

Date and place of birth: Dec. 8 in Richmond.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Union University; master’s degree, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: Husband, Norman Burton; son, Rev. Gary A. Tyler; and daughter, Kelli M. Skeen.

Why LBBEF is important: Unfortunately, there is a lack of basic business education and skills to own and operate a business among the most gifted beauty professionals. Fortunately, such knowledge and skills can be taught, which is the mission.

How I find time to support LBBEF: It is a top priority to fulfill my passion to help in the education of aspiring business owners because I know the value of having business skills and knowledge specific to the beauty industry.

Why I do it: I love sharing my education, knowledge and experiences. I’ve benefited from mentors and role models who shared their advice, time and encouragement. It is inherent in me to help future generations of beauty business owners.

How the beauty industry has changed over the years: The industry has gotten more serious about the promotion of health awareness. Increased educational requirements to ensure that professionals providing services are qualified, follow proper regulations, principles and guidelines helps to make a safe and prosperous experience. Additionally, body artistry has exploded over the years. The range is as vast as music, books or paintings hanging in museums.

How industry has changed for men: The development and creation of products designed especially for the male and their special needs has grown tremendously.

How industry has changed for women: International fashion trends have broadened the art and creativity of design. Also, as we embrace our natural beauty to complement, women seek and study science to develop natural products and services.

Fundraising goal for LBBEF gala: We raised $10,000 in 2016 and wish to grow that this year with an increase in sponsors and ticket sales. Our fundraising goal this year is $15,000, which will be reached by increasing our community partners. Collaboration and partnership are pillars upon which LBBEF was founded.

Biggest challenge: Exposure to corporate stewards who share our vision, as well as a lack of access to major philanthropic circles. We strive to create and build partnerships with corporations and the private sector.

Why I am a business owner: I love mentoring, educating and using my social work background to help problem-solve life challenges. My business background aids in helping others achieve business success. And I love giving back to our communities.

Advice to aspiring business owners: Find a mentor; learn and understand the nuances of owning and operating a business; make the business work for you; do it with passion or not at all; give back and share; and believe in yourself!

How I start the day: Always with devotion. Then I prioritize work time, play time, community, ministry and ending the day with hubby.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: A day of meditation and reflection keeps me healthy and balanced.

The three words that best describe me: Generous, grateful and faithful.

If I had more time I would: Learn foreign languages.

My hero or heroine: My heroine is my godmother, mentor, friend and confidant, the late Julia N. Jones, a beauty business owner for more than 30 years.

My favorite musician: Aaron Neville.

How I unwind: Sharing time at home with the hubby on our back deck.

Book that influenced me the most: Bebe Moore Campbell’s “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine.”

Book I’m reading now: Book of Daniel in the Bible.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: I have the power within me to do all things in time and season.

Next goal: To pass the torch of my legacy on to a gifted entrepreneur and watch it be done bigger and better.