Story
The L’esprit Story
L’esprit Academy was founded in 2004 by the Wells family. After decades of experience in the high-end salon and day spa businesses, Peter, Sally, and Stacy Wells decided to give back to the industry they loved by training a new generation of professionals. The L’esprit Academy curriculum and environment has been designed to create a success culture that empowers you to develop the technical skills, confidence, and professionalism you need to achieve your goals in the beauty industry – and beyond.
Twenty years after opening our doors, L’esprit Academy can offer students access to two campus locations for our Michigan beauty school, featuring spacious and modern interiors, exceptional instruction, and superior products and tools. L’esprit Academy provides you with exposure to multiple product lines, partnering with industry giants like Wella, Pigment Cosmetics, BorboletaPro, Dermalogica, and Design Essentials.
Founding Members
Peter F. Wells, Sr.:
As a founding member of the school, Pete was a critical contributor to the company’s success. His exceptional achievements in real estate and corporate sales were second only to his caring, generous and kind personality. Pete was known for his service mindset and for always being ready to help others.
He served in local and state politics as a Town Selectman, School and Town Board Moderator, and three terms as a New Hampshire State Legislator. Pete also volunteered on the Rescue Squad and was a member of the Rotary Club.
Pete was a cheerleader for the beauty business, believing that the industry offered a wonderful, flexible and family-friendly career choice. Known for lighting up a room with a smile, a word of encouragement, or even with his fresh-baked cookies, Pete is deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through the Academy and in our memories.
Stacy A. Wells:
Ms. Wells brings years of experience in the salon and day spa business and over a decade in event management and marketing to her role as owner/co-founder of L’esprit. Her visionary leadership forms the cornerstone for the management team’s consensus decisions, and her passion for creative direction of hair and makeup for photo shoots, live events, TV, and film informs the Academy’s curriculum.
Stacy is a Michigan-licensed cosmetologist and cosmetology instructor and a certified American Crew, Euro SoCap Extension, and Nuts & Bolts Team Leader. She is U.S. Department of Education-trained in the Fundamentals of Title IV Administration, and is highly adept with compliance on the federal, state and accrediting agency level.
Stacy proudly serves as a Director on the Board of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS).
Sally Wells – Executive Director:
Ms. Wells brings 55 years of operational experience to the team. Sally has served many roles in the Academy, from instruction to admissions, but has recently proven most valuable as mentor to staff and student. She has over 50 years as a licensed professional cosmetologist and is currently licensed as a cosmetologist and instructor in Michigan.
Sally and Pete were married for nearly fifty years, working together in a remarkable partnership that combined life, family, and business. Sally and Pete opened S. A. Wells & Company Haircutters, their first salon, in 1979. As they grew their company, they made a lasting mark on the beauty industry and business community in southern New Hampshire. Sally served nine years as Chairman of the Board of Cosmetology in the State of New Hampshire, before moving to Michigan to launch L’esprit Academy with Pete and her daughter Sally in 2002.
Giving Back is Beautiful
Both of the L’esprit Academy campuses participate in multiple community events and charitable events benefiting local organizations every year.
L’esprit Academy donates thousands of dollars in gift cards and products to auctions, fundraisers, volunteer efforts and municipality events. Our students also make regular visits to local senior living centers to provide beauty services with a smile.
Since 2004, L’esprit Academy has provided over $150,000 in institutional scholarships to students.
Campuses
Canton Campus
- Training Center: 42011 Ford Road Canton, MI 48187 | Phone: 734-762-0200
- Student Salon: 42083 Ford Road Canton, MI 48187 | Phone: 734-762-0200
L’esprit Academy’s main campus is located in Canton, Michigan. Students can access a total of 8,000 square feet of space across two suites in the Canton Shopping Center, with classrooms and offices located in one suite on the east side of the plaza, and the student salon on the west side. The combination of exceptional education and welcoming environment make for a student experience filled with excitement!
Southfield Campus
- Southfield Campus | 26205 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48076 | Phone: 734-762-0200
L’esprit’s Southfield branch campus is located on the west side of Greenfield Road between Ten and Eleven Mile within the Lincoln Shopping Center. Featuring easy access from Route 696, close proximity to public transportation, and plentiful parking, this 7,000-square foot facility features an urban bohemian vibe that offers students a friendly and approachable learning environment.
L’esprit Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) and is a licensed cosmetology school that exceeds the state educational requirements set forth by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology. We are approved with the U.S. Department of Education to offer Federal Student Aid (Title IV Funds) and we are a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). L’esprit is pleased to offer our branch campus in Southfield, accredited by NACCAS. Our Southfield campus is a one-level 7,000 square foot campus in a vibrant retail shopping area. Located on the west side of Greenfield Road between Ten and Eleven Mile, its access from 696 and major surface roads provides our community with convenience in plentiful parking and close proximity to public transportation. Situated in the center of the plaza, L’esprit Academy Southfield has a beautiful view on the world through abundant windows spanning the entire front entrance of our campus. The student salon’s urban bohemian style makes the academic environment fashionable, friendly, and approachable…a hallmark of the L’esprit Academy experience.
Canton Campus:
Training Center: 42011 Ford Road Canton, MI 48187 | Phone: 734-762-0200
Student Salon: 42083 Ford Road Canton, MI 48187 | Phone: 734-762-0200
Southfield Campus | 26205 Greenfield Rd, Southfield, MI 48076 | Phone: 734-762-0200
Mission Statement
L’esprit Academy’s mission is to prepare individuals through quality education for graduation, licensure and placement in the field of cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring.
Vision Statement
L’esprit Academy’s goal is to provide unparalleled instruction, through employee to student interactions and consistency in the learning experience so that our graduates can find employment in the Cosmetology, Manicuring, Esthetics or Instructor field. Our staff is carefully selected, highly qualified and vital to the student experience. This student-friendly, well supported and state of the art atmosphere is the sustainable competitive advantage to create well prepared, highly skilled graduates.
Core Values
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ENERGY
Start from a position of positive energy. Meet a negative with a positive. Keep the energy of the facilities upbeat and lively to reflect the nature of our school and the industry.
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INTEGRITY
Being honest and true while growing as industry leaders, professionals, and teammates. Work with compassion, dignity, and courage.
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FUN
We recognize that we work in the best industry in the world. We can be playful yet professional, and passionate about the industry while celebrating the weird!
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TEAMWORK
We commit to work towards a common goal: developing and producing exceptional industry professionals while maintaining a creative, friendly, and solution-oriented work environment.
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LEADERSHIP
We guide our students with standards of excellence that represent the best in the business. We are risk takers, creative thinkers, and innovators. We change the world one stylist at a time!
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CHALLENGE
Run to the things that scare you! Get comfortable being uncomfortable and trying new things. Learn from the challenges that have been presented to you, and you’ll grow personally and professionally.
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RESOURCEFULNESS
Do more with less. Take advantage of the facility, tools, and expertise available to you to make the most of your learning experience.
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ACCOUNTABILITY
Take responsibility for your actions. Don’t compromise your standards even when doing so can be uncomfortable. Communicate clear expectations to prospects, fellow students, clients, and team members.
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CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Provide exceptional customer experiences for both student and client that reflect our enthusiasm, spirit of fun, and passion for the business.
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FAMILY FOCUSED
As a family-run beauty school, we’ve always valued the family-friendly nature of our industry. We are committed to keeping it that way! We find ways to give back to families with compassion, understanding, and flexibility.
