Founded by Dr. Mildred Dixon in 1966, Your School of Beauty Culture, then known as Mildred’s Beauty College, originated on Chicago’s west side and was a community staple successfully operating until Dr. Dixon fell ill in 1980. After graduating more than 1,200 cosmetologists, Dr. Dixon decided to temporarily close the doors of her business to get her health in order. By 1988, the demand from clients, community, students, and aspiring stylists was so great that Dr. Dixon re-opened the school with her sister, the late Mrs. Lily C Perkins-Rollins. Since 1997, the school has been in its present location in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community. It continues to add to its success as the oldest privately-owned trade school offering education in the art of cosmetology science and maintaining an 80 percent graduation rate and a state board passing rate in the 90 percentile.
Dr, Dixon, who has styled luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Cicely Tyson, and Chaka Khan in her 75-year career is still active in the school. At the same time, her granddaughter, Panache Perkins-Holyfield, serves as executive director of the school and is herself a seasoned cosmetology expert with more than 25 years of experience and more than a decade teaching as well. Also deeply connected to the school is beautypreneur, author, lifestylist, and well-being enthusiast LaGena “LaLa” Cain, daughter to the late Mrs. Lily C Perkins-Rollins and niece of Dr. Dixon. A graduate of the family school, LaGena continues her mother’s legacy of excellence in the beauty industry and stands as a leader in beauty and wellness, blending entrepreneurship with purpose to inspire others to live poised, confident, and fulfilled lives.
N’DIGO recently sat with the ladies to learn more about the history of Your School of Beauty Culture, what’s next for the school, and all things in between.
N’DIGO: How did you all discover your love for cosmetology?
Dr. Dixon: I discovered my love for cosmetology at 11 years old shampooing hair for my local hairdresser in Tupelo, Mississippi. Getting the chance to assist her and create styles for women and see how it made them feel after turning me into a stylist.
Panache: For me, it was around college when I was giving the latest styles to my classmates and gaining clients. I was pushed into this industry at birth and licensed by 18 but I couldn’t see it as my path until I gave it my all. Teaching has always been my passion and it’s amazing how God uses us all. Being an entrepreneur has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.
LaGena: My love for the beauty industry came from growing up in a beauty salon. From a young age, I was surrounded by the magic of transformation—watching people walk in one way and leave looking and feeling amazing. I loved seeing how a fresh style or a simple touch of beauty could boost someone’s confidence and brighten their day. Being in that environment showed me the power of self-care and expression, and it inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others feel poised, confident, and radiant.
LaGena can you tell us about your mom, Lilly Perkins Rollins, and a little about her legacy?
LaGena: My mom, Lilly C. Perkins-Rollins, was my greatest inspiration—a pioneer in the beauty industry who embodied grace, confidence, and style. Fashionable, jazzy, and always poised, she had a presence that made everyone feel seen, loved, and beautiful. She wasn’t just a beauty professional; she was a nurturer, always uplifting others with a kind word, a hug, or even financial help. Watching her build her business with passion and purpose showed me what was possible. She led by example, proving that success is about heart, resilience, and impact.
Her legacy lives on in me and my daughter, Mackinzie, who is now a stylist, continuing the tradition of beauty, care, and empowerment that my mother so effortlessly embodied.
Please tell us about Your School Of Beauty Culture today and the services offered.
Panache: At Your School of Beauty, our educators and students specialize in all hair textures, hairstyles, skin types, and nail servicing. All our services and prices are tailored to the beautification of our community.
Can you tell us a little about your upcoming Culture Market event on March 23rd?
LaGena: We’re hosting a fundraising market event at the school in celebration of Women’s History Month that will feature several local women-owned brands in beauty, fashion, fragrance, hair, wellness, and more. We’re looking forward to having the community out for a fun afternoon of community, good times, love, support, and beautiful vibes.
What are your thoughts on the importance of teaching and passing on knowledge to future generations?
Dr. Dixon: The importance of what I do is creating generational wealth and breaking generational curses within our community. The knowledge we provide can create, feed, and support communities and their families.
Panache: I can’t reiterate enough that teaching has always been my passion, even as a child. Being able to help people discover the foundations of “why“, “how” and “causes & effects”, truly brings a different outlook on the beauty of the beauty industry. These things inspire, encourage, and uplift students especially knowing how integral we, as a community, have been in the discovery and mastering of it all.
Do you have a secret for your longevity in the business?
Dr. Dixon: No secret, just faith in God.
What’s the biggest misconception within or about the beauty industry?
Dr. Dixon: That “Anyone can do this career path.” You may have talent but without knowledge, success will always be fleeting. It takes passion. Just because you YouTube, it’s not an ACTUAL education or licensed entity! Going to school, getting an education, acquiring your license, and servicing, and educating your community are how you truly embody a beauty entrepreneur!
Panache: The biggest misconception to me is that we are “JUST stylists, hairdressers, barbers, estheticians, and nail techs.” We are much BIGGER than our titles. We are entrepreneurs, trendsetters, tastemakers, educators, and visionaries to say the least. There would be no “Fashion” or “Culture” without us.
Favorite Affirmation or Quote?
Dr. Dixon: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ – Mark 12:31 NIV
Panache: ‘Talent helps but knowledge guarantees success‘ – Dr. Mildred Dixon
LaGena: ‘Everything that I want, wants me‘
Best advice you can give young beauty industry professionals?
Dr. Dixon: Never give up on yourself!! Today may not be your day but tomorrow is full of possibilities, clients, and success! YOUR SERVICES WILL SELL! YOUR PRODUCT LINE WILL SELL OUT! Quitters can’t win and winners never quit.
What’s next for Your School of Beauty Culture and Barber College?
Panache: Our next step is to purchase our location and make Your School of Beauty Culture a landmark! With this purchase, we will be able to expand properly, rebuild, and rebrand. We also look forward to opening more locations within the Chicagoland area. It’s a blessing to have faith and pride in our programs and services!
Your School of Beauty, located at 116 E. Pershing Road in the Bronzeville neighborhood, will host its Culture Market event from 2-6 pm on Sunday, March 23.
For more information on Your School of Beauty, please visit www.yourschoolofbeauty.com and connect with them on social media at @yourschoolofbeauty
