When Rickie picks up Rene for her weekly beauty appointment, she listens to Rene’s stories, just like she did decades ago. The tradition began when Rickie was about ten years old, shortly after her family’s business, Cameo College of Essential Beauty, moved to a new location. The move disrupted the routines of her mom’s beloved “shampoo set ladies,” whose bus line no longer reached the school. So Rickie and her mom stepped in, driving them to their standing appointments and back home afterward. One by one, the women would climb into the car wearing bright prints and big smiles, ready to chat. Most of them are gone now, but Rene remains—and Rickie has lovingly maintained their old routine. These days, Rickie and her team take turns picking Rene up, and they all love it. The time together has become something each employee looks forward to.

For Rickie, what began as a simple childhood carpool turned into something more: the beginning of a lifelong journey in the beauty industry, one that would shape Rickie’s future in ways she had never imagined.

Those early mornings left a lasting impression. Rickie saw, even at a young age, how powerful a beauty service could be—the way someone’s face lit up after a new haircut or color and the confidence that followed. That spark never left her. Today, Rickie Farmer is a third-generation co-owner of Cameo College of Essential Beauty, the very place where those childhood memories were made. Having witnessed the impact of beauty and self-care firsthand, she’s made it her mission to share that experience with as many people as possible across the Salt Lake area.

After working behind the chair for two decades, Rickie understands how essential the beauty industry truly is. For some, a beauty service is a time to relax and confide in someone they’ve come to see as a friend. For others, it’s preparation for a big event or a much-needed confidence boost. Whatever brings a client in, Rickie and her colleagues do more than just help someone look their best—they provide connection and emotional support. They don’t just hold a vision for a client’s haircut or color, they hold their stories, their emotions, and their trust. The team at Cameo College takes great care with that responsibility.

After 17 years in the industry, Rickie realized her greatest impact wouldn’t come solely from working behind the chair, but from guiding the next generation. Stepping into a teaching and mentorship role at Cameo College allowed her to give back—to help students discover their strengths, follow their passions, and achieve proper licensure. She works closely with each student to ensure they’re not just technically skilled but deeply connected to the heart of this work.

Helping others be the best version of themselves has become Rickie’s mission, and it’s a belief she passes on to every future beauty professional she mentors. She lives by the motto “Always leave people better than you found them.” Beauty professionals are more than service providers—they are listeners, visionaries, and artists who help clients feel seen, heard, and valued. At Cameo College, a client feels that spirit of care and compassion the moment they walk through the door, and long after they leave.

That same spirit shines through in the success stories that walk out of the school’s doors. One recent graduate had spent years as a wife and mother while facing the unimaginable challenge of being completely unhoused. Determined to change her circumstances, she pursued a new path in esthetics with the goal of building generational wealth for her family and uplifting others in the industry. Within a year of graduating, she opened a beautiful salon in downtown Salt Lake City—and filled the stations with fellow Cameo grads, offering them the same chance to grow.

From childhood car rides filled with laughter and gossip to leading one of Utah’s most respected beauty institutions, Rickie’s journey has come full circle. Her story—and the stories of those she teaches—are proof that beauty is more than skin deep. It’s creates connection, empowerment, and opportunities for others to thrive.