Dear Beauties,
Together, we are facing a truly unprecedented situation. The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our families, our classes, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life. During this time, I wanted to reach out and update you on how we’re approaching the situation at AS Beauty University.
First and foremost, our hearts go out to anyone who's been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartfelt prayers for a full recovery. And we're truly inspired by the selfless healthcare WARRIORS around the world who are on the front lines working tirelessly to care for people in need.
Second, at ASBU, as at all companies, We are focused on the health and safety of our employees, families and communities.
All of our employees have been strongly encouraged to stay home. With our highly-desired education programs—a few of our employees are working part time remotely, this shift has been relatively smooth and we continue to deliver the highest levels of performance, availability, and communication. During this time, we will continue to pay our hourly service providers, who are an important part of our family.
We’re also asking our teams to work with students through our digital channels as much as possible. We have postponed all of our in-person classes and events while turning others into virtual classes and events, as we did with Our Admissions Meet and Greet, with more than 200 students attending digitally, and our first annual Women's Growth Summit, which attracted an incredible list of online viewers.
Third, even as we deal with this pandemic, our 4 person team at ASBU remains laser-focused on your success. While our business is in uncharted territory, ASBU was built to handle moments like this, and our relentless commitment to your success is stronger than ever. Our company was founded on core values -- honesty, trust, student’s success, innovation, and equality -- and our values are unwavering and continue to guide everything we do.
During this time, we are supporting our communities across the globe through philanthropic donations to support our local communities warriors where we live and work. We're also making some of our online courses available for our students, customers, partners and communities.
Finally, our team has created a 30 Day Growth Challenge course to help maintain personal well-being during this time and will be released soon complementary.
If you are aware of other opportunities for us to help others with, please let me know at info@angelsoltero.com.
We have an amazing team at ASBU that are here for you. This moment reminds us that we’re all connected like never before. We’re called upon to be our best selves, with patience, understanding and compassion.
On behalf of all of us at AS Beauty University, we’re committed to being your leader, partner and persevering together in all the days and years ahead.
As we go forward, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, and know that we always value your questions, ideas and feedback.
With love, style & gratitude,
Angel Soltero
Principal and Chair, ASBU
Dear, Beauties.
As a minority woman, I am deeply saddened by the unthinkable, unjust conduct that took the lives of many people of color. The images of their deaths are haunting and unforgettable. Watching fellow Americans and our cities experience this level of grief and turmoil makes me heartsick. Along with millions of others, I’m left wondering what I and ASBU can do to help ease the pain and despair of our fellow Americans.
The timing of our response is not to convey indifference or silence. At ASBU, half the students and families we love and serve are Black; many of the faculty and staff we hold dear to our hearts and count on every day, are Black. We all have a responsibility to protect and honor the dignity, life, and humanity of the people who make up ASBU, and Black lives across the country.
I want you to know our Team has been and is working to devise fundamental and comprehensive ways, in which, ASBU can implement meaningful, positive change that will extend through our organization and into our impacted communities at large.
To put it plainly, racism and discrimination of any kind is NOT and will NOT be acceptable or tolerated within ASBU. Change begins at the very foundation of who and what we are and rises from there. The responsibility is ours, and we take that to heart. We must start to listen and be open to understanding the points of view, emotions, and feelings of our fellow faculty and our students who experience discrimination in ways many of us do not.
In the midst of a global pandemic where black and brown people have already been disproportionately impacted, ASBU students, families, alumni and staff are seeing destruction in their own neighborhoods. We tragically lost two alums and a staff member over the weekend. My heart has broken countless times over these past few weeks and even still, I cannot begin to imagine the toll this is taking on the hearts and minds of our families. The impact of what we are feeling and experiencing during this unprecedented time will live on for months and years to come.
To our Black students, families, and colleagues: we see you and we support you. I don’t have a solution to the systemic racism in our country, but I do know this: something has got to change.
But this is just the beginning. Racism and discrimination — in any form, at any level—is unacceptable. And what’s also unacceptable is silence. Silence amounts to complicity. We cannot remain quiet on issues of injustice in humanity. Corporate lip service won’t cut it. Silence is deafening, and by not openly talking about racism and discrimination, it grows in the shadows. While we don’t have all the answers, we do know we need to be transparent and accountable, and that means lifting up the voices for who this affects the most.
As an education Institution, we’ve always stood for inclusivity, caring, and doing what is right. We support each other and our communities. In the days ahead, I encourage all of you to have open, thoughtful conversations with one another. Communication and connection are critical right now. Sometimes just listening and being present means more than anything words could say.
This is an incredibly difficult time. We pray for your continued safety, and together we are stronger.
I have faith that if we all work to drive positive change; we can achieve a more beautiful and just country.
God Bless America.
With love, style & gratitude,
Angel Soltero
Principal and Chair, ASBU
