INDIANAPOLIS — A West Indianapolis nonprofit is helping women pursue financial independence through paid apprenticeships in cosmetology and barbering.

Belisimoda Academy Inc. offers a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program that allows participants to earn money while learning professional skills in salons and barbershops across Indianapolis.

Unlike traditional beauty schools, the program provides hands-on training in real-world settings while apprentices earn wages.

“We’re giving beauty a purpose beyond appearance,” said Diana Matzinger, founder and executive director of Belisimoda Academy. “These women don’t need to take on $15,000 to $30,000 in debt to learn a skill that can change their lives.”

Training and real-world experience

The organization focuses on helping women facing economic and personal challenges, including single mothers, survivors of domestic violence and those seeking a fresh start.

Participants develop cosmetology and barbering skills while receiving paid, hands-on training under licensed professionals.

“This is about more than just hair,” said Liz Gomez, institutional representation and community relations coordinator. “It’s about confidence, economic mobility, and building a community that supports women.”

The program is conducted entirely in Spanish and serves Indianapolis’ Latino community.

Hairstyling competition showcases creativity

Belisimoda Academy will host its first major public event Tuesday with the First Annual Artistic Hairstyling Competition.

The event will celebrate hairstyling as an art form, showcasing looks inspired by different eras and styles. The program also features connections to New York Fashion Week in July.

Current apprentice Mónica Parrales and program graduate Diana Lara demonstrated hairstyles inspired by different decades, including bold 1980s looks.

The competition will feature live demonstrations and hairstyling displays highlighting the creativity and artistry of the beauty industry.

Belisimoda Academy also serves the community through its Cortes Solidarios initiative, which provides free haircuts to people in need.

The organization offers workshops for women seeking employment and support in building self-esteem.

Matzinger, a Colombian immigrant with more than 25 years of experience in the hair care industry, founded Belisimoda after working in more than 1,000 salons across multiple states.

In 2026, she received a $50,000 first-place prize from United Way of Central Indiana’s Catalyst competition for her vision to recruit, place and certify beauty professionals.

How to get involved

To learn more about the apprenticeship program or support Belisimoda Academy, visit belisimodaacademy.org. Follow the organization on social media: