Barbara Vesely '86

Upon graduating from Elyria Catholic in 1986, Barbara knew how hard she would have to work for the career that she wanted. Being diagnosed with comprehension, retention, and a little dyslexia, working hard is exactly what she did.

Barbara graduated from Tiffin Academy of Hair Design and received her Cosmetology/Manager’s License in 1987. While working in the Higbee’s Department store salon called Glemby’s, she went back to school at Lorain County Community College. In 1993 she graduated from LCCC with an Associate Degree in Business Management.

It was not long after, she set her sights on working on a cruise ship salon. After hands-on interviews, Barbara landed her position with SteinerTransOcean doing both hair and makeup. She worked on Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity Cruise lines.

But her career goals and dreams didn’t stop there. She was a course instructor at Virginia Marti College of Fashion & Art. In this role, she not only taught, but was the one to create the 10-week introductory makeup artistry course. Through this course, her students were educated in the skillful art of makeup applications for a variety of model mediums. 

While using her talents across seas in London, Barbara worked with the Debbie Walters Management Agency. 

“It was the Ben de Lisi Fashion Show in 2004. You work a crazy fast pass to get 16 models on the runway. They hired a hair team of three from John Freida salon and then five of us did the makeup. My work was also featured in a European magazine called A.”

In September of 2004, she then moved to NYC. “Without ever meeting my roommates, I signed a lease, site unseen, which is unheard of!” From there, Barbara started with MSNBC Cable News Network in May of 2005. 

“I moved three times within my first three years and depleted my savings. I was at my last apartment for 11 years and looked at 80 apartments over time to get it… the process here is so different than any other place I lived at. It’s crazy and insane here! 

This year, Barbara will be celebrating 18 years at MSNBC. Not only does she do the hair and makeup of the anchors, but also the high-profile guests.

“We have a saying, just like Las Vegas; ‘what happens in the make up room stays in the make up room!” 

Overall, Barbara has over 36 years of experience behind the chair and in the business working with people from all walks of life, from all around the world. Her career has led her to work with several household businesses such as Cleveland Magazine, the Cleveland Browns, J Marco, and Joann Fabrics, to name a few.

“I am truly blessed and grateful for this amazing career working with my hands in a trade that has taken me literally all over the world. What better way of helping people feel good about themselves in front of the camera and off.” 

If there is anything current Elyria Catholic students can take away from Barbara’s experiences, it’s to work hard for what you want and pay your dues! "You can overcome any adversity that comes your way with hard work and determination!"