Welcome to Branford Academy LLC
Branford Academy Of Hair & Cosmetology LLC employs only top notch instructors who possess the knowledge and skill to help you fulfill all of your dreams in such a competitive industry.
The Academy is managed as Branford Academy Of Hair & Cosmetology LLC and is owned by Diana Leonardi
Academy Director,
Head of School.
Diana Leonardi
Head of School.
Diana Leonardi
Diana oversees the general Academy operations including financial aid, admissions and administration. She graduated from State Academy in 1983 and has worked as a stylist since her graduation. In 1990 she opened her first salon and has owned, managed and operated it. In 2001, Diana founded Branford Academy Of Hair & Cosmetology LLC with the hopes to not only educate young men and women, but to pass down to them the knowledge she has obtained throughout her life and career as a cosmetologist.
Learn more about our cosmetology school today!
Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology is proud to offer a staff of passionate, hard working and talented instructors who want to help you make your dreams come true. Don't trust just any esthetician school. Choose Branford Academy!
What Others Are Saying
When you are taught by the best you become the best. All words of wisdom came from Ms Diana herself. Start by making a new career path with the help of Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmology.
Branford Academy goes above and beyond by having classes to be certified in color line, hair straightening systems, extensions, & more. I was set up of for success from day one by being shown how to be professional and make it in this industry.
Coming to this school has been one of the best experiences of my life... I will actually be sad to graduate in a way. To those who are reading this, thank you for taking the time and I urge you to enroll here you won't be disappointed.
I enjoy the variety of things we learn including nails, make-up, hair extensions and different treatments that other schools don't offer. I find the atmosphere and experience to be exceptional!
The teachers here are amazing! They are patient and well informed. I love all of the different classes with speakers and manufacturers representatives who come in and demonstrate their products and techniques.
I am so glad that I stuck with it and swallowed my pride to get where I am going...which is to be a truly successful cosmetologist and not just solely a barber.
I think it is smart that they promote "all product lines" as opposed to one because I will feel more comfortable in my career having used a large variety of products.
I would definitely encourage other people who are considering all the cosmetology schools to come see our school. The choice to come here was one of the best moves I've made in my life.
Diana Leonardi is a leader in Cosmetology education. She started Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology in 1999 in a small house and grew it into two beautiful campuses. The first in Branford and the next one in 2020 in Bridgeport Ct.
Diana started her career at the the age of 15 watching her uncle cut hair in his barber shop and allowing her to take clients by the time she was 16.
Over her career she has owned her own salons & still is educating herself in our industry. In 2021 she spent 3 months in Italy honing her skills and bringing new and creative ideas back to the states.
Diana’s passion has always been providing the best education and resources, so students can Change Their Futures Through Beauty.
Joe Scott is a licensed Master Barber and has been cutting for over 30 years. He is the owner operator of the Shear Success Barber and Salon located in Stratford Connecticut.
His mastery of the clippers and shears, coupled with the ability to cut, blend and style men, women and children keeps him in demand. His passion for barbering led him to become an educator. This has allowed him to instruct and guide the next generation of licensed professional barbers.
Joe prides himself on staying current in all the latest hair trends, styles and new advancements in the barbering community. Joe is not afraid to use color and incorporates techniques, such as airbrush to enhance the haircut. He is also one of the few barbers in Connecticut that is offering solutions for bald and or thinning hair for men.
Erica draws upon twenty years of experience in the beauty industry , beginning her career as a makeup artist. Erica graduated from Brio Academy and became a licensed Esthetician. She is currently a Connecticut state licensed esthetician, eyelash extension artist and professional makeup artist. She continues to work in all aspects of the beauty industry as well as being an esthetics educator at Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology. Erica is trained in eyebrow lamination, henna brows, brow shaping by hand and dermaplaning. Erica specializes in clinical grade chemical peels and anti-aging skincare techniques. She is certified in and continues her education with Dr.Dennis Gross Skincare, Dermalogica and SkinCeuticles. She believes that everyone should gain self confidence through self care and wants to share her love of the beauty industry with others.
With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, I am a professional beauty and skin esthetician. I started my journey as a young hairstylist and later transitioned to becoming a makeup artist for the Bare Minerals brand. After gaining experience as a MAC Makeup Artist and MAC Product Specialist, I fulfilled my dream of owning my own business in 2016 and established Gorgeously Flawless Studio as a solo entrepreneur. Continuing to expand my skill set, I furthered my education and obtained licenses as a lash extension specialist and esthetician. Throughout my career, I have also found joy in sharing my knowledge and expertise with others, leading me to become a part of the Branford Academy family, where I educate and mentor aspiring beauty professionals. Outside of my professional life, I wear many hats as a mother of four and a wife. In my downtime, you can find me running around with my family, cheering them on at soccer fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds. I am truly passionate about what I do, and I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge with others, especially my students. I look forward to welcoming you to my classroom and helping you pursue your beauty and skincare dreams.
Ever since Jordan was a little girl, she was always interested in helping people feel good about themselves, both inward and outward. Beauty from the inside out. So, her first step in doing this was obtaining her Cosmetology license in 2015. Next, she attended the University of Connecticut and University of Bridgeport to obtain her bachelor's degree in nutrition. She's worked one on one as a nutrition coach and has used both fields to help people. Currently, as an Admissions Representative at Branford Academy, she's able to help potential students find their calling, using her background in the beauty field. She got married to her best friend right after college and they just welcomed their first baby boy in September 2023. Jordan is a lover of all things health, wellness and beauty and you can find her curled up with a book during her free time.
Professional, Certified, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Instructor and Educator with over 30 years experience in the Industry. Joby Rogers is a Principle Makeup Artist Educator and Instructor at several Beauty and Cosmetology Academies & Schools throughout New England. Joby has worked in all facets of the business including Celebrity clientele, MakeUp Education, Fashion, Print, Runway, Film, Television, Photography, Instruction, Weddings, etc... Joby Rogers’s Makeup Artistry has appeared in Rolling Stone magazine, People magazine, Marie Claire, Forbes, NY Fashion Week, Essence, USA Today, London Now, New York Post among others.
A mom of two beautiful girls, 38 year young! My passion is empowering students and educating them. I dedicate myself to understand and appreciate each students situation. I work diligently to help and develop achievable goals, helping understand their financial choices and portfolio and implement strategies and assisting in attaining their personal plans for school. Always looking for the best interest of each student and the school. I also enjoy helping around the school making sure the students are well taken care of. In my spare time I am a hairdresser and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends
I am an experienced and passionate educator with a love in educating adults today. Formulating a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that meets education requirements and standards, while allowing students to dictate certain lessons and lead with curiosity and to support students academically, emotionally and socially; bringing forth dedication, skills and the desire to positively impact their lives.
I have 20+ years of experience
It’s never too late to start over.
My name is Kathleen & I’m the esthetic day instructor for the Bridgeport campus. Skincare has been my life for the last 10 years now; I love being able to connect with people through education about their skin and helping introduce self-care into their lives. My primary focus is medical esthetics/dermatology because I believe that it’s a necessary part of overall health. It’s truthfully hard for me to talk about myself, but skincare? I could go on and on. I truly love what I do.
Greetings! I'm Hannah Mariah, the Admissions Representative at The Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology. With a fervent passion for steering individuals toward their future endeavors, I'm your guide through the admissions process. From your first inquiry to the warm embrace of our vibrant community, I'm committed to ensuring your journey is both seamless and rewarding. Embark on this transformative experience with us—reach out today, and let's explore the exciting possibilities awaiting you in our programs.
Nikki Stylez : Master Barber & Stylist
Owner/ Founder of: Stylez Studios LLC & Nikki Stylez LLC
Non profit organization
Cutting Hair for 18 years
Educator for 6 years at various schools in the US
"I'm a creative, an artist, a visionary educator dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams through a transformative and imaginative learning experience."
Hailing from New York, Anthony Diaz is a force to be recognized. Blessed with talented hands that have created some of the most creative designs, this young man is one of the tri state up-coming famed barbers. His creations are fantastic, new and energetic.
Skin Specialist/Educator
Social Media coordinator
Aesthetic laser certified
Owner of Wasan Skintreat products