78 Photo Essay: Abbey Crump
Esthetician
Words by Suzie Walton | Image by Blakeney Clouse
Abbey Crump tried to enjoy her summer break after graduating from Jasper High School in 2017, but the dread of returning to the classroom consumed her thoughts those last few weeks. “I was registered for classes at Shelton State,” she recalls. “I had a lease on an apartment in Tuscaloosa with one of my friends and I was preparing to move in, but I was so unsure about my future.”
One night as Abbey sat in her dad’s living room, something happened that removed all the uncertainty. “My brother’s fiancée was worrying about her makeup for their wedding, so I asked to help,” Abbey explains. “Afterwards, she was so excited. She told me I should become an esthetician, which I had never heard of before.”
Abbey immediately began searching online. Within minutes, she no longer worried about her college major. She told her dad to call Shelton State to get her money back—she was changing majors. She was dead serious.
After confirming she was certain, Abbey’s dad fully supported her decision. Her stepmom encouraged her to check out the requirements. “We scheduled a tour of Aveda and Body Logic School and Esthetics,” Abbey says. “My stepmom pushed me to keep my tour at Body Logic and I am so glad I did.”
Abbey says she couldn’t have pursued her dream without the support and encouragement from her parents. “At first, I was really embarrassed to tell anyone that I was no longer going to Shelton State, even though I still moved to Tuscaloosa,” Abbey says. “There is such a high expectation to go to college right after school or be labeled a failure or drop out. I hated school and studying, and the dread of classes had just consumed me. My dad told me I had to do what I love doing or I would be miserable. I’m so glad my parents were completely on board with my decision.”
Even though Abbey was nervous about not going to a traditional college, her personal experiences compelled her to pursue this path. “I had bad acne during middle school that left me with red, inflamed skin,” she recalls. “Pursuing this field would allow me to help others.”
After completing a two-year program, Abbey became a certified esthetician who specializes as an eyelash extension artist. Her services are so in demand that she splits time between La Bella Skin & Wellness in Vestavia and Elle Luxe in Jasper.
“I know how it feels to have scars and want better skin,” Abbey says. “That’s why I love helping my clients begin a skin regimen and get the skin that brings them confidence—that is one of my favorite parts about my job.”
Since that night in her dad’s living room when her career changed direction, Abbey has not looked back. 78