About Andrew Gomez

For a brief moment in time, the beauty industry was touched by a very special young man. What made Andrew so special? It wasn't his meteoric rise from beauty school graduate to international educator. It wasn't his strikingly handsome physical appearance, his charming personality, his sense of humor, or his ability to be the life of the party, although he certainly had all of those traits.

Andrew had a magical way of knowing who needed what at any specific time. He sensed when someone was a little down or needed a hug. He knew when someone was struggling or depressed. Sometimes people who are the life of the party don't notice the sad, quiet person in the corner, but Andrew did. Maybe it was because Andrew struggled with mental illness and depression himself; sadly, in February 2002, he ended the struggle by taking his own life.

As a beauty school student, Andrew was everybody's favorite. So many people loved him, were touched by him, and want to continue the gift he gave. In his honor, his family, former instructors, and friends formed the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation.

This nonprofit organization exists for one simple reason: to continue Andrew's beautiful legacy of giving love, hope, and support to those who need it most. The Foundation wants to be like Andrew: recognizing and supporting individuals and organizations who are sometimes overlooked, the ones who need a little extra love.