Northup: A Cut Above

By Rita Little

Cameron Northup has long been an inspiration to others, and recently made history for being the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from Pensacola State College.  She has accomplished this through hard work and determination.  Her dream has always been to work in the cosmetology industry.  After successfully running a small business giving princess parties to little girls, Northup realized she wanted more.  She went to work in two different beauty salons, CVS Pharmacy, and Sephora, a retail beauty supply business. None of those jobs were fulfilling enough for Northup. It just reaffirmed her desire to work hands-on in the cosmetology industry.

She joined the ARC Gateway PALS program in December 2014.  There she pursued her passion and studied the esthetician skills and completed her studies receiving her license to practice in the state of Florida.  With this, Northup has reached her goal.

Now that graduation is behind her, she will perfect her skills at Stay the Spa in Pensacola. Nothing can stop Northup in her quest to encourage others to make their dreams come true.  Her example is exemplary.  

Cameron Northup has long been an inspiration to others, and recently made history for being the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from Pensacola State College.


Her dream has always been to work in the cosmetology industry.