Graduation Day: Kylie Rocket earns cosmetology degree during height of adult career

Kylie Rocket has something new to display on her mantle—right next to her XBIZ and AVN awards.

A diploma.

Rocket on Wednesday obtained her cosmetology degree from Paul Mitchell: The School in Sherman Oaks. The ceremony marked the end of a grueling, 14-month stretch that required Rocket to attend school from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. three times a week—all while juggling a chaotic shooting schedule on her “off days.”

“I’m excited to finally be done, and I’m very proud of myself,” Rocket told PornCrush Thursday morning. “I went through a lot of ups and downs, but I made it!”

Rocket’s agents, Mark Spiegler and George Jiries, attended Wednesday’s ceremony along with Rocket’s mother—who flew in from Florida—and other close friends. The group then celebrated Rocket’s graduation with a festive dinner at Benihana.

Rocket, 24, says her decision to obtain her cosmetology license is no indication that she’s thinking about leaving porn. If anything, she says, she’ll be more motivated than ever when she resumes a full-time shooting schedule in the coming months.

“I just wanted to have a security blanket for myself, a plan B,” Rocket said. “I’m not going to be young and pretty forever. There are so many things out there besides the industry.

“It may be 5-10 years from now, but I can see myself owning my own salon. I can see myself doing hair on movie sets or touring with artists. My vision for my future extends far beyond porn.”

Rocket said she hopes her story inspires other performers to pursue interests and passions outside of the industry.

“I hope this shows people that you can do anything you put your mind to,” she says, “and to never give up. Never, ever, give up.”