I love my career! Over the last 35+ years I have been a stylist, teacher, school manager, admissions director, curriculum developer and, currently, school president of Salon Schools Group (Ohio State School of Cosmetology, Nationwide Beauty Academy, The Spa School & T.H.E. Barber School). When I look back over the positions that I’ve held, I can honestly say that being a teacher was the most exciting / challenging / educational / rewarding and, did I say challenging? Oh, the stories I could tell!

One that stands out is the story of a young male student who, in a fit of frustration, threw all of his rollers into the trash and declared to me “I will NEVER do roller sets when I work in a salon - I’ll only be a cutter!” After taking a deep breath and after insisting that he take a “dive” to retrieve his rollers, we had a chat. I told him someday he’ll wish that he had embraced all of his training - even that which he thought “useless”. I made him promise to call me on that day in the future when he would pay big money for a continuing education class to learn to do . . . roller sets. He called me a few years later to tell me just that. He found out that even the most basic skills serve a purpose - and he had missed an opportunity when he was my student. Sound familiar, Joe? To this day, that lesson remains so critical. No education in this business is useless. Times change, people change, fashions change, products change . . . we must accept and be open to change - and that is the core of our school philosophy.

Long ago, we determined that we would prepare our students for a variety of options within their chosen field. We prepare our students to anticipate change, embrace all techniques and products and remain competitive. We refer to our cosmetology programs as “complete cosmetology”. We’ve had cosmetologists become professional makeup artists in the film industry. Others have gone on to open booming day spas where offering a fantastic hair style is just as important as offering a fantastic pedicure. (Yes, hair people - embrace the feet!) Mom always said “never say never” and she was right. Never say that there is something that you won’t or can’t offer.

Just like fashion trends, beauty trends are recycled. “Back in the day” dry hair cutting was all the rage - now it’s back! Perms? - here they come again! In order to be versatile, we offer our students an education that is led by dedicated and trained teachers in facilities that are not only functional, but beautiful as well. Our schools reflect our philosophy of providing “complete cosmetology” - featuring a full line of traditional hair services as well as pampering spa services that include spa manicures, spa pedicures and full body exfoliations.

Our philosophy extends beyond the services that we teach and offer. The variety of products that we teach with are vital for a well-rounded education in whichever course you choose. We know the industry changes frequently, so we change our products frequently. How can we require a student to use only one product line when they will be expected to know so many more in the salon? The more exposure a student gets to a variety of products, the more they will be able to address the particular needs of their clients.

We have the best students because we offer the best! Call 800-276-3400 or 614-252-5252 and speak to one of our career counselors, or email me personally and I will guide you through the admissions process. It’s a decision that will change your life!

Sue Carter Moore

President, Salon Schools Group