A Fair To Remember…
Oh, the fun we had! Hopefully, you had an opportunity to join us last week at our annual Education and Job Fair for past, present and future students of the Salon Schools Group. The day was filled with fun, facts and foils! ZipA Foils to be exact….but more on that later.
I first want to tell our students how proud I am of you! We asked you to come prepared and you did! You all looked fantastic – very professional and stylish – and you asked appropriate and thought provoking questions to our salon guests (I know, I was eavesdropping!) I’m sure you learned much and maybe you found your future employer! We interviewed 15 salon and industry support professionals who had great advice and ideas. Since then, I’ve reflected on what was discussed during the interviews and I’ve arrived at a few conclusions.
1. Many things have remained the same in the beauty industry over the last 35 years.
1. Many things have remained the same in the beauty industry over the last 35 years.
- Back then, the “biz” attracted passionate, artistic and friendly professionals. Is it the same today?–yep!
- Women wanted to look and feel their best. Well, duh!
- Then: hard work + great client communication = success. Same today? Please say YES!
- Being versatile will pay off. How do you become versatile? Education. All of the salon owners stressed the importance of continuing education. The more you know – the more you can do. It seems simple – but too many licensed professionals don’t take advantage of the incredible educational opportunities that are out there. Annie Bentley, our Manicuring and Esthetics graduate continues her education. Since graduating (a mere 3 years ago) she has become certified in micropigmentation (permanent makeup) and electrolysis and her business has really taken off! (Did I mention she has 13 children?) So - learn, learn, learn, so you can earn, earn, earn. And if you think you know everything – teach, teach, teach!
2. Many things have changed in the beauty industry over the last 35 years.
- This is where it gets fun! We learned about ZipA Foil – a revolutionary new hair color foiling system. The foils “lock” into the hair like a puzzle piece – keeping the foil secure and close to the scalp. It’s one of those inventions that when demonstrated, everyone said “Geez! why didn’t I think of that?!” When you think about it – most great inventions are just common sense put into action! Marsha Russell, the inventor (and a cosmetologist) made the trip from Massachusetts just to tell our students about her system! 35 years ago? Rubber caps and crochet needles – OUCH!
- Another cool invention that was showcased was SoCap hair extensions. Hair extensions are probably the fastest growing segment of the beauty industry. They sure beat the wigs of 35 years ago!
- Savvy beauty professionals have taken their financial security into their own hands. Insurance and financial planning representatives gave some great advice on how to protect yourself and provide for your future. Obviously I could go on and on about the job fair. But, I think you get the idea. Look for pictures soon on this site so you can see how much fun we had! Maybe we’ll see you next year!
Below is a complete list of the professionals who were interviewed. Dozens more salons were available to meet with our students and discuss job opportunities.
- Raphael Velasquez – Owner, Rafiel’s Studio;www.rafielsstudio.com
- Lori Manicho – OPI School Representative; www.opi.com
- Jody Achatz & Emily Harrison –Stylists/Educators, Kenneth’s Hair Salons & Day Spas;www.kenneths.com
- Lisa Bebly-Walker – Manicurist/Owner, Pampering Palace
- Josh Byrd – Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Rob Huddle – Mgr., Salon Lofts;www.salonlofts.com
- Doris Hartman – School Liaison,State of Ohio Board of Cosmetology
- John Billy – Proactive Financial Solutions
- Lori Rader – Manicurist/Owner, Nail Supply Center; www.nailsupplycenter.com
- Marsha Russell – Owner, ZipA Foil hair foiling system; www.zipafoil.com
- Bruce Valade – Manager, Mario Tricoci; www.tricoci.com
- Sandi Donafee – Stylist, SoCap Hair Extensions; www.socapusa.com
- Cindy Ambrose – Stylist/Educator, Charles Penzone Family of Salons; www.charlespenzone.com
- Annie Bentley – Esthetician/Nail Technician, Unique Beautique; www.uniquebeautique.com
- Erice Haycook – Owner/Stylist, Studio Posh; www.studioposh.com
To all of the salon and salon support professionals – thanks! We hope that your time with us was beneficial and fun!
Until next time…
Sue Carter Moore, President
Salon Schools Group
