| Beauty Articles :: Salon Success: Inside Secrets |
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| Cutout for a Cosmetology Career |
| by Ysolt Usigan |
"Working in a Salon is like 'Sex and the City' meets 'Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman,'" says Christina Small, marketing and education coordinator at Regis Schools. "[Stylists] play a role with every new or repeat client." Christina understands that stylists have to listen to their clients' needs, much like the gal pals on "Sex and the City." At the same time, clients look to their stylists as professional authorities when it comes to their hair, like Dr. Quinn's patients.
So just how did this former stylist -- turned marketing and education powerhouse -- get to where she is today?
Inspirational Snipping
Christina's cosmetology career began at an early age. "I've been doing hair for as long as I can remember," recalls the 25-year-old. "When I was eight years old, I [became] fascinated with the hair transformations I'd observe while waiting for my mother to [as a client] finish at the salon."
It wasn't long until Christina would start convincing faux clients to sit in her pretend styling chair. While other girls would play dress-up or house, Christina would play beautician. She never let that dream die, and when it was time to pick a college, she chose a cosmetology program with Scot Lewis (Bloomington, MN), one of Regis' schools, where she earned a cosmetology license.
There, Christina learned the most important skills for stylists to master: hair cutting and sculpting. She attests it's also important to understand how various textures and colors lie around the dimension of a round surface, like the curvature of the human head to create endless possibilities whether you're cutting on an angle, in a straight line, or on a curve.
"Aside from the technical skills of cutting, stylists should also get that overall emotional satisfaction when, with a few snips of our blade, we can make someone over and boost her self image," she points out.
Boosting her Education
Christina's Cosmetology Training experience at Scot Lewis was broken into three phases: scientific theory (to give a fundamental understanding of basic principles relevant to cosmetologists), theory related to hair cutting, coloring, and texture (applied learning), and treating paying clinic clients to a salon-like experience.
Aside from the required subjects within cosmetology training, Christina advises the importance of networking and researching salons. "I would encourage anyone in school to spend time in a salon where you ultimately want to work," she suggests. "Ask yourself, 'Do I want to specialize in cutting and coloring, or just be a generalist and do it all?' This will help narrow your focus while you're job searching and help you find the salon that suits you best."
Shifting into Business
Although the art of styling was what got Christina to give cosmetology careers a shot, she has since shifted gears into marketing and coordinating.
"The beauty of having a skill like [styling] is that it's something I'm able to take with me anywhere," she explains. "Now, I schedule trainings, create marketing materials, and produce educational programs for current students."
The hair styling skills she learned while at cosmetology training school still continue to play a part in Christina's business and planning focused duties at Regis Schools. Since she was once one of them, she's aware which modules will be effective when reaching out to and teaching incoming students.
"Outside of my duties at Regis Schools, my friends and family still look to me for advice on hair decisions and product recommendations," she adds.
When asked where she sees herself 10 years from now, Christina surmises the journey will consist of exponential growth and learning. "Ten years ago, I was 15. My career aspirations have changed and evolved [since then], and there's always room for that," she explains. "It's important to do what resonates deep within yourself, and what challenges and motivates you. Always set goals for yourself." Complement your career aspirations with an education and cosmetology training.
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