Several years ago, I had the privilege of presenting a class to students at JD Academy in Danville, California. The school’s director, Janet Paradiso, and I had met months earlier at a legislative hearing at our state capitol in Sacramento. While I participated in the hearing to advocate on behalf of beauty licensees and salon owners, Janet attended to learn firsthand how the proposed legislation would impact her school. Through our conversation and subsequent text messages, we bonded over issues challenging beauty schools and their ability to train students.
“Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change.” – William Arthur Ward
Because state legislatures give beauty schools the most powerful role in the licensure process, beauty schools have the greatest responsibility to prepare students for their careers. Licensed pros have a lot to say about the training of future pros, but what do we contribute to that training? Once we finish beauty school and become licensed, we never have to return and most never do.
How do beauty schools empower students to achieve their goals?
In the weeks following the hearing, Janet and I discussed the possibility of a school visit and presentation. As a guest educator, I wanted to make the most of my time with these students. Five hours may seem a long time, but nothing compared to the 1000-1600 hours students spend in California schools to become cosmetologists.
I’m a licensed manicurist and JD Academy offers programs for only cosmetologists and estheticians, so I chose to focus on topics that would appeal to those who likely don’t have any interest in nails. (I understand why more schools don’t offer nails-only programs, and don’t blame them.) Packing my suitcase anticipating demonstrations, I prepared to cover my service specialties: waterless spa pedicures and gel enhancements. More important, I knew that my direct interaction with the students, their questions and concerns would guide the discussion about compliance and best practices: health and safety regulations, employment laws, pricing strategies, client management, etc.
In every class, I want to prioritize what’s most important from my perspective as a licensee, salon owner, industry advocate and expert witness.
We discussed establishing a schedule, enacting salon policies, developing expertise and evaluating job opportunities. As it turned out, we didn’t have time for the demonstration of gel enhancements.
The implementation of SB 803 in 2022 meant that California’s beauty schools have the opportunity to offer much shorter programs for cosmetologists and barbers. The new law requires a minimum of only 1000 hours to qualify for licensure, so what should be prioritized?
If your state requires continuing education or you want more advanced education, do you return to a beauty school for that experience?
I seriously doubt it, and that’s a missed opportunity. The most time I’ve spent in a beauty school in one day since graduating more than 30+ years ago won’t be my last, but I may need more than five hours. If you want me to visit your beauty school, please contact me.
An earlier version was published by Beauty Cast Network.