Adult cosmetology program offers more than learning

GETAWAY — Beauty and primping: The women of the adult cosmetology program at Collins Career Center live and breathe it.

Not just for themselves, but also for their clients at CCC and the one’s they’ll have in the future when they are out on their own as certified cosmetologists.

Georgetta Ramsey, cosmetology instructor, said her students are already showing signs they have what it takes to make it as successful cosmeticians.

“I do have a good group,” Ramsey said. “They are responsible and independent. That’s what it takes to do (cosmetology). They are willing to go that extra mile.”

Ramsey said many of the women in the adult program went on to marry, have children and careers before returning to their first love — making others beautiful.

Theresa Wills, almost 48, is in that boat. Wills said she was in the healthcare field for years before deciding she wanted a more uplifting career path. She started at CCC in September.

Now, dressed in her pink smock, Wills lets her classmate, Mary Gue, practice painting her nails.

“We do each other’s nails, hair and waxing so we can practice on each other,” Wills said. “We don’t have clients everyday.”

Wills said her goal after graduation is to open her own salon.

Adults in the program not only earn a cosmetology license, but they also earn a cosmetology management license, which allows students to open their own business after graduation, or work as an independent contractor for already established salons.

Some of the students are just starting out in the program, like 19-year-old Haley Syrritt.

Syrritt started the program in January and has yet to earn her pink smock. She and another classmate, Kimberly Owns, 47, are in the book work phase of the class, learning about anatomy, sanitation, bacteriology, skin care, salon operation and communications and cosmetology laws and rules.

“I really like it,” Syrritt said. “I’ve learned a lot so far, but I’m ready to get out on the floor.

Syrritt said she has always enjoyed doing hair and hopes to learn more about up-dos. She also said the smaller class sizes help for more individualized instruction.

Ramsey said the class needs more people from the public to come in so the women will have more practice.

“We’re here to do services,” she said. “We’re here for TLC.”

The salon at CCC is open 3-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and offers a variety of services at discounted prices, from an $8 hair cut to a $10 manicure. The salon also offers microdermabrasion and chemical peels. On Tuesdays the salon offers 20 percent off all services.

Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made by calling (740) 867-6641 extension 546.

 

Follow Michelle Goodman on Twitter: @Michelle_Journo