If you want to become a hairstylist, attending beauty school is one of the best places to start. Not only will you learn practical skills and technical knowledge, but you’ll also find a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for all things beauty.
I am excited to share my own beauty school experience at Empire Beauty School experience – from the challenges I faced as a student to the invaluable lessons I learned on the salon floor, and the important role that student leadership played in shaping my future career.
Attending Empire Beauty School
Attending Empire Beauty School wasn’t all fun and games – in fact, the program was quite challenging. Perhaps the most significant obstacle was the five-month period of pre-salon and book work before we could work with actual clients. Though we were itching to show off our newfound skills, this period allowed us to build a foundation of theory that would allow us to better understand the nuances of hairstyling once we finally hit the salon floor. And let me tell you, once we finally got there, it was an experience like no other. We had real clients in our chairs, looking to us to transform their look, and it was an incredible feeling to see their reaction to our work.
Before attending Empire Beauty School, I did have some experience working with clients – but these were mostly friends and family who trusted me implicitly. The dynamic at beauty school was vastly different. These were real clients, individuals who didn’t necessarily have a personal connection with me. Strangers who sat in my chair, entrusting me with their appearance. The responsibility was enormous and the stakes were high, because it wasn’t just about a good haircut or a neat style; it was about making these individuals feel and look beautiful, both inside and out. The trust they placed in me was both intimidating and exhilarating, and it drove me to work harder and aim higher.
My Unique Beauty School Experience as Student Body President
In addition to the rigorous training and practical experience I gained at Empire Beauty School, I had the unique opportunity to serve as the Student Body President. This role was a different kind of challenge, and one that I relished.
It’s important to note, I already held a degree in Communication and was concurrently working towards my Masters in Mental Health Counseling during my tenure at beauty school. This academic background certainly provided me with a solid grounding in interpersonal skills and understanding human behavior. However, the experience of leading the student body was a different ball game altogether. It was here that I honed my leadership skills, learnt the art of negotiation, and experienced firsthand the responsibility of representing a diverse group of people.
But of course, the most significant lessons I learned at Empire Beauty School came from practicing in the salon. We worked alongside seasoned stylists who were there to mentor us and offer guidance when needed. I learned the importance of client communication, and how to provide personalized recommendations based on their individual needs and preferences. I also learned how to adjust my technique for different hair types and styles, and how to work effectively and efficiently to make the most of my time with each client.
The flip side of my Beauty School Experience
However, every coin has two sides, and my experience at Empire Beauty School was no exception. When I first enrolled and started attending the school there was a different director that the students loved. Unfortunately the director resigned and was replaced.
Shortly after the new director started, behind the beauty and glamour, there were days filled with drama, tension, and chaos. One of the primary sources of these tumultuous times was the new educational director, whose micromanaging tendencies and narcissistic behavior often overshadowed her role as an educator. Her overt dislike for the students on her campus was palpable, and it showed in the way she interacted with both the students and the staff.
This blatant favoritism and disregard for the students’ well-being caused a significant amount of turmoil within the campus community. The toxic environment made the school a place students did not want to show up to each day. The director’s behavior was so detrimental that it caused some students and staff members to leave the school entirely. This dramatic upheaval was a stark contrast to the supportive, nurturing environment that a beauty school should ideally provide, serving as a reminder that personalities and leadership styles can significantly influence the educational environment.
A change that was long overdue
Eventually, the educational director was let go from her position – a change that was long overdue. Her departure came as a relief to many, but the duration of her tenure had caused considerable damage. The emotional toll her leadership took on the student body was significant, and the resulting turmoil was disruptive to the educational process. Many of us breathed a sigh of relief when we heard the news of her dismissal, but it was a bittersweet victory. By the time she was fired, I had already completed my required hours and was no longer a student at Empire Beauty School. I had endured the entirety of her reign and, while her departure was a positive development, it came too late to improve my personal experience.
Even though I have left the institution, I sincerely hope for the future students that they get a director who truly values and cares for them. The campus deserves a leader who fosters an environment that is conducive for learning, understanding, and collaboration. A campus where students look forward to each day, knowing they have a director who is genuinely invested in their education, personal growth, and overall well-being. Even though the director’s dismissal was a step in the right direction, the school has a long road to recovery. It will need a strong, empathetic leader to heal the wounds left by her tenure and rebuild the trust and morale among the student body and staff.
Journey towards becoming a licensed cosmetologist after beauty school
As I stand on the brink of taking the state board exam, I am awash with a mix of emotions. There is a sense of nervous anticipation, of course. The exam is a culmination of all that I have learned and the skills I have honed over the course of my education at Empire Beauty School. While I feel ready for this challenge, I won’t deny a certain level of anxiety – after all, it is a significant milestone in my journey towards becoming a licensed cosmetologist. On the flip side, I am also incredibly excited. This exam signifies not just the end of an arduous educational journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter in my life and career. As I prepare to step into the professional world of cosmetology, I carry with me the lessons I learned, the experiences I gained, and a deep-seated passion for this craft that was kindled and nurtured during my time at beauty school. It is a moment of transition, of growth, and of immense potential. And for that, I am truly excited.
To any future cosmetology students out there
My time at Empire Beauty School was challenging, but it ultimately helped me grow into the successful hairstylist I am today. From the pre-salon work to the practical experience on the salon floor, every aspect of the program was designed to prepare us for success. And though there were certainly roadblocks along the way (like the unfortunate leadership of our educational director), the network and community I gained at the school has continued to be a source of support and inspiration throughout my career.
To any future cosmetology students out there – know that attending beauty school is no easy feat, but the rewards are well worth the effort. I wish you the best of luck in your own journey.