December 21, 2005
Beauty College attractive option
Traverse City facility offers training in cosmetology, nail technicians or estheticians
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Thursday morning, staff at the Traverse City Beauty College celebrated their entry into the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The two-year-old college trains approximately 50-60 students, enrolled both on a full- and part-time basis, to be cosmetologists, nail technicians or estheticians.
The organization recently decided to join the chamber and take advantage of the myriad benefits offered by the staff and volunteers there.
"For us, it's quite a milestone," said Jason Sievers, director of the school. "It's wonderful. The chamber has been helpful because they've opened our eyes to new things."
Sievers welcomed four Chamber of Commerce volunteers to the school that morning and gave a comprehensive tour of the extensive facility, which includes classrooms, a clinical area, skin care room, dispensary, student break room and offices. He also described the college's history, the students, licensing requirements and the paths they take after graduation.
Chamber members soaked up the information and were impressed with the facility.
"We're volunteers, we all have other jobs but we mentor other businesses," said Mary Taylor of Image Arts.
Students at the Traverse City Beauty College range in age from traditional just-out-of-high-school to people seeking a second career.
"We get the entire gamut, 18-19 year olds to older adults," said Sievers. "Some knowing what they want to do right from the start and others looking to a career change."
Kelly Anderson is sort of in the middle.
A 2002 graduate of Elk Rapids High School, she attended Northwestern Michigan College for a while. Her studies in business management eventually palled and, when she tagged along with a friend who was checking out the college, she got excited about it, too. Now mere weeks from graduation, she has a job lined up in a salon - a receptionist's position until she passes her state licensing exam.
"I liked NMC but I got tired of the book work," she said. "I couldn't stand just sitting around and I wanted to help people."
Anderson plans some day to go back to college but is glad to have a solid career - one that is in demand and makes people smile.
"When you cut hair, they're really happy and that's satisfying to you," she noted.
The difference from college for her is that at the Beauty College her daily activities - a mix of classroom time, hands-on experience and working with clients - always vary.
"Every day here you learn something new, it's never the same," said Anderson. "Pretty much every haircut is different."
Sievers said the Traverse City Beauty College is one of three schools owned by Moored Associates; the other schools are in St. Joseph and Indiana. The 1,500-hour program takes anywhere from 1 year to 18 months to complete, depending on whether a student attends full or part time. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including student loans.
As to the investment of time and money needed to complete the training, Sievers said it will pay off for most students.
"Hair always grows, and students will build up a clientele base," he said. "I get my hair cut here because I fully trust my students."
Lead instructor Julie Merriner has been teaching at the school for a year and appreciates the energy and excitement of the students. Already established as a cosmetologist, she completed the Traverse City Beauty School's instructors program and enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise.
"You just have to go back to basics, it's tricky not to throw in your own little flares," she said of teaching, adding of the students: "Everyone's excited to get out in the field and they all get along very well together."