We didn’t have to look far to find some exceptional future beauty professionals
These students are either on the verge of graduation or have graduated within the past month, and are looking forward to a great career in their specialized fields from Esthetics to a Cosmetology Educator! Read on for more…
Erin Rebo of Moosic, Pennsylvania
Where did you go to school?
Empire Beauty School in Moosic, PA.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I opened my own salon, Déjà Vu, in Plains, PA. I wanted the salon experience before becoming a teacher so I would have the management and background to teach from experience.
Why become a teacher?
I really like going to work and doing something fun. I want to instill that enjoyment in other students while they still have that hunger.
What brought you to cosmetology?
I graduated from college and spent 5 ½ years in Marketing and Public Relations. There was just no where to go (in the corporation) so I decided on beauty school.
Why Empire?
Everyone said I couldn’t do it. I said, I’m doing it! About two weeks into school I entered a competition and won. I got a really good education at Empire.
What’s your specialty?
Cut and color are my absolute favorites.
Your hair and style:
Punk/trendy. My hair is white.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
I’m kind of weird, I like different styles so anything from country to alternative rock.
What inspires you:
It sounds cliché but I like making people look good and saying, wow I did a good job! The money is great but making people feel good is so much more rewarding.
Favorite Tool:
My shears.
What’s your best tip for others:
Word of mouth is the best tip I could give. I give my business cards to everyone.
Amanda Eng of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Where did you go to school?
Scot Lewis in Eden Prairie, MN.
What brought you to cosmetology?
I wanted to go somewhere I could make people feel better.
Why Scot Lewis?
Scot Lewis was opening a new location. The facility was really neat and it was affordable.
What’s your specialty?
I’m really good at haircuts and enjoy foiling as well.
Your hair and style:
It’s pretty funky. I have a piece that changes color a lot. It’s not out there but I try to stay fun and funky.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
John Mayer and Colbie Caillat
Favorite Tool:
Razor because it just gives an edgy, piecy cut easily. I really like using it because I’ve gotten comfortable with it.
Favorite or memorable client:
I have this woman who takes the day off to come in and see me. I do a double foil with highlights and low lights. It’s usually a fun afternoon and she feels good after she leaves.
Where are you going?
I’d like to go to a full service salon. I graduate in November so I’m waiting until after I take my boards to apply.
What will you take with you?
A lot of experience and a lot of hands-on opportunities. The state requires you do 75 haircuts and I’ve done 140. The learning was intense but I’ve gotten a really good foundation. When we were on the floor we were booked solid, we were really busy and with all the experiences I’ve gotten better and faster with my time.
What inspires you?
There are so many options in this field. The more driven and motivated you are the more it’ll pay off.
Words of wisdom for other students:
The more you get into it, the more you’ll feel your niche and your passion for what you’re learning.
Nicole Halliday of Framingham, Massachusetts.
Where did you go to school?
Blaine the School in Framingham, Massachusetts
After a serious car accident, Nicole was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries that put her education at Blaine on hold for three additional months. She came back with the determination to finish her education, making her graduation a bittersweet accomplishment. Congratulations, Nicole!
What brought you to cosmetology?
I went to a tech school and worked for a printing company. If I’m not constantly learning something new I’m not happy and I wasn’t happy sitting at a desk. My aunt is a hairdresser and after talking to her I knew I loved people and helping people look their best.
What’s your specialty?
Working with clients – I love helping people look great.
Your hair and style:
I like it simple and classy. I have a classy hip-hop style.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
Country music is my absolute favorite.
Favorite Tool:
Brushes! Different brushes and different techniques help with different styles. Having the right brush helps and they’re a big part of hairdressing. If you don’t know how to style correctly you can’t show off what you’ve done.
Favorite or memorable client:
I had a client come in every Friday for a roller set. She always made me feel better; she would compliment me and she helped me become more of a stylist.
What will you take with you?
The lessons I’ve learned from my teachers. Practice will only make you better and become the person you want to be in the future. I’ll take with me that drive to keep doing what I want to be doing, and learning more so I can become what I want to be.
Words of wisdom for other students:
If you work hard, good things will come to you. If hairdressing is what you want to do learn as much as you can and nothing will hold you back. I can’t wait to start the rest of my life!
Shannon Phillips of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Where did you go to school?
Scot Lewis in St. Paul, MN.
What brought you to cosmetology?
This has been my dream. I started doing my own hair when I was 11. I couldn’t stand anyone else doing my hair. I was known as the kid who changed my hair all the time. When I talk to people I’m constantly looking at their hair.
Why Scot Lewis?
I checked out all the schools. I did my research and said this [Scot Lewis] was it.
What’s your specialty?
Haircuts and styling - I’m well-rounded with everything. There’s so much I’d like to do in this field. I’m into makeup, massages and facials, too.
Your hair and style:
I have two strand twists and a ponytail.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
Gospel.
Favorite Tool:
My shears.
Favorite or memorable client:
Oh, I have a few. I had this one young girl come in and now her whole family comes in. She asked me when I graduate if she could go where I’m going. I have a lot of clients who come back consistently, and they’re so supportive.
Where are you going when you graduate?
It’s my goal to own my own salon.
What inspires you?
My daughter is my motivation. I’m more determined than ever and it’s by the grace of God I’m doing it.
Words of wisdom for other students?
Be focused, be determined, be motivated, and treat your clients with love and care.
Darcy McCormack of Moosic, Pennsylvania
Where did you go to school?
Empire Beauty School in Moosic, PA.
What brought you to cosmetology?
I always wanted to go into this field but I went to private school and my parents made me go to college. I had a career in management at a furniture store. After 20 years or so I decided I was going to do what I wanted to do.
Why Empire?
It’s more than cutting hair. You really have to put your mind to it. It’s a business and you learn all the aspects of the business.
What’s your specialty?
Texturizing with my shears and color, and I give a good perm but that style’s not in now.
Your hair and style:
Trendy. My hair has 5 different colors right now.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
Everything from classical to hip hop – depends on what mood I’m in.
Favorite Tool:
My shears.
Favorite or memorable client:
My favorite client has this crazy purple hair with blonde streaks. I love it.
What will you take with you?
I’m taking about 6 clients with me.
Words of wisdom for other students:
Everyday is a challenge but everyday is different and satisfying. It’s the best move I’ve made and it’s never too late to achieve what you put your mind to. Empire was one of the best investments of my time and energy put into getting my cosmetology license.
Elizabeth Ehrgood of Moosic, Pennsylvania
Where did you go to school?
Empire Beauty School in Moosic, PA.
What brought you to cosmetology?
I spent 14 years in long term care as a physical therapist and decided I wanted to do something more creative. I’ve always been interested in kinetics and I got the idea, what can I do to incorporate science and creativity?
Why Empire?
The curriculum; it’s practical and I like CLiC, and the requirements.
What’s your specialty?
Skin - massage therapy.
Your hair and style:
I have an updated style. I flip my hair out, it’s two toned.
Music you listen to on the way to class:
70’s music
Favorite tool:
Repêchage® – 4 layer facial.
Favorite or memorable client:
My daughter was my first client. She had that college look – just a ponytail. Her hair is red now and I did highlights and layers – it has a more business look to it now that she’s out of college and working.
What will you take with you?
My clientele – I already have 15 who are going to follow me.
Words of wisdom for other students:
It’s been a real experience coming back to school but I was able to adapt and I’m coming out a better person. I’m anxious to start a new career.