Career and School News

The 2008 World Hairdressing Championships

2008-06-05T15:14:15Z

The 2008 World Hairdressing Championships—the Olympics for hairstylists, brought over 800 competitors from 5 continents and 40 countries to Chicago earlier in March.

The United States team included Jimmy VanBoxel, Jr., a graduate of Empire Education Group’s Grand Rapids, MI, Chic University, who competed in the Senior Gents division. “It was a long, wild, non-stop, sleepless weekend,” says Jimmy, who arrived in Chicago and quickly turned his hotel room into a studio, removing the lamp shades and setting up a chair to make the final adjustments and tweaks to his model.

While practicing, cutting and coloring on his model, he was also filmed by a documentary team which followed his every move around the city of Chicago and at the competition. “They were tying to capture the story and the dynamics of preparing for competition,” he said of the film crew. Jimmy’s Uberzoot! Hair Company street team also covered ground promoting his new product line at the competition and in Chicago.

Preparing for the competition took a new turn when Jimmy’s model, who grew out a cookie duster mustache months before the competition, got a shave and ended up with a goatee to complement his black, red and silver hair, and ensemble.

At the competition, the models were set and the judging began. “It’s like displaying a piece of art on a gallery floor, you have about five minutes to pose your model before the judges come through,” he added.

The Europeans brought a new trend to the competition with “geometric cuts and heavy layered lines, there was so much good work there with their approach, placement and techniques,” Jimmy said of the other competitors. Indeed, the Europeans had extreme fashions as Jimmy described one of the model’s ensembles as colorful and impressing. “Europe and Asia are very similar with extreme fashion and it’s more acceptable. America is much different because high fashion isn’t as appreciated as much, the focus is a little different,” he said.

“Our objective was to create a conceptual style with an outfit that could be high fashion, and a realistic style you’d see on the cover of a magazine,” he said.

Though the U.S. team didn’t place, Jimmy is already part of a small team representing the United States at the 2010 event set to take place in Paris, France. “Regardless of how the competition goes, seems like as soon as the excitement is over we move to the next thing and there’s no time to linger on old thoughts,” he added.

The team will participate in preliminary competitions in Greece, Latvia and Germany, “We try to hit three of those before the big one,” Jimmy said.

The renowned competitor did walk away from the competition with motivation, momentum and a possible distributor for his product line which received overwhelming recognition, “It created an impact and I want to bring it to the next level to get it in salons,” he added. “We created positive commotion,” he said of his Uberzoot! street team and film crew during the long weekend.

In June, Jimmy and his Uberzoot! street team will head to Florida to continue promoting Uberzoot! “It’s all about momentum – you keep going – I don’t want it to stop,” he said of the buzz surrounding the new product line. Uberzoot! was inspired by Jimmy’s experience in competitions. The product is competition quality and can be used in salons. “Ultimately, taking my experience and linking it to my new passion,” says Jimmy of his product line and company, Uberzoot! Hair Co.

Regardless of the outcome of the competition Jimmy added that the experience of promoting his product line and focusing on competing during the World Championships was “successful on one end and challenging on the other.”

To learn more about the product line and the full story about Jimmy VanBoxel Jr. visit his myspace page.

Chic University of Cosmetology Student Takes Home Award

2008-05-22T16:59:29Z

Student Yvonne Fuller of Chic University of Cosmetology’s Portage, MI, school beat out hundreds of national cosmetology students for fifth place with her Long Hair Design during a national competition for beauty school students in Hershey, PA.

“Cosmetology is something I really enjoy doing,” said Fuller whose children inspired her to succeed in the competition.

Fuller was awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the Redken Exchange educational event in New York, compliments of the Hair Cuttery. She also earned a pair of Diamond Shears.

Fuller was among nearly 300 top competitors who hailed from cities across the U.S. to compete during the intense hour-long competition which has been dubbed the largest student competition for cosmetology students ever. Notable industry professionals meticulously judged for over an hour to award the top five best creations.

The Portage campus of Chic University of Cosmetology offers cosmetology and cosmetology educator training programs for students. Learn more about Chic University of Cosmetology.

Artistic Beauty School Students Place In National Competition And Hair Show

2008-05-22T16:56:05Z

Artistic Beauty Colleges students placed during the largest student competition in the U.S. Alena Cotignola from the Chandler, AZ, Artistic Beauty Colleges school placed third for the Trend Cut and Color competition, as fellow student Veronica Riley, from the Flagstaff, AZ, Artistic school placed fourth also in the Trend Cut and Color competition. Artistic’s Colorado school placed fifth for Team Spirit.

The students won local competitions in their schools which led them both to the National Competition and Hair Show in Pennsylvania. Cotignola received an all-expenses paid trip to an educational event at the Matrix Global Academy in New York City’s Soho district and she received a pair of Shark Fin professional shears. Riley’s fourth place win earned her an all-expenses paid trip to the Redken Exchange educational event in New York City, compliments of the Hair Cuttery, as well as a pair of professional shears from Diamond Shears.

Cotignola said she has a passion for cosmetology and a passion to succeed. Riley noted, “I came in here wanting to do cuts and color.” Both hope to further pursue their craft and eventually open their own salons.

Learn more about Artistic Beauty Colleges and the cosmetology programs they offer.

Blaine The School Takes Top Honors At 2008 National Competition

2008-05-22T15:12:01Z

Educator Judy Sullivan of the Waltham, MA, Blaine school was named National Educator of the Year and student Svetlana Stavtsev of the Boston, MA, Blaine school earned second place in the Long Hair Evening Design competition during the 2008 National Competition and Hair Show in Hershey, PA.

Sullivan was chosen out of hundreds for her responsiveness to her students’ needs, her professional achievements, quality of recommendations, effectiveness, and originality. She earned two all-expenses paid trips to Florida for the Cosmetology Educators of America Convention in Orlando and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools Winter Conference in Miami. Sullivan will also attend the Goldwell Global Academy in Baltimore, MD. She also took home a Dell laptop computer.

Student, Svetlana Stavtsev’s winning creation earned her an all-expenses paid trip to an educational event to the Matrix Destination in Las Vegas, NV, compliments of Matrix and Schoeneman Beauty Supply, and she also received Shark-Fin Professional Shears. Svetlana says of her experience that she’s always enjoyed cosmetology and hopes to continue styling after graduation.

Learn more about Blaine the Schools.

Hair Design School Shines In Nail Competition

2008-05-22T15:03:10Z

Two exceptional students from The Hair Design School of Kentucky placed in the Nail Competition at the 4th Annual National Competition and Hair Show in Hershey, PA, surpassing hundreds of competitors from across the country to be awarded the best of the best.

Student Jacqui Sumner of the Florence, KY, school placed third for her winning nail art design of a wedding cake and Diana Thiel of the Louisville, KY, campus placed fifth for her Kentucky Derby themed nail art display. Their individual nail art designs required no less than 10 professional nail tips as part of their displays.

Sumner walked away with an exclusive set of nail art gifts compliments of OPI and Odyssey Nail Systems and an award for her wedding cake design. Thiel also took home an extensive nail art gift package, compliments of OPI, and an award of recognition.

Thiel’s Louisville school also won second place for Team Spirit out of 86 other schools from across the country. The cosmetology students from the Louisville Hair Design school convened on stage to accept their award. Over 3,000 cosmetology students attended the trade show event and competition.

Cosmetology Students Showcase Their Skills

2008-05-22T14:29:39Z

Shecky’s Girls Night Out hosted their shopping extravaganza in Boston, MA, and Minneapolis, MN, and invited local cosmetology students to participate in the women-only shopping event.

Students from Blaine the School attended the event in Boston, MA, and eagerly put their skills to work with makeup applications, performing manicures and applying facials. The students and educators also instructed participants on proper techniques.

Student Davina Skinner applies concealer to a guest of the Girls Night Out event.

Students from Scot Lewis Schools attended the Minneapolis, MN, event as well.

The students made-over several of the excited guests with dramatic makeup and nails. Participants of the event enjoyed the manicures and advice from the students and educators.

Educator Madeline Figueroa explains how to correctly apply eyeliner to a make-over participant.

Shecky’s Girls Night Out sponsors the event; dubbed America’s Favorite Shopping Party, across major cities in the U.S. Attendees shop unique brands of clothing and accessories and walk away with incredible goodie bags filled with products and samples from major brands and labels.

Frank Schoeneman Awarded Top Honor by American Association of Cosmetology SchoolS

2008-05-21T16:40:36Z

Empire Education Group's Chairman/CEO, Frank Schoeneman, Awarded Top Honor by American Association of Cosmetology Schools

The 2007 N.F. Cimaglia Award, the industry's highest honor presented by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) was awarded to Empire Education Group's Chairman and CEO, Frank Schoeneman.

Frank Schoeneman was elected by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools Past Presidents to receive this prestigious award, granted to those in the profession of cosmetology education, which was established in 1975 to honor the dedication of cosmetology schools and in particular, the support of the late Nicholas F. Cimaglia.

Schoeneman helped propel Empire Education Group to become one of the largest providers of cosmetology school education in North America. He represents the third generation to lead the 75 year old company, from Pottsville, PA, initially headed by his grandfather and father. He is especially proud that his son, Kyle, joined the company in the summer of 2006 after graduating from college, and represents the fourth generation of the Schoeneman family to champion cosmetology.

In 2007, Schoeneman orchestrated a brilliant merger between his Empire Beauty Schools and the cosmetology schools of Regis Corporation into Empire Education Group. The new privately-held company, with Schoeneman as majority stockholder, includes 87 cosmetology schools with rich heritages in the cosmetology education industry in 18 states.

Giving back to local communities is at the heart of Schoeneman's approach to business and life. Three years ago, Empire launched its National Day of Beauty to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Empire has partnered with KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit charity dedicated to serving the critical behavioral and mental health needs of children, preadolescents and teens. The Empire Education Group team has dedicated a Saturday each year to provide hair, nail and beauty services to the public, with every dollar raised going to KidsPeace. "KidsPeace and Empire Education Group are great partners, because we have a parallel mission and philosophy; to create opportunities for people to improve their lives," says Schoeneman. "We are proud to support this phenomenal organization." KidsPeace's values reflect Schoeneman's own, such as integrity, dedication and a passionate commitment to helping others.

In October 2007, the company helped raise over $237,000 for KidsPeace through National Day of Beauty. "Empire Education Group had dedicated our work for 50 years to improving lives," says Mr. Schoeneman, "We are proud to extend that legacy to help more than 10,000 children who are at KidsPeace to find better lives."

"We want to thank Frank Schoeneman and all the wonderful people at Empire Education Group's 87 beauty schools nationwide," says KidsPeace Acting President, Dr. Lorrie Henderson. "Their generosity will truly make life more beautiful for thousands of deserving children." KidsPeace noted Empire Education Group's generous donation will be used for the KidsPeace Children's Fund, where it will help youngsters who have often been denied a chance at childhood to learn, to play, and to grow into happy, healthy kids.

In addition to volunteering his time in the communities in which he lives and owns schools, Schoeneman has contributed significantly both corporately and personally to support the professional cosmetology school issues which benefit so many young people's lives. From government relations activities, to helping fund industry studies through the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, to serving on the accrediting committee that helps shape the direction of cosmetology school education, he is just as involved in improving his industry as he is in improving the community and the lives of his more than 1500 employees.

Schoeneman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, and he is a multi-engine, instrument rated pilot.

Olympic Stylist from Chic finds his niche

2008-05-21T16:38:24Z

Jimmy VanBoxel Jr., a 2001 graduate from Chic University in Grand Rapids, MI, and current member of the United States Olympic Hair Styling Team, has turned his passion for hairstyling into an Olympic career and a new product line.

During March, VanBoxel, who will represent the United States on the Olympic team during the Chicago Hair Show and World Championships of Hairdressing in the Senior Gents Division, will also promote his company Uberzoot! Hair Co. and feature his talents in a documentary about competitive hairstylists.

Those talents could be in his training or likely, in his genes as VanBoxel's mother is a stylist and owns her own salon. After he began his cosmetology training he developed more than an interest, "I found I liked it and excelled quickly," he said. His talents were widely recognized while he was still enrolled at Chic, and his cosmetology instructors encouraged him to enter the Chicago Hair Competition. He placed and quickly began training for the Olympics. In 2001, he competed in the USA Team Trials in Louisville, Kentucky, for the Junior Olympic Team and earned his spot in the Junior Gents Division.

The National Cosmetology Association hired a trainer for him, and before long he had sponsors and was sent around the world to begin serious competition. During that time he says he had somewhat of a "winning streak," after earning third place at the Europa Cup Open in Vienna, Austria; second place in the Deutchlandpokal in Frankfort, Germany; third place at the Athens Cup Open in Athens, Greece; fifth place in Milan, Italy at the World Championships of Hairdressing; third place at the World Championships of Hairdressing in Las Vegas, Nevada; first at the USA Beauty Open in Chicago, Illinois, and first for the USA Beauty Open in Orlando, Florida.

So how does he prepare for the many competitions he enters? "Preparation is in the training," VanBoxel said. He would vigorously cut for 15 hours as part of his training and with minimal breaks he would spend his time sitting in a corner visualizing every cut and movement. His trainer taught him the scissor over comb technique against a wall so he would have what he calls a "truly vertical idea" when cutting hair. And VanBoxel's method is even more intense. "You work in a system because you only have a little bit of time, maybe 15 minutes in a competition, so you start at one point and go through your system," he said.

VanBoxel continues to train and represent the U.S. at various competitions around the world. When he's not globe trotting, he's working on his own line of hair styling products he developed called Uberzoot, which he describes as a "rock inspired lifestyle brand with 80's retro, but still modern and edgy."

At the Chicago competition he plans to not only compete, but also promote his company. "We have a street team of friends and family wearing the Uberzoot! Hair Co. shirts and they'll hand out information about the product line and make contacts." The brand includes seven products. "Salons are already on board and sales are booming," he said.

"The exciting thing about Uberzoot is that after all these years of competing, all the time and money to pursue this passion, I've found a tangible outlet to attach my hard work to, and all my experiences I'm pouring into my product line," he added. With salons and other business interest in his product line, VanBoxel assured that his line is meant for salons but offers competition quality.

In addition to his many successes, a recent article from Michigan's Muskegon Chronicle featured VanBoxel in his up-coming appearance in a documentary about hair styling competitions and competitors. The independent film crew will follow VanBoxel at the Chicago Hair Show and World Championships of Hairdressing.

Although he travels for numerous competitions and spends time working on his product line, VanBoxel is also employed as a stylist at Be Medical Spa & Salon in Grand Haven, Michigan. After all the hard work, training drills and 15 hour days cutting and styling hair, VanBoxel wouldn't trade his day job, "I get to come to work and relax," he said.

"The benefits of competitions are that you're so well trained honing your craft that in a salon it's easy," he said.

So what advice does he offer cosmetology students? "It's important to find your niche. When I talk to an assistant, I tell tem you have to set yourself apart and find which niche defines you. Whether it's competitions, cosmetology education, getting involved in a product line, or a well-rounded background, what defines you makes you more marketable."

For more information about VanBoxel, visit his myspace page.

BeautyJobs.com

2008-05-21T16:37:08Z

Finding a cosmetology job just got a lot easier with beautyjobs.com – an online resource center for cosmetology employment. The site offers company listings with job postings and career resources for job seekers such as, tips on how to write a resume and acing typical interview questions. Learn more at www.beautyjobs.com and find your first or next cosmetology job today!

Top Student Competition to Feature Nearly 3,000 Students in April

2008-05-21T16:35:12Z

Empire Education Group announced its 2008 Annual National Competition and Hair Show for the 86 Empire cosmetology schools across the U.S. will be held in the sweetest place on earth, Hershey, PA, on April 20-21, 2008. Empire Education Group’s annual National Competition and Hair Show is a two-day hair and nail competition event for students and educators, with a large student trade show, workshop and demonstrations open to other American Association of Cosmetology Schools member institutions.

Empire Education Group schools from Manhattan, New York, to Tucson, Arizona, and Caribou, Maine, raise funds from local businesses and events to attend, and stage local competitions to select representatives for events including Ladies Trend Cut and Style, Ladies Long Hair, Nail Art, Team Spirit, and Total Team. Last year’s Empire Education Group’s Annual National Competition and Hair Show winners won trips to the Paul Brown Academy in Hawaii, Goldwell’s Academy in Berlin, Germany, and are shadowing a stylist at the 2008 Academy Awards in Hollywood. For more information, check out the video at www.empire.edu/multimedia.html and see what makes the Empire system unique.

How to Get Ahead Without the High Cost of a College Education

2008-05-21T16:33:09Z

Tuition at public universities has risen an unprecedented 51 percent over the past five years. While the price of a college education has skyrocketed far faster than inflation, many careers for which colleges prepare their graduates are disappearing. U.S. News’ Best Careers guide concludes that “college grads might want to consider blue-collar careers” because bachelor’s degree holders “are having trouble finding jobs that require college-graduate skills.”

Many now argue that it doesn’t make sense for parents to mortgage their homes, or for students to saddle themselves with long-term debt, in order to pay high and rising college tuition to prepare for jobs that no longer exist. That’s why U.S. News is telling college graduates to look for jobs that do not require a college diploma. Among the 31 best opportunities for 2008 are the careers of hairstylist, cosmetologist, firefighter, locksmith, and security system technician.

Cut It Out: Salons Against Domestic Abuse

2008-05-21T16:30:51Z

Salon professionals have a unique role and trusted position in their clients’ lives, giving them a special opportunity to assist victims of domestic abuse.

The national Cut It Out program both builds awareness through salons of domestic abuse, and trains salon professionals to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to local resources. Many schools now also support the initiative, along with U.S. Attorneys and state officials.

For more information, visit cutitout.org.

Salon Reality Series Are Back

2008-05-21T16:16:32Z

The hair salon reality series "Split Ends" has been renewed for a third season on The Style Network. This unscripted weekly series shows what happens when two very different hairstylists, armed with their blow dryers and attitude, swap shops and discover what it's like to walk in the other's shoes. Split Ends is currently recruiting participants from 20 cities across the U.S.

A second hair reality series, Shear Genius, premiered last April on BRAVO. Shear Genius pits hairstylists against one another to see who can create the most fashionable coiffure. BRAVO recently held an open casting call at the International Salon & Spa Expo 2008 held in Long Beach, California for hairstylists looking for a spot on the hit show. These talented stylists compete for a grand prize of $100,000. Jaclyn Smith returns to host the series.