I have been in the beauty business from one end to the other for over thirty years.
What I've learned from this fascinating career will never put a certification after my name but I know I am as qualified to council children, teens, men and women as most counselors with a degree because clients tell their BFF hairdresser everything and expect/respect their advice.
It is very rewarding to be responsible for putting a smile on the face of a woman who lost her hair to Chemo. Style the 'new' beard of a nice guy whose wife dumped him and has not an ounce of self esteem. Help bring beauty to the surface of a young pre-teen who has acne and recognize a pre-cancerous skin condition on the scalp, back of neck, and behind the ears of an elderly golfer.
My new book will be for hairdressers who come home after a full day, mentally and physically drained, it will make them laugh and stand proud for their accomplishments, give them credit for what they do and help them in many ways.
Years ago the stigma was you were too dumb to "get a real education." because you could quit High School at sixteen and go to Beauty School. (A really ignorant statement if you've ever seen a State Board Exam.) Thank God things had changed before I began. Being a blonde was tough enough. LOL
After working for many years I opened my own salon and was quite successful. Seeing what was coming out of the private schools, with only the equivilant one year of training I knew I could help the disillusioned stars, with the expertise I possessed. (My education in Beauty Culture was from sophomore to senior year in a Vocational High School that offered all the academics in the morning and the BC in the afternoon. After 27 months of learning and practice you graduated in demand. I was actualIy working part time at 16 as a junior, and taking seminars for hair coloring with the best in the business in New York City.)
Having some college I was certified to teach and went to work for Wella USA as a Regional Education Manager and Salon co-ordinator, I trained the beginners as well as the seasoned, proving to them education never stops in the beauty industry with hair and skin. A two hundred thousand dollar gown will not make you look beautiful if your face and hair look bad. On the other side of the coin a pair of $10.00 sweats and a tank top with a great cut and color and proper make up will have heads turning.
I could list my awards and honors, but I am not here to do that. They are my personal badges I worked very hard to earn. I believe in giving back and I will do that with my new book which is now in progress. I would like to have an open website to answer questions from the industry as well as troubleshoot for the color disasters.
By the way, back in the day, when I began, the beauty industry ranked third in the USA. My guess is it is higher today, with women 'gittin' edjicated' and competing in the work force for high end positions and equal pay. Please guys no offense....you know we are worth it!