W cosmetology opens its salon to the public

Warsaw Area Career Center announced its licensing Wednesday, Feb. 1, as a Beauty Culture School by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Construction of the salon in Lakeview Middle School began in August and was finished in February, when the PLA was able to inspect the salon. An open house was held Tuesday, Feb. 28, and the salon began scheduling appointments with the public March 15. Consultations are free, and all services are provided by the students.

Tina Streby is the cosmetology instructor at Warsaw Career Center. She explained that they work through the career pathways of the high school, which allows students to get a head start in receiving both high school and college credits.

The program consists of juniors and seniors who are able to get state credits toward graduating. Along with 1,500 hours, students must complete 100 styles on people and 300 on mannequins by the time their two years are done. Upon completion, students attain their cosmetology license, making it easier to find employment and delve into career paths such as stylists, educators, nail technicians, art directors or sales representatives. A career in cos- metology is one of security and flexibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is expected to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Programs like these help students get the education they need to start their careers directly out of high school.

Aleya Hunt, a senior at Warsaw High School, is close to finishing her credits. She said students need a certain level of experience before they are allowed to work with clients from the public.

“You have to have 200 hours in the classroom before you can get clients,” said Hunt. After graduating from the cosmetology program she plans on going to college to study business so she can open her own salon.

Mrs. Streby explained that her juniors take the bus to the middle school in the mornings and take the bus back to the high school in the afternoon. Then, her high school students drive their own vehicles to the middle school and leave at 4:30 p.m.

The salon was originally ac- cepting appointments from noon to 3:15 p.m., but starting in April appointments will be scheduled from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

They offer haircuts and perms, hair color, facials, manicures, pedicures and many other beauty services. Warsaw Community Schools students and staff can get haircuts for $5, while all other services are

20% off.

For more information, follow Warsaw Area Career Center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and periodic salon specials. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (574) 371-5085.

The salon is located at 848 E. Smith St., Warsaw, inside Door 5 of Lakeview Middle School.