Airport High cosmetology seniors start building clientele
Starting Thursday, September 8, 2016 the cosmetology class of 2017 will be servicing clients for their first time at Airport High School.
In order to make it as a cosmetologist, clientele is a key thing you must have. Sometimes, it may be difficult to find people who are willing to let high school students service them because we don’t quite have all of the skills that a professional may have. But, we are a group of determined and hard working young ladies who put their all into every task we come across.
Even if our teacher, Ms. Elkins, provides for us a client to service we still are responsible for bringing in our own client for that week. Someone could just walk in and request a service to be done, we still have to bring in another client. Ms. E is trying to get us accustomed to the Cosmetology Industry first hand.
The services we do for our clients have to be techniques we have learned and possibly may need a little more practice on. Those techniques vary from manicures, eyebrow waxing, marcel curling, roller sets, perms, shampoos, hair cuts, etc. The clients have to keep in mind that we are new to the public setting, but we will do our absolute best on everything we do on each and every client.
“A key to building your clientele,” said Ms. E, “ is to make it known you are a stylist and the services you can provide to them. If they don’t know you are a stylist how will they know to come to you?”
Most of the girls are very excited about building their own clientele, but some, such as myself, are a little nervous. But, Ms. E has faith in every single one of us. “Always have confidence in yourself, do what’s right even when others want you to do wrong, and always strive to be and do better than the day before,” said Ms. E.
Ms. E said, “I hope my students learn how important it is to effectively communicate with people to build a clientele...and how important it is to know the theory portion of Cosmetology.... Last but not least I want them to learn that everyone WON’T be satisfied and you will make mistakes and that’s fine because all stylists have. No stylist is perfect. We all make mistakes.”
Ms. E was about 17 when she received her first client. It was a little girl who always wanted her hair braided.
If students want to be clients they can get permission from their 3rd or 4th block teacher on Thursdays or Fridays to come get a service done. Of course this may not be something every student can do so they also have the option to come during lunch. They can get a pass from Ms E. if one is needed. If faculty want a service done, they can make time in their schedule to come during 3rd or 4th block as well. The salon is located on the 700 hall near the gym. If there are any questions or concerns you can contact Ms. E at selkins@lex2.org.
There are 32 Cosmetology schools in South Carolina (colleges).
Call 1.844.230.4366 for more information about where to get degrees or certification in cosmetology in SC.