Cosmetology salon opens at GCC

By CHARITY SMITH

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Ironwood — The Cosmetology Academy at Gogebic Community College reopened to the public on Tuesday, having been closed since the pandemic abruptly shuttered its doors in March.

The salon allows advanced students with at least 350 hours of experience working on mannequins and each other, to “fine-tune” their skills and become “salon-ready,” by working on members of the public under the supervision of a licensed stylist.

Program Director Nicole Hocking and instructor Laura Erickson guide their students.

“They are very kind and considerate and they listen to what I want,” said Anna Spees, a long-time customer. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else. You can’t beat the training. It may take longer, but it is worth it.”

Because of the pandemic, customers are required to have their temperature taken at the door, as well as take a health screening survey. Masks are worn by all students and faculty, and customers are required to wear them, as well.

“It takes that special someone to even join our program. I think a lot of times there is kind of a misconception that just anyone can do this and when you can’t do anything else you should choose cosmetology, and that’s not the case,” said Hocking. “You have to be a good people person. Be a bit artistic, have good commitment and drive, stay on top of fashion trends, be reliable and honest. There’s a lot into it.”

Students in the program study anatomy, physiology, chemistry and electricity for at least five to six weeks during the program. “When you are working with chemicals on people’s hair and skin you have to know what the reactions are going to be,” Hocking said.

The cosmetology industry had not really been affected by anything until the COVID-19 pandemic, Hocking said. She said that even during the Great Depression the two business that thrived were salons and saloons.

In the past three years there has been a 13% job increase in the industry, according to Erickson.

“It’s booming and the beauty industry is a multimillion dollar industry right now — more then ever,” she said. “The whole idea of self care is definitely a huge talk right now and people more then ever are taking care of themselves. The beauty industry and cosmetologists are definitely a huge part of that.”

Students put in more than 1,500 hours to earn their certificate in the field. Graduates have to pass a final exam at GCC, as well as their state boards, according to Hocking, the cosmetology program has a 100% pass rate.

There are many different avenues for students to go into upon completion of the program, according to Hocking, including nail techs, stylists, some choose to own their own salon, or work for varying companies as brand ambassadors, and opportunities to become platform artists, colorists, skin care, makeup artists, working on cruise ships and publishing for the industry.

“The sky is the limit. Whatever you want to do you can kind of do with this career, which is really exciting it doesn’t have to be just one avenue,” Hocking said, adding students have many opportunities for a job after graduation, as people and companies are always calling them looking for potential employees, and graduates of the program have taken positions all over the United States.

“It’s always exciting when you can be somebody’s day-maker,” Hocking said of the effect of the cosmetology industry on people.

The salon is open and appointments are preferred Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the school year and offers all standard salon services at a low cost.

For more information, call 906-932-0455.