Federico Beauty Institute Selected As Top US School For Student

Lauren DeQuiroz’s journey to Federico Beauty Institute took a couple of detours…but those detours were invaluable life lessons that led to a very positive outcome.

Although Lauren always knew she wanted to go to beauty school, she also felt it was important to experience college life.  Lauren attended University of Colorado, Boulder for two years before pursuing her dream to become a hair stylist.

 

Lauren enrolled in an 1800-hour Cosmetology program at a franchise school in the Denver area.  But a third of the way through the program, Lauren knew the school was not right for her. She observed very quickly that the school’s curriculum didn’t include materials or student exercises on what it takes to pass the State Boards (Licensure is a requirement to practice Cosmetology in most States).

Finding the Right Pivot Point School

Lauren began her search for a beauty school that met her requirements….a combination of hands-on, real-life practical training in a salon-like environment coupled with a curriculum consisting of rigorous “drills” for students on passing the State Boards.  A third factor — locating a school that taught the Pivot Point curriculum – was equally important.

 

Lauren had become familiar with Pivot Point at the beauty school in Denver.  Pivot Point equipment, like tripods, was used at the school along with Pivot Point’s book, “Salon Fundamentals.”   Lauren asked and soon learned that the Denver school WAS NOT Pivot Point Certified, and had no plans to change their curriculum in the future.

She began an extensive research project to find the right beauty school that met her criteria.  She spent a lot of time on the Pivot Point Academy website and became sold on the Pivot Point hair and skin care education. 

 

We’ll teach you to see, think, create and adapt as a designer – not just duplicate the latest fashion trends – but to be the innovator of these trends.  Pivot Point website

 

Narrowing her search to a handful of beauty schools, Lauren found Federico’s website especially engaging and well-organized.  “I especially liked Gary Federico’s video,” she commented.  http://www.federico.edu/corporate-video

 Equally impressive was Federico’s responsiveness.  Lauren said, “Most schools I called weren’t very helpful or willing to quickly send me the information I needed to make a decision.  Federico was very proactive…sending me the information I requested right away, then communicating with me via email on a daily basis.

The final step was a campus tour of Federico’s Sacramento campus.  Lauren found the staff even more personable and helpful than they were on the phone.  She liked the fact that the main office was on site and everyone she needed to meet with – admissions, financial services, career services – was in the same building.

The following factors “sealed the deal” for Lauren:

1)    Federico has been in the beauty school business for over 60 years;

2)    Federico is a Pivot Point International member school;

3)    According to the Federico’s catalog, the school’s Educational Goal is “designated to assist the student’s capability to pass the Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing examination.”

4)    An externship program that places students in Sacramento-area beauty salons;

one day a week, in place of going to class, students can observe the work of experienced beauty professionals.

A Bright Future

Lauren graduated from Federico’s Cosmetology program on Monday, December 22nd, 2008.

She will now put the finishing touches on her resume with Federico’s Student Services support.  She would like to find a salon in the Stockton CA area – about an hour from Sacramento – to be closer to some family and friends.

 

Federico has long standing relationships with Sacramento-area salons who hire many Federico graduates, but Jennifer Hancock, Federico’s Student Services Coordinator, is very eager to help Lauren find a job in Stockton.  On Lauren’s behalf, Jennifer will send Lauren’s resume and information about Federico Beauty Institute, to two salons that Lauren has identified in Stockton.

 

Lauren is confident she will find a great job.  “Federico is very well known and admired in northern California.  It’s great to have Federico training on my resume.”

 

Scheduled to take the State Boards on January 16th, is there anyone out there that doubts Lauren will pass her licensure exams, start her beauty career and go on to future success as a beauty professional?

 

Style. Flair. Passion. The Northern California region sizzles with forward fashion-thinking. From ultra-chic spas to cutting-edge salons, clients are seeking the latest in hair treatments, facials, body therapies, and nail services. This creative dynamism translates into a hot market for skilled cosmetologists, as almost 70 percent of California salon owners attempting to hire new employees in 2006 said they were unable to find qualified applicants. This means jobs are immediately available for talented salon professionals.

The $60 billion dollar cosmetology business is booming, with endless employment opportunities, from hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, salon or spa manager to educator, esthetician, image consultant and more. Salon professionals can average up to $50,000 or more, including tips, with the opportunity to set your own working hours and build satisfying relationships with your clientele.

Attending a top beauty college is a must to enter this field, since all states require cosmetologists to be licensed, as well as complete a designated number of hours and instruction and practice at a licensed cosmetology school. But “A license does not earn a living; an education does,” said James Federico, who founded Federico Beauty Institute in 1946, a third-generation, family-owned and operated career school located in the Sacramento, Calif., valley.

It isn’t enough for today’s beauticians to merely know how to cut hair or polish nails. The cosmetology industry has undergone a transformation, so that professionals need to partner with proven manufacturers such as Pivot Point International, located in 74 countries, and other top hair care, make up and nail products. “It’s about training from the ground up, honing skills and knowing advanced cut and color techniques,” says Adam Federico, a third generation Federico and son of owner Gary. “But mostly, it’s important to understand how to deal with a client and learning how to build rapport,” continues Adam, creative director of the AJF Salon, part of the 60-year-old Federico Beauty Institute

In the rapidly evolving cosmetology field, practitioners also need to know:

• The science and art of styling: No longer is hair cutting just about knowing how to properly use a pair of shears. The Pivot Point International program, for example, emphasizes different shapes, head curvature, and how the hair is projected, using technology and hands-on practice.

• Advanced applications: Beauty-conscious consumers are requesting services beyond a manicure or facial. Specialized training qualifies professionals to do micro dermabrasion treatments, air brush skin treatments, freehand scissor and razor cutting, and more.

• Self-promotion and marketing: Recognizing how to build a client base is an integral part of a successful cosmetology career. “A confident student in cosmetology and esthetics is prepared for the market,” says Gary Federico, a second-generation Federico. An externship working with local shops can help students develop strong customer service skills.

With an expanding population of baby boomers, Generation X and Y, growing families, and an increasingly diverse community, the need for well-trained salon professionals who serve—and inspire—continues.

About Federico Beauty Institute

Since 1946, Federico has been committed to the highest standards in the beauty industry. This premiere accredited educational facility for cosmetology and esthetics in the Sacramento area includes a state-of-the-art salon/spa and school with theory and practice rooms, café, and beauty boutique. Federico is dedicated to providing progressive, quality education while promoting individual creative expression. Visit www.federico.edu or call (916) 929-4242, extension 212.