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Time has gone by so fast

August 31, 2015 I began working at the Institute of Cosmetology Esthetics and Massage.  It was part time at first.  Just teaching Friday night to help cover for another instructor.  I soon was at the school Monday to Thursday.  I am there six hours a day at this point. I never imagined that I would be here.  I graduated from my esthetics program in May 2012.  I wanted to have teaching as a back up to my esthetics career. I enjoy watching the women I am working with learn a new craft. To discover as I did not so long ago the fun you can have in the treatment room.  I doubted when I began the patience for teaching or the knowledge.  Of course I do not have as much knowledge as my mentor. What I do have is a passion to keep learning and growing. I want to let people love and grow in this business. 

Three month marker

I have been teaching for 3 months now.  All my instructors told me I would love it.  I was so doubtful. I thought I didn't have enough patience, knowledge, time, interest and objectivity. I can say I have all of those things and am gaining more and more with each day. Anyone looking to go into the beauty industry no matter if hair, skin, nails or makeup, has to know that this a field in which you are always learning.  My journey began all those years ago as a child watching my grandmother.  I left and came back several times.  I found I am/was most happy when I was involved in makeup and skincare. At this three month marker, I am so clear about my current life and future. Yes, I still constantly read and study for my profession.  I am writing about my journey to encourage others who want to enter the field.  In the coming weeks I plan on starting a local mentoring group to encourage those wanting to enter the beauty industry.  I am/was fortu...

I am a licensed instructor

I passed my state boards on September 8, 2015.  I have to admit that morning I woke up with my heart racing.  It was five in the morning.  I still had an hour to be sleep.  It was funny having that reaction because the  day before I didn't practice.  I felt like I knew it as much as anyone could.  I did everything but study.  I washed, mowed the lawn, made breakfast and dinner and even lounged watching television. Now it is the morning of my heart is racing. I reached for the Serenity oil and inhaled deeply three times.  I slowly start to pray.  The conversation I have with God goes something like this....... God thank you for waking me this morning.  I know I was wanting more sleep, but I will do whatever you will have me do. I know you have my back with the test.  I would like to thank you for everything that I have and have become.  I prayed for family and friends.  I then got up to shower eat and prepare for the...

First day of testing is over.

Today was my written test.  I did all the right things before the test. I got plenty of sleep, ate before I went, had plenty to drink, used my essential oils and was in the parking lot early to try and relax prior to the test.  As I drove up I notice people outside.  I thought a fire, something.  It was a drill.  I got out of the car and waited with everyone else. I prayed. The fire department left and we were allowed in the building. However, the alarms continued to go off for the next hour and a half.  We were told that we could reschedule. This is probably what I should have done. I did not I waited. Finally right before they were going to tell us to come back another day the alarms stopped.  I thought okay I need to do this.  I went in and took the test. I did not do as well as I wanted, but I passed.  I should explain I am dyslexic and have testing anxiety. I was hurt. Not by anyone but myself but hurt because I did not get an "A". I g...

The unplanned/planned journey.

Four years ago today I embarked on a journey to change my life.  I had just moved home in January of 2011.  I was going through a very easy divorce.  He was in a hurry to move on and did everything.  I had also changed jobs in January. I with the help of my mom and aunt had packed up all of my belongings and my ex-husband put t hem in storage.   I had always wanted to go back to school and this was the perfect time.  My kids were gone in their directions. So I enrolled in the full-time esthetic program of the college in the neighborhood and began August 2011.  It was difficult at first.  Although I had worked in cosmetics for many years, that was just the bare information needed to be an esthetician. In addition, I was trying to work as much as possible to keep an income flowing.  My employers were supportive in the beginning. However, we were also having a fair amount of change at work.  I studied as much as I could.  I stopped...

Second semester is over

Graduation done. Received grades all A's. Whooohooo! I have to say that this semester was so hectic because I was extremely overextended.  I was working 20 hours a week at Massage Envy. Marketing and operating my salon suite. I was also taking 4 classes and at the end of the semester did a PLA. At the end of the semester, I gave up my job.  I was constantly tired, irritable and not happy with what I was doing at work. The only reason I lasted as long as I did is I made a promise to train someone to take my place. I wanted to complete my promise.  Now some may say that I am still working on a job. However, I do not feel that my business is work.  I enjoy the time with my clients and the services I do in my business are customized to the individual.  So I am actually treating the skin. I also was frustrated with not having a work life balance.  After I announced my resignation, I have been to so many fun events.  The week of graduation I was able...

Hectic second semester

As I near the end of the second semester of my cosmetology instructor program, I am blessed.  This semester has brought less altercation and more understanding. The class was lucky to have two aesthetic instructors.  I have learned so much this semester from all of my instructors.  This was definitely a more positive experience. All three of the ladies I am in contact with teach and practice.  It makes such a difference when you are doing the process and instructing.  You can place yourself in the students mind.  You see the practical application much easier. I have found that I definitely need to work on organization, planning and thinking out of the box.  I have noticed the organized instructors are punctual, ready to go and also think fast on their feet.  The qualities that I hope to have when I am in the position. I have slacked a little this semester as well.  I have found that there is such a thing as too much.  I need to be ...