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Cosmetologist Career Interview
Karen Gordon is the co-owner of J. Gordon Designs and on the Board of Directors of Cosmetologists Chicago. She is a hair color specialist and has worked as a licensed cosmetologist for 30 years.
Cosmetologist Career Path
“I always loved hair and fashion, and I love the service industry,” Karen explains. “There is an old saying that you give what you hope to get back in return. I love making people look and feel better about themselves, and I love it when people make me feel that way too.”
Cosmetologist Experiences
Karen has been a licensed cosmetologist for 30 years. She currently co-owns a salon in Chicago with her husband, where they employ 23 people.
“We both work behind the chair 5 days per week,” says Karen. “My husband is a cutter/stylist, and I am a hair colorist.”
Before co-owning her own salon, Karen worked in a salon while attending beauty school.
“I did shampooing, sweeping the floors, etc,” she explains. “It was hard work, but I learned a lot. After I graduated from cosmetology school, I worked as an apprentice for a year so that I could improve my skills.”
Cosmetologist Degree Programs
There are different requirements depending on which state you live in, but all states require cosmetologists to earn a license after attending cosmetology school. Cosmetology school takes anywhere from 9 to 12 months if you attend full-time.
Cosmetologist Job Description
“Along with all of the day-to-day management responsibilities of running a successful salon,” says Karen, “my responsibilities as a hairdresser are: Provide a thorough and professional consultation with my clients, perform to the best of my abilities the services that we agree upon, and recommend proper techniques and products so that my clients can maintain their style/color at home.”
“It is also my responsibility to provide a clean and safe environment for my clients and co-workers, and to receive continuing education about the latest trends and technologies for my industry,” she adds.
Cosmetologist Daily Routine
A normal day for a cosmetologist usually lasts between eight to nine hours, and they consist of seeing a client every hour.
“I usually see a client every 45 minutes, or every hour if they require more complicated services,” Karen explains. “I don’t take a lunch break, and I prefer to eat when I am between clients. That’s pretty normal for a hairdresser!”
Cosmetologist: Steps to Success
“You have to love serving people, and you have to be patient,” says Karen. “It takes time and perseverance to become a great hairdresser and to build a clientele, but the rewards are so worth it.”
Cosmetologist Job Opportunities
Compared to other professions, cosmetology is not hard to get into.
“However, a lot of people get frustrated one or two years into the profession because they feel things are not happening ‘fast enough for them,’” Karen explains. “It takes time to become really good at hairdressing, and it takes time to build a clientele. Too many people drop out just as they are getting along.”
Cosmetologist Favorite Aspect
Karen loves the different people that she gets to meet while working as a hairdresser.
“My clients are the most wonderful people,” says Karen. “I have learned so much from them about all sorts of things over the years. They have truly enriched my life.”
Cosmetologist’s Future Ambitions
Karen hopes to continue being a hairdresser throughout the rest of her career.
“I love my work and I love my clients,” Karen claims. “Surveys show that hairdressers are among the most professionally satisfied people.”
“I suppose that it would be fun to be a hairdresser backstage at fashion shows and hang out with models and celebrities,” Karen adds. “But, if I had really wanted to do that, I would have gone out and done that years ago.”
Advice for Prospective Cosmetologists
“When you get out of cosmetology school, become an apprentice in a great salon,” Karen advises. “Cosmetology school teaches you the basics. Take another year and invest in your career. Love what you do, and the money will come.”
