Did you get in trouble as a kid because you cut your sister’s, your dog’s, and your cat’s hair?
Does the smell of hair dye make you smile?
Do you live to make people feel beautiful?
Does glowing skin intrigue you?
Are you always looking for the latest hair, makeup, and nail trends?
Have you always dreamed of a career in beauty?
If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, then your next step is probably straight into a beauty school! Here at Montana Academy of Salons, we want to help you unlock your potential to be great. Are you ready to take the leap?
The Reality
One fear you might have on your beauty school journey is talking to your parents. We understand parents’ concerns about their child attending a trade school rather than a four-year college, but we also understand that this industry is stronger and has more potential than people initially think. We wholeheartedly believe that someone with a passion for cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, or barbering should be doing what they love for life.
Here are a few simple solutions to help resolve their fears and yours.
Be Prepared
Come prepared with the facts about the industry. Here are a few you should take note of:
- It is estimated that the beauty industry revenue for 2016 in the U.S. was around $62 billion in total (according to statista.com).
- Statisticbrain.com says that facial skin care represents largest part of cosmetic industry.
- Beauty is one of the categories of employment that is growing rapidly. It is growing at +8%, according to beautystat.com.
We believe that these stats show how quickly our industry is growing and how important it is to fill the need for qualified professionals that the growth creates.
Another reality of getting an education that can be scary is financials. It’s true that financial burdens can turn a student off from school. Don’t let that stop you! There are solutions. Federal financial aid is available to students who qualify. Here are the types:
- Subsidized Loans
- Unsubsidized Loans
- PLUS Loans
We also accept scholarships. Please inquire about what scholarships are available by coming in a talking to one of our financial aid representatives.
Check out our financial aid page for more detailed information on applying and to learn more about all three types of loans.
Be Passionate
There aren’t many people that love to go to work. If you have the opportunity to pursue a career doing something you enjoy outside of a career, do it. One of our favorite things at Montana is seeing the fire in a student’s eyes. We strongly believe that if you want it, you can do anything to make it happen. Let that show. Shout it from the rooftops!
Know Your Options
When many people think “beauty school” they tend to picture someone behind a chair in a chain salon all day long. While that is a viable career, and one that should be applauded, that isn’t your only option. Here are a few occupations you could have as a licensed cosmetologist:
- Manicurist
- Lash Extension Artist
- Hairstylist
- Freelance Cosmetologist
- High-End Salon Stylist
- Esthetician
- Brow Technician
- Hair Color Specialist
- Salon Manager
- Salon Owner
- Product Salesperson
- Makeup Artist
- And More!
As a licensed barber you could potentially land one of these careers:
- High-End Salon Barber
- Facial Shaving Specialist
- Salon Manager
- Salon Owner
- Barber Shop Owner
- Barber Shop Manager
- Product Salesperson
- Many more!
As an licensed esthetician, you could work in one of these positions:
- Facial Specialist
- High-End Spa Esthetician
- Makeup Artist
- Waxing Specialist
- Eyelash and Brow Tinting Specialist
- Spa Owner
- Spa Manager
- Lash Extension Artist
- And More!
All of these career options could be available to you once you have become a licensed beauty professional! Sound exciting? It should!
Just Say It
We think that the majority of parents want their child to succeed in life, no matter what. They will probably be just as excited to see you learn a grow as an adult and a professional as you are. We encourage you to just say it. Tell your family that this is where you want to be. Let them know that you’ve found your niche. This is where you belong. Ask your family for support. Having a great support system can help you overcome fears and roadblocks later on. If you have someone to lean on, you have a better chance of reaching your goals.
You can get more information on what our courses can offer by visiting your preferred program page:
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Esthetics
- Manicuring
Having a hard time deciphering the differences between cosmetology and esthetics? Want to find out which one could be for you? Check out our post on the topic here, and make sure to give our admissions team a call. Their job is to help you pick the program that you think fits you best.
Read what our students said about what they wish they knew before they started their beauty educations by downloading our free guide to starting beauty school, and get your free tour!