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The importance of networking and how one link may be the link you need to further your career.

Have you ever played the party game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? Based on the concept of six degrees of separation, which suggests that any two people in the world are only six acquaintances (or less) apart, the game challenges players to connect Hollywood actors to the prolific movie star Kevin Bacon through a series of six or fewer films or costars. Not only is it a fun way for movie buffs to pass the time, it’s also an excellent illustration of the power of networking for beauty industry professionals.

Why, you ask? Simply put, because each person you know is a link in a chain to others. With every link you connect, your professional reach expands exponentially and increases your ability to reach new clients, as well as industry insiders who can help you further your career. A healthy network is invaluable whether you want to broaden your clientele or take the next step up the beauty ladder.

Of course, you need to make sure you’re networking effectively if you want to maximize the impact of your efforts. Time and again, the tactics below have been proven to work well for resourceful beauty school graduates.

Follow influencers and other beauty professionals on social media – Whether you keep tabs on them through LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, following influencers as well as beauty professionals is a simple way to get them to notice you. You can’t just lurk in the shadows, however. Make meaningful comments on their posts, reshare, and retweet. This can work particularly well if you want to gain your dream salon or spa owner’s notice. Engage on social media and he or she will already know who you are when it comes time to submit your resume.

Continue your education after graduation – As one of our educators, Ms. LaShawna Brewer, recently pointed out in an interview, education is the key to working in the beauty industry. Make an effort to continue to learn new techniques throughout your career. Taking classes and attending seminars with industry professionals you admire will not only help you keep your skills fresh but will also allow you to interact—and add more links in your networking chain. Someday, those links may be able to help you land your next salon or spa position.

Hang out with others in your industry – We’re not just talking about your friends from school or work, though. Get to know as many other salon and spa professionals as you can! Industry meetups are an easy way to do so and Meetup, the world’s largest network of offline social communities, can help you find them. Their networking for hair stylists group currently has more than 1,900 members and 21 scheduled meetups in 18 cities and four countries.

Attend beauty industry events- Trade shows, product launches, job fairs and other recruiting events will also allow you to meet other industry pros and make the networking connections you’ll need for a successful career. A few to consider include America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach, California, and the International Beauty Show in New York.

Even more convenient is Creative Images Institute’s annual networking and recruiting event. Coming up on September 10 and held at the Dayton Masonic Center, the event will enable you to mingle with other artists and alumni as well as professionals from local salons and spas. Meet others in the beauty industry face to face while you learn more about potential employers in your own backyard—no plane ticket or hotel required!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we’re proud of the education we provide, none of which would be possible, of course, without our fabulous staff. Today, we’re checking in with Ms. LaShawna Brewer, the Phase Two Cosmetology educator at our Vandalia campus. In addition to helping Creative Images students shape their talents for the future, LaShawna is also the owner of Simply Gorgeous Hair and Nails.

CIIC: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today, LaShawna, and for the time you devote to your students at Creative Images. When did you first discover your passion for cosmetology?

LaShawna: I did a couple of beauty pageants and was intrigued. We all had our own sense of style and brought it out in individual ways. I decided I wanted to be able to be the person who helps others bring out that beauty.

CIIC: That’s great! How did you get your start and what convinced you to become an educator as well?

LaShawna: When I got my hair license back in 1992, I began running my own booth in a booth rental salon. I’ve continued to do that over the years, but also realized I like to see the development of artists. I love to see them learn new techniques and grow. Not only within the beauty realm but also stepping out and adding their own flavor to it.

CIIC: And what brought you to Creative Images Institute?

LaShawna: I chose Creative Images because of its reputation and the length of time it has been in business. I also saw that a lot of the artists graduating from the school go on to obtain licenses in their field with employment. I wanted to be a part of that.

CIIC: And we’re so glad you decided to join us! When you’re working with your students each day, what do you enjoy the most?

LaShawna: I get to work with a lot of diversity and different age groups, and I love the bond and memories we create in class. That means a lot to me.

CIIC: Would you encourage other people to get into the cosmetology field, and if so, what advice would have for them in choosing a school?

LaShawna: I would encourage others to explore careers in cosmetology because it’s beyond rewarding. It also offers the chance to express yourself every day though fashion, makeup, however you choose. Every woman has her own style, you just have to develop, create and bring it out. That’s just one of my beliefs.

As far as choosing a school, I’d encourage students to do their research and make sure the school focuses on education as a whole. Education is the key to becoming a cosmetologist and working in the beauty industry. You have to be educated in order to grow professionally, grow a business, and deliver a great product to your client. Always put education first.

CIIC: That’s excellent advice. What words of wisdom do you have, as a successful salon owner, for our students who are nearing graduation?

LaShawna: My suggestion is to always create personal goals and work towards reaching them. You have to step out on faith. You have to be committed. And you have to also be a person who will never give up no matter what is going on. Reach for the stars.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Are you a mad genius hairstylist, superbly talented nail technician, or extraordinarily gifted skin care professional? Fantastic! But you may still find it challenging to get ahead in the beauty industry. Why, you ask? Because success within any salon or spa isn’t just about your technical skill or creativity. It’s also based on your ability to attract and build your clientele and retain them after their first visit to your chair. Fortunately, building a strong book has become easier thanks to today’s social media platforms—if you know how to use them correctly.

In a survey of 1,800 U.S. customers conducted by Square, 75 % said that Facebook is their favorite social media tool when searching for a new salon, making the powerhouse of social networking the perfect place to begin when you want to start growing your clientele. Below, we offer a few simple tips and tricks to help you make the most of every Facebook post.

1. Share plenty of posts featuring your best work – Before and after shots of color corrections or makeup applications, prom and wedding up-dos, trendy or classic cuts and colors, the latest nail techniques and designs, you get the picture… and potential clients really want to see them. In fact, a study by HubSpot found that Facebook posts with photos received 53% more likes and 104% more comments than those without. The takeaway: don’t hesitate to post photos of your best work every day.
2. Ask clients to post reviews of your services on Facebook – In the Square survey mentioned earlier, 36% of consumers indicated they consider online reviews posted by clients when seeking out a new salon. Make the most of this by encouraging your best clients to post a review of their visit on your Facebook page. You can also re-share recommendations and reviews they’ve written about you on their own pages (with permission, of course).
3. Share your expertise – Successful cosmetology industry professionals strive to continuously learn and improve their knowledge. It’s easy to share posts about new haircare, nailcare and skincare tricks you’re learning while you’re in beauty school. Make sure you keep it up after you graduate! Discovered a new product you love? Post about it. Attending a beauty industry trade show? Post about it.
4. Offer special Facebook Fan deals and discounts – The more Facebook Fans (basically, people who’ve liked and followed your professional Facebook page) you have, the larger your audience and potential client base. Encourage people to become your fans by offering a discount on their first service. You can then keep them coming back by offering the occasional discount or value-add for mentioning a particular Facebook post when booking with you.
5. Run contests to encourage more likes and shares – Of course, your social media reach on Facebook isn’t just limited to the number of people who have directly connected with your page. When fans like and re-share your posts, your Facebook exposure grows exponentially. While the best way to get likes and shares is to regularly post content that is of value and interest to your audience, the occasional drawing for a free product or service in exchange for re-shares can be a great way to boost your outreach.
6. Use ads to drive more visitors to your Facebook page – As if first quarter 2018, there are 2.19 billion active monthly users on Facebook. If you want to reach more of them than you can through fans and followers (and their friends) alone, Facebook ads can help you do so. Facebook gives professionals an arsenal of targeting options for ads (also know as Sponsored Posts) to enable you to reach a precise audience. In addition to your geographic area and the target age and gender of your ideal customer, consider narrowing down even further to Facebook users who have liked specific pages, such as the pages of the companies’ whose nail, skin or haircare products your salon or spa uses.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

How to keep your profiles appropriate and your employers happy.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

By nature, most successful beauty industry professionals are sociable and engaging. They enjoy interacting with others and spend many hours each day learning about their clients’ lives and sharing stories of their own while providing services, whether they’re cosmetologists, nail technicians or skin care professionals. As a result, the use of social media also comes naturally–sometimes a little too much so. While Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can be valuable tools for building your brand and a thriving clientele when used correctly, public posts and tweets that lack an adequate level of professionalism can actually damage your career.

At a time when 81% of the U.S. population has at least one social media profile, 70% of employers are using social media to screen job applicants, and 18% of consumers consider social media presence when choosing a salon, it can make sense to spend some time cleaning up your online appearance. Do so before you finish your beauty school program, and you’ll be ready to job search with confidence.  What should you delete (and carefully avoid sharing in the future)?

Start with the following:

Provocative content – In CareerBuilder’s survey of employers, 39% said they rejected candidates because of provocative photos, videos or information shared on a social media profile. Keep in mind that ‘provocative’ doesn’t just mean sexual in nature. Provocative content may include any post or tweet intended to cause annoyance, anger or other negative reactions, so you might want to remove overtly political posts as well as bikini photos from your public timeline.

Content related to drinking or drug use – Thirty-eight percent of the employers CareerBuilder surveyed had rejected job seekers because of social media content related to alcohol or drugs. While there’s nothing wrong with posting about attending happy hour with a few friends or tweeting about the wine you’re enjoying at a local gallery opening, just do so responsibly.

Discriminatory comments – Negative posts about race, gender or religion caused 32% of the surveyed employers to reject job candidates. Any social media content that suggests you’re less than inclusive of any type of client is a surefire way to limit job prospects. This also brings about the potential of unintentionally turning clients away.

Bad-mouthing previous employers or fellow employees – While the salon industry has a reputation for drama (just think Beauty Shop or TNT’s Claws, for example), savvy real-world business owners are never eager to hire troublemakers. Remove these types of posts and tweets from your profiles immediately and, in the future, air your grievances in person to a sympathetic friend.

Proof that you’ve lied about your qualifications- When surveying employers, CareerBuilder found that 61% review job applicants’ social media profiles in search of information that supports their qualifications. However, 27% have rejected candidates when they actually found proof to the contrary. If you’re attending Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, you’re learning everything you need to know to be successful in your first cosmetology, nail tech or skin care jobs. Posts about your classes and experiences at school can show potential employers that you’re enthusiastic about your future.

While there are plenty of potential career landmines to avoid when using social media, a professional online persona can actually increase your chances of securing a salon or spa job as well as attract more clientele for your services. If you don’t want to alter the way you engage in your personal life on social media, you may find it easier to set up separate professional Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter accounts and adjust the privacy settings on your personal profiles accordingly.

In CareerBuilder’s survey, 44% of employers said they had found content on social networking sites that actually caused them to hire the candidate. The primary reasons they did so? Posts that illustrated great communication skills (37%), a professional image (36%) and creativity (35%)—all things Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology graduates are certain to possess.

If you are tired of pounding the pavement looking for jobs only to keep coming up short, you are not alone. There are many people in the Dayton area who are unhappy with the job options they have available to them. The good news is that you can make a change, and it doesn’t have to take a long time to do it! Now may be the time for you to consider a career change to the beauty industry. The more you learn about what it is, the more you may love the way it sounds for your life.

Cosmetology is the field that deals with hair, skin, and nails. To have a career in cosmetology you essentially go to beauty school, such as Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for those in cosmetology, including nail technicians, hair stylists, and skincare specialists, is growing faster than average.

Here are three programs to consider that will help get you into a whole new career change that offers stability and the ability to be creative:

• Cosmetology. This career field puts you in a position to offer hair styling, which includes cutting, coloring, and other services, such as facials, makeup, and nail care. This program is 1500 hours and can be completed in as little as 11 months. Those with cosmetology training can work in salons, spas, and own their own business offering the services.
• Nail technician. A nail technician, or manicurist, is someone who does nails for a living – manicures, pedicures, gel nails, polish and more. They may work in a salon or spa, or may provide some mobile services. Some nail technicians own their own company, while others rent a space inside a salon or work directly for the salon. The nail technician program is 200 hours and the advanced nail technician program is 300 hours. You could be graduated and entering your new career in as little as 8 weeks.
• Advanced esthetics (skincare). This program is for those who want to focus on skin, including makeup, facials, relaxation massage, waxing, and more. Their role is to help make the skin more beautiful, healthy, and refreshed. Skincare specialists work in salons, spas, doctors’ offices, and even own their own businesses. This program is 900 hours, and can be completed in as little as 8 months.

Making a change to help secure your future and get a good career is easier than you may realize. One year from now, you can be well into your new career, established, and loving what you do. Opting to make the change now will put you on the path toward career success. Our training programs are available at both our North Dayton campus and our South Dayton campus, making it more convenient for our students. We also have a student salon and spa that is open to the public, so that our students can get real-world experience before they head toward their successful careers after finishing training.

Call us today to get the wheels in motion. Having a new career is all in your hands, and we are here to help you do it! Financial aid is available for those who quality, and we offer flexible programs so that it’s easier for people to attend.

There are people in every city around the country who work in the cosmetology field, including here in the Dayton area. At the Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we have trained thousands of people to work in the field. Our beauty school offers three different programs and we have two campuses in the Dayton area, making it flexible and convenient for those who are seeking a real career that can change their life.

If you have wondered if you are a good candidate for a field in cosmetology, you are not alone. Here are 6 characteristics that those in cosmetology often have:

1. They enjoy working with hair, nails, and makeup. The field of cosmetology is about beauty, and specifically helping people to love their hair, skin, makeup, and nails.
2. They like to interact with others. Some people like to hide away in a cubicle, but if you are a people person then you enjoy the social interaction. Those who have a career in cosmetology get to interact with people all day and help them, making a difference in their lives.
3. Higher earnings potential. Those in the cosmetology field like that they are not usually bound to one hourly rate for their earnings. They can earn commissions and tips, and they also become their own boss, allowing for even higher earnings potential.
4. Flexible schedules. Most people who work with hair, nails, skin, and makeup get to make up their own hours. This flexibility in their schedule allows them to better coordinate it around their child’s schedule or simply work the hours they prefer.
5. Variety in duties. Cosmetologists, nail technicians, and estheticians enjoy a variety of duties. Each person they help is a chance to do something new, giving them a chance to change up their day and not get bored.
6. Security and stability. One of the nice things that those in the cosmetology field have is that there are plenty of jobs. In fact, it is a field that is considered to be growing at a pace faster than others.

Most people who do hair, nails, makeup, or skincare for a living tend to build a steady clientele. They enjoy seeing these people every week or couple of months for their services, getting to know them, and helping to meet their needs. Cosmetology careers are very rewarding, offering people a chance to be their own boss and have a stable career.

In the Dayton area, we have helped many students to get started on their path of being a cosmetologist, nail technician, and esthetician. Our programs are flexible, with full and part time options, and we offer high quality instructors. When you graduate from our program, you can rest assured that you are well-prepared to enter the field, score a great position, and let your creativity get to work. Our beauty school also offers a student salon and spa that is open to the public where students provide services. Stop in and take a look around, or give us a call so that we can answer your questions and help you get started on your new and exciting career!