Long Island Beauty School – Director of Student Services
Year Graduated:  2003
Websites: www.airbarny.com | www.libs.edu

Q: Why did you choose a career in beauty?

A few things… MOM! my biggest supporter. My hair, it was always so difficult to manage, but I loved styling it. I wanted to learn more. The lifelong support of my four sisters, family, and friends. I married and had three beautiful children at a very young age, and although it was a blessing, it also left me with the impression that I could never do more or be more than a wife or mom. Getting my Cosmetology License not only empowered me but assured my financial stability by leaving the fate of my future, my family, my career, and ultimately my life, in my own hands. Literally. As long as I have my hands, I have work. I’ve worked at all sorts of salons, have private clients, done weddings and fashion shows, you name it, I’ve done it. My independence, the confidence in myself and my worth, started with attending LIBS and becoming a Licensed Cosmetologist.

Q: Where do you work now and what is your specialty?

I have the honor and pleasure of working as a Director of Student Services at the very same campus that had provided me with the best education and lifelong gift of working as a Beauty Enhancer Operator. As an alumnus, I can not only relate but guide current students at Long Island Beauty School to follow their passion within the beauty industry and assist them with staying on track to become the talented enhancers of tomorrow. All the while, I enjoy quality time as a new grandmother, frequent Dollar Tree sprees, and continue to follow my love and passion at Airbar, in Great Neck, N.Y.,  priding myself in specializing in the art of styling all types of hair and ultimately transforming clients into their best selves, for all occasions.

Q: What is the biggest benefit of your career choice?

Flexibility. Hands down, that is the greatest benefit of working in such a diverse industry. Not only do I have an additional form of income, but I have the freedom to pursue other passions within my career and personal life, without having to sacrifice one for the other. Being a Licensed Cosmetologist has given me the flexibility and financial security to do it all without ever thinking twice. It’s all a matter of the effort I put in to do exceptional work and finding creative alternatives that meet my needs and lifestyle.

Q: What is your favorite memory from LIBS?

Lunch! And no one could tell me different! It was our quality time together. On my very first day of class, I gave my instructor, Ms.Regina, a bright, red apple. It might’ve been cheesy, but I was grateful for the opportunity to be in her class. After my initial financial consultation with the financial aid counselor, I knew in my heart I wouldn’t be able to afford the education I needed to further myself. Hopeless and emotional, I immediately assumed it couldn’t get done and decided not to bother with the enrollment process. If it weren’t for the director, Ms. Sylvia herself, suggesting alternative scholarships and helping in finding other means to help pay for my education, I would’ve never been able to attend school. I got so much more in return. I made lifelong friends and colleagues that I consider family. We’ve worked together, laughed together, cried together, ate together, and most importantly grew together. Not just as professional salon owners or beauty enhancers, but as strong, capable men and women. Our experiences through my time at Long Island Beauty School created an unbreakable bond that imprinted itself into my heart.

Q: Any advice for students, new graduates, or people interested in a beauty career?

Do it. Don’t question it, don’t doubt yourself, don’t ask for other opinions, don’t make excuses, don’t hesitate, just make it happen. There are so many opportunities out there that can help all students from any economic or cultural backgrounds, achieve their goal of becoming Licensed Beauty Enhancers. I should know because I am a recipient of such opportunities. Always ask questions and do your research, create a game plan that will set you up for success, and don’t let obstacles become an excuse to not get Licensed, because there will always be something in the way of you and what you desire.  The investment of your time and money will be paid back a thousand times over. It’s your future, your career, take control of it! GET YOUR LICENSE!