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The new Hawk Haven cosmetology lab at West Mecklenburg High is jam-packed with opportunity.
Within its gleaming white walls, students will have the chance to earn a valid N.C. cosmetology license while still in high school.
It was hard not to be caught up in the energy of possibility during the ribbon-cutting ceremony in late October at the facility, housed in a former auto lab.
With classical music in the background, proud students showed off the 20 styling stations that include eight shampoo bowls and dryers, two massage chairs, luxe pedicure chairs, a facial room and an impressive computer lab where the students give PowerPoint reports on what they've learned.
“Our goal is to provide the same opportunities you'd have at a private cosmetology school,” says instructor Trina Davis, who says similar training at a private school can cost as much as $20,000.
The 28 West Meck cosmetology students spent about $200 on personal supplies for the lab, including a chic monogrammed smock.
“Professionalism is of the utmost importance here, as are leadership and parent/family involvement,” Davis says.
Davis makes sure her students respect and love their bodies before sharing their beautification skills with others. She often leads her students through Pilates and yoga workouts as part of class learning, focusing on strengthening and stretching.
Aromatherapy is employed to relax clients and students alike.
The West Meck lab is the third operating in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, joining existing programs at West Charlotte and North Mecklenburg highs. In all three, students follow N.C. licensing standards.
The opportunity to leave high school with such an advantage on the cosmetology competition isn't lost on Davis' students.
Junior Kristina Chavis, 16, says she hopes to land a job in a salon over the summer with her classroom experience.
Many students talked of aspirations to own their own beauty business.
“I am really happy to be part of the class,” says West Meck junior Samantha Vang, 16. “I love doing hair and makeup. Professionally, this is exciting.”
Free Fridays
Starting Friday and continuing every Friday through Dec. 19, I'll be giving away free stuff on my blog: obsshoefits.blogspot.com.
Among the goodies up for grabs: beauty products, accessories and fragrance.
Given these trying economic times, there's no reason we shouldn't share the wealth. Keep the prizes for yourself or re-gift – we won't tell.
A full set of rules will be posted Friday on the blog, but here are the highlights: Correct answers to the question posed each week will be entered into a random drawing. One entry per e-mail address, please. Only the winner will be contacted.
Rachel Sutherland: 704-358-5440; rsutherland@charlotteobserver.com
