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New academy's goal: better salon training

An Inverness salon owner embarks on a venture to give stylists more of what they need to succeed.

By APRIL SIMPSON
Published January 9, 2006

Salon owner Sherry Haimbaugh said stylists came to her lacking a solid foundation in the practical and theoretical aspects of the industry. Oftentimes, she had to put her licensed cosmetologists through a 10-month training program after they were hired.

"There are seven salons closing a day in our country and that's because they haven't had the proper training in business and management," said Haimbaugh, owner of Park Avenue Salon and Day Spa on State Road 44 in Inverness. "Our industry has been crying out for better trained cosmetologists even after they're licensed."

With that in mind, Haimbaugh has embarked on a new venture, opening the Salon Professional Academy with her son. The academy, located in the Inverness Regional Shopping Center on U.S. 41 N, seeks to educate not just stylists but future salon owners.

Curriculum includes courses on skin care, nails and cosmetology.

"I'm really excited about making a difference in cosmetology from the ground floor up," said Haimbaugh, 50. "In our industry, education has to continue, styles change. Things are moving along so quickly, but if you don't have a good solid foundation, then you'll continually be at a loss."

The academy building features dim lights and walls painted in smooth blacks, whites and grays. With 7,500 square feet, it boasts 32 stylist stations, four dryers, six pedicure thrones, six nail stations, eight shampoo sinks, three facial stations, several classrooms and a color bar.

Haimbaugh says there's nothing like it in Citrus County.

The first set of classes began Oct. 17 in a temporary location. The Inverness Regional Shopping Center location opened last week.

The next set of classes starts Jan. 16, with other sessions starting March 20, July 10, Sept. 11 and Nov. 13.

Tuition, which includes books and a kit, ranges from $2,390 for a 240-hour nail specialist course to $10,990 for a 1,200-hour cosmetology course. Applicants should have earned their high school diploma or GED and exhibit a creative spirit.

They also are required to maintain 85 percent attendance and an 85 percent grade average. With a curriculum that teaches students not only how to treat hair, but also how to build a clientele, Haimbaugh said salons are already calling for her students.

She said the academy trains its students for the top 20 percent of salons to assure their success after graduation.

"The salon person spends $80 to $85 just to get a person in the door, so obviously, you want to keep them," Haimbaugh said.

D.J. Wright, who enrolled last year, said he looks forward to the spontaneity of the job, and developing his signature style.

"Everybody puts their own style on what they're doing. We could all do the same haircut, but we all put our own little taste to it," said Wright, 23. "And you just never know what a day's going to bring. You've got to be creative and it's exciting because you never know what you'll be doing. Everybody wants something different."

[Last modified January 9, 2006, 00:56:11]