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The beauty industry is an enjoyable profession. You can meet another friend every hour. This is a relaxed, playful, and creative career. Jobs in the beauty salon industry are low in stress. Most people enjoy visiting beauty salons. You have the opportunity to show your creative side. The work is rewarding because you make your client happy and beautiful. I wish I had had the opportunity to learn ahead of time how to start out. I had to struggle through the learning process. I can say, “I wish I knew then what I know now”. In the series of books I have created, I have thought up, learned from others, used, and taught the ideas for years. I want everyone to love the profession as much as I do. This and other books in the series address every career opportunity you could have in the beauty business. It will help you with any role you could play in a salon. So get out your hi-lighter and post-it notes to mark the pages important to you.

The most basic beauty professions and specialties are:

Hair Dresser
Barber
Extensions
Wigs
Skin
Make-up/Cosmetician
Permanent Makeup
Body piercing/Tattooing
Electrolysis
Body Wraps
Massage Therapist
Nail Tech
Receptionist
Manager
Distributor Sales Consultant/Beauty Supply Sales Clerk
Educator, School instructor, Platform Artist
To group all these roles, I could use a fancy term like Professional Service
Providers. But I will be referring to all of these Service Professionals or
Technicians as “techs” for simplicity.

Picking a Profession
If you are not sure which part of the profession to be in, here are some key
points about many of the jobs. Facials, makeup, massages, and pedicures are
normally preformed in a quiet room or area. The soft music and tranquility
appeal to introverted techs that do not like busyness around them.
Workers with hair and nails, receptionists, sales consultant, speakers, or
educators traditionally have more interactions and talk with many people. If you
enjoy social interaction, conversing, and telling stories and jokes, these are
up your alley. It is easy to please people when providing these services if
they fit your personality.

Training involved for services:
Nail tech training in most states requires 250 – 500 hours and about $200 for basic supplies to get started. Training for permanent makeup and electrolysis in most states is a very short program, less than a full week; but it requires expensive equipment. Supplies can cost between $400-800 to start up. Massage therapists and hairdressers require approximately 1,500 – 2,000 hours of training and an initial investment between $500-800 to be equipped. They spend the majority of time on their feet and require manual dexterity.

Hair and makeup clients may be slightly more difficult to satisfy. They have definite ideas in mind, but may have trouble conveying their thoughts. Hair and makeup techs must be able to communicate and demonstrate a desirable finished
result. All successful techs should be good with their hands, pleasant, tactful with clients, and have a genuine interest in people.
I started cutting hair when I was 9 years old. At 18, I was in cosmetology school where doing a trim on a client was a breeze. But my first shampoo and set almost put me into convulsions. While my client was sitting under the dryer, I became more and more nervous thinking about the comb-out. After my client’s hair was dry, I took the rollers out and ran a brush through her hair a few times. She said “Thank you, that’s great.” I realized I was all worked up for nothing. Once I experienced that moment of completion with my first comb-out, a huge smile came over my face. I was at peace with the world again. Things were a blast after that.

Students’ first experiences can make all the difference in their feelings of confidence. I try to find kind, patient clients for my students’ first services or let them bring in someone they are at ease with. The stress is enough without a complaining customer.
OK, back on track with the original topic, buying supplies (yes, we sometimes get side tracked!) Some places you work will have the majority of the supplies you need, so your purchases will be minimal. In future books, I list the majority of the supplies needed for each profession. I also give more detail on what is involved in that career. I suggest that students only invest in the
supplies they want for their own personal use. The place where you work may supply much of your equipment and products, especially if you are an employee. The salon industry offers numerous ways to get started working. In most cases, you will attend school, a course or work for someone for free for an apprenticeship. You will have to check in your state to see if apprenticeships are accepted. Without a license, some states will allow you to become a shampoo person to get experience in doing hair. Some states allow students to earn hours towards graduation working in salons. A few salons offer advanced on-the-job training while you are getting paid. If you lack the confidence to start working on clients once you have graduated, this would be perfect for you.
Take a little time to learn about as many opportunities as you can by talking to people in the profession. The first step in deciding on any new career is setting goals. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. So let’s start with something simple. Write
down some short-term, easy goals. I’ll wait while you get a pen and paper. Goals are made when you put them in writing, not by wishing for something. Thoughts, positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition. So, pin up your written goals someplace you can see and read them regularly. You should see my bathroom mirror. If you do not set your own goals, others will set them for you like one of my students, Jennifer. Her Dad decided she should get a job deliver mail instead of working in a salon. Since she enjoyed working with others, being alone in a car would not provide her a happy career. So she
made a goal of going to the phone book and calling a few salons to inquire about schools. She called my school amongst many for information, then came in to check them out. Within a week, she started nail school and loved it. She is even happier now she is making money at a fantastic job. Once you have set, worked at, and completed some goals, it is great to go back
and see how many you have successfully achieved. You will work on more challenging goals once your confidence goes up. Then start working on long term goals, like going to school or deciding where you would like to work. If you are
looking for adventure, your goal might be to work on a cruise ship or out of the country. We need to imagine our goals and visualize them for ourselves. Sometimes a crisis comes up and a goal gets dropped. While I was in cosmetology school, I got mononucleosis. I had the kissing disease and I had not even been kissed. I took a few weeks off, went home to visit my family, then got right back on track to finish what I had started. The only way to create success in your life is to stay focused. Visualize the thing you want! See it! Feel it! Believe in it! Make your mental blue print... And Begin to Build... Have faith in Yourself... And Anything Is Possible!

Some people spend their time “talking” about what they want to do. Years later, I run into them and they are still “talking”. I ask them, “Where were you 5 years ago?” “Will you still be there 5 years from now?” What a reality check! Goals have to be “ardently desired”. You want it so bad; you grit your teeth stating, “I really want this!” Enrollment in cosmetology schools is about half of what it was two decades ago due to defaulted student loans and fewer grants in the beauty profession. This
has helped weed out less qualified schools, but has created a shortage of licensed techs. In addition, 75% of students do not make it through school or through their first year in the profession according to the Cosmetology Boards.
Students experience difficulty finishing school, do not put forth the effort to get themselves to school, have health problems, attend schools not providing an adequate education, or students just do not like the profession. (This one surprises me!) When I attending cosmetology school, there were some students that would show up when they felt like it. Those were most of the dropouts. I have known a few that suffered health problems. They would come in on their better days and pushed through the struggles until they recovered and completed school to succeed in a salon. I have talked to others that attended school that
did not have good education, but were determined to succeed and did. If you want something bad enough, you will work as hard as possible to reach your goals. Hopefully, these books will decrease that climbing statistic of students who struggle and never succeed. Do students not like the profession because they do not know enough yet? Or do they truly not care for the profession? (Can it be true? Someone disliking one of the most enjoyable professions to be in?) Students should exchange phone numbers in order to call each other when one of them stops attending school. They can keep each other revved up.
One of my students, Amy, 22, suffered from Diverticulitus. This disease is an infection of the intestines. She was in and out of a great deal of pain for years. She eventually had surgery and recovered. It took her 3 years to get through school going through her ordeal at the same time. She did finish school and enjoyed her new career.

Another student, Ellen, 31, would come to school steady for a few weeks, slow down, stop for a couple months and repeat this pattern. Her friends and family would encourage her to stick with. Her personality and skills would make her a great tech. Her Mom said she has always had trouble completing things, but hoped this would be different. When Ellen said she could not afford it, her Mom even offered to pay for her schooling. She was the queen of excuses. Unfortunately, years later, Ellen is still unhappily working minimum wage go nowhere jobs.

People regularly talk to me about attending school. They are excited about, but have to wait until they find a job to pay for it. I suggest they try getting a job in a salon or at a beauty supply store while in school. It gives them a head start in the beauty business, exposes them to learning from other professionals and allows them an opportunity to see how they like working in a
salon as a future tech.

School and In Salon Education
Selecting a school or an apprenticeship should be done with care and preparation. Some states allow a student to learn on location at a salon. A senior tech or salon owner helps you through the learning process with theory and hands-on services with clients especially after graduation. Salons can be stronger in hands-on education while schools may be stronger in theory. It’s a
never-ending learning career, so it stays challenging. You will not get paid in most apprenticeships. More likely, you will have to
pay to learn and be a helper. Some salon owners see this as an opportunity to get free help. Do your homework to make sure the owner will be an effective mentor. As apprentices become more experienced, they should perform more tasks
under supervision. Choosing a school or apprenticeship without adequately researching it first could determine whether you succeed or fail. Find an educational facility that will give you adequate theory, hands on training, and the skills it takes to
become successful. A school is expected to help you pass state boards or testing. Each state has different requirements for license. Most states require state boards for hair, massage, skin care and nails. Some will be written only and some will be hands-on too. (The schools will know the requirements.) This will be one of the most stressful ordeals in the educational process, especially if you let it. Remember that it is a reflection of what you do in school. If you know it there, you will know it at state board.

A school typically shows you basic approaches to doing services along with theory to help you pass your tests. There is no law that states schools have to teach you specifically how to do each required service, but hopefully they will. Unfortunately, some students get almost no guidance. I had a artist acting as an instructor hand me a nail product and say, “Do a nail”. It would not have been so bad if I had ever seen an artificial nail being put on. But back in 1982 (the dark ages), there really were not nail “instructors”. She did not know she was suppose to say something to help us! Many things have changed since then. Schools will have full time staff that only teach and part time staff that also work in salons. Either way, a good instructor will want to excite, motivate, and inspire you. In some areas, your choice of schools may be limited. If you are fortunate to be in an area with many schools, still check. If you are not sure how to find schools in your state, a list of State Boards for the Beauty Industry can be found in Appendix A and Massage in Appendix B.

Often, people ask about the cost of my school. When they shop for schools by asking prices, they do not understand the importance of quality. I ask them to come in and talk to me so I can help them understand why an alarming 75% of students do not succeed in their field. If you choose to work with hair, remember that, by 2005, half of the population will be over 50 according to the census bureau. Think gray coverage! This is doubly important to know, because hair coloring is one of the most profitable services offered in a salon. People over 50 pamper themselves or need therapy, such as massages. They have the time and money to spend on themselves. They want to look younger, feel better, and be healthier. If you talk to others in the profession, they can cue you in on the most popular services for clients. Hopefully, while in school, you will be exposed to many
facets of the beauty business. Do not limit your training, because trends and styles return over time. We often lean towards specialties in this industry, treat them as fads that come and go. When I was checking out schools, one of the criteria for me was finding a school that included artificial nails as part of its curriculum. In the early 80’s, that was very difficult to find since it
was still new. I did find a school willing to get a nail instructor, even though it took a little coaxing on my part. Keep in mind that no one school will suit all your needs. Your goal is to find one that is truly interested in your success. Most of your knowledge is gained from their experience and education. A good school with the proper instructor spells success. Look for the student/instructor ratio. Once, while I was teaching a workshop at a community college, I noticed the classroom had forty-two students with just one instructor each night. Even with the most skilled and talented teacher, quality one-on-one training will be difficult with this ratio. Finding a talented instructor is a pain-staking job, not just for students, but for schools as well. Instructors need the ability to interact with students, answer questions clearly, demonstrate processes, and inspire the students. Schools may
bring in guest speakers to present new material that benefits both students and instructors.

School usually supply much of your products, and you may be responsible for the more costly tools or equipment. Students sometimes elect to purchase their own products in order to better learn or have their desired supplies. Just remember
to put your name on everything that is yours and take home or lock up your equipment.

Some schools will have a library and are pleased to allow the students free use. Use it to your advantage! I realize that we "artists" may not particularly care to read, but look at it this way. For every page you read, you will earn another five dollars a year in your career. Hmmm… How many pages have I written and read? Once you have selected a school, what is next? Enroll and begin! When paying tuition, remember to pay with checks. This becomes your proof of payment. With so many students and so much paperwork, losing data can occasionally occur. If someone else is paying for your tuition, make sure that YOUR name is written boldly on the check. There have been times when people leave a check on my desk at my school and I do not know whose account to credit.
Part of excelling as a student is taking notes, making drawings, taking pictures, making use of the school’s library and reading everything you can get your hands on pertaining to your field. While writing this book, I pulled out all my notes I saved over the years from the training sessions I attended. It is amazing how much we can learn AND forget. I have used those notes to aid me
in my salon and school for years. It has refreshed my memory too about implementing things that were not workable then, but are now.

Do the most productive thing you can at every moment. I like to surround myself with people who want to succeed. When I was in school, there was a group who hid in the back smoking and who tried to avoid working. I do not think any of those back room people ever went to work for a salon. I was in front keeping busy, waiting to learn what the instructor was explaining about a student who was working on a client. I was ready to do clients. By associating yourself with others who share your interest and goals, you stay motivated. Those who are eager to learn and attend class regularly are the ones who typically move
forward in the industry. I always volunteered to participate in special events for every opportunity to try out or see new things, not to mention making new friends and professional connections. I volunteered to do hair and make-up for beauty pageants, high school plays, and fashion shows, local theater, TV shows, and community events that entailed dressing up, such as medieval fairs and parades. Not only were they a blast, but the recognition and new customers were a great bonus.

Professionalism, passion, and foresight in the beauty industry come from the heart. Half of all students enter the industry because they are not motivated to go to college. Others who get into the beauty profession, take pride in their work, and want to work with others. I have seen people in the profession for years that do not have much talent, but still make a good living. What they
lack with dexterity, they make up with communication and sales. I have also seen new graduates that create better work than most long-term professionals. And, like most other competitive professions, people can be cut throat or devious. Do not let them discourage you. Not everyone and every salon are like that. Professional magazines, styling books, cassettes, and videos are excellent teaching tools for schools and salons. I suggest creating your own educational manual. Take three-ring binders and put in articles and flyers from the manufacturers with product information. When you find yourself feeling, bored, go to the library. Ask your Distributor Sales Consultant and store managers if they have things to give or lend you. The best way to excel as a student is to be eager to learn! Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

What is next? Uh-Oh, working on clients…. YIKES! Do not be afraid that you will mess up a client in school or be prevented from getting into the service area to try. When clients go to beauty schools for services, they UNDERSTAND you are learning. Once in a great while, I will have a client who picks apart every detail of my student’s work. I let the client know they are welcome to go to a regular salon and pay full price if they would prefer a more professional service. Most of them return anyway, so they cannot be too unhappy. I know this frustrates students and weakens their confidence. And the funny part is, in most of these situations, the student did well. Do not let an occasional annoying person upset you; it is part of the learning process. Even after 20 years of experience, you will not make everyone happy. Enjoy the rest of the clients who are fun to work with, because there are so many of those! When writing this book, I asked salon owners, “What do you think I should write
about?” The most common response I received is, “Do not wear your feelings on your sleeve, because some people will hurt your feelings”. You think you did a great job, and they criticize every detail of your work. Be tough! Some salons serve a glass of wine or give a massage to relax a tense client. Sometimes, with massages on the body, scalp, feet, face, or hands, some techs
can be too rough or too gentle. Washing hair, brushing the hair, and doing facials require a firm relaxing pressure that feels great. Many students are afraid of hurting people, so they do some procedures too lightly. Then the client thinks the students do not know what they are doing. I made an “I’m Afraid Nickel Jar”. Every time I hear a student say, “I’m afraid”, I point to the jar (I should actually make them PUT a nickel in it). As often as I hear it, it could create a good retirement for me! J A tech with confidence is not wishy-washy when touching someone. This comes with just a little practice. The same goes for filing on nails. Most students are so afraid of hurting people that they file too lightly and use one-half inch of the seven-inch file. This creates more irritation on the cuticles causing discomfort. I explain to them a brand new file used near a cuticle is what causes most cuts. If you are unsure, just ask your client "How is my touch"?

Job Hunting
Picking the right Salon will set the foundation in your new profession! Do not fret about your salon inexperience after graduation. In some cases, salons prefer a fresh tech right out of school so that they can train and mold them.
Look for progressive salons with growth. If the decor looks twenty years outdated, that is a clue that the salon is as well. Part of the 75% failure rate in the beauty profession is caused by a graduate’s first job. If the experience is unpleasant, then failure is likely. Amanda had fantastic talent and this slightly shy, but very sweet personality. She interviewed and excepted a job at
a new salon. I encourage my students to check with me before accepting a job. I want to make sure they work in a place they will be comfortable and succeed. When I learned the salon she planned on working in, I asked her to reconsider. In the past, I had worked with her future boss and knew she would intimidate this fragile new graduate right out of the profession. Less than a year later, Amanda called me asking if I wanted to buy her nail supplies because she no longer wanted to be in the profession. She hated her first salon experience. I unsuccessfully tried to convince her not to give up. After a bad experience, to many graduates will leave the profession they have just entered.

Selecting the best salon for you!
Choosing a salon that is right for you is not as difficult as it seems as long as you do a little homework. I suggest students make a list to help her with her selection. There are some key points you may want to consider before accepting a position. Ask about the salon’s reputation. Talking to distributors, sales reps, local beauty supply stores, past employees, as well as customers, can enlighten you. You will get mixed comments, so go with the majority viewpoint. Your instructors may be able to guide you, if they are familiar with the job market in your area.

What products does the salon use? If you have certain products you prefer to work with, ask what types of products the salon uses. If they insist you use a product you do not like, there will be a conflict. Ask how long the salon has been in business? I don't recommend a brand new, non-established salon for your first choice, especially if you are new in the profession with no clients. At least 90% of new salons close before they ever reach their second year. You could find yourself locked out with all your possessions inside. An exception would be if the owner has extensive experience in salon management, they have a full clientele, enough staff members working there having a full clientele, or there are no or very few salons in the community.
If you are trying to decide on where to work, particularly in your own small town versus traveling to a larger town where there is more population, work in your own community. You already know many people to build a clientele from. Invite people you know to come and try you out. You are more accessible to clients if you only need to travel 10 minutes vs. 45 minutes. There is also less competition in very small towns. You will be a big fish in your own small pond instead of a small fish in a large pond.
Is the owner a great tech as well as a good leader? A tech wanting to become a salon owner can be the best at her trade, but running a salon is a different proposition. I did not fully understand why this was until I read the book "The
E-myth" by Michael Gerber (HarperCollins Publishers, October 1988) It explains how important it is for someone interested in owning a business to have the natural ability to be a technician (for example a hair dresser), an entrepreneur (the dreamer), AND a manager all in one. A brand new salon always sounds fun and exciting, but longevity, with at least three techs with more
business than they can handle, speaks for itself.

How many technicians are present and are there enough overflows to make a new tech necessary? Some salons have too many non-busy techs. This will make building a clientele difficult.

Does the salon sell retail products? If you want more money in your pocket, selling retail is the way to go.

Do they have training programs to help you with product knowledge and increasing retail sales?

Is the location in a high traffic area? If the salon is out of the way, has low foot traffic coming in, or is hard to get to, it is more difficult to build a clientele.

What kind of turnover of clients, as well as techs, do they have? If people stay there for years, it shows stability.

What type of clientele do they have? If you have a preference for teens, retirees, baby boomers, men, women, or a tattoo and piercing parlor, make sure you’re going to be comfortable with the people you will be working on. Family salons have it all, men, women, and kids. The atmosphere of people and music you enjoy can make you happy and upbeat. Do not select a place you will dread walking into each day.

Does the staff "play" well together? You do not want to work at a hostile salon. I can tell what kind of manager and staff members are in a salon by the atmosphere. The behavior of the salon owner will dictate what will be
acceptable for everyone else. If an owner gossips, swears, smokes, drinks while working or argues with people, the rest of the staff and clients will follow suit. This also includes appropriate dress in the salon. The owner acts as a team leader. It is a good idea to pick a salon that has someone you can respect. Salon owners can also be ineffective managers, unorganized, emotional, or moody.

How does the staff behave as you walk in? If no one is happy to see you when
you enter, it is because no one is happy being there.

How busy is the salon? You can even go into a salon as a client. I would do this on a Friday morning, because that is usually the busiest time. If there is hardly any business for the existing staff, this is a bad sign. If you had difficulty getting an appointment, then you have an idea about their need for a tech.

Are you offering a service that no one else is doing? For example, if you are a massage therapist, Esthetician, or nail artist going into a hair salon, check and see if there is a demand for these services. There should be enough existing clients to help you build your clientele.

I learned the hard way what it feels like to experience most of these unfavorable circumstances. It was the first place I worked. I am not sure if you can call it work since I never did actually earn any money. I became a friend with a lady at school whose boyfriend was opening a salon. They asked me to go to work for them and I was excited. But there were a few glitches in the
plan I did not know would become obstacles for me. The boyfriend left Daytona to open the salon in New Smyrna Beach where he lived. He had no management training or experience. Since the new salon was 40 minutes away from his established clients, almost none of his clients followed. She was fresh out of school with no clients. They opened a brand new salon in a
location that had a lot of beach driving traffic, but almost no foot traffic to walk in. They did not have enough money to purchase most of the necessary supplies to work.
They were not able to do much advertising with the budget spent. Since none of us had lived in town very long, we did not know many people. They were planning to do the hair. He cut my hair one-day and it was the worst haircut I had even after he fixed it. I became less and less impressed with his abilities and a business owner. I was supposed to do the nails to start out and add services as they grew. I did one client and waited to find out when I should come in again.
After 4 months they were ready for me to return. Since there was not enough work to go around, they ended up doing the nails too. They got upset at me for taking another job in the mean time with another salon.

Seven years and much continuing education later, I moved to Ocala with a bit more knowledge on finding that perfect job. I first looked through the phone book to see the ads of various salons. This tells you something about the way they advertise for new business. I went to a local beauty supply store and talked to the staff to get an idea of the salons reputations and listened to what people said. One phrase someone said as a criticism actually appealed to me; “They are snobby there”. This means they are a very high-end salon and charge more for services. Since I was quite confident in my abilities to satisfy clients, I decided to put it on my list of salons to check out. I personally preferred a salon that serves more financially favored clients than budget clients. A high-end salon charges more and pampers a specific class of people. Their clients expect better treatment. Other salons offer the same services at a fraction of the cost. Some salons focus on volume. These salons charge less and get more people in and out each day. Other salons focus on retailing and have requirements on the amount you must sell each month. If you feel uncomfortable with selling, you either catch on quickly or feel stressed out worrying about quotas. Some techs enjoy the high paced, busy salons, while some prefer a calmer, two-chair salon. I find people who are the hardest working are also the hardest
playing. Techs like me thrive on working in a busy salon on one person after another. In between clients, I am reorganizing the storage area, telephoning about marketing, and figuring out how to make the place more efficient all at the same time.
People who are more passive than I am, (OK, my complete opposite) may be overwhelmed by a busy hectic salon. They may prefer a slower place that allows them all the time they need to finish each client.
All salons have a large variety of clients. It is up to your specifications as to what type of atmosphere you prefer to work in. There will always be clients who prefer quality and others geared toward prices, some who like a busy active salon, and some who want peace and quiet. Did I get side tracked again??? OK, when I went job hunting, I picked a slower salon day like a Tuesday or Wednesday so they would have more time to give me a moment to chat. I dressed up, had my hair, nails, and accessories looking dramatic for my first impression. When I walked into the salon with my resume¢ in hand, I noted the atmosphere. I said I was not in a rush when the salon owner/manager showed some interest in talking to me. This allowed me time to check out the salon. When their phone rang and they scheduled appointments, I tried to peek at their appointment book as they flipped pages to see if the staff was fairly busy. If you see lots of staff members with lots of openings for the present week, there is not enough business to go around. I walked around, checked out the retail sales material, talked to the staff and customers and let them know I was looking for a job. If most of the staff seemed receptive, this made it more inviting. People love to share their viewpoints. When customers talk up the salon, this makes it even more inviting. Some owners/managers took the time to talk to me. If they were busy and I was interested, I asked them if I could set up a time to talk to them. Once you get the interview and understand all the compensation and benefit plans, you are better equipped to actually select the right job. Most salons are privately owned and do not have the same benefits as chain salons. If you have dreams of a real career, do not reject jobs for an excessively high commission or salary. It may be a bribe to take a job that offers nothing more than a chair. You will be on your own with no future. Listen for a key phrase like, “We will train you”. If you want to find out if a potential employer would be beneficial in helping you learn more in your new profession, check with the school’s director or owner about inviting that potential employer to come in as a guest instructor. You will know right away if they have the patience to help you grow. Choosing the type of clients you want to work with will help you find the right salon too. If you want a high-end clientele, a walk-in salon that offers discounted prices will not satisfy you. If you want to specialize in men’s haircuts, then find a salon/barbershop that has many men that come in. New in my career, I worked for Mary. She had a full service salon that I was interested in. Her salon would expose me to a variety of services for me to develop my technique and expertise. Mary did nails, hair, waxing, skin care, body treatments, make-up, electrolysis, and many other specialized treatments. She had all the equipment and supplies needed for me to work with. I soaked in as much as I could hold learning from her. I knew starting out would be slow, but the more services I could offer, the more business I would get. I also had the opportunity to gain managing experience. Mary was out of town part of the week doing these specialties, so I was left to run it. I worked with five other staff members who taught me their specialties. I gained much new knowledge there.

My hairdresser, Scott Brown of Scissorhands in Ocala, FL, shared some valuable thoughts with me. "You need to always keep an open mind to the spectrum of possibilities to explore and a willingness to try everything. People often have these preconceived ideas of their future in this profession. Ideas learned can later become a passion. On the other hand, fear may hold you back from trying different avenues. Some have a mental image of greatness. Some graduate disappointed."

Compensation
You may have owners/managers discuss booth rents or commissions. I recommend you do not start on rental without a clientele. It is better to start out on commission because the owner will invest in getting you built up much more than someone wanting techs to help pay the rent. If an employer makes half of what you make (this is typical), they are interested in helping you build, since it will also increase their income. Some techs think 50% is a lot. But when it comes to paying the overhead, it is totally fair. You may even find owners who are willing to pay you 70%, but there may not be enough business to build from. Do not be surprised if a salon offers you a contract. Some contracts will prevent you from working within a certain distance from where you will be working for them. Make sure you have someone knowledgeable about beauty salon contracts explain your options. If you can live with most of the points, you may be able to negotiate the ones that you are uncomfortable with.
If a rental situation comes with an established clientele, there is no guarantee they will stay with you. If you are going to work in a rental salon, I recommend starting out by paying the salon 50% of what you make each day or week until that 50% is more than your rent for at least a month or two. For example, if your rent will be $100 a week, make sure half of what you are paying in each week is at least $100. Then you can be assured you’re making enough to cover your rent without losing money. This arrangement makes it fair for all involved until you have built up your clientele. Larger salons have the ability to offer advancement to your career with competitive salaries; ongoing paid educational programs, medical insurance, sick days, vacations, holidays, incentive bonuses, and employee recognition programs. A progressive, medium-sized salon may have a staff that is willing to teach you. Success will not happen over night A key point many salon owners regularly state that people starting in this profession need to understand they are not going to make $500 a week fresh out of school. This is an accomplishment resulting from hard work, continued education, and talent. It is imperative that new professionals understand their time at the shop is crucial for their success. Even if your appointment book is not full, being present at the place of business will bring you clients. You need to be at the salon as much as possible to gain all the new clients you can. Some techs want to be called if a client wants a service or spend only 15 hours a week working which is not realistic for building a full book. My second full time job in a salon with Teri was a blast. She was old enough to be well experienced, yet young enough to make working with her enjoyable. What a talented individual she was as I watched her in awe. She was unbelievably creative with hair and had many trophies to prove her abilities. Her confidence was astounding without being arrogant. She had this excellent rapport with her clients. They all loved coming to see her. She entertained them with her stories and vibrant sense of humor. Her clients had to wait an average of 45 minutes. But they permitted it because her talent was irreplaceable. She hired great talent with each of us offering a variety of services that allowed learning off of each other. We established salon clients that came to many of the staff members for all their various services. Most of us hired built a good clientele in the small town of New Smyrna Beach Florida within 2 years. I continued to work for her for many years until I moved out of town. I worked for some of the best employers and some of the worst and learned many valuable things from both. Even some bad employers can teach you something so valuable, that it will remain as an important lesson your entire career. One I worked for did do a good job on advertising to bring new business in. They can also teach you what NOT to do by their example. This same boss would have to continually do all this advertising because he treated people like they did not matter. He was rude, would not say hello or acknowledge them and say unprofessional things. The clients would not return. If someone in the salon said something to him about it, he would tell him/her where he/she could go. OUCH!

Job Seeking and Beyond!
When salons are looking for employees, they will often contact schools. Remember that salons look for those who "play well" with staff as well as students and clients. Your dependability and attendance are reflected in what you say and do as well as in your personality. I give personal references to salon owners about students’ behavior in school, such as helpfulness with cleaning and taking on extra tasks.

LOOK PROFESSIONAL! Do you feel that appearance plays a part in getting a job in this profession? ABSOLUTELY!!! A person will dress 33% better for an interview than daily on the job. People have walked into my salon wearing dirty T-shirts, cutoff shorts and a pair of old flip-flops. This frightened me! I tell people "If you wear it to the beach, at the gym, or to work around your house, do not wear it here at the salon". Ponder what impressions you have of people around you by their appearance.

One of my clients told me, "There are no ugly women, just lazy women." As I thought about the women I observed in my salon and around town, it is apparent what people do take great pride in their appearance. How can people improve their appearance? The first problem I hear from people getting started in this profession is, "I don't have enough money to go shopping." But when they do go shopping, they seem to buy more of what they already own, such as shorts, T-shirts, or other casual clothes that do not look professional. You can find business casual clothes for the same prices on sales racks. You can find excellent bargains at consignment shops. Dress for the position you want to be in. Remember that the salon will entice that what it represents, including you. Outrageous people are usually found working in outrageous salons offering services such as body piercing. Remember that you will be spending lots of time at your new workplace and you want it to match who you are, whomever that may be.

Most people have nice outfits hiding in their closets. Break them out. If you wait too long to wear them, they will be out of style anyway. When Lynn started working for me, she dressed very casually. I tried to convey to her that it was affecting her business. At times, when I was unavailable, I would suggest to my clients that they go to Lynn for their service and explained how wonderful her work was. In response they would say "Well you'd never tell it by looking at her." It hurt her to hear that but until she saw how important appearance was, she would never see how it affected her income. If you CHOOSE to be in the beauty industry, your appearance DOES play a big role.

Wearing a closed long smock can be a solution if you want to stick with your T-shirt & shorts. A person does not have to be dressed in formal attire to be well groomed. One may be well groomed in jeans and a T-shirt if this fits the occasion. A nice belt and shoes, along with your hair, nails, and makeup looking sharp, are beautiful accessories.

A big part of your appearance is affected by your mental attitude. Being tired or stressed out shows in your face and posture. Healthy eating and drinking influences your skin and complexion. When I am having a good day, I am often complimented on something I am wearing. When I am having a rough day, it shows and I promise no compliments are exchanged.

My best friend Patty in high school usually had hairstyles that drove me insane because she was always "growing it out". I would ask "TO WHAT?" She would shrug her shoulders with no response. I would say, "You can at least trim it and keep it looking nice in the process." Sometimes, people see our appearance differently than we see it. If someone does compliment you, “Thank you” is the best response, not “Oh, I can’t stand my…”

Make sure your hygiene is up to par. Not taking a daily shower or not using a deodorant and being in direct contact with people can be offensive. When you talk face to face with people, your customers may critique your hair, teeth, nails, and feet. If you use perfumes, do so in moderation; a third of the population is sensitive to it. Wear jewelry tastefully. If it takes a whole cigar box to store what you wear each day, you are probably overdoing it. Make-up must always be suitable to the time and place. No make up for women is unacceptable, if you are serious about being in the beauty business. People can always improve their appearance, their personality, and their skills and talents. The question is will they?

Once you have chosen the type of salon you want to be in, it is time to make contact. Stop in and set up an appointment with the salon owner or manager for an interview. If you would like to practice for an interview, find someone to role-play with. You can ask a business professional, an instructor, or a human resource person to help you with correct interview replies and behavior, if you are nervous.

When you get the application, fill it out entirely. If you do have a resume¢, attach it. In filling out your application, you can write “See Resume¢” on the application in that area. Include past jobs and references.

My graduates are concerned about filling out an application with no salon experience. The owners/managers know you are a new tech, but they are looking for people with a favorable work ethic. For example, punctuality, cleanliness, professionalism, honesty and people who play well with others. The beauty profession is primarily based on interactions with others, more than talents. You can be the best Tech in the world, but if your rapport with others is brash, you will lose business for the salon. The salon owner or manager will review your application accordingly.

If an appointment is set up for an interview, BE PUNCTUAL. An interviewer will most likely check your references and job history. Be honest, always; you WILL get caught. While you are at an interview, be courteous, and show enthusiasm for the job! Have a professional attitude as well as a sense of humor, and SMILE. Be prepared to do demos of your work. You may want to offer to do the interviewer especially if you are doing nails, facials, or massage. Let them know you’re ready to work as soon as they want you.

After the interview, follow up, follow up, and follow up. People get jobs just by being a pest! This is the truth! Lynn came to me three times for a job. I was not interested in her because of her appearance. But she kept coming back, so I knew she really wanted to work with me. She was like a sponge; she wanted to learn everything I could throw at her. She ended up being a great asset for many years, until she moved across the country with her new husband in the military. While I am on the subject, if you are on a military base, your license from any state is good while working ON the base.

How to Create a Better Resume
Remember that there are so many salons out there looking for Techs, you should not get yourself worked up about writing a resume¢. Over 95% of the people going into a salon looking for a job do not even present one. But if you want to be better than the rest of the applicants, when trying to get hired, develop one.

A resume¢ should be brief and to the point. It should not be too plain or too fluffy. Phrases, such as “A challenging position”, “contribute to your organization/goals”, and “advancing growth” make a difference. If you want to be noticed, be unique. State your specialties. Rather than listing the typical job descriptions and responsibilities, let the potential employee know how you have made a difference for your past employers. It shows that you are ready to do more than just put in hours. State community projects, languages you speak, and certifications and awards you have received.

It is recommended that résumés be no longer than one page. Avoid repeating the same info over and over. The interview will allow you to supply more details. Your hobbies and interests are only important if they are relevant to the job. Think of a résumé as a commercial for a great movie. It should entice the viewer to want to contact you for an interview to see the rest. The entire résumé should include highlights that grab the reader’s attention. Use minimal words by avoiding “I”, “me”, “the” and “an” when writing the facts. Viewers with many applications quickly glance through them and look for key words that fit the job they are trying to fill. A few well-chosen words are more valuable than lots of fluff.

The résumé starts with your basic information: name, address, and phone number and e-mail address. More personal information is not needed in most situations. When mailing your résumé out of town (especially for jobs that relate to public speaking), you can include a professional picture.

The first heading is the objective that states your best skills relevant to the job you are applying for. These may change depending on what the company is looking for. Yes, you may need to alter your résumé from job to job. If you have not developed special skills yet, leave this out.

The next section, the background, should give quick, concise details of your experience. You do not have to use complete sentences. You can use verb phrases, such as “Organized student training for competition"; "Created demo material for instructors "and "Led client building competition". Your employment (or experience if lacking an employment history) should start with your most current job and work backwards. Your experiences can include educational events you attended related to the profession. If there are valid gaps in the dates such as attending school or having children, that situation can be listed with the dates amongst the other job dates.

Next, will be your education.

Finish with the summary. This will emphasize your skills, how advanced they are and how they relate to the position you are applying for. If you know what the employer is looking for, this can give you an idea of what to state. You can add references or state they are available upon request.

You can also state your future intentions. Do you plan to work part-time or full-time? Will you also be attending or taking extra time off to be with the family. I have hired people thinking they will be working full time while they planned on working 15 hours a week. This created a conflict for both of us. I had to start the job search process all over again because we did not meet each other’s needs.

When you have jotted down all your notes and organized them, you can type your resume¢ yourself, or have a friend or a professional service help you. If you create it yourself, have two others proofread it to check for clarity and mistakes. See sample re¢sume¢s in appendix C.

If you write a cover letter, it should be adjusted to each job as well as the business you are applying to. It should also reflect your résumé. This is a sample of a cover letter. See sample cover letter in appendix D.

Now That You Have Found That Perfect Job!
Your first day of work at a new unfamiliar salon in a totally new profession can be tough. But we all have to start somewhere. Start out on a good note. Introduce yourself to your new coworkers. Heck, bring in a pan of brownies! They want to know who the new person is. Is she any good and will we like her. Feel out your coworkers and find out who is willing to let you watch or even go as far as teaching you. If they let you watch and ask questions with one client, do not assume you can do this with all clients. Subtly ask them if this is a good time to watch and look at their expressions. Some clients are more private and would not appreciate an audience. If they know you are excited to learn, they may call you when they are doing a technique you will enjoy learning.

You also want to make a good impression on clients, so do not forget to introduce yourself to them, especially if they are on display for you. Offer them a drink if available. The time may come when their regular tech is unavailable. If they thought you were a "nice person", they will give you a try. You need to learn the fine line between being courteous and being a pest. Watching body language is a very good indication. If someone is trying to turn their face, eyes and/or body away from you, that is an indication they would like to end the conversation. Others that smile at you and ask you questions are inviting you to participate in their conversation.

Chain salons can be a wonderful way to get more education right after you graduate or if your getting back into the beauty field after being out of it for awhile. Chain salons often offer training programs, salary, and commission as well as benefits and incentives. A salon chain has at least five related salons. Go to www.naccas.org then "chain salons" to find stores like JC Penney's, Burdines, Fantastic Sam’s, The Hair Cuttery, Toni & Guy, Regis, Super Cuts and Trade Secret to research the possibility of working for one of these chain salons.

Chains certainly have an advantage in acquiring prime real estate. Mall developers are more likely to seek out national chain salons than local salon owners in large shopping centers are. They like the chain's track record. It is financially stable and it’s brand-name appeals to shoppers. You can learn the art of retailing (which is required more by chains) and get some advanced skills and techniques under your belt.

The opportunities to find a great job are numerous in the wide open salon market. Take your time and select YOUR best opportunity!

Appendix A
Note: Call information (the area code of the capitol) plus 555-1212 and ask
whichever board you want to be licensed under if you do not find what you need
in the appendix. Some professions will fall under the Health Department like
body piercing.


Cosmetology board directory - http://www.naccas.org/StateBoard/index.htm

Or

Alabama Board of Cosmetology - cosmetology@aboc.state.al.us -
http://www.aboc.state.al.us
100 N. Union St., Suite 320
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-1926

Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing, Board of Barbers & Hairdressers
license@dced.state.ak.us - http://dced.state.ak.us/occ/pbah.htm>
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811
(907) 465-2547

Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
1721 E. Broadway Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282-1611
(602) 784-4539

Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology - darlene.burrow@mail.state.ar.us
101 E. Capital Ave., Suite #108
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-2168

California Bureau of Barbering & Cosmetology - http://www.dca.ca.gov/barber
400 R Street, Suite #4080
P.O. Box 944226
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-7061

Colorado Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
barber-cosmetology@dora.state.co.us -
http://www.dora.state.co.us/barbers_cosmeetologists
1560 Broadway, Suite #1340
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 894-7772

Connecticut Dept. of Public Health
410 Capitol Ave., Mail Stop #12 Application Dept.
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
(860) 509-7569

Delaware Board of Cosmetology & Barbering -
http://www.state.de.us/research/profreg/cosmotol.htm
861 Silverlake Blvd. Canon Building, Suite #203
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 739-4522

District Of Columbia Dept. of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs, Board of Barbering
& Cosmetology
614 H St. N.W., Room 904
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 727-7474

Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation -
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa
1940 N. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 487-1395

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
237 Coliseun Dr.
Atlanta, GA 31217
(912) 207-1430

Hawaii Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Board of Cosmetology
1010 Richards St.
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
(808)

Idaho State Board of Cosmetology - csimpson@ibol.state.id.us -
http://www2.state.id.us/ibol/cos.htm
1109 Main St., #220
Boise, ID
(208) 334-3233

Illinois Dept. of Professional Regulation - http://www.dpr.state.il.us
320 W. Washington St., 3rd floor
Springfield, IL 62786
(217) 785-0800

Indiana Professional Licensing Agency State Board of Cosmetology Examiners
http://www.ai.org/pla/index.htm
302 W. Washington St., Rm. EO-34
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2980

Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Professional Licensing Agency
321 E. 12th St., 5th Fl. Lukes Spades Office Bld.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
(515) 281-4416

Kansas State Board of Cosmetology
2708 N.W. Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS
(913)

Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers & Cosmetologists -
dena.moore@mail.state.ky.us
111 Saint James Court, Suite A
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4262

Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology - lsbc@state.la.us
11622 Sunbelt Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 756-3404

Maine State Board of Barbering & Cosmetology -
anne.l.head@state.me.us - http://www.maineprofessionalreg.org<
State House Sta. 35
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8603

Maryland Board of Cosmetologists - mbrown@dllr.state.md.us -
http://www.dllr.state.md.us
500 N. Calvert St., 3rd floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 333-6320

Massachusetts Board of Cosmetologists - zane.b.skerry@state.ma.us -
http://www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/br/default.htm
100 Cambridge St., Rm. 1406
Boston, MA 02202
(617) 727-9940

Michigan Dept. of Consumer & Industry Services, Attn.: Cosmetology
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
(517)

Minnesota Dept. of Commerce Licensing Division, Attn.: Cosmetology
licensing@state.mn.us - http://www.commerce.state.mn.us
133 E. Seventh St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(800) 657-3978

Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology
P.O. Box 55689
Jackson, MS, 39296-5689
(601) 987-6837

Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
P.O. Box 1062,
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573)

Montana Dept. of Commerce Board of Cosmetologists - compoleos@state.mt.us -
http://www.com.state.mt.us/license/pd/index
111 N. Jackson, P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-4288

Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services Regulation & Licensure Credentialing
Division - hhsinfo@www.hhs.state.ne.us - http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/lis/lis.asp
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
(402) 471-2117

Nevada State Board of Cosmetology - nvcosmbd@govmail.state.nv.us
1785 E. Sahara Ave., #255
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 486-6542

New Hampshire State Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics -
http://www.state.nh.us/cosmet
2 Industrial Park Dr.
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3608

New Jersey Board of Cosmetology & Hairstyling - http://www.state.nj.us
P.O. Box 45003
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6400

New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 476-7110

New York Dept. of State Division of Licensing Services -
licensing@dos.state.ny.us - http://www.dos.state.ny.us
84 Holland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 474-4429

North Carolina Board of Cosmetology - ncs0963@interpath.com
1201 Front St., Suite #110
Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 733-4127

North Dakota Board of Cosmetology - cosmo@gcentral.com
1102 S. Washington St., Suite #200
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 224-9800

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology - http://www.webtest.state.oh.us/cos/index.htm
101 Southland Mall
Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 466-3834

Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology - http://www.state.ok.us/~cosmo
2200 Classen Blvd., Suite #1530
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
(405) 521-2441

Oregon Cosmetology - hdlp.mail@state.or.us -
http://www.hdlp.hr.state.or.us/bhhome.htm
700 Summer St. N.E., Suite #320
Salem, OR 97301-1287
(503) 378-8667

Pennsylvania Cosmetology Board - cosmetol@pados.dos.state.pa.us
124 Pine St., P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 783-7130

Rhode Island Dept. of Health - russells@doh.state.ri.us -
http://www.health.state.ri.us
Division of Hairdressing & Barbering, Rm. 104
3 Capitol Hill Rm. #104
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2231

South Carolina Board of Cosmetology - http://www.llr.state.sc.us
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 896-4494

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission - sdcosmo@sd.cybernex.net
http://www.state.sd.us/dcr/cosmo.html (top)
500 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-6193

Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology or State Board of barber examiners -
http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/cosmo/index.htm
500 James Robertson Pkwy.
Nashville, TN 37243-1147
(615) 741-2515

Texas Cosmetology Commission - catherine.nahay@txcc.state.tx.us
http://www.txcc.state.tx.us
5717 Balconies Dr.
P.O. Box 26700, Austin, TX 78755
(512) 454-4674

Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing -
http://www.commerce.state.ut.us
160 East, 300 South, Heber Wells Bld. 4th floor
P.O. Box 45805
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
(801) 530-6628

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - patkins@sec.state.vt.us
http://www.vtprofessionals.org
26 Terrace Street,
Montpelier, VT 05609-1106
(802) 828-2373

Virginia Dept. of Professional Occupation & Regulation, Board of Cosmetology
cosmo@dpor.state.va.us - http://www.state.va.us/dpor
3600 W. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230-4917
(804) 367-8509

Washington Dept. of Licensing & Professional Licensing Services Cosmetology
Section - plssunit@dol.wa.gov - http://www.wa.gov/dol
405 Blacklake Blvd., P.O. Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
(360) 753-3834

West Virginia Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
1716 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite #7
Charleston, WV 25302
(304) 558-2924

Wisconsin Dept. of Regulations & Licensing, Barbering & Cosmetology Examining
Board - wisc-web@badger.state.wi.us - http://www.state.wi.us
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-5511

Wyoming Board of Cosmetology - jvialp@missc.state.wy.us
2515 Warren Ave., Ste. 302
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-3534


Appendix B

Massage

http://www.thebodyworker.com/massagelawsandregulations.htm

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
660 Adams Ave., Suite 301
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 269-9990 Fax: (334) 263-6115

Alaska Dept of Commerce & Development
P.O. Box 110606
Juneau, AK 99811

Arizona License Service
251 W. Washington 3rd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Arkansas State Board of Massage Therapy
103 Airways
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71903-0739
(501) 623-0444 (501) 682-9170

California Dept. of Consumer Affairs
400 R State St. Suite 1040
Sacramento, CA 95814

Colorado Dept. of Regulatory Agencies
1560 Broadway Suite 1550
Denver, CO 80202

Connecticut
Dept of Health
150 Washington St. Hartford CT 06106
(860) 509-7603/7566 or (800) 842-0038

Delaware Office of the Governor
Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silver Lake Blvd.
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 739-4522 ext. 205, (302) 744-4500

District of Columbia, Massage Training Inst
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 727-1000 (202) 244-2280

Florida Dept of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C01
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3251
(850) 488-0595/6021

Georgia Examining Board
166 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA, 30303

Hawaii DCCA-PVL, ATT: Massage
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
(808) 586-2699/3000

Indiana City Controller/Finance Dept.
2221 City County Building
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Idaho Occupational Licensing Board
2404 Bank Drive Room 312
Boise, Idaho 83705

Illinois


Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure
Lucas State Office Building--5th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
(515) 281-4422

Kansas

Kentucky


Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
PO Box 1279, Zachary, LA 70791
(225)658-8941 Fax (225)658-8946

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
#35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0035
(207) 624-8624/8603

Maryland Dept of Health
4201 Patterson Ave. Baltimore MD 21215-2299
410-764-4738

Mass

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi


Missouri State Board of Therapeutic Massage
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 1335
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335
(573) 522-6277 Fax: (573) 751-0735

Montana


Nebraska Credentialing Division, Massage Therapy
P.O. Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
(402) 471-2117

Nevada

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
129 Pleasant Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301-6527
(603) 271-4592/5127 Fax: (603) 271-5590

New Jersey Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, New Jersey 07101
Fax: 973-648-3481

New Mexico Massage Therapy Board
2055 Pacheco Street, Suite 400
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 827-7013 or (505) 476-7090/7089

New York State Board for Massage Therapy
State Education Building - 2nd floor East
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234-1000
(518) 474-3817/3866

North Carolina Board of Massage & Body Works
Post Office Box 2539
Raleigh, NC 27602
(919) 546-0050 Fax: (919) 833-1059

North Dakota
(701) 255-3906

State of Ohio Medical Board
77 South High Street, 17th Floor Columbus
Ohio 43215-6127
(614) 466-3934 Fax:(614)728-5946

Oklahoma

Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
3218 Pringle Rd. SE, Suite 250
Salem, OR 97302
(503) 731-4064 or (503) 365-8657 Fax: (503) 385-4465

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island Division of Health Services Regulation, Health Professions
3 Capitol Hill, Room 104
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2827 Fax: (401) 222-1272

South Carolina Massage/Bodywork Therapy
PO Box 11329
Columbia, S.C. 29211-1329
(803) 896-4588 Fax: (803) 896-4484

South Dakota

Tennessee
(615) 367-6393

Texas Department of Health, Massage Therapy Registration Program
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756-3183
(800) 942-5540

Utah Dept of Commerce
160 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City Utah
(866)275-3675 (801) 530-6628

Vermont

Virginia Board of Nursing
6606 West Broad St., 4th Fl.
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
(804) 662-9909 Fax:(804) 662-9512

Washington State Department of Health Professions
1300 SE Quince Street, P.O. Box 47860
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7860
(360) 586-6351

West Virginia Massage Therapy Licensure Board
200 Davis Street Suite 1
Princeton, WV 24740
800-871-7265 or 304-487-1400 Fax: 304-487-1460

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
1735 North Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22200
(800) 296-0664 or (703) 610-9015 Fax: (703) 610-9005

Wisconsin Bureau of Health Professions - Massage Therapy
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
(608) 266-0145

Wyoming

Canada




Appendix C
Heidi Brown
123 Mars Rd.
Hollywood, CA 94705
(309) 555-4444 (Home)


Objective: Position as a nail artist in a growing salon.

Summary of Qualifications:

• 2 years experience in a grocery store as clerk, checker, and cashier.
• Excellent reputation with customers as a competent, knowledgeable and
helpful professional.
• Honest, reliable, and productive.

Customer Service:

• Developed a reputation for excellent customer service by:
a) acknowledging the customer’s presence;
b) greeting customers in a friendly manner, and giving them full attention;
c) taking time to answer a question or find someone who could.

Employment History:

2000-Present Retail Clerk Big Supermarket, Hollywood California

Education:

Cosmetology School, 2002 Great Looks Community School

Hollywood High, 2000 Graduated in the top 10% of my high school class.



Appendix D

January 19, 2003


Attention: Joan Bolder

From: Heidi Brown

Subject: Entry level Salon Assistant


Enclosed is my resume outlining my desire to enter the salon industru.
The majority of my experience has been interacting with the public and customer
service. My talents were highlighted during high school as an art major and
active in many clubs. As the president of the Art Club, our group received city
recognition for beautifying our community in 2001.

I have lived in Hollywood, California for fifteen years and have
interacted with the community including volunteering at the hospital. My hard
work, ethics and discipline to get the job done has been acknowledged by my
former employers. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.


Sincerely,


Heidi Brown
123 Mars Rd.
Hollywood, CA 94705
(309) 555-4444