Q. What inspired you to go into the cosmetology industry?

A. As an only child, I spent a great deal of time falling in love with movies and motion picture magic. I found an affinity for many different areas: painting, make-up, hair creations, visual creativity. In addition to the opportunity to explore my creativity, I absolutely love helping people feel good about themselves and see themselves as beautiful and attractive.

Q. What was your deciding factor for choosing Crave?

A. A former boss and several friends had tried other places, and I considered those options, but Crave felt like a fit for me. Everyone here is so welcoming and organized, and what they teach and share covers the bases of what I’m interested in exploring. Centrally located at Douglas and West St., there are 75 to 100 students. That also appealed to me — not too large and not too small. Schooling is 1,500 hours for completion of the program, and students may accomplish this at various paces, full time or part time.

Q. What do you enjoy about the Academy?

A. I love the sense of collaboration. Teachers and students are continually helping each other, inspiring one another to stretch creatively. For example, I might be learning a specific haircut or process, and opportunities may arise to assist someone else or for someone else to share a technique that helps me do the best job possible for my client. So I’m constantly learning while working, as well as helping. Everyone here is intentional and invested in learning and teaching. Also, our clients realize we’re learning and developing our skills, so they are typically very patient and allow us to take time with them.

Q. What would you suggest to any future professional considering this craft as a career?

A. I would recommend taking time to research your options, spend a little time looking for the right blend that will help you build your skills. And absolutely make sure you are a people person, that you enjoy spending time working and visiting with others. This industry is customer service mixed with creativity

and time management.

Q. What do you see yourself doing in three to five years; what are your goals and aspirations?

A. In three years I hope to have built a full time clientele base, working six days a week. By the five-year mark, I still hope to be helping people four days a week, possibly working at a salon of my own here in the Wichita area.

A future dream would be to own a salon that specializes in events. Important life events like a wedding, an anniversary celebration, maybe a bachelorette party, prom night or a birthday call for specific attention to detail, plus timing and support. These can be stressful times or can be more relaxed and enjoyed if

someone else is assisting with the creative details. I value supporting women and helping alleviate unnecessary stress in these important moments. My experience in event planning as well as the skill set I’m developing now in cosmetology inspires me to continue in these pursuits.

Q. What are some of your favorite services and aspects of your job?

A. I so enjoy hair shaping (cutting) and what it can do for hair. The process increases the health of the hair and the results are immediate, ranging from subtle to dramatic. Styling hair is also very enjoyable as well as instilling confidence in clients styling their own hair.