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The NACC Salon Institute – On the
Cutting Edge
The ultra-modern Salon Institute operated
by Northeast Alabama Community College in Scottsboro has
expanded its training and services, all of which are available
to the public. There is an air of excitement at one of North
Alabama’s most stylish and advanced training centers. Enrollment
is on the rise with approximately 90 students currently training
in personal development, career building, and the art and
science of beautifying and improving the skin, nails, and hair.
“The Salon Institute is on the cutting
edge when it comes to up-to-date training, technology, customer
service, and a professional and friendly atmosphere,” states
Julise Clement, Cosmetology Instructor and Director of the Salon
Institute. “We are very proud to be a part of the community in
which we serve and so privileged to be a part of this growing
program.” Clement notes that the Salon Institute helps fulfill
the college’s mission of providing accessible quality
educational opportunities, promoting economic growth in the
area, and improving the quality of life for the people of
Alabama through workforce training.
The Salon Institute has been open for 1½
years. It is located in Suite 500 in the Liberty Square Shopping
Center across from the Western Sizzlin’ in Scottsboro. The 5,000
square feet facility is state of the art. “Dr. David Campbell
(NACC President), Dr. Joe Burke (Vice President/Dean of
Instruction), Larry Guffey (Dean of Administrative Services),
and Mike Kennamer (Director of Workforce Development) had the
foresight to add this program at the right time and at the right
place,” said Clement.
In addition to Clement, Regina Gilliland
is a full-time instructor of Cosmetology and Color Specialist.
As a means of providing the latest in product knowledge and for
professional development, “We also invite specialists in from
Redkin, CHI, Mizanti, Dermalogica, Tammy Taylor, OPI, and others
to do classes,” said Clement.
New at the Institute being offered is a
separate certificate in Nail Technology. Instructor Lori Mathews
teaches manicuring, pedicuring, acrylics, gel, fiberglass nails,
nail art and advanced nail techniques. Upon completion, the
student should be able to perform the skills necessary to obtain
a license and job.
“Plans are to increase the number of
classes in Esthetics and Massage therapy in the near future with
the addition of new equipment for advanced techniques training,”
added Clement.
A successful dual enrollment program in
cosmetology is already in place for Jackson County high school
students through the Earnest Pruett Center for Technology.
“Mrs. Clement and her staff do an outstanding job in teaching
students and managing the Salon Institute,” Dr. Campbell said.
“Mrs. Clement is a very experienced and talented Instructor, and
her skills in interior design really show at the Salon
Institute. We welcome anyone to stop by and tour the facility
and of course it is open to customers for service. Mrs. Clement
worked closely with the building owner, Mr. D. I. Pruett, in the
design and layout of the interior of the building, and I think
the results of those efforts are very evident.”
Current students are eager to share their
experiences at The Salon Institute. Alyssa Headrick of Sherwood,
Tennessee grew up around a salon environment and knew it was for
her. “I have had a great experience here at The Salon
Institute,” she said. “I have learned how to manage a salon as
well as haircutting, texture services, color, esthetics and
nails. It has been worth the drive. It is a great school and I
love the environment, the teachers, and the facility."
Recent graduate Ashley Deering of Fort
Payne is thankful for “all the clientele. All the manikins in
the world cannot prepare you like a real client can. I now feel
confident and prepared.” She explains that the Salon Institute
is like working in a real salon, with new techniques being
learned that are used in salons today. “We study and practice to
prepare for the Licensure Board Examination, and we leave
confident in ourselves and our work, ready for today's
workforce."
Becky Williams Thompson of Bridgeport
agrees that the program puts the student in a real salon
atmosphere. “Working on a real person puts everything in
perspective,” she offered. “And, our facility is like one in a
big city. We use the best of everything. I know that I am
getting the right tools that I need to be successful and I have
a job waiting for me when I get out of school. I will always be
thankful for this experience."
"I was so surprised when I saw how much
chemistry and biology we had to learn,” said Crystal Jones,
fourth semester student. “I had no idea we would have to learn
to analyze the hair, skin and nails, and learn their disorders
and irregularities. I have truly learned so much more than I
ever thought possible.”
Hannah Smith, fourth semester student,
said, “Everyone loves it here. The clients are always telling us
how nice everyone is and how well trained we are. The facility
is beautiful and we are lucky to have such a place in
Scottsboro."
It is projected that job opportunities in
the cosmetology field will grow at a slightly faster rate than
the average of all occupations through the year 2016 according
to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition. “And,
according to recent national news reports, the salon industry
has not experienced a down turn in this economy,” said Clement.
“People are still getting their hair and nails done – that is
one thing that appears not to have changed.” Cosmetology as a
field is both a skill and an art and the Salon Institute
stresses creative as well as specific skills training.
“We encourage you to come by and see what
all is going on at The Salon Institute,” said Clement. “With
this type of facility and all that we have to offer how could
you not want to check us out? I think you will be pleasantly
surprised!”
Currently, the Salon Institute is
beautifully decorated for Valentine’s Day. Between now and
Valentine’s Day, Salon Gift Cards with special gift wrapping and
chocolate kisses may be purchased.
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The Salon Institute hours are
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8 am until 3 pm, and
Thursday from 8 am until 8 pm.
For an appointment or for more
information about
The NACC Salon Institute, call 259-1512 or e-mail
clementj@nacc.edu.
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(Above right)
Greeting you to the Salon Institute are seated, Elyse
Griffin and Regina Williams, NACC students, and
standing, Cosmetology Instructor and Director of the
Salon Institute, Julise Clement. |
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(Right) Elyse Griffin
demonstrates a facial technique. |
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(Below) Classroom photo at the Salon
Institute. Approximately 90 students currently are
enrolled in Cosmetology. |
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(Article written by and photos taken by Debra A.
Barrentine, Director of Promotions and Marketing at
NACC.)
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