Monday, November 24, 2014

15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist


15 Steps to Becoming a Successful Stylist

  1. Create an online portfolio of your work.  Not just work you like….display a variety of styles so that your talent really shines.
  2. Create a business card with your name and the address of your portfolio along with your phone number.  Drop it with every salon owner whose salon you would like to work.  Offer to work a day or two for free to demonstrate your professional personality, style and talent.
  3. Develop your ‘serving’ nature.  As a new stylist-offer to assist everyone-clients and workers as well.
  4. When you get the opportunity to meet a client, act like a professional: LISTEN and deliver what the client asks for and then you ASK for their future follow up appointments by educating your clients ‘how-to’ keep their great style in shape.
  5. If your salon offers classes-attend them all-even if you think you know everything they expect to cover.  If you know everything-you can help others learn.  If you learn even just one thing-you can share that with your clients.
  6. Make yourself available to work all the hours that are available.  If the salon is open 7 days-work 6-7 days for at least the first year to allow clients to get used to seeing you.  Hang coats, pour coffee, sweep the floor-do whatever it takes to keep you in the eye of the client.  Keep a printed copy of your portfolio available for anyone to look through when choosing a hairstyle.
  7. Make your shampoo and finishing count.  These, along with instructions for at home care are the keys to getting a client to return.
  8. Remember your client is coming to see you for a service and some socializing.  Keep your conversation professional and friendly.  Do Not share your problems and Do Not give advice other than how to care for their hair.  You can offer condolences and understanding, but, that’s all.  Leave the advice to the professionals.
  9. It’s fun to be creative but, unless your client likes a different look every time they see you, make sure you use techniques that allow you to duplicate your work.  Too creative and you run the risk of not being able to deliver when they say “I’d like it the same as last time”
  10. Find classes that improve your work and share your experience with your clients.  Everyone likes someone who keeps improving.
  11. Pay Attention! Your clients will tell you stories and share personal information.  In addition to being discreet and not repeating any of your conversation, REMEMBER what you talk about so you can ask for an update on the next visit.  (“So, Mrs. Jones, how did your dog do at his training session?”)
  12. Try to minimize mistakes by asking questions-your consultation time is time well spent. Never skimp on this step.  Don’t rely on the last visit record.  Find out what worked, what could be better and confirm that the details are correct.  Occasionally the prior record could be written incorrectly.
  13. Keep a positive attitude.  Enjoy the good times and use your mistakes as a learning experience.  You can always find something to take away from a mistake.
  14. DO NOT Work for only money.  Work for the reward of a job well done, the sense of accomplishment and for the love of your profession.  The money will follow.
  15. Keep asking questions, respect the new stylists and treat them how you wish you were treated when you were new.  You will command well deserved respect and success because you will have earned it.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Welcome to the wonderful world of Cosmetology!


As you begin your journey, it is so important to fully grasp the endless possibilities you have in this career. Many students go on to be fabulous hair stylists, make up artists, colorists, managers, owners, and so much more. 
I would like to touch on a few things that I have had the pleasure of doing and the amazing experience and knowledge you gain from each of them.
Being a colorist and working for a color company is quite possibly the most rewarding experience in the world of Cosmetology. Making a client feel good about themselves is such a great feeling.  As well as being able to look at a client as a blank canvas and having endless possibilities allows your creativity run wild!
Other then being able to make people feel amazing, which is the best thing you can ever do, you can also make a great living. 
Some cosmetologists consider becoming a color educator, which allows you to travel and explore even more possibilities. I thrive to educate my students as much as I possibly can on everything there is to know, but I am very open for my students to become a colorist. I know first hand how incredible it really is!

           Salon managers are another facet of the industry and I believe the heart and soul of any salon out there. Being a salon manager is a lot of work but at the end of the day, seeing numerous clients walking out with a smile on their face makes it all worth it! 
         A salon manager basically oversees everything in the salon. They are usually responsible for everything from payroll to handling clients. Being a manager means you have to be a team player and lead by example. It is vital that you have exemplary communication skills and the ability to command your audience. Again, salon manager is often a way to make an excellent salary, which is always a plus.

          As you can see I have only touched on 2 out of the never-ending possibilities as a Cosmologist. I hope this allows you to see that nothing is ever impossible and you have so many options once you obtain your license. 
         What is your career path? What are your goals and dreams? I hope to one day see all of you being the BEST that you can be!

-Dana Nucifora

Educator at Roman Academy

Monday, July 21, 2014

Cosmetology is More than Just a Job--It's a Career!

Roman Academy has some of the most amazing students that I have ever seen! My name is Ms. Dana and I have had the pleasure of working at Roman Academy for the past 5 months.


Teaching students that have a desire and passion to learn makes my job so fulfilling.

Starting a career in Cosmetology is such a continual learning experience and it is forever rewarding. Having a client tell you how great they feel is the best thing you will ever hear. Cosmetology is a career; I would never call it just a job because it is really something you can do for the rest of your life.

There are so many options as a Cosmetologist. You can be a makeup artist, salon owner, manager, educator, and so so so much more!

Each year you learn more and more and the education is endless. Seeing the passion and dedication my students have motivates me. There is no other career that you can do what you absolutely love, make others feel so much better about themselves and therefore, make a difference in the world.

Teaching at Roman Academy is the best decision I have made in a long time. I hope that everyone that reads this blog signs up and starts their amazing journey to never ending success!

- Dana Nucifora
  Cosmetology Education at Roman Academy



Wednesday, June 11, 2014



Questions to Ask About a Career or Job

 in Cosmetology or Skincare


Throughout our lives we are faced with choices regarding our careers.  Consider the answers to these questions to determine how you might enjoy working in the beauty field.


  1. Is a career in beauty for you?  Are you a candidate for the beauty industry?
  2. Are you creative?  
  3. Do you like to work with people?  
  4. Enjoy meeting new people every day?
  5. Do you like the 8-5 workday or prefer the variety of a flexible schedule?
  6. Do you like to work in a stationary position (i.e. sitting at a desk) or prefer to keep active?
  7. Are you interested in a career that you can begin working in within months rather than years?
  8. For those bound for college: are you looking for a creative way to pay for your education?
  9. Are you inspired by colors and shapes?
  10. Would you like to consider someday owning your own business?
  11. Who do you know that is excited to go to work?  Ask them what they enjoy about their career/job
  12. Who do you know that is NOT excited to go to work? Ask them what they dislike about their career/job

If you answered yes to questions 1-10 - You are ready to consider a career in Cosmetology or Skin Care.















Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Beauty School NJ- Open House Hawthorne, NJ 5/21/14

You are Invited:
Roman Academy Open House
431 Lafayette Avenue
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
For Guidance Counselors and Students
Refreshments will be servedOn Wednesday, May 21 from 12:00 to 2: pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

RSVP Today: 973-423-2223

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Staying Current in the Beauty Industry is Important for Success

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) advances the professional beauty industry by providing our members
with education, charitable outreach, government advocacy, events and more. Probeauty is the largest organization of salon professionals with members representing salons/spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals/NCA.

Why Join PBA

As a Probeauty member, you will gain access to member-only benefits and services that are not offered to other industry professionals. PBA membership allows you to capture up-to-the-minute industry knowledge, gain exposure to thought leaders, discover proven best practices, connect with colleagues and make new contacts.


https://www.probeauty.org/

Thursday, April 10, 2014

We're Getting Ready for Spring!

Roman Academy invites all students/graduates to participate in our free job placement program. Interested students/graduates should call: 973-423-2223 to make a career planning appointment. Bring photos of your work, a notebook, your smartphone or tablet to the appointment. You've earned your license. Now make it a career.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Beauty School Contests Enhance Skills

Creative Hair Styling contest at Roman Academy encourages students to use their special occasion skills. While the entire class produced excellent work, the judges needed to choose 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. It was a tough choice!

About Us

About Us

Choosing a Cosmetology Beauty School in NJ


Roman Academy Career Guide

 

This is a very exciting time of year when the flowers begin to bloom and optimism does as well.  The days are longer and the daylight gives the impression that we actually have more time in each day. 

 

We bask in the extra time for dreaming, planning, building new skills and assessing new goals.

 

While the world continues to evolve and automation causes many vocations to become obsolete-there are several trades that continue to develop and promise to remain for a long time to come.

 

While technology will surely enhance how we paint a room, repair a faucet or an automobile-we still need our hands and expertise to apply the service.

 

This continues to remain true of the creative fields-where the reward is in the handiwork and innovation of a project we can feel from start to finish.

 

Who can argue the satisfaction of the development of a landscape or hairstyle as it unfolds from its inception to completion?

 

With this in mind, consider how the current marketplace demands that our workforce thinks at the speed of sound and can multi-task, collaborate and solve problems at the blink of an eye. 

 

With the availability of internet on our phones, tablets and computers, we surely have live data at our fingertips as soon as the question or thought occurs.

 

Keeping that sense of urgency and freshness in our data stream undoubtedly provides the ability to enhance our creativity and aid in the development of our given careers.

 

When researching a new career or career change one must consider that we can expect to work longer that our ancestors as it may take longer to store up the funds to live the golden years.  In other words, plan to choose a career that you enjoy today and can find ways to take pleasure in for years to come.

 

We’ve all read that when you choose a career you love~you’ll never work a day.  Love what you do and it will reward you in return.

 

Consider a career that has an extended career path to accommodate your longer work-life.  Once you have completed training and begun your path to success, consider using the skills of the branding executive who knows how to engage and connect to make the most of your career.

 

Most trade schools have a placement department; however, your destiny and success are most closely related to what you do with your trade skills and your ability to create your own ‘buzz’.

 

Today is the ‘do-it-yourself’ marketing, promotion, branding and networking generation.  Notwithstanding that you can’t blog yourself to success-it surely can get the word out about your expertise.

 

Today, one may find that the trades which encompass technology, service or time-honored ‘soft skills’ will take the place of some traditional vocations.

 

When assessing a new career consider:

1.      the level of interest you have in the field

2.      the hours required to build a business and maintain a clientele.

3.      what cycles have you seen the business withstand (i.e. some service businesses are considered ‘recession-proof’ because they can withstand a down economy while others require you to prepare for worst when the economy takes a turn)

4.      what path will you take and how far will you advance?

5.      what are the features and benefits of the field?

6.      the required cash investment and if any grants or loans are available.

7.      how long is the training and how long before you can begin servicing clients?

 

 

Once you have decided on the new career you wish to pursue, interviewing others in the field to learn the ups and downs of the field will help solidify your choice. Carefully analyze and expect to read between the lines, however, as many who are just ‘burned out’ may not provide the most enthusiastic review.  A good idea is to interview several instructors and schools before making a final decision.

 

Look for a personable atmosphere, the ability to convey information in a creative and lively fashion, extra curricular classes and of course, their placement policy.

 

Set an appointment to speak with a counselor to ask about accreditation and financial aid as you budget for your schooling.

 

Once you have made your decision, plan to jump in with both feet and devour all information you can about the profession.  The more you immerse yourself in the subject matter, the sooner you will begin developing your expertise as well as attracting attention and starting the branding process.

 

Whether starting a new career or changing from another – your success depends largely on how much of yourself you plan to invest in perfecting your skills and your outlook.

You will undoubtedly experience some missteps along the way and at those times remember what Thomas Edison said about his failures leading to the successful completion of the light bulb.   He said “I have not failed; I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

 

Keep a positive attitude and a humble heart and you will indeed enjoy lifelong success in your chosen field.

Roman Academy of Hawthorne, NJ is celebrating its 50th year educating students in the cosmetology field.  A fulltime NJ Cosmetology student is on their way within the first 600 hours and able to work fulltime once they have completed the 1200 hour course.
More information regarding financial aid, course outlines and placement assistance is available at a Personal Career Planning appointment, by visiting: www.romanacademy.net or by calling: 973-423-2223.