Recently, as I've assessed and reassessed my current situation as well as future plans, I've considered the possibility of returning to my cosmetology career.
Let me take you back in time . . . way back . . .
I was in a very abusive marriage. For three (3) long years I had been beaten virtually every day. I had no one I could turn to. There simply wasn't anyone I could trust to listen, help and not lecture or judge me.
A huge blessing came when he filed for divorce. Initially it was devastating as I really loved him and wanted to make the marriage work. Being married to a nonbeliever (he's Muslim) I had an out, but we're supposed to stay married.
Anyway, I digress . . .
Because I was forced to make changes and move ahead I applied for Public Aid (we called it Welfare back then) and went to Ma Cherè Hair Style Academy. There I found teachers dedicated to the success of their students. I learned to cut, color, perm and relax hair. I also was fortunate enough to learn how to do African-American hair (making it easier for me to make money in a salon).
After completing the basic class and being ready to take state boards I was offered the opportunity to also take the managers training course. This course is required to work alone in a salon in Ohio.
The Ohio State Board of Cosmetology test scared me as it was an expense to take myself, my child, my mother and the woman whose hair I would be cutting to another town and cover meals and hotel rooms.
But . . .
I passed . . . .
State Board and Managers Licence tests with a score of 95%!!!!
Then I went on to work first at a JC Penny's salon in Toledo as well as one in Joliet.
Okay, so the question still pops up from time to time . . . "should I try to renew my license?" I do miss doing hair . . it was fun to be paid to be creative! And the pay was awesome . . . I averaged $11.34/hour plus my tips . . . and a properly done hair cut easily gleans a $20 tip!!
But, working in a salon is a very competitive environment . . it's women competing for customers and status . . . it can be quite catty with a lot of backstabbing. Imagine yourself in a room with 15+ women in various stages of PMS and menopause!! Nightmare!!
No, I probably won't go back . . .
It's a personal choice for my own sanity.
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