Cosmetology Student Success Story: Ashley Vargas
Beauty isn’t just about the out come, but more so the overall experience you leave with as well. One important key is learning your craft and being able to replicate a vision or creating an entirely new look, and being able to do so in a reasonable amount of time. Which is where Ashley makes her mark at Evergreen. Take a look at Ashley’s journey, where she started from and what motivated her to take the leap into the beauty industry.
About Ashley 
Like many others, we often encounter whether we are doing the right thing in life. Was this the course we could see ourselves trudging along on in the years to follow? Ashley shared with us the change in direction she chose when she found out some exciting news. “I chose to enroll in cosmetology school when I was just two quarters away from obtaining my associates degree in business. I was already looking into Evergreen Beauty College when I found out that I was pregnant, which made it all too easy to decide that this was the right path to take for my family! ” Ashley’s path may have altered from an associates in business to the beauty industry but that doesn’t mean the schooling before the switch will go unused. Although we teach our business program geared toward the beauty industry, Ashley will be ready to take on the world of success with the combination of classes she previously completed before her enrollment at Evergreen. What an exciting change and an amazing industry to raise her little family in! But why Evergreen? “I chose to attend Evergreen Beauty College because the second I walked in the door I felt at home. Instead of stylists competing and shrugging off fellow students, we work together and treat each other like family.” Ashley felt the family culture atmosphere the moment she walked in to tour, and is now apart of our Evergreen family. Welcome Ashley!
The Evergreen Experience 
Finding her niche at school from the beginning in Phase 1 to transitioning onto the clinic floor, Ashley often reflects and pushes herself to be better than the day prior. “In phase 1, my educator Jenea had us keep a journal to keep track of our thoughts and feedback about everything we were learning. Once I got on the floor, I liked to look back and challenge myself to refine my skills on what I felt I struggled with. I also think that the bingo sheets were helpful because I managed to finish a lot of credits with them.” Taking this mentality for growth on a consistent basis helped shape some of Ashley’s strengths: ” My strengths include applying foils fast so they all process roughly at the same time and being able to wrap perms in under an hour!” Trying my hand at a foil or two, I know that this is no easy task. The coordination and the creative eye to see the end result while applying color isn’t as easy as those YouTube videos online often appear. It takes a lot of focus and practice to get a balayage to blend naturally the way Ashley does!
We asked Ashley what she enjoyed about her program so far and this is what she said, “I really enjoy cutting and shampoo sets, but my favorite part of the program would have to be color. There is so much room for creativity when concocting formulas for clients!” Well said Ashley, spoken like a true cosmetologist! I have enjoyed seeing your social media platforms flood with the creative color techniques you’re mastering in school. Ashley says, “What sets me apart from other stylists is that I am very time conscientious. I can get clients in and out within a reasonable time frame while maintaining positive customer service.” Time is money, but what is key is not loosing the customer service trying to make it to the top of your career. Looks like Ashley made that connection early on in the beauty industry which will give her a one-up once she graduates.
The Next Step 
Ashley isn’t too far off from graduation, so what’s next after this? “After I graduate I plan on working in a salon. In the future I plan on becoming an educator!” That is exciting to hear! Educating is an amazing opportunity to share successes, along with the ability to change the industry on a different level. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to see the direct impact you have had on ones life, personally or professionally.
If you could give advice to future students at Evergreen Beauty College, what would it be? Ashley said, “Advice I have for incoming students is to come in to school with the mindset to learn, beauty school is a challenge, but so worth it!” Thanks for the advice Ashley!
Ashley is set to graduate in Aril 2018 and what better way to support her other than to come and get a service done from her at our Bellevue campus! And if you are interested in continuing to follow Ashley on her beauty school path, you can also check her out on Instagram @badashhairdesign. Congrats, Ashley. You are on your way to do some amazing things in this industry!
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry take the Beauty Biz Readiness Quiz, you can check out our programs or contact us at one of our three locations: Everett, Renton or Yakima!
