Cosmetology Student Success Story: Carlea Pelham
November our Everett location help recognize one of their Cosmetology future professionals, Ms. Carlea Pelham, as she has shown continuing success over the duration of her program building the right tools for connecting with her clients. We couldn’t be more excited to share her journey so far with you as she starts the venture of closing out her time here with us.
About Carlea Pelham
“I chose to go into the Cosmetology because I’ve always been in love with doing hair and makeup, but I never knew I wanted to do it as a career until my junior year in high school. Before I came to Evergreen I was in high school doing yearbook along with sports medicine as my ‘hobbies’. I loved studying more in those areas but it never made me as happy as doing hair and makeup had, and still does. Making my clients feel good about themselves and seeing their happy faces gives me so much joy and fulfillment that I truly know I made the right choice by focusing in beauty,” shares Carlea.
We asked Ms. Carlea as to why she chose Evergreen Beauty College to begin her journey in this new field, her response “The story behind me choosing to attend Evergreen starts with an old job, Taco Time. One of my old shift leaders had started the Cosmetology program here at EBC and every day I worked with her we would just spend our entire shift talking about her schooling. With a little more research I realized that there were other beauty schools near that I could attend to as well. I looked into those schools but Evergreen was just in the back of my mind through it all. My mom and I finally went and toured Evergreen itself, and as soon as I stepped into the building I fell in love. The staff made me feel like I belonged there even though they didn’t know me at the time. As soon as we finished we headed back to the car and I told my mom that I didn’t want to look at any more schools because I wanted to come here, to Evergreen.”
The Evergreen Experience 
Since starting the Cosmetology program with us Ms. Carlea has shared some of her highlights of what she has enjoyed, what has helped her so far and what sets her apart from other cosmetologists:
“Out of everything I’ve learned within my program, I have loved doing ‘big changes’ for my clients the most. Whether it’s a big chop or a dramatic color change. They’re always a little nervous when we first start out, but once I talk to them more about it and tell them exactly what I’m doing they are more calm and excited to move forward. Now, if I had to pick an actual assignment that’s helped the most, I’d have to say anything to do with color theory and Kahoots (a review game). I absolutely love color so whenever we do something that involves color theory or the color wheel, I’m all in, and count on me to ask a million questions! Doing kahoots with my classmates has also helped me learn for my written tests.”
“I would comfortably say one of my strengths is my overall timing when it comes to completing my services. With only a month left of school, I’m still shocked with how fast I have gotten my haircuts and colors down to. I can do a haircut in about 30 minutes and a root touch up or all over color in 2 hours, which is a lot faster then I used to perform them in.”
“As for what sets me apart from other stylists, I’d have to say it’s that I am a perfectionist in the tasks I do. I know sometimes with that being said, it isn’t looked at as a good thing, but most of the time it’s amazing because my clients are always shocked with how accurate I am with their cut and/or color outcome. So in the eyes of my clients, it’s a preferred quality. My unique skill for my clients are a reason people would book with me. Yes anyone can cut a blunt line, but the way I cut a blunt line may be exactly what they are wanting compared to any other stylists. For example I have a client that comes to me every week for marcel curls, and ever since I started doing her hair she doesn’t want to go to anyone else. Being unique, and a perfectionist has be leaving with a client willing to following me once I am done here in school.”
The Next Step 
Gradation is so close for Ms. Carlea, and she already has her foot in the door to the industry. “After I graduate I plan on working at the salon I’m currently working at right now as a receptionist. Salon Zuberenz is such an amazing place to work for and I am in love with the stylists who work there already. The culture exudes one big happy family so I believe it’s the best place for me, especially right out of school. I have no doubt that I will be working here for quite a while,” Carlea shared.
“As I finish up the time left of my program, and I see fresh faces in the school I offer some advice, don’t be afraid. I was so scared starting out because I thought I was going to fail and mess someone’s hair up so bad that I would never want to show my face here again. You have to believe in yourself, and honestly, really pay attention so you can get the most out of your time here,” expresses Carlea.
Ms. Carlea Pelham gradutes next month, January, 2020. And if you are interested in continuing to follow Carlea throughout the rest of her program and as she transitions into the beauty industry, you can check her out on IG: @cp_hairstyles . Congrats Ms. Carlea! EBC looks forward to watching you grow in the industry! Never lose that unique skill set that sets you apart.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry take the Beauty Biz Readiness Quiz, you can also check out our programs or contact us at one of our five locations: Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.
