Cosmetology Student Success Story: Laurel Berard

About Laurel Berard

After graduating high school, Mrs. Laurel made a choice to pursue a career in the dental field. Being great in working with the public, Laurel enjoyed being a healthcare provider and continued in that field for 11 years. Although she was happy with her career, something was missing. It wasn’t until the pandemic that Laurel realized what it was.  “I always had an interest in hair and makeup, all things beauty. I learned to cut my husband’s hair when we first met 12 years ago and during quarantine when there were no salons open, I started doing many other family members and friend’s hair. Through this experience I noticed how much I loved helping others look and feel their best as well as I truly enjoyed the creative process behind creating a look. I realized that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and I decided to enroll in Evergreen Beauty College.”

While all cosmetology schools will teach you basic foundations on hair, skin and nails, Mrs. Laurel did her research on Evergreen. ” I chose Evergreen Beauty College because of the hands-on-learning experience mixed with distance learning. I appreciate that Evergreen Beauty College is committed to improving their teaching methods and empowering students to try new things outside of their comfort zone.  Evergreen Beauty College does not only teach beauty skills and techniques, but also provides future professionals with business training so they are not blindsided when they enter the industry.”  Laurel explained.

The Evergreen Experience

Since starting the Cosmetology program with us Mrs. Laurel has shared some of her highlights of what she has enjoyed, what has helped her so far, and what sets her apart from other cosmetologist;

“So far my favorite parts of the program have been learning different haircoloring techniques including balayage, multiple highlighting techniques and learning color theory. I also enjoy the hands-on learning and ability to take walk-in-clients in our salon. I feel like creativity is strongly encouraged by the educators and we are always able to try new things.“

“When moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the program there is a required transition sheet that must be completed prior to taking clients in the school salon. Working through timing and procedure of multiple techniques on the transition sheet was extremely valuable in helping me realize the skills and knowledge I gained in Phase 1. Each month we are challenged to try new techniques and practice skills under time constraints in order to push ourselves to improve all of which I have found beneficial.”

“I enjoy working to achieve a natural, lived-in color look that requires little maintenance.  I also think that I eagerly listen, without judgement, to my client about where they are currently with their hair/beauty routine and what they would like to achieve. There were many times in a salon where I did not feel my stylist effectively addressed my concerns and I hope to bring understanding and compassion to my work.”  

“One thing that I feel sets me apart from other stylists is my experience working with patients/clients in the dental field. I feel that a huge part of working with hair/beauty clients is understanding their goals and being able to effectively communicate your understanding of their goals as well as how you plan to achieve that goal. I can offer clients a warm, heartfelt experience where their concerns will be addressed and beauty goals realized.” 

 

The Next Step

It may have taken awhile for Mrs. Laurel to realize this was her purpose but it is not holding her back from mapping out her future. Laurel is ambitious with high expectations for herself. After completing cosmetology school she will continue to further her education to reach her goals. “I will most likely gain experience working or apprenticing in a salon, however I want pursue continued education in make-up and effects as I would like to eventually freelance hair/makeup for film, television, or photography work. Bobbi Brown, a well known professional makeup artist and entrepreneur, has always been a role model of mine. She always emphasized that make up is meant to enhance someone’s natural beauty not change them. Through her organization The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls she supports organizations that seek to empower women through job skills training programs and girls through education. I would love to become involved eventually in an organization with such goals.” Laurel states.

With just being a few months into her program, Laurel knows what it takes to make it. She shares her advice for anyone who is set to start in this industry. “Keep an open mind and absorb everything you can from other students and educators. Coming from the dental field I was already accustomed to working in a professional setting. I would encourage all incoming students to consider themselves “future professionals” as we are titled by Evergreen and treat school as the beginning of your career in this industry, not just school. I would also encourage all students to document their journey, not just their favorite projects, because seeing how far you have come helps keep you motivated and focused on your goals.” 

Mrs. Laurel is set to graduate in March of 2022. If you are interested in following Laurel throughout the rest of her program, you can check her out on Instagram: @laurelberard_hair.  Congratulations Mrs Laurel! Keep that drive, and show this industry what hard work can do.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry you can check out our different programs or Schedule a Virtual Tour, at one of our six locations: Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.