Hair Design Student Success Story: Rachael Otiegbe
One of the cool things about the lady I get to write about in this blog post is her dedication to the information she shares. I can tell you from all of Ms. Rachael Otiegbe’s social media post is this: the positivity she shares is motivational, and that Rachael is all about sharing actual facts about the beauty industry in one way or another. Whether it is product ingredient based, or nutritional information that effects the hair in general. I love that not only is she taking her education seriously, but that Rachael want to share what she knows and make in impact to others on a deeper level!
About Rachel 
Rachael is like many others; having a dream from the past and wanting a change, and taking the steps in order to reach those dreams. “I wanted to refresh my career and complete a dream I had a while ago, in getting licensed to do hair. I spent the last 20 years in the hospitality industry working my way around in positions, including Guest Services Manager and Accounting/H.R. Manager [and I was ready for that change],” shared Rachael. A bonus to having years experience in the hospitality field is that Rachael has worked with many individuals along the way. That is HUGE in the success of a hair stylist. We need to be able to communicate and work in a diverse community. As a beauty school, we can teach the technical skills and the written theory behind the chair but it would do no good to the student that cannot connect with a client in that chair.
What drew Rachael into enrolling at Evergreen? Simple… “The positive energy, [the] nuts and bolts [program] and location,” says Rachael. It is exciting to hear that these specific factors were a key part for Rachael to enroll. We want our future students to love where they go to school to learn. When students are surrounded by positivity and professionalism it makes all the difference in getting excited to get up, and get to school in the morning.
The Evergreen Experience 
Coming into Evergreen and starting school after being out of school for awhile can be overwhelming, but Rachael shares some parts of her journey so far that she has liked the most and what’s helped her transition to the beauty industry: “I like the challenges of learning it all. Each part … hair cutting to color is so much fun to learn. Hands on client learning and working on the Bingo sheets [have been very helpful]. Pretty much all phase 1 work since I knew nothing coming in.” Phase 1 sets up all students up with the basic concepts needed to build off of. We can’t teach you an ombre hair technique if you don’t understand the sectioning of hair needed, the proper application of color or even the simple supplies needed for a chemical service.
We asked Rachael what she thought her strengths were so far in her program and she replied, “I believe I am strong at cutting. I am comfortable cutting all types and textures of hair.” Hair cutting month can be difficult and scary to learn because there are so many concepts and steps to cut in order for it to turn out. With cutting you have to be able visualize how a strand of hair will lay once it is dry and styled before you cut it. It is very complex, so for it to be a strength of Rachael’s shares just how much she enjoys the process and delivering of the service.
“My investment to each individual, [being] patient, knowledgeable and delivering quality service with love and integrity [is what sets me apart from other stylist,” comments Rachael. Rachael say’s, “clients should book with me because I truly care about the success of their service as [a whole], each and every time.”
The Next Step 
Even after walking the journey of any school and passing boards doesn’t make you a pro and many graduates want to dabble in working alongside experienced beauticians to gain real life hands on. We asked Rachael what were plans following graduations and clocking her finals hours at Evergreen and she shared, “To gain experience, learn the business [and] eventually opening a salon [of my own].” Opening a salon of your own can be intimidating to some and most may never wish to take this path in the beauty industry, as for Rachael, it is a goal of hers. Maybe not right out of school but defiantly later on.
As Rachael trudges the last months of her program she shared some advice for any potential student looking into the beauty school life, “Develop a healthy daily routine, when you feel like quitting or [getting] tired of school, keep going and don’t [quit] you will get the hang of it as you get more clients,” shares Rachael. As many individuals think this career is an easy one, Rachael shared that it may be not as easy as it may look. Develop those habits and skills now will make it easier in the long run, and far worth it.
Rachael is set to graduate this October 2018 and what better way to support her other than to come and get a service done by her at our Bellevue campus! And if you are interested in continuing to follow Rachael you can also check her out on Instagram @onthegohairlab. Congratulations Rachael. You are on your way to a successful future in the beauty industry!
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry, you can check out our programs or contact us at one of our four locations: Bellevue, Everett, Renton or Yakima!
