Courtney Athman January 17, 2011 First hour, Career Tech. " Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." -Marilyn Monroe

The smell of chemical treatments, the sound of hair being cut and falling to the floor. The sound of women laughing, talking about their families. This is the atmosphere I spend my time in each and every evening. Cosmetology is not just a career, it’s an art. I discovered my passion for cosmetology at the age of ten, and I knew then that this was the career for me. To help further your understanding of the life of a cosmetologist, I will be researching the nature of work, working conditions, training, qualifications, job outlook, employment, earnings, and occupations related to the field of cosmetology. Welcome to my world.

Shampooing Hair cutting Hair coloring Styling of hair Manicures Pedicures Scalp treatments Facial treatments Make up analysis Wigs/hair pieces/extensions

o Mental and physical o Inside of a salon or barber shop o 40 hour+ work week o Clean, pleasant surroundings o Good ventilation and lighting

 High school diploma/GED  State licensed cosmetology school  Associates degree is acquired  Pass State Boards licensing exams  Theory, practical, oral  Be at least 16  Understanding of fashion/art/technical design  Neat personal appearance  “People skills”  Advancement= Higher earnings  Experience

 821,900 jobs:  Cosmetologists: 684,200  Manicurists/pedicurists: 76,000  Skin care specialists: 38,800  Shampooers: 22,900  Grows much faster than most other occupations  Increases by 20%  Stay in Michigan for first few years  Move to California  Open a salon

 Complete schooling  Pass my state board  Eventually open a salon  Average including tips $11.13 per hour  Fits my goals  First purchase: My own apartment

Manicurist Same responsibilities/environments Same work conditions, training and outlook Earnings: Approx. $9.46 per hour

Over the days I’ve spent researching my career, I have verified that cosmetology is what I have every intention or pursuing. I most look forward to the people I meet, and make look beautiful. I also cannot wait to wake up, and go to work each morning doing what I love. Overall, I have learned much more information about my career, and careers related to it. As far as I know, I was born to be a cosmetologist, and I intend to die the same way. Finding a career you love is difficult, and I consider myself very lucky to be in a position in which I have found my passion.