Client Perspective: Betty Carter

Betty Carter is one of Amber's oldest and most loyal customers.  Today we feature her in our Client Perspective and honor her devotion to our services and our school.   

Betty Carter receiving her weekly service.

Do not let her age fool you - at 91 years old, Betty is full of youthful vigor.  Her bright personality and infectious smile will brighten anyone's day.   In her younger years, Betty attended Warner's Beauty School (which was located above a tea room on Jefferson Street) in Fort Wayne, IN.  She made a living running a hair salon out of her home and later working as a nurse at Ball Hospital. Betty was drawn to Amber's because of her background in the beauty industry and has been coming to Amber's for over 40 years.  Now, she comes in every Friday to get "washed and rolled up".  She enjoys spending time with the girls and watching them learn and grow. Thank you Betty!  We look forward to your visits every week.

Meet the Student Series: Ashlee Hidy

Meet one of our newest students, Ashlee Hidy!  We talk with Ashlee about her experience at Amber's as a new student and how her non-traditional status makes her a unique addition to Amber's family.

Ashlee, 29, smiles in our pedicure room.

Hailing from Hartford City, Ashlee is a bubbly 29 year old wife and mother who is working to balance her family life and student status.  Transitioning from a career in nursing, Ashlee just began her time at Amber's only a few weeks ago.

Why did you decide to go to beauty school?

I wasn't happy as a nurse - I wasn't where I wanted to be.  I asked myself, if I could do anything in the world, what I would I do?  I knew the answer - I would go to beauty school and do hair!

Why did you pick Amber's?

Amber's is modern, clean, and professional.  I wanted a school who had a newer style with a fresher look - not a grandma kind of school!

I understand you are a "basic" student.  Tell me what that means.

I am in the Beginner's Course.  I am learning all of the cuts, the perm styles, how to do roller sets, manis, pedis, and facials.  You've got to learn all of the basics before you go out on the floor!  I've been in basic now for five weeks, which is about 200 hours.

What are you looking forward to most in regard to your time here?

Perfecting things as much as I can.  I want to immerse myself in this and learn everything I can before I graduate.  I want to be confident and successful by the time I leave.

Ashlee shows off her shears.

What are your goals?

In 10 years, I'd love to have my own shop with some girls and make a name for myself.  I want to have people say, "They're awesome! Go to them!".  Its not about the money, its about being happy.

What is your dream job?

I'm here! This IS my dream job!

What has been the best part of being at Amber's, so far?

Just being a part of this.  The girls and instructors are amazing.  I wake up everyday and I'm happy to come here.

What has been the hardest part of being here?

Overcoming perfection.  I hate not doing something well or not doing something perfectly.

How does Amber's accommodate to your life?

Amber's has a lot of flexibility.  If I needed a day or something, they would be understanding and work with me.  I don't feel anxiety.  I like that its structured but laid back at the same time.  Its not your typical college experience where if you're not there, you're failed.

Why would you recommend Amber's to a prospective student?

Amber's has a fantastic atmosphere with great instructors and reasonable tuition.  I am never afraid to ask or try new things.  Everyone is helpful and they foster the environment of learning.

Ashlee's chair is open! Will you be sitting there next?

Girl's Night Out

Last night the girls from Alpha Phi sorority joined Amber's Beauty School for a girl's night out!  The girls were treated to manicures, pedicures, scalp treatments, and styles.  
Scroll through the photos from the event and check out the short video at the end to see what a great time we had.  Thanks to all the fantastic girls and Amber's students for making this event possible!

Goodie bags were given out to each girl - each bag contained nail polish, candy, and stickers!

Four Alpha Phis relax in our pedicure station.

Craft time! The girls learned how to make homemade air fresheners.

Erin Kahre smiles big with her newly styled curls. 

Samantha Hunt is loving her pedi!

Scalp treatments are the ultimate relaxation.

Paige Walburn with her air freshener.

Our mani station was full all night!

Nikki Kellar enjoys her first ever pedicure.

Alpha Phis with our wonderful students.

  

DIY Halloween: Zombie Makeup

Student Brooke Kozak demonstrates how to create creepy zombie makeup just in time for Halloween!  Desiree Pierce models how to transform from the living to the living dead.

How To: Bump It

Student Brooke Matthews demonstrates how to bump it, or poof your hair, on model Rachel Vest.  Brooke uses Benniefactor b PROUD Holding Spray and b MORE Building Powder to complete this look.

In Session: Enrollment & Class Information

Are you a prospective student? Want to know more about the admission process and class information?  Read on in our interview with Sara Criswell, Instructor & Admissions Director at Amber's, for a different perspective on student life.
Tell me about the application and selection process for students: Students need to fill out an application, which can be filled out at Amber's, mailed in, or done online. (You can find the link for online application here.)  Once we have their application, it is reviewed, and if you fulfill the requirements, you'll be accepted.  We have on average 50 students per class, but we take almost everyone who is willing to dedicate themselves and learn!  

Paper applications waiting to be filled out!

How much does it cost for a student to go here? For a full time student, it costs $6,995 + $300 enrollment fee.  For a part time student, it's $7,495+ $300 enrollment fee.  Books and a cosmetology kit are included in this price.

Cosmetology Kit + Textbook

How long does it take for students to complete the program?   A full time student graduates from Amber's in 10 months, and a part-time student takes about a year and a half.
Does Amber's work with students to accommodate to their schedules and busy lives? Yes - we take part time students in high school, and we offer full time as well as part time classes.  Our students range from 16 - 50 years old.  Some are working, some are going to school, and some are balancing both plus a family.

What is a typical day like for students? Students come to Theory class for an hour in the mornings, where we use the Miladi textbook.  Then, students work on clinic floor assignments, like a 9 section perm, finger waves, or color application.  This is either done on other students or on their mannequin.  The rest of the day is left for hands on experience, so students work directly with clients.
How important is this real-life experience at Amber's? It's crucial! What they're doing here IS their business.  Everything that they're going to be doing out in the real world is hands on - and they're doing it now.  Theory is important because they need to learn the basics, but it is most important to be able to apply what they know.

The girl's: in action!

Are students graded? They are tested once a week in Theory class, and we use the traditional A-F grading system. 
What are the requirements for students to get their license? Their license takes 1500 hours to complete.  The state requires that they finish the 1500 hours, and 150 can be job shadowing hours, so they can try out salons before they commit to a job.  We require that students take a practical, and they are also required to take a final test in Indy, which is multiple choice and taken on the computer.  Amber's has an extremely high success rate in terms of graduation - about 95-100% of our students graduate every year.
How successful are Amber's graduates? They are extremely successful and vary in the jobs they hold.  Many are hairdressers, both local and across the country, and some are even opening their own salons!
How is Amber's different than any other beauty school? What sets Amber's apart is that it is a family owned business, and the family is active in it.  It is smaller, and we don't have several locations, so we can keep our education and what we do at a high standard.
Why would you recommend beauty school? First, if its your passion, its your passion.  It's a business that makes people feel good, and making people feel good is good for everyone involved.