SPA INDUSTRY BOOMING DESPITE RECESSION

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DESPITE the recession, the spa and wellness sector is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. A boom in the development of hotel and inner city spas.
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NECCEE BATTLES WITH WIA FOR TUITION FUNDING

FROM THE OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, PATRICIA BUTTERFIELD

THE ISSUE AT HAND

For many years the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) that represents Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties, has refused to provide funding for potential students. We recently submitted data to them showing that NECCEE meets their funding criteria. However, they are still unwilling to approve us. Director Michael Truckey has indicated his doubt that people who choose this career path are unable to make a decent living. We feel that this “elitist” attitude is unacceptable and unjustified.

As a point of notable interest, NECCEE is approved for and receives tuition funding for potential students through all the other state agencies that provide such funding, including WIA for Hampden County.

I have been in contact with local lawmakers who have contacted Mr.Truckey on behalf of the school. They have suggested that we gather data about successful NECCEE graduates who are making a fine living in the beauty industry and present this data to Mr. Truckey when we meet on October 29^th.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO POTENTIAL STUDENTS

This would allow many potential students from these three counties to obtain tuition funding so that they have the opportunity to attend NECCEE. In these tough economic times, this would be a lifeline to these folks.

The following are comments sent to Mr. Truckey's in response to his explanation re non-funding for the careers of cosmetologists and estheticians by the WIA.

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Compensation for hairstylists and estheticians can be structured several ways:

1. Hourly wage and commission

2. Strictly commission (this is used mostly for experienced stylists who have a following)

3. Weekly salary and compensation

DATA ON WAGES FOR COSMETOLOGISTS AND ESTHETICIANS

NECCEE provided links to WIA from CareerOneStop, a website that compiles wage tables for all professions from all around the country. These various tables show annual wages as well as hourly wages for cosmetologists and estheticians for 2008.

The text below is off a website where potential students can look for school in their area.

How much can I expect to earn as a professional in the cosmetology industry?
According to both NACCAS and the United States Department of Labor, salon professionals can average up to $50,000 including tips. The 2003 NACCAS Job Demand Survey reveals that cosmetologists have dramatically increased their earning power today with zero unemployment due to the severe shortage of licensed salon professionals. Some of the main factors that determine income include the size and location of the salon, hours worked, the tipping habits of clients, and competition from other salons and shops. A cosmetologist's ability to bring in and maintain regular clients is another factor in determining potential earnings. According to The United States Department of Labor many cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers receive commissions based on the price of the service, or they earn a salary based on hours worked. Nearly every professional in the cosmetology industry receive tips and commissions for the products they sell. Some salons pay bonuses to employees who bring in new business.

Which jobs in the field of beauty and cosmetology are in most demand?
According to the United States Department of Labor employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, cosmetologists, skin care specialists, and shampooers is projected to grow between 10-20 percent through year 2010. Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is expected to increase 21-35 percent over the same period.

It is important to note that additional income is derived not only from hair/skin services but also from the sales of retail products plus tips that can be substantial in increasing overall income.

Employers sometimes offer benefits but no more or less than any other career in this economic downturn.

Average salary for a Cosmetologist or Esthetician (whom you do not mention in your comments and to whom the school provides training) depends on the type of salon/spa at which the person is employed. It also depends a great deal on location, with opportunities for earnings generally higher in larger cities.

When Bill Ochoa who started two successful salons/spas in W. Springfield andS. Hadley, came to our school as a motivational guest speaker, he told our students that in his salons – and there are others that are in that caliber - his top stylists could command a 90K salary!

There are stylists in New York City and other major cities who charge $500 plus for a haircut. Generally speaking, after the first year or two of building a clientele a cosmetologist/esthetician salary can range from 25K to 35K. In the better markets it can climb to 50K or 60K.

WIA funds programs such as Medical Assisting and Health Claims. These are positions that start at $9 per hour and are at entry level ($18,720K annually). If anything, cosmetology and esthetician positions provide better compensation.

You state that your customers are interested in employment that pays higher and with benefits. However, some of those customers are prospective students who come to us with a desire to train as a cosmetologist or esthetician and then come to WIA for assistance and are then rejected by WIA.

NECCEE’s percentage of graduates, placement and hourly wage standards meet all WIA criteria. Along with this it is also difficult to understand is WIA’s refusal to fund our programs when we are approved by the other WIA areas (Hampden County) in Massachusetts.

I am aware that there are still a few remnants of the stigma that once attached to the field of cosmetology. In this age of celebrity hair stylists and elegant destination spas most of that stigma is simply gone. The compensation levels, job satisfaction, and business opportunities that abound in the fields of hair and skin care have largely swept away such elitist notions. Furthermore, these professions have shown a strong resistance to the severe downturn in the economy.

In light of all of the above, I ask you most urgently to change your policy.

Footnote: NECCEE has a meeting scheduled with Director Truckey on October 28th. Also attending on behalf of NECCEE will be Paul Dunphy, Legislative Aide from Representative Steve Kulik's office and Teri Anderson, Director of Economic Development for the City of Northampton.

To be continued......

COMMENTS FROM RECENT GRADUATES

NECCEE is always gratified to know that our graduates leave their choice of program with very positive feelings about their school experience.

“I think the education in both programs – my cousin was in the Cosmetology program at the same time – was above and beyond. I would recommend this school to anyone. I had a really good time!”

Nicole C – Masters Esthetics

"I really liked working with the teachers and other students; It was fun coming here. I also liked working with clients; I feel comfortable going out and working in a salon.” Marlea L - Cosmetology

“I like everything about my [ school] experience. I learned so much! I definitely would recommend this school.” TDO - Cosmetology

THE DUAL LICENSURE CAREER ADVANTAGE

NECCEE has an attractive and timely career training and tuition savings opportunity for you.

As a graduate of the Esthetics Program, spas and salons are always thrilled to hire an employee that possesses dual licensure, particularly in esthetics and manicuring. Not only is this a great asset to the owner, but it means that YOU can increase your earning capacity by being able to perform a wider variety of services by cross-marketing your skills to clients.

· Enroll in the upcoming Nail Technology Program ($2323.00) and we’ll be delighted to offer you a free nail kit (a $233.00 value) that will reduce the Nail Program tuition to $2090.00.

Part Time 150 hour Program

Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am to 3.30pm

November 3, 2009 through February 10, 2010

· Call Bev Furtek, Director of Career Counseling: 413.586.2258 or E-mail: bfurtek@newenglandesthetics.com

STUDENT COMMENTS ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR OF CAREER COUNSELING

At NECCEE we're very proud and grateful to have Bev Furtek on board as the school's Director of Career Counseling. She will be glad to guide you through the many questions you are bound to have on the school's career programs, financing, housing, etc.

Following are comments from several grateful students:

"I really enjoyed hearing about the program and visiting the school. It's given me something very exciting to think about and I can hardly wait to get started." Susan K

"I wanted to say thanks again for taking the time to see me and giving me a tour of your facility." Joy J

"Thanks so much for all of your help! Everything you've done to help is very much appreciated. I'm looking forward to school and I'll see you in September!" Kristina W

"Thank you so much for your time. It made a huge difference in my selection for esthetics school. I am very proud to be part of your establishment and look forward to meeting all of the faculty and students!" Laura R

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	SpaFinder, Inc. has named its Readers Choice Award winners for 2009, as well as identified some spa industry trends happening worldwide.

COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL CLIENT COMMENTS

One of the most valuable and enjoyable aspects of professional training at NECCEE (a Paul Mitchell Signature School) is providing services to clients. In the redesigned clinic, our career-bound student cosmetologists develop their technical skills in a real world setting. Working with the school's loyal client base is a wonderful way of instilling confidence in our future professionals. Here is a recent sampling of comments from patrons of the Cosmetology School clinic:

"Great experience along with professional service." - Rick B about student Rosa

"Very professional." – Therese F about student Kaleigh

"Stephanie really seems to enjoy her work. Attitude is great." – Mary D

"I had an excellent experience." – Michele S about student Megan

"Very good haircut. This is my second time here and a great experience.” - Dan C about student Liz

"Amazing job." - Wenonah-Rae S about student Sarah

“Toni was great and very professional.” – Ann W

“Fatima was very conscientious and professional and did a great job.” – Mary Jo G

CLIENT COMMENTS ABOUT OUR ESTHETICS STUDENTS

One of the most valuable and enjoyable aspects of professional training at NECCEE is providing services to clients. In the beautiful state-of-the-art clinic, our career-bound student estheticians develop their technical skills in a real-world setting. Working with the school’s loyal client base is a wonderful way of instilling confidence in our future professionals.

Here is a recent sampling of esthetics client comments:

"Alicia is very confident and is shows through her touch." – Linda B

"This was a fantastic experience." - Anna M about student Caroline

"Awesome facial. Thank you." - FG about student Barbara

"Andrea was very conscientious and knowledgeable about her job (craft). Even though waxing/hair removal can be an unpleasant experience, she made it very comfortable." – Jennifer S

"A lovely regenerating experience. I wish you could be open during the school vacations.” Sarah F about student Nicole

"Wow! Best yet Ultrafacial." - Doris G about student Andrea

“I enjoyed the interaction and the explanations.” – Cathy S about student Carolyn

“I have been coming here for 5 years. Nicole has been one of the best, most knowledgeable, gentle, professional students I have had the pleasure of experiencing.” – Jennifer C

“She was awesome.” – Karly M about student Jenna

“Excellent technique, very professional, wonderful representative of your training center.” – Deborah C about student Gina

“Rachel was absolutely wonderful. Professional, very friendly, speedy. Just a delight.” - Debrah B

“I enjoyed Meaghan’s service. Will recommend this experience to friends and prospective students.” - Mary O

“Heather was personable and gracious. Had a great facial.” – Grace L

Beauty is Recession-Proof: Find a Career on new website

Finding an open position at a local salon depends largely on word of mouth and networking. Now, that can happen online through the Beauty School Lounge and its new job board.

Lenexa, KS, October 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Beauty itself might not be forever, but careers in the beauty industry are showing their wherewithal by withstanding an uncertain economy. Even with many households’ decisions to trim spending, jobs in the beauty industry are growing faster than the national average because of the increasing demand for personal appearance services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite the job openings, finding an open spot at a local salon has depended largely on word of mouth and networking. Now, that can happen online through the Beauty School Lounge and its new job board.

The Beauty School Lounge (http://lounge.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/) is an interactive boutique where beauty enthusiasts around the globe can network, access helpful tools, follow the hottest styles, and post and find jobs. More than 600 professional profiles have been added since the social media section was introduced in June. Businesses all over the United States have been taking advantage of the free postings, including beauty schools, salons, spas, cosmetics counters and more. Beauty jobs have been added in a variety of positions, from nail technicians to estheticians, hair stylists and massage therapists.

“Online networking was the ultimate goal for the Lounge, which made the job board a logical addition and a way to help professionals and employers,” said Bridget Duffy, Managing Director of Beauty Schools Marketing Group. “It’s great for all levels of experience in the beauty field, from recently graduated beauty school students to seasoned professionals in the field.”

The process for posting new job openings or applying is simple. Users create an account and can build a personal profile and portfolio. To post a free job listing, all you have to do is go to the Jobs page, click on the “Add a job listing” icon, enter in the job description and click “Save.” It’s quick and easy. Members can find beauty jobs and apply for them all at the Lounge: http://lounge.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/jobs. Posts are added daily for part-time and full-time positions.

The Beauty School Lounge social network brings a host of new opportunities to those interested in the beauty industry. For more information about the Beauty School Lounge or Beauty Schools Marketing Group, call 1-800)-571-2246.

New England Center for Cosmetology and Esthetics Education knows that your education does not end on the last day of classes. We provide you with post-graduate care that no other school does.

Our website exclusively for alumni provides a forum for industry-related discussion and sharing of experiences from other people like you... but more importantly, we work regionally with salons and spas to provide a database of employment opportunities. Beyond that, our curriculum teaches you how to make a great resume, and how to present yourself in the employment market.

The tale of two Spas

This is the tale of two sister spas in the middle of Boston: Emerge Spa and Salon, and G2O Spa + Salon. Both properties were born of Giuliano Day Spa, which opened its doors in 1993. “There weren’t very many day spas, and people didn’t know what it was. We spent almost a year answering the phone ‘Giuliano Day Spa,’ and there would be a pause at the other end of the line and the person would say, ‘What?’ You had to take the time to explain it to them,” says owner L. Joyce Hampers.

"No matter what you call the empire Hampers has built, there is no denying it has become successful because it adhered to a basic secret of spa success: catering to the needs of clients."

Read full article here.

It takes commitment, dedication and effort to offer a high quality education to students seeking to achieve success in the beauty industry. Whether you have chosen to pursue the creativity of working with hair, the challenges of skin care, or the detail work of nails, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals. We believe today's professional needs more than a basic education to merely pass the state board licensing exam. To ensure our graduates stand out and succeed in this competitive industry, we are determined to offer the best education available, supported by hands-on experience and a solid foundation in business practices.

At New England Center for Cosmetology Education and Esthetics Education, staying on the cutting-edge isn't a tired cliché. The schools are committed to taking a progressive stance in the Cosmetology, Nail, and Esthetics industries. Our graduates know the most up-to-date fashions, styles, technical information, and business practices - in other words, the kinds of skills top salons and spas are looking for. We are committed to sharing our years of salon and spa experience and professional affiliations with those eager to become part of this creative, billion-dollar industry.