The beauty industry isa boomingbillion-dollar industry. Today, the demand for well-trained industry professionals has never been higher. And with the increasing competition out there, proprietors of salons and spas must up the ante by offering something more because the difference between a good salon or spa and a great one is in the level of service, artistry and professionalism provided to clients. After all, the heart and soul of any establishment - be it a salon, spa or company – are the people who work there.
Basic Make-up instructor Mari Wild flanked by students (L-R) Julia Gulayim and Nathalie de Groot
It is with this in mind that the Center for Aesthetic Studies, or CAS, (formerly ICI Training Center) was opened. The center, through its school, provides a good training ground for individuals interested in a professional career in the highly competitive beauty industry.
Beauty is beyond skin deep
For CAS founders Baby Cruz and Luisa Madrigal-Vasquez, the center was envisioned to be more than just a school for alternative education. In addition to learning technical and practical skills that could be applied in the Real World, individuals are instilled with proper value formation as a way of life.
The school operates under the Isdanco Foundation, which works with different organizations dedicated to helping less fortunate segments of society. “Among the beneficiaries are small independent centers that assist women and children, livelihood projects sponsored by various municipalities, socio-civic groups and deserving scholars,” says Tisha Bautista, managing director of Isdanco Foundation.
In cooperation with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), CAS developed a pioneer program for continuing education founded on the belief that excellent training should not be confined to the classroom.
Course Offerings
The center offers certificate courses on cosmetology ranging from hair science, sculpture and design; basic make-up; basic nail care; basic depilation; Basic English; and salon management. A series of workshops are also conducted on wellness; artistry in make-up; general imaging; moral value formation; and make-up and wardrobe. For those who prefer individualized sessions, there are introductory courses on make-up, hair sculpture and men’s haircuts.
For those interested in a serious career in the beauty industry, whether as salon operators or professionals (stylists, nail technicians, make-up artists), students can earn a diploma in cosmetology by enrolling in an 800-hours diploma program. “The diploma course involves almost everything, from (learning) hair and make-up to the business side of how to put up your own salon,” says Cindy Soriano, CAS Marketing Head.
Classes are small, limited to a maximum of 16 students per class, to maximize the learning experience, which Mari Wild, one of the instructors in Basic Make-up, describes as very hands-on, somewhat intense but also fun. Wild’s class, for instance, covers everything from theories and principles, including skincare, skin types, product ingredients and formulations. Students are also expected to master five basic looks (beauty, bridal, retro, high fashion, avant-garde) at the end of the course.
Debunking Stereotypes
Contrary to what some may think, students enrolled in the cosmetology courses are far from being the old stereotype of beauty school students who are perceived to lack better career options. In fact, students are a cross section of fresh college graduates, professionals seeking new career choices, housewives who wish to expand their horizons and individuals with a genuine passion for the industry.
Nathalie de Groot, a Swiss-Filipino who graduated with honors from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and currently taking up her Masters Degree in Clinic Psychology at the De La Salle University Manila, enrolled in a Basic Make-up course at CAS last year. “The Philippines has a tradition of being good in the arts, whether its dancing, singing or other type of arts, so I thought this (class) might be good to try,” she says.
Beyond Expectations
De Groot observes that the course went beyond her expectations, in that it involved a lot hard of work as well as studying theories, principles and practices (i.e. hygiene, caring for make-up, etc.). Even the exercises in application proved quite challenging for the 24 year old. “I think it has gone beyond my expectations because, although I knew it wasn’t going to be a joke, I don’t think I was prepared for it to be such hard work.”
For Julia Gulayim, 26, a computer science graduate from Turkey, enrolling in Basic Make-up is just the first step towards attaining her dream to someday own her own beauty salon. “I would love to open up my own shop in Turkey. I want to learn more…and maybe later I can teach my own people what I’ve learned.” She adds, “In my country, hair and makeup artists are very expensive. Most of them go to the US to study… Here, it’s more affordable (to study) and it has been so worthwhile”
Like de Groot, Gulayim says the class has been challenging but also rewarding. “I love the class. Ever since I was a child I’ve always loved to play with make-up. Finally, I found a perfect school where I can express myself in colors and not be afraid of mixing and matching… I’ve learned so much and made so many friends.” CAS is located at 2/F 120 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village, Makati City. For more information, call: (02) 895-3401 or email: cas@isdanco.org
|
