Beauty Industry Jobs Continue to Grow

According to the Associated Press, in an article published April 22, recent economic challenges have been especially hard on young people trying to start their working lives with a high school education or less. Only about a third are working full time. Most study participants say money was a major reason they bypassed college and the vast majority plan to continue their education someday. According to the article, four in ten of those surveyed in the AP-Viacom telephone study whose education stopped at high school are unemployed, less than a quarter have part-time jobs.

Statistics from the beauty industry contrast with that gloomy outlook. In 2010, the beauty industry experienced a quick recovery in skincare, followed by a gradual upturn in makeup" over 2009 said Karen Grant, vp and sr global industry analyst, of The NPD Group who does industry analysis. Individuals who follow their dream by becoming aestheticians and make-up artists at IAAS can do so for a minimal investment of both time and money (vs a college education) and, depending on where they become employed, can recoup those education costs within the first 6 months or year of working. Our graduates are proof of what is possible!

Catching Up With Eve Taylor

School director Kathy Shingara (right) caught up on the latest industry news with her friend and mentor Eve Taylor (OBE, MBABTAC, IFA, FHT, ATC) Managing Director of Eve Taylor Professional Aromatherapy Skin and Body Care based in England at the International Esthetics, Cosmetology & Spa Conference at the Javits Center in NYC March 6-8. Students at IAAS have heard many Eve Taylor quotes from Kathy since she began the Institute, and have been taught Eve's face mapping and aromatherapy. Institute graduate Irene Gonchorava imports Eve's essential oils through her business in Russia. Eve is an amazing woman who, at the age of 79, travels the world still loving what she does. Kathy looks forward to hosting her as a special guest in Connecticut for a few quiet days of R & R after the upcoming Toronto Trade Show.

Alex Georgescu Announces Engagement

We received a surprise visit from IAAS graduate Alexandra ("Alex") Georgescu the other day who stopped in to let us know that she is engaged. We are so pleased she came by to share this exciting news with us! Congratulations Alex and Andrew!

Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week

Just heard from Gina Daddona who read our blog entry. She is busy working behind the scenes at Fashion Week in NYC. She shared this photo with us: "here is my kit backstage at Marc by Marc Jacobs...I am part of the team that assists Dick Page who creates the look that we execute on the models." Sounds really exciting Gina - thank you for sharing!

Graduate's Spa Celebrates 10 Years!

Melissa Wasik graduated from IAAS in 1998. After two years of working in a salon and learning the ropes of running a business, she opened her own salon. Aroma Beauty & Wellness Spa, Melissa's business in Wilton, CT, just celebrated its 10th year! Melissa credits Kathy for always "being there" for her to lend support and advice throughout her early years of developing her business. She states that she "loved IAAS not only because we learned about products and beauty treatments but also about health and wellness and how that effects the skin." Visit her facebook page to learn more!

Graduate Called New York Brow Goddess!

IAAS graduate Gina Daddona has been receiving a great deal of publicity lately! See her referenced in an article on the January 2011 issue of Allure Magazine. As if that were not exciting enough ... this month CBS New York has designated her "NYC's Brow Maven"! Gina works at the Stephen Knoll Salon on Madison Avenue in New York City - not a bad address! Check back for a more detailed entry on Gina as she shares with us the career path that brought her to such exciting results!

Aesthetics: A Career That Suits Any Age

In the October 2010 issue of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa, Marion Dove wrote an article discussing how older students are better equipped to work compassionately with clients who are experiencing the effects of aging. Whether driven to the industry because of skin issues they experienced themselves or seeking a more flexible and satisfying career, older women can relate to the issues of this ever increasing audience seeking their help. Dove states that, according to the California Employment Development department, "A primary force in driving the growth of the esthetician occupation is the increase in maturing baby boomers seeking skin care services to forestall or hide the aging process." Dove goes on to state that the US Department of Labor predicts a marked increase in jobs in the industry through 2014 resulting from an increase in baby boomers looking for help improving their skin and minimizing the effects of aging. At IAAS we have trained students of all ages, and have found that you are never too old to learn something new, especially if it is something you love. And as women, we often are happiest when helping others feel good about themselves.