The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
ON THE CUTTING EDGE
Student-run cosmetology opens at Alpha Park
The Alpha Park section of Highland Heights is currently enjoying a makeover thanks to the recent addition of Mayfield Excel TECC Cosmetology program.
Branching out from the program’s original home at Mayfield High School, the new storefront location allows students the reallife customer experience critical to their trade.
With the establishment functioning as a real-time classroom for the aspiring technicians, customers can receive salon services, including, haircuts, coloring, manicures, pedicures, facials, and eyebrow arching at a lesser price.
“It’s added a layer of professionalism that we didn’t anticipate to this extent,” Excel TECC Director Nate Bishko said. “It’s about business when you get here. You raise the expectations and students will meet the bar wherever you put it.”
“It’s all new equipment, which is awesome for the kids,” explained cosmetology instructor Maryanne Hummell. “We now have two pedicure baths, so now we can offer the same spa pedicures that salons would. The facial room can now accommodate
several people. It’s just a whole salon experience,”
More than just the instructors are excited. Mayfield High School senior Samantha Ryan plans on pursuing cosmetology after graduating.
She underscored the appeal of the new locale while curling a client’s hair.
“I like that it’s community friendly,” she said. “Instead of just being in school, we get out more. There’s more of a business feeling to it.”
Another student, Justin School, echoed those sentiments.
“There’s a lot newer equipment and we’re more spread out between stations with more room to work.”
Working toward barber school, Justin highlighted the program’s benefits.
“This is a great stepping stone that will help you get to where want to go,” he said. “This is many times cheaper than going to cosmetology school outside of the Excel TECC program. I’ll take this any day.”
It wasn’t only students and faculty praising the program. Many of the patrons have been coming to the Excel TECC program for years, thanks to both its affordability and quality of care.
“I’ve been coming since 2002,” said local resident and former Mayfield High graduate Marge Potelicki while she was getting her hair done.
“Not only are the students polite and efficient, the teachers are too. I feel that when I first came the teachers were so welcoming that I thought, ‘wow, what a nice start.’”
Since then, Potelicki has struck a rapport with the students.
“We talk, they tell me about their studies and boyfriends,” she said. “I like coming here. The price helps senior citizens a lot.”
The facility, located in 215 Alpha Park Drive, is open to the community Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.