'There's a sisterhood here': Marshall cosmetology students go all out for 'Barbie' premier
MARSHALL — The excitement inside the Professional Academy of Cosmetology was palpable Friday morning.
A sign on the downtown Marshall school read "closed," but students and staff inside were all smiles as they geared up to celebrate one of the more anticipated films in recent memory — "Barbie," starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
And gear up they did.
Each of the students and staff dressed head to toe as a unique Barbie, with themes ranging from workout Barbie to slumber party Barbie to presidential Barbie, among others. One of the school's windows overlooking Michigan Avenue was even decorated to resemble the packaging of a Barbie doll.
The entire crew departed to see the movie shortly before 11 a.m. Friday.
"(The women) were excited about the Barbie movie so we just kind of ran with it," Liz Hannold, owner and director of the cosmetology school, explained Friday. "We need a fun day, we’ve all kind of had a lot going on so I was like we need to go cut loose a little bit."
Friday's festivities admittedly reflect the culture that Hannold has helped build at the school since opening its doors to students last fall.
"There’s a sisterhood here," cosmetology student Liza Wolfersberger explained Friday.
"I know for me personally it has helped me become more outgoing and more confident with myself," classmate Madison Sinclair added. "That’s helped a lot."
Hannold and her husband, Ron, purchased the building at 155 W. Michigan Ave. in January 2022 and began renovating the ground floor space that was formerly occupied by State Street Pawfitters, which moved next door. The future of the building's upper floors remains undecided. Hannold indicated possibilities include expanding the school onto the second floor as well as potentially renovating the third floor into apartments.
A cosmetologist since 1991, Hannold admits she's thrilled to pass on her knowledge to the next generation, and there is already demand from area beauty salons to hire graduating students. Professional Academy of Cosmetology is the only beauty school in Marshall, with the next nearest cosmetology schools in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Jackson and Coldwater.
The full-time course at the school encompasses 1500 hours and takes roughly 11 months to complete. The next class begins in September.
Once students accumulate 350 hours of study, they move to the "floor" where they can service customers under an instructor's supervision. Haircuts at the school cost $8-$15, and the school also offers coloring, styling, shampooing, beard trimming, waxing and facials.
The school will celebrate its one year anniversary on Sept. 6. It's been "a huge learning curve" for Hannold, but she's excited for what's to come. The addition of a second instructor, Katie Eifler, has truly helped the program come together.
Above all, Hannold believes the camaraderie between students and staff, exemplified Friday, is incredibly special.
"It’s amazing. … Just the relationships that are developing from this and everything, it’s just really cool," Hannold said. "I love my girls, they do amazing. … We just keep it fun, keep it light."
For more information, visit professionalacademyofcosmetology.com.
"Barbie" is now showing in the following local theaters:
Battle Creek
JC Cinema, 15375 South Helmer Road
GQT West Columbia 7, 2500 W Columbia Ave.
NCG Cinemas, 5775 Beckley Road
Albion
Bohm Theatre, 201 South Superior St.
Marshall
Bogar Theatre, 223 East Michigan Avenue
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Marshall cosmetology students go all out for 'Barbie' premier
