Van Buren Tech reopens renovated salon, cosmetology ‘classroom’
LAWRENCE, Mich. (WOOD) — In Van Buren County, an educational institution reopened the doors to its newly renovated salon and spa, but it does more than just provide cosmetology services.
From the inside of Van Buren Tech’s campus on South Street, you couldn’t tell BLISS — which stands for Beautify, Learn, Inspire, Self-confidence, and Success — is actually the classroom for Van Buren Tech’s cosmetology program. Its $1.4 million renovations were finished just in time for the spring semester.
Maria Sustaita, a Van Buren Tech alum herself, is in her ninth year instructing their cosmetology program.
“(Students) don’t want that traditional ‘sit and listen to lectures’ or do the same, normal bookwork that they do back at their home school,” she explained. “So, they get to come here and really express themselves. This is a very art-based program — they get to express themselves in hair, nails and skin.”
Over the course of three years, high school juniors and seniors in and around Van Buren County clock in 1,500 hours at BLISS before going to a testing site to be licensed. One hundred percent of last school year’s graduates passed.
“Right now, going through a private school would be more than $20,000 (per year). So, the students really are given an amazing experience here and opportunities.”
It’s an opportunity that doesn’t cost a penny for students who live in Van Buren County, including Leah Stout, a third-year student from Paw Paw.
“(My parents) were like, ‘Hmm, are you sure you want to go into that?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I do. But there’s this thing at the tech center where I could do it for completely free,'” Stout said. “It was this sales pitch.”
Stout’s parents were easily sold. Three years later, she is among the 45 students aspiring to be a cut above, with her dream set on being both a salon stylist and traveling brand ambassador for cosmetology companies.
“I get to be launched immediately into the professional world. I get to be launched immediately into the industry,” Stout said. “I get to meet people. I get to do branching out, go to a lot of different salons — that’s really awesome. I have a lot of those opportunities being set up already.”
Every Thursday, BLISS opens to the public. Students who met the state-required minimum of 350 hours would get even more experience while giving customers a day at the salon and spa. Openings with varying availability are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If you want to make an appointment, call 269.539.5331
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
