Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – Bridal beauty took center stage at the South Texas College Cosmetology program’s 3rd annual “Spring Glow” student showcase.
Designed as a bridal-themed event to mirror the demands and artistry of the professional beauty industry, “Spring Glow” is also an opportunity for Cosmetology students to highlight their talent and creativity.
As final touches were made and models walked the runway, the event underscored the program’s mission to not only train students in technical skills, but to elevate them as emerging professionals ready to make their mark in the beauty industry.
“This is a very special day where our students are able to showcase their skills that they have been learning throughout the semester,” said Cosmetology Program Chair Carla Balleza. “This gives them an opportunity to express their craft while also allowing the community to connect with our students and learn more about what we do.”
Held as both a celebration and a capstone experience, the showcase featured students nearing completion of the program, highlighting their work across three disciplines including hair, nails and makeup. Each look was inspired by bridal aesthetics, blending technical skill with imaginative expression as students presented their work to experts in the industry.
Judges at the event included Cosmetologist and Educator at Hair Goddess Academy Maida Ortega; salon Owner Patti De Lucio; Global Platform Master Artist and businessowner Martin Salinas; Visual Coordinator and Color Guard Director at Sharyland ISD, Palmview and Nikki Rowe schools Orly Gaitan; Hair Stylist Catrina de la Cruz and Beauty Influencer and Hair Artist at Lab Pro Makeup Academy Luis Alejandro.
Faculty say behind every polished look presented at the Spring Glow event was months of preparation, teamwork and dedication. The experience is also a reflection of the students who are stepping into their future with every brushstroke.
“They have been preparing and training for months to perfect their skills in hair, makeup and nails,” said faculty member Minela Jaime. “This allows them to explore their creativity and work outside of what’s in the book. They collaborate as a team, research trends and discover what they enjoy doing the most.”
Jaime said the experience is designed to not only refine technical ability, but also adaptability, which are qualities essential in the fast-paced beauty industry.
“This is something I am sure they will always remember,” Jaime said. “Throughout the process we as faculty see their confidence growing. This allows them to explore different sides of themselves and what their future holds.”
For students like Dayana Mendoza, the experience is both challenging and rewarding while offering a glimpse into the expectations of real-world work environments.
“Coordinating events like these is always nerve-wracking, but it’s real-world experience,” said Mendoza, who also won the “Audience Choice” category at the showcase for her gothic-inspired wedding design. “We have to learn time management and how to be faster. You can’t take your time on everything. We learn to be quick and precise. If you want to focus on details, you have to plan ahead.”
Mendoza added that the showcase serves as a milestone moment for students as they approach graduation and licensure.
“When we are out in the real world, we will look back and say, ‘We did this as a class.’’’
For more information on STC’s Cosmetology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/cosmetology/.
