Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College’s Cosmetology program marked a historic milestone by holding its first-ever Cosmetology Expo, a unique event dedicated to connecting students with alumni and local business leaders while showcasing career opportunities in the beauty industry.
Through the creation of the expo, leadership with the Cosmetology program say they are building pathways for student success both inside and outside of the classroom while preparing them to thrive in a competitive workforce.
Cosmetology Program Chair Carla Balleza said the expo offered students an opportunity to network with employers before receiving their professional licenses.
The event included financial institutions, insurance providers and tax preparers along with salon representatives who were available to speak to students about the steps necessary to start and sustain a business.
“A lot of students have the entrepreneurship spirit and want to start their own businesses, but they need to know how to talk to financial advisors and healthcare providers because these resources are critical in our industry,” Balleza said. “By attending our expo, we feel that students can at least gain an insight into what these businesses may be looking for so that they can prepare for the future.”
Cosmetology Site Manager Cristina Santos, who helped organize the event, said the expo was about more than just networking – it was about ensuring students continue to feel supported after graduation.
“It’s extremely important to stay connected because we want to make sure our graduates continue to feel like we’re guiding them and not like they are completely on their own out there,” Santos said. “We are making sure the students know what awaits them, and you never know, we might need them as instructors in the future.”
Recent STC graduate Yanely Medina graduated from the Cosmetology program in May and is currently employed at the JCPenney salon at La Plaza Mall. Making herself available to speak to students at the expo, Medina said the event served as an important reminder that cosmetology is a field of lifelong learning.
“This is a great opportunity to highlight the fact that there is always something new. We learn every day in this industry,” Medina said. “I encourage the students attending this event today to focus on what they do, take advantage of these pop-up events…it’s a different world out there, but as long as you do your part and never stop learning, it’s going to come easy to you.”
Business owner and educator Ruben Valencia operates “Princesas” Beauty Supply, a company focused on organic and vegan hair products. Attending the expo, Valencia said he encourages students to view education and networking as essential tools for success.
“This career has no limits. You can go wherever you want,” he said. “Go get there, students have to educate themselves, talk to people who have been in the business for a while, go to shows and especially attend these types of events because it’s a very important step in building their careers.”
Current student and Cosmetology Club Vice President Isbeily Martinez said the expo opened a window into her future. Set to graduate from the program this fall, Martinez said she hopes to come back to STC one day and work as an instructor.
“Networking opens doors and new horizons that helps us see what is waiting for us out there,” Martinez said. “This is the next step for us. This is the light waiting at the end of the tunnel and it is motivation to just keep going and finish strong.”
For more information about STC’s Cosmetology program visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/cosmetology/.
Information source: STC
