Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – Recently opening the doors to its spacious new facility, instructors with South Texas College’s Cosmetology program announces the start of the new Cosmetology Center at Shah Plaza in Mission beginning with 26 students in two cohorts.
Instructors with the program say, that with this new facility, more students will be able to learn to harness their potential, talent and creativity to transform dreams into reality; one brushstroke at a time.
The new center will operate in addition to the current facility located in Pharr and will be a living classroom that will include a nail salon, treatment room for facial services as well as a lab area for haircuts, hair coloring, perms and everything else needed to prepare students for licensure and success in the industry.
“We have been planning this facility for a long time now, and I think it came together really well. STC is providing the best equipment and tools for the students so they can practice and receive that level of quality education that the college is known for. Our students saw the new facility and they were very excited, and I can tell that they are very happy to be here,” said Cosmetology Instructor Carla Balleza. “We have areas where the students will be practicing nail enhancements, doing manicures and pedicures as well as facials, working with chemicals, coloring perms…they are going to learn a little bit of everything as we prepare them for their state board exams and their careers.”
Classes at the new facility are taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday while classes at the Pharr facility located at the PSJA ISD Elvis J. Ballew facility are being held in the evenings from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
STC’s Cosmetology program began more than a year ago in spring 2023, and offers a Cosmetology Operators Certificate which can be completed in two semesters. Students are taught theory, knowledge and receive hands-on training as they prepare to enter the workforce as licensed cosmetologists.
While in the program, students learn skills, safe application methods and are then given the technical, professional and soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
Career options for students can include positions as entry-level stylists, booth rental or contractor; make-up artist; theatre makeup or artist for special occasions; esthetician specializing in skin care facial treatments; or nail technicians specializing in manicure, pedicure and nail enhancement.
Overall, employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About 89,400 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year over the next decade.
“The expansion of our cosmetology program into Mission is a great opportunity for us to increase access to the communities we serve,” said Sara Lozano, dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology at STC. “We have an amazing program and are eager to see it thrive and produce successful graduates to join the workforce.”
Cosmetology student Natalia Guajardo said she intends to use what she learns in the program to empower women.
“I was raised by strong women who wanted the best for me, and so that has allowed me to put all my energy into making others feel comfortable and beautiful as well as making them realize that it’s more than just being pretty,” Guajardo said. “It’s about feeling good when you’re in a personal as well as a professional setting and being happy about who you are.”
For more information about STC’s Cosmetology program visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/cosmetology/.
