ARROJO Cosmetology Class 6 have now joined Classes 1-5 as high-flying, beauty school graduates. They completed the course with a Graduation Party Presentation, where each student created and presented one entire head to toe look, inspired by an era or theme of their choice.

With an audience of students’ family and friends invited to attend the Graduation, the show opens with a slideshow of quotes from the class. They tell us about “an invaluable teacher who has given us an immeasurable gift,” the “constant inspiration,” and the “dedication and patience” required to to teach the full gamut of cosmetology education.

With hearts warmed, School Director, Loretta O’Connell, speaks of how the school has, in twenty-four months, put fifty-eight Graduates into the industry; and of how this class with big personality put their heart and soul into every day of their education.

Class teacher, Arianna Marino, reveals the seven month student journey: How in the beginning creating a simple center-part is a gut-wrenching task, and how after much blood, sweat and tears each Graduate is now confident in all elements of cosmetology, in a modern and creative, precision-based method of hairstyling.

But seeing is believing and the stellar presentation of a chic runway show was evidence enough that this class has made the giant leap from students to stylists.

Jenika’s model is the first to walk the runway. The haircut is a a modern shag - longer lengths and disconnection blending for movement and fluidity within face-framing shape - in dark brown color tones, and with spots of red popping out beautifully. Inspired by Washington Heights, a Dominican neighborhood of New York City, this is a style straight from those uptown streets.

Lindsey’s model is next on the catwalk and her inspiration is the Pacific Islands: tribal, earthy, wild. Ergo this model is a modern sexy woman, with natural color tones, but also an asymmetrical shape to the cut that gives space and freedom. Completing her look, edgy styling that is dynamic and versatile.

Kelly, inspired by the style and elegance of 1940’s French Riviera chic, uses an avante-garde approach to send out her model as the modern Veronica Lake pin up. Her technique mimics the natural landscapes, colors and textures of the time to create a rich vibrant hue, and an opulent updo with timeless beauty, vintage grace.

Shawna’s model represents the culture of Berlin: Old architecture, street style and chaos, working as one. An asymmetrical cut with strong short to long shape, elegantly crafted from the front, and blended with flashes of bright blond, shine and texture. It creates the stark visual interest reminiscent of the liberal German metropolis.

Yessania’s model goes to Sleepy Hollow to bring us mysterious, raw texture, short to long layers, and dark and vibrant tones. A contemporary, offbeat, and innovative interpretation of one of America’s most enduring yarns.

Alexa’s model features feudal Japanese fusion. Inspired by the yin and yang of Japanese painting, the style is made up of hard and soft lines, metallic blonde color, and a blunt, one-length cut, artfully sculpted into the minimalist style of the time and place.

Completing the presentations, Mirella’s model takes us to Las Vegas.  A hue of rich natural brown creates thrilling depth and dimension in a hairstyle that is cut and sliced into fun and playful shapes - with layers upon layers making the Vegas body and bounce.

After rousing applause, certificates for Best Attendance (Shawna), Best GPA (Shawna), and Best Retail Average (Kelly) are awarded, with the winners given gift certificates to classes of continued education at the ARROJO advanced academy.

A closing speech by school owner, Nick Arrojo, reflects on all the skills the Graduates put to practice for their presentations: creativity, visualization, image consultancy, team work, public speaking, the art and craft of hairstyling and makeup. “For these new hairstylists, this is just the beginning of a lasting, prosperous, and rewarding career,” he said. “Let’s celebrate their magic.”

(Here is a selection of images showing the Graduates celebrating their big day. To open a slideshow window, click any image. To move to the next image in the series, click on the right-hand-side of the image window.)

]]> http://arrojocosmetology.com/news/?feed=rss2&p=649 http://arrojocosmetology.com/news/?p=644 http://arrojocosmetology.com/news/?p=644#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:09:25 +0000 andrew http://arrojocosmetology.com/news/?p=644

For those looking for the best education, but who can’t commit to full-time, daytime classes, ARROJO Cosmetology introduces an alternative part-time course.

The first part-time class begins September 27, 2010. Running Mondays to Fridays, 5:30pm till 9:30pm, the curriculum lasts for 12 months.

It is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to continue in full or part time employment as they study for a career in cosmetology. Best of all, it is exactly the same industry-leading program:

– We still go beyond State Board requirements to give you the most advanced creative, and comprehensive cosmetology curriculum available.

– We still handpick the best instructors and train them to our standards of excellence so they can train you to be the best.

– We still have a maximum of 16 students per class, so you receive the utmost attention from your educators.

– Nick Arrojo and ARROJO master stylists still give regular guest demos and lectures, offering you their unique experience and an introduction to the most creative elements of cosmetology.

– We still provide a combination of theory and hands-on practical work that will build your knowledge, confidence, and creative repertoire as you prepare you for a lifetime of success.

– You will still see cosmetology from every angle: You’ll be behind the chair to cut, color, and style clients, you’ll be in a retail environment, you’ll be presenting your own creative work, you’ll even be put into the shoes of a salon owner.

– You will still be the most employable cosmetology graduates in the industry.

The other main benefit, with the curriculum lasting for 12 months, is that you can spread your tuition fees over the full term of the course, as well as take advantage of the ARROJO Student Charter, which makes it easier to turn dreams of attending ARROJO cosmetology to reality by offering lower monthly payments and/or lower down payments.

Interested? For more information, or to arrange a tour of the campus, please contact our Admissions Director.

By phone: 212 242 7786 ext 208

Or by email: alexandra@arrojocosmetology.com

We’re delighted to report that ARROJO Cosmetology Class 5 are the latest set of students to graduate from our inspirational, career-shaping curriculum.

It was achieved through study, practice, and practical application of the key elements of cosmetology: health and safety, client consultations, beauty product knowledge and usage, makeup and styling, the theory and practice of contemporary hairstyling, and advanced techniques in color and cut that emphasize a modern and creative, precision-based method.

In the shape of a Graduation Party Presentation, where each student presents one complete head-to-toe look - inclusive of overall concept or theme, styling and makeup, hair cut, color, and style - all of these skills are called into action for the final leap from student to stylist.

So with an audience of family and friends, fellow students and staff, it was on with the show. Set to a roaring DJ soundtrack, a demure, polished, and inspirational catwalk presentation gave the vision, knowledge and skill of each student time and chance to shine.

The creativity and precision of each cut and color and style was a stellar example of what can be achieved through education and inspiration. The concepts and themes showed our students to be on the pulse of fashion and trend and style. The finished looks wowed the crowd, and belied, that seven short months ago, these sixteen stars were learning the right way to shampoo hair, the correct way to hold a comb.

As events reached their conclusion, each Graduate was presented with their hard-earned Certificate, while Besarta Smailovic, for best attendance, and Samantha Diaz, for highest grade point average and highest retail service sales, were given gift certificates for continued, professional-to-professional education, at the ARROJO Advanced Academy.

By this time, there was unyielding applause, and tears in the eyes of many students and family and staff, so it was left to Nick Arrojo to deliver the closing speech:

“This is the start of your professional cosmetology career. Whatever path you take, whatever dreams and ambitions you want to make real, remember that continued education is what will sustain you. Focus on improving your work every day and lasting success, a prosperous and rewarding career, will never be far away. Think big, never stop learning, and all of your dreams will come true,” he said.

For Class Seven, a trailblazing updo competition, judged by Nick Arrojo, gave a thrilling conclusion to Stage One of the curriculum.

When a new class of students arrives for their first day of school, they have no prior knowledge of the hairdressing craft; even the correct way to hold a comb is beyond their grasp.  In Stage One, therefore, students must build theoretical knowledge and practical skill of the classic hairdressing topics.

These are the foundations that are built upon in Stages Two and Three, the structure that will support them throughout long and successful careers at the top of their craft. Stage One is a vital course component, covering New York State health and safety requirements; product knowledge and usage; how to shampoo, condition, treat, blow-dry, and style different lengths and different types of hair; and the right approach to the fundamental hair cutting techniques.

Class Seven has now successfully completed this part of the curriculum, and they celebrated with a friendly updo competition that showed off newfound knowledge, technique and skill. The updos were fabulous, showed detail and dexterity. A great reflection of what they have learned, how they have grown, in eight weeks of hard work.

For the competition winner, an ARROJO IZUMAMI professional flat-iron was up for grabs. So no surprise that, as Nick Arrojo surveyed and judged the updos, energy and excitement was abound.

After much debate Lula’s style was named the winner, and this is what she had to say:

“For the updo competition I was inspired by a style worn by Dita Von Teese for the Cointreau campaign. I love doing classic styling because what started as a Dita imitation, reminded other people of all kinds of beauty icons - from Cinderella to Barbara Streisand to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Updos are great for making us feel special and unique, and when they are done well, they can last and last, which means no fussing around in the powder room. I love, love, love updos!”

(To view Lula with her modern classic mannequin updo, plus selected snapshots from the updos created by Class Seven, click on any image. To move to the next image in the series, click the right side of your slideshow window.)

To be the best school, you need the best educators. Educator Exposition 3, therefore, profiles Rachel, a stylist whose career embodies the value of knowledge, a teacher who personifies our passion to raise standards in hairdressing education.

Rachel’s career began as an ARROJO studio apprentice, where she passed the in-house advanced training program with flying colors. 22-months long, with a detailed examination of the theoretical and practical knowledge of each stylist, the program gave Rachel the skills and experience that enabled her to become a top-class hairdressing talent, with credits including high-fashion runway shows for Wella; hairstyling for TLC’s What Not to Wear; creating avant-garde shape and style for New York Fashion Week; making commercials with Macy’s and Garnier Fructis; and a feature in Redbook magazine.

“Coming to ARROJO studio as an apprentice was the best thing I’ve done for my career. The education is so strong; it gave me the knowledge that I hold today. I was well prepared to work in high-end salons, take advantage of editorial opportunities, and, eventually, become a full-time educator, which is what I am today,” Rachel says.

With stints as Color Coach at Aveda Cosmetology School and Education Leader for Paul Mitchell Cosmetology, Rachel’s credits as an educator are as impressive as the ones she holds for styling. “I realize,” says Rachel, “it was education that gave me such a great start to my career, and now I love being able to pass on what I have learned to the future of this industry. As a modern cosmetology educator, I have a unique opportunity to give my students an education that is better than anything that has gone before. If I can do that it means standards in the industry will go up and up, and I will have helped launch hairdressing to the next level.”

It is this selfless commitment to teach that brought Rachel back to ARROJO, and the newly opened ARROJO Cosmetology School, in late 2009. “I have worked for many different companies, and I am thrilled to be back at ARROJO. The standards are so high, the vision to improve the industry through education so clear, that I couldn’t imagine working at any other school. The level of work we see from our students is truly amazing - it validates my decision to return; validates our whole approach to the art and craft of cosmetology education,” she says.

Rachel’s day-to-day approach emphasizes the details that can make the difference between the good and the great. “I like to focus, not only on how we do things, but on why we do them. When I went to Cosmetology School I did things because I was told to, without ever being given the theory behind it. My focus is to make sure each student understands the theory behind why things are done in a certain way. Theory is the key to the door of creative expression. Once it is properly understood, any kind of cut, color, or style is possible,” says Rachel.

The final step is to ensure each student knows that Graduation is just the beginning, Rachel concludes: “It’s vital our students understand that with the education they get, they are the top one-percent of cosmetology Graduates heading out into the real world. They all have extraordinarily bright futures and I’m proud to be charged with making sure that they realize that they are the vanguard of the next generation of stylists to enter the hairdressing craft.”

To watch Rachel work her magic on set for NBC’s Wednesdays Child, please click here: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/as-seen-on/Wednesday_s_Child_4_14__Meet_Jasmine_New_York.html

The next class start date at ARROJO Cosmetology is June 28, 2010. And for the entire seven-month curriculum of this class, Nick Arrojo, school owner and pioneer of the hairdressing industry, will teach one session a week. For anyone looking to start a career in cosmetology, it is a truly unique opportunity to develop world-class hairdressing habits, learn from the best of the best of the best.

Here’s Nick Arrojo to tell more about the program, and his commitment to teach the June 28 class:

“ARROJO Cosmetology is faithful to a well-rounded, advanced and inspirational, career-shaping program so each person graduates with a phenomenal skill set that paves the way for lifelong achievement. Students learn the art and craft of cosmetology in theory and practice, client communication, retail performance, presentation skills, creative expression, and business building. Each class has an experienced professional instructor, but the June 28 class is extra special because I’ve made a personal commitment to teach one session per week.

My goal is to keep the curriculum fresh, current and, most importantly, share with each student sophisticated techniques and the most creative elements of cosmetology - things that wouldn’t be found on any other program.

The idea is to provide the most progressive, creative, and comprehensive course available, give students a platform to reach the very top, whether they want to work in the salon, in education, or in editorial and fashion-related work.

Education is my passion, and I can’t wait to get to work, because today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders of the hairdressing craft.” — Nick Arrojo

If you want to be one of the lucky sixteen to be on this class, enrollment is still open, and there is an ARROJO Cosmetology Open House on May 3, 2010, so you can take a tour of the school, talk to students and staff about our advanced, inspirational curriculum, and about your future career options as a professional cosmetologist.

To attend Open House, please RSVP Alexandra by email: alexandra@arrojocosmetology.com.

Or by phone: 212 242 7786 ext 208

Plus, we now have the ARROJO Cosmetology Student Charter. Offering tuition fees payment options that allow for lower down payments and lower monthly payments, as well as incentives and rewards for launching your future at ARROJO, it makes it easier to turn dreams of attending ARROJO Cosmetology into reality.

Learn about the Student Charter, here.

ARROJO cosmetology: Inspirational, Career-Shaping Education

ARROJO Cosmetology Class 4 students are now, we’re proud and happy to say, high-flying beauty school graduates; and their Graduation Party & Presentation was one helluva bumping show.

But it didn’t happen by chance. During the seven-month curriculum, Undergraduates study and scrutinize everything from health and safety to client consultations to beauty product knowledge and usage to makeup and styling to the theory and practice of contemporary hairstyling and all the related sciences to advanced techniques in color and cut that are developed and practiced by ARROJO Studio Master Stylists.

Many of the skills our students learn go beyond State requirements so that they get a jump on the competition, can start their careers with the advanced, high-level techniques that define ARROJO’s modern and creative approach to precision-based hairstyling.

The Graduation Party & Presentation, then, is the students’ apotheosis of the hard study, practice, and practical application of the ARROJO Cosmetology Curriculum.

Each student presents one complete head-to-toe look, inclusive of overall concept or theme, styling and makeup, hair cut, color, and style. Sharing newfound knowledge, creativity, and skill, it is time and chance for each student to shine.

So with an audience of family and friends, fellow students and staff, it was onto the show. Set to a rollicking soundtrack, a slick, refined, and powerful catwalk presentation brought forward each student’s model.

Everything - the smooth and streamline runway show, the sense of style and individuality in each look, the creativity and precision of every cut and color and style, the overall concepts and themes - wowed the crowd, and belied the fact that seven short months ago, these Graduates never knew how to hold a comb.

As proceedings drew to a close, each of the 16 former students was presented with their hard-earned Graduation Certificate, while for the Highest Grade Point Average, Highest Retail Services, and Best Attendance, Kelly Hawkins, Marisa Bollman, and Kristen Jex each won a $350 gift certificate for advanced education at the ARROJO Academy.

By this time, applause was rapturous and tears were in the eyes of many students and family and staff, so it was left to Nick Arrojo to deliver the final inspirational speech:

“This is the beginning of your life as a cosmetologist. Wherever you go, whatever dreams and ambitions you have, remember that education is the foundation of a lasting, prosperous, and rewarding career. Work hard, stay inspired, thing big, and vow to never stop learning - and all your dreams will come true,” he said.

Honor, praise, acclaim ARROJO Cosmetology Class 4; for one and all, a bright, brilliant future awaits.

Far from simple beginnings in a childhood home in Japan, Yosh Toya has established himself as a premier hairstylist and educator with more than 45 years experience. He has received numerous industry awards, including a NAHA Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. What a great day it was, then, when Yosh paid our school a visit, and gave an afternoon of insightful, inspirational demos to our students.

It is Yosh’s unique approach to haircutting that gave our students such valuable insight. Featured in four books - Toya Hairgraphy, Learn How to Learn; The Yosh Way; Yosh for Hair; and The Best of Yosh Toya - ‘The Yosh Way’ emphasizes a free-flowing haircutting technique that allows stylists to design hair through sculpture cutting, and to personalize each cut to the client’s best fit. It is also a system that empowers hairdressers to work stress-free and be progressive, while developing creativity.

Each of Yosh’s four demos showcased this approach, giving new insights, new ways of working, to our students - one that focuses on using instinct and eye to shape the perfect look. Additionally, with the use of a carefully placed hat, Yosh gave an ingenious and inventive exposition on face shapes; how the structure and angle of the cut can augment, or detract from, each individual profile.

Finally, Yosh took time to tell the students that, as the next generation of hairstylists, it is their work that will define the future of hairdressing, their work that can raise respect for the industry and increase standards in the craft.

So while ‘The Yosh Way’ is this master’s own, it shares the same ultimate vision as ARROJO.

This past week, students of ARROJO Cosmetology received more rarified opportunities: Fashion Show hairstyling for the likes of Alisha Trimble, voted a top 5 emerging talent of New York Fashion Week.

Alisha Trimble’s Fall / Winter collection, premiered at the prestigious 1OAK nightclub, and featured limited edition dresses and one-of-a-kind designs that were, in equal measure, raw and edgy, elegant and sophisticated. With wonderful silhouettes and off-kilter shape, the collection was a contemporary interpretation of the femininity of Woman, in all her shapes and sizes.

Assisted by Rudy Villalobos, ARROJO educator and master colorist, and Loretta O’Connell, School Director, and with awe-inspiring effort, talent and skill, students from ARROJO Cosmetology, Class 4, created the hair for the runway show, and for the accompanying photo-shoot. Strong and stylized looks, multi-textured updos, and sleek, polished shapes showed the power and beauty and grace of modern hairstyle, providing the perfect compliment to the askew lines of the dresses, and to Alisha’s concept of womanliness.

As an additional highlight to the week, Classes 5 and 6 were invited to style hair for a prom-inspired fashion show at BLVD Entertainment Center, 199 Bowery, NYC.

The show was in honor of 1000 graduating students, from New York City’s downtown school districts. It gave our own students, assisted by ARROJO educators, Rachel Seamon and Arianna Marino, the privilege of putting to practice newly mastered styling skills as they shaped fashion-forward looks, updos, and other inspirational styles for young, likeminded individuals - all while experiencing the energy and excitement of being behind the scenes of a New York City show.

For students of ARROJO Cosmetology, this was a feel-good week of new experiences, insights and inspirations; this was oxygen for ambition; this was the first of many editorial appointments for the next generation of leaders in the hairdressing craft.

Winner of the ARROJO Cosmetology Student Styling Competition, April Schuller (image center), got to present her winning look (image left) live on main stage, alongside Nick Arrojo (image right), at the International Beauty Show, New York. April talks about life at the school and her IBS debut, here.

Why did you choose ARROJO cosmetology for your education?

I do wigs and makeup at Julliard, and I needed a cosmetology license for State approval. I wanted to use the opportunity to get the best education. I never knew Nick had a salon or school, but I was a fan of his from the TV show, ‘What Not to Wear.’ One day I was on Houston Street and I saw the ‘ARROJO’ sign. I wondered if that was Nick and popped in for a look. Once I saw the school and met the staff, I knew it was the place to fulfill my ambition.

What’s day-to-day life like at ARROJO Cosmetology?

What I notice most is the passion and commitment evident in all staff; it rubs off, makes you want to be better. We get different perspectives from different stylists - all of whom have an incredible background in salon, in editorial, in education. Every educator has such a strong foundation of knowledge that, as students, we can’t help but learn something new and exciting everyday.

Tell us about the student styling competition…

We found out about the competition a week beforehand. We get to do lots of creative things, but because the winner would be presenting their look at the International Beauty Show, we knew this was special. None of the students anticipated such an incredible opportunity - most cosmetology students don’t even get to go to such a show let alone be a main stage feature - and to have such a commitment to its students shows what an amazing school this is.

What was your winning look?

The inspiration was powerful, independent women - and fun, flirty, sexy style. I wanted something big and deconstructed, with elements of precision. Pulled up and tapered, with lots of volume in the back, and with a French Braided hair extension to create extra lift and length, it was the look of a strong modern woman. Nick judged the competition himself, so to match his aesthetic is amazing.

As a student, what was it like to be on main stage in front of thousands of professionals?

Before going on stage I was nervous because I was being asked questions for the camera, and all I was thinking was ‘listen for my cue’ and ‘don’t trip or fall on stage.’ But once I went out there, I was completely confident and I loved every minute. I got to show my work in front of a huge audience of professional stylists ­- how cool is that!

What do you take from this experience?

Lots of newfound confidence. It is the recognition that makes me most proud and gives me the most belief for the future.  Two hours after our show, I was walking around IBS and people were coming up to me to say, “I saw you on main stage and I thought it was great. Can I take my picture with you.” That recognition is new to me, and it brings home what a big deal it was to be on main stage at the International Beauty Show, with Nick Arrojo.

What’s Next?

It’s only a few weeks till our class graduation so my focus is our graduation presentation, where each student shows one complete look that incorporates everything we’ve learnt over the past months. I’m really excited and I already know my look will be an editorial rocker chic. Then I’ll be ready to get my career started for real. My dream is to create wigs for a Tim Burton film. Whatever happens, though, I’ve learnt to always keep educating myself and to always aim to make myself better at what I do. As we’re told at ARROJO, continued education is the surest route to success.