Single Parent Succeeding in Cosmetology: Jennifer Thomas

 Jennifer Thomas is a Cosmetologist/Booth Renter at Tease Salon, 125 W. Columbia Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is a mom of four - Christian (18), Jackie (15), Morgan (11) and Alivia (5).

How long have you been in the cosmetology business?

I went to school a year after high school, and did the “beauty school dropout" thing. After having my first child, I came to the conclusion that I needed to do something with my life - I have a child to support now - so I decided to go back to school and was only going to do nails, but the instructor asked me, “Why only nails when you have been through cosmetology school? Why not start over and get your cosmetologist license?" So I started all over.

Where did you go to cosmetology school?

The first time I was in cosmetology school was in 1991 at Master Beauty School. I felt I was not learning what I needed and the place was a dump. The second time I want to school was in 1994 and it was Ravenscroft Beauty School.

Do you have any specialty areas, services or skills?

I love doing color - finding different ways of foiling and color techniques.

What inspired you to go into beauty/cosmetology?

It was the '80s? Sorry... big hair! I always had my hands in someone's hair and I would change my style every day.

What's it like being a single parent while working in the beauty business?

It is tough going to work knowing that I could spend eight hours waiting on a walk-in, but the end result is that my children will see their mom putting an effort into her chosen career. It is also tough having family members who don't understand that this is part of my job, being at work and waiting, promoting myself and my salon.

How to you balance your job responsibilities with all the duties that come with parenting?

Just like any other job, I work Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's just that way. When I get home, it's kids, house, and down time, usually by 11 p.m.

Do you feel that your job in the cosmetology business allows you to meet your needs as a parent?

Yes I do, because I have the type of job that if I needed to leave and take care of my home or children, I can.

What do your kids think about you being in the cosmetology business?

OMG, hello! Who else is going to do their hair for free?! My 5-year-old daughter and 5-year-old niece both cut each other's hair about a month ago and came running out to show us screaming how they both want to do hair like mommy and Aunt Jenny. Luckily I was able to fix what they did to their hair...

ARE YOU A SINGLE PARENT LOOKING FOR A CAREER THAT WORKS WITH YOUR HECTIC SCHEDULE? COSMETOLOGY CAREERS MIGHT BE FOR YOU. TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND TALK TO COSMETOLOGY SCHOOLS NEAR YOU.