Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Mollie Reams

Every fall and spring, BeautySchoolsDirectory.com awards a $2,500 Beauty and Wellness Professionals Scholarship to an aspiring wellness and beauty industry professional enrolled in or applying to an accredited cosmetology program.

Our September 2021 winner, Mollie Reams from Issaquah, WA, talked to us about how she chose her school, what she likes about the program, and how she plans to pursue her cosmetology career after graduation.

1. Tell us more about how you chose your school. Why did you pick the cosmetology program? What were some of the most important factors you considered?

When looking for a cosmetology program, factors that I considered were the quality of the education and opportunities I would receive in school. I felt that Gene Juarez, with tenured educators with real life salon experience, opportunity to take guests as a student, and their connection with Gene Juarez Salons as well as other salons in the area, was the perfect choice for what I was looking for. In terms of the quality of education, in my area Gene Juarez is the best education I could receive.

2. How do you like your program? What are you learning in cosmetology school? What are your classes like? Your instructors?

From my first visit at Gene Juarez Academy through the last 7+ months of my education here, I have gained so much from my instructors through their in-salon experience and years of teaching and working in the industry. I have been able to form great relationships with my educators and I truly feel like I am learning from the best. My focus in cosmetology school has been hair, both design and color servicing. My favorite thing I have learned so far is balayage and foilyage—it has been so fun to tap into my creative side and customize the services for my guests.

Another thing I love about Gene Juarez is the opportunity for practical application, when we take real guests and are able to get a feel for what working in a salon would be like. I love that I am able to put what I learn into action and meet and connect with guests along the way. Another part of school I love is that we have a lot of presentations from salons in the area giving us the opportunity to meet, learn, and even extern from various salons. I feel that this opens up the opportunities for me to succeed and find my perfect salon after graduation.

3. How long is your cosmetology program? What is your plan after you complete your program?

My cosmetology program is a 13-month, hour-based program. In order to graduate I must complete 1,600 hours for the state of Washington to receive my license, which I am so excited to get into the real world of being a hairdresser. As far as what I do when I graduate, I am still looking to find the perfect opportunity. In an ideal world, I would love to work for a salon and build up a great clientele and skills. From there, I would love to be a part of continued education with a salon or even open up my own salon.

The great thing is that in the cosmetology career/industry there is SO much opportunity and potential for success that I am excited to be a part of. I am so thankful for Beauty Schools Directory and the direct impact they have made in helping me achieve my dreams!

4. What inspired you to pursue beauty as a career?

I was recently asked at a family dinner, if there was one thing you would do different in your life so far, what would you do? The answer was not hard for me; I would have gone to cosmetology school to become a hairdresser so I could one day open my own salon.

At the time I was asked, I had graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Business Marketing and was three years into a recruiting career and working from home due to COVID-19. I was miserable not only in my job but in the lack of human interaction with working from home. Not too long after this, I was laid off from my job. This was the biggest blessing in disguise I could have received, because it was finally time for me to follow my dream and go back to school for cosmetology. I enrolled at Gene Juarez Academy, South Campus and have 8 months left until I graduate and start my dream cosmetology career.

5. What does winning this scholarship mean for you and your cosmetology career?

Receiving a scholarship will have a substantial impact on my ability to pursue my dream. Attending school full time, the cost of school, and only having enough time for a part time job has had an impact on me financially.

When I was laid off from my job, I was able to collect unemployment, which has helped me both pay for school and housing. Unfortunately, unemployment benefits are ending in the coming weeks and putting me into a financial struggle. I have exhausted all other options including loans, help from family and friends, and grants. The scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden of school and allow me to continue my schooling and begin my dream career. I am thankful for the opportunity!

6. What are your future career goals after earning your cosmetology license? Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

After graduating and receiving my license, I am looking to secure employment at a salon with an apprentice/training program to further cultivate my skills and continue my education. I am so looking forward to working with clients, the freedom to be creative, and make an impact on my guests.

In the next 10 years, I hope to own a salon. Owning a salon has been a dream of mine since I was young. I remember creating fake salons in my bathroom, booking barbie clients on my family computer, and even playing "salon" music while I cut my dolls’ hair. I am looking to bring that dream full circle and become a salon owner, for people instead of barbies!