15 Apr The VIP Experience
Hair and Makeup for the AAUW Fashion Show
On April 2, cosmetology students partnered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Their annual luncheon fashion show raises money for their local scholarship fund. Four women who are attending local trade and community colleges receive the scholarships. The Institute of Beauty and Wellness has worked with the AAUW before for its fashion show in 2019.
All our ladies had so much fun in 2019 when they visited you, they felt like it was a VIP model experience!”
– Elizabeth Pancratz, AAUW
It was a true VIP experience this year as the cosmetology program no longer has classes on Saturdays. This was an extra opportunity for students to get hands-on experience. Students chatted with their models about their outfits and look. From there it was up to the student’s creative mind on how they were going to achieve the look. Mia’s favorite part was her model, Sharon. “She said do whatever we want with her hair, which was a nice change of pace from our regular guests.”
Partnerships with the community are great for students to build skills and confidence. For Ella, it was a time when she could collaborate with another classmate. “It was nice to be able to create a look with another student. Usually, we don’t get to work together on an updo for a guest.” For other students, it was a networking opportunity. Logan, who is a theater technician, connected with a model who is a part of a theater group for future shows.
“Sharon was a dose of sugar and spice. It was fun to work with her.” - Logan, cosmetology student
The most rewarding part of these opportunities are the finished looks. All the models were so impressed with their final reveal. Make-up touch-ups completed the looks before the final photos. Sharon a model, who doesn’t wear makeup on a regular basis loved her final look. “Managed to keep it me but kicked it up a notch!”- Sharon on her finished look. Each model posed for a few photos so students could add to their portfolios. Everyone had smiles at as they walked out for the day. It was a quick morning, but the memories and connections made will live on.
