Near the streets of Michigan and Oriental, on the campus of Arsenal Technical High School, is Studio 212, which according to instructor Rhonda Richards is “the city’s best kept secret.”
Studio 212 is a fun name another instructor gave the cosmetology training center, a nod to the degree boiling point of water. “We’re very hot!” joked Richards. Jokes aside, Studio 212 is taking serious the business of equipping young minds for a promising future.
“When they finish (at Tech), they will have received the exact same training as students would at a private institution,” said Richards, adding that while private schools charge tuition of about $20,000, Tech’s program is offered free of charge.
Upon entering the professional quality salon, visitors are greeted by a host of hospitable young women practicing manicures, facials, make-up, and of course hair care. In addition to hands-on work, which is referred to as “practical,” students are also required by law to complete “theory” or book work as a part of their curriculum.
While leading a group of students through a theory discussion on work place procedures, Richards spoke on the importance of preparation prior to stepping out into the competitive market as a small group of students listened intently. “I told them that it’s going to get really real for them in a matter of months,” said Richards. “I want to make sure they understand what’s expected of them as employees.”
Most of the young women in the group are seniors preparing to go before a state board soon to receive their professional licenses. It is clear that on top of the expected lessons on beauty techniques, Richard’s classroom provides an opportunity to glean life lessons in timeliness, professionalism, communication and perseverance.
One such student is senior Aigner Baker, who said her biggest lesson has been in overcoming disappointment. Baker, a talented cosmetologist who has been working with hair from the age of 4, recalled a moment where she performed a straightening service for a client with less than satisfactory results. “The instructor made me wash it out and do it again,” said Baker. “I wanted to cry but I held it in – it’s a learning process.”
Since then, Baker has made it a point to exercise discipline in mastering her craft and has even gained a few permanent clients who plan to follow her post-graduation. She said she sees her gift as a way to help others and make them feel good about themselves. It is no wonder then that she plans to study psychology in addition to eventually owning her own hair salon.
Baker, along with the other students in Studio 212, have overcome many adversities, and while they are small in number, they have built a strong familial-like bond with one another that resonates with everyone who visits their little corner of Morgan Hall. “Half of what they have to do (as required by law) is done on live models,” said Richards. “So naturally, we need to get people in here.” The Studio is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and offers several salon services at discounted prices.
