Aisha Gatlin, a beauty salon owner in Michigan, has struggled for 6 years to find stylists who know how to work with Black women's hair. Even though there are many graduates each year from cosmetology schools, most are not really trained on the techniques used for Black hair. To solve the problem, she decided to open her very own cosmetology school, Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology, that specializes in varying textures of hair.
When the 38-year old entrepreneur discovered that existing beauty schools don't actually prepare stylists to specifically cater to Black customers, instead of complaining, she provided a solution -- she opened her own cosmetology school.
Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology opened at Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, Michigan earlier this month. It is one of the first Black-owned cosmetology training facility in Washtenaw County.
"As a hair stylist, you should be able to work with all types of hair," Gatlin told Michigan Live. "I feel like having a school here in this area will really benefit."
The school is offering a program for $15,000, which students on hair including cutting, coloring, and applying hair products, as well as hair braiding, extension services, press, and curls. Students will also be taught about the basics of nail and skincare such as manicures, pedicures, waxing, and facials.
A $2,500 scholarship is also currently available and Gatlin hopes to connect students to additional financial aid opportunities in the future.
Moreover, Gatlin is confident that after finishing the school's program, their students would be able to provide great service to different clients with different textures of hair.
For more information about Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology, visit www.beautifulluxeschool.com and or follow the school on Facebook at @beautifulluxeschool