New Lab, New Program; Beautifying ILCC

Morgan Larson, Writer 

It is safe to say that everything that happened in 2020 can stay in 2020. Luckily, at Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC), a new change was already in the works for 2021. It was announced and showcased that the Emmetsburg campus would be home to the new Cosmetology program and its incredible Laker Salon Lab. The program includes courses such as Cosmetology Theory I and Practical Cosmetology Skills I. With the Spring 2021 semester being the program’s first semester, the program coordinator and newly enrolled cosmetology students are thrilled to share what the program and lab have in-store.  

Laurie Pearson, the Director/Instructor of the new program, is thrilled about the program and the hands-on learning opportunities the salon lab will bring to students. Everything starts at the “beautification” structure of this program. Pearson went into detail about the salon’s lab renovation at the Emmetsburg campus. “Renovation began in July of 2020. Our Cosmetology suite includes the salon, pedicure and manicure spa, facial rooms, and classroom,” said Pearson.   

With these new set areas within the lab, new equipment, such as styling chairs, manicure tables, and steamers, are essential to engage students’ learning needs. “We have 12 styling chairs, 6 European Shampoo Bowl/lounge chairs. The manicure/pedicure spa room contains four spa pedicure chairs equipped with back massage. We also have six manicure tables,” said Pearson. A comfortable table, steamers, and waxing services for clients are all elements within the labs’ facial room. The classroom itself is furnished with an exceptional lighting system and a clever touch.  

Pearson and fellow instructor Kendra Webb are eager about the program and hands-on learning opportunities the salon lab will bring to students. “It is fantastic,” said Pearson. “It is a privilege to teach Cosmetology in our wonderful lab.”  

The Laker Salon Lab brings beneficial attributes to the program’s curriculum in the eyes of the instructors. One major factor is the lab itself is very similar to an actual salon, which does boost the program’s curriculum. Pearson goes on to say, “The lab allows students to explore interaction with clients, allows them to perform hair, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing services.” This enables students to gain the necessary experiences and knowledge their need to pursue future employment in Cosmetology.   

The program is off to a great start as Pearson and Webb continue to observe how students respond to the program and the new resources the salon lab offers them. Pearson has heard nothing but positive comments from her students. She deems this new salon lab as a “beautiful place to learn”.    

Positivity and passion go hand and hand when it comes to Cosmetology, student Gracie Zemler. Zemler has always had a thing for Cosmetology. When this new program came to be at ILCC, she jumped at the chance to enroll in the program. “With the new program opening this year, I was able to stay close to home and go to school for something I love! I also really appreciate everything the administration does for the students, to make sure they have the best education and experience,” said Zemler. These are all contributing factors that Zemler holds extremely important toward her education.   

Like any student within this new program, Zemler believes that the new Laker Salon Lab has what it takes for a future cosmetologist to prosper. “It is a fantastic environment to learn and work in. It has the best facilities and anything a cosmetologist needs to succeed,” said Zemler.  

The Laker Salon Lab seems like the focal point of the program. With what it has to offer, Zemler believes that this salon lab will affect the program as a whole and will be a contributing influence on future enrolling students in the Cosmetology program. Zemler goes on to say, “I definitely think it will! Being able to have such an amazing, fun, and upbeat atmosphere here at the salon will make people want to get services as well as intrigue people who are interested in cosmetology.”    

From Zelmer’s perspective, this is a great profession to get into as vast job options can branch off in various areas, thanks to their license. “It is also a very hands-on profession, so being able to show people what we do can help them get a better understanding of what cosmetology truly is,” said Zemler.   

Although the Laker Salon Lab is still brand new to the Emmetsburg campus, it has impacted its students in positive, educational ways. Zemler says that surrounding herself with great instructors and peers who share the same interest in cosmetology are contributing factors.   

“They make this experience exciting, yet educational. I think that’s a really important factor when going to school. We have mini competitions within the program to see who can style the best up-do or use random objects and create a hairstyle. Fun things like that are what we will remember when we go out into the work field,” said Zemler.   

It’s interesting to think that Zemler and others within the program this semester are the first to enroll in this brand-new program and work in the Laker Salona Lab. From her perspective, Zemler touches on the salon labs renovation. “Because it’s a new program, I think it’s important that we have a beautiful salon and a great workspace. In cosmetology, you are a walking billboard of anything related to beauty, so I think it’s important that the salon reflects that as well,” said Zelmer.   

New opportunities, resources, and hands-on experience are three prime concepts that the new Laker Salon Lab offers. Zemler is adamant that all of these things will help her in the long run. “In cosmetology, the best way to learn is to practice. Being able to have amazing teachers who have been in the cosmetology workforce for so long is very beneficial to the students as well,” said Zemler, “It’s a way that they can give their insight, feedback, and knowledge to us.”  

It’s exciting to think about the future Cosmetologists graduating as the first students enrolled in the program and interacted with the Laker Salon Lab. Zemler has big plans after graduating, reassuring that it’s going to be full of opportunity and strive for success. “I plan on working at a salon for a couple of years to get some salon experience. After that, I plan on opening a few of my own salons. From there, I would like to go into being a film stylist,” said Zemler.  

It seems that the Laker Salon Lab and the Cosmetology program are the talk of ILCC. Both bring a sense of hope and prosperity to ILCC when entering 2021. The instructors and students within the program are quite excited to be a part of something big. As everyone continues from this point forward, it will be interesting to watch this program and the Laker Salon Lab grow and make a mark at ILCC, bringing in new opportunities for future students.