Category: Student News

Congratulations to Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy on it’s 10 Year Anniversary!

Penny Miller started her cosmetology career in 1982, here in the state of Oklahoma.  After a few years in the business she purchased Phase II Hair Design, and slowly converted a Barber Shop into a Cosmetology Salon. During her career, Penny has trained with several product companies such as Matrix, Redken, Paul Mitchell, Sebastian, Roffler, American Crew, Montage, Aquage, Scruples, TiGi, Sexy Hair Concepts, OPI, Tammy Taylor, & Joico, just to name a few. Constantly going to hair shows and educational events she furthered her knowledge in the Cosmetology Industry, brought this information back to the salon and helped to educate her staff on new methods and practices relating to cosmetology.

Later Penny went back to school again to achieve her Master Cosmetology Instructor License, and then in January of 2003, she opened her school, Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy, where she has partnered with several product companies such as CHI, to give her students the advantage of working with strong American Educators and American based products.

Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy, located in beautiful downtown Pauls Valley, Oklahoma is a small beauty college offering a full range of education in Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetics, and even Instructor Courses.  Small classes mean that each student gets a lot of one on one time with the instructor, and their education is individualized for their own particular needs. Everyone learns differently, and when you customize the teaching methods you get a better result with helping each student achieve their goals.  Modeled after the apprentice programs, popular in Europe, the Academy offers a real salon environment for students to learn in and real hands on experience with one on one with clients on the clinic floor. P.M.C.A. currently holds a 100% pass rate at the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology.  All courses are offered at the Academy giving the students a wider range of career opportunities for employment in the future.  Part-time and full-time courses are available with flexible payment plans.

Guest artists are invited in to help students learn about a variety of product lines, so their education is not limited to one school of thought.  Since opening in 2003, Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy has invited in several product educators, such as RX Systems, BackScratchers, Spa Girl, Lorea’l, CHI, Joico,  OPI, Tammy Taylor Systems, Matrix, Aquage, Wella-Sebastian.  We have had special events such as Glamour Photography, Computer Imaging, Nail Classes, Little Princess Parties, Photo Sessions, just to name a few.  Our students have had the opportunity to participate in the hair and make up on a movie production, and have worked  Bridal Fairs, and Fashion Shows & Wedding Parties.  Our students have attended hair shows, special business seminars, field trips to product manufacturing plants, salons, & suppliers and have enjoyed additional information from guest speakers pertaining to salon management and career advancement & financial planning.

A day in the life of a student.  The class day starts at 8:00 a.m. in Theory Class. Students learn textbook information, procedures, state law, safety and sanitation.  This is where students get basic information. Lecture, demonstrations, video presentations, lab equipment, computers and other educational aids assist in the learning process.  After Theory Class, students go to the clinic floor to apply their newly acquired knowledge with a hands on approach.  They are all given mannequins and tools and supplies, and then they start to work applying their new skills, practice, practice, practice, is the motto during this session in the learning process.  After students have reached a level of expertise, they begin working with clients. Clients add a more personal touch to the educational experience because it is very important for each student to learn the necessary people skills to work successfully in a salon.  All work is closely monitored by the instructor, and all services are checked for accuracy. At each level of training, the bar is raised and we expect more out of our students.  By the time they finish the course, they will easily pass Oklahoma State Board Testing, but more important, they will be ready to start their new career in an upscale salon.

What types of careers could a cosmetology graduate expect to find?  Well, here in the state of Oklahoma, the possibilities are really limitless.  Today’s graduate can start in a salon as a beginning hairstylist, and work their way up to master hairstylist working behind the chair doing a wide variety of services from cuts, styles, waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, massage, cosmetic application, color application, perming and texturizing services, highlighting, etc.  Cosmetology professionals are also need in MediSpa’s for client care pre-op and post-op.  They can go to work for product manufacturers doing demo’s and educational events.  They can assist master stylist’s, learning more about the business, work as a stylist on a cruise ship, or a resort. They can work doing glamour services, cosmetic application, and even hair & makeup on a movie set.  Later, they can even work their way up to salon management or even ownership.  Beauty professionals can go into writing, and even into education. Really in today’s market the possibilities are endless.  All they really need is a “Can Do” attitude. We are in a zero unemployment field that needs more stylists and technicians each year. There is a real shortage of hairstylists out there and we have salons call us regularly looking for new talent. With all the new products, techniques, and services out there now this is a very exciting field to get into.  I have worked in this field for almost 30 years now and it never gets boring!

What type of person is a good fit for a cosmetology career? Anyone who truly cares about people!  If you like people and helping them with their beauty needs, there is no career that can be more personally rewarding!  Young or old, male or female, clients are always in need of Beauty Professionals. There is nothing better than making someone feel special! The look on their face when they see the new look you gave them is priceless. You can boost someone’s self-esteem, help them to look and feel better, and give them that little bit of self-confidence to get them through some of life’s little challenges. What better way to make a living! And YOU can create your own payscale….Yes, the sky is the limit, the more you work, the more you earn, it’s really a Win, Win situation.

If you know of a friend or relative that has thought about a career in the field of Cosmetology, We would love to meet them and help them with their educational needs to get them on the right path in this field. We love making a difference in our students lives, and cultivating new talent. This is a wonderful career that can be very lucrative, personally, professionally, and financially.  Help us to help others on their new paths. You don’t have to go out of town for a great education. Please check out Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy.