School of Cosmetology celebrates 30th anniversary

Former cosmetology student Betsy Bailey (center) chats with teachers Judy Thatcher (left) and Shelia Batchelor during a recent celebration of the Chesterfield Technical Center's School of Cosmetology's 30th anniversary. Amy Keantes has been cutting hair since she was 15 years old, so it was a no-brainer for her to enroll in the School of Cosmetology at the Chesterfield Technical Center when she was in high school. Today, the 1991 graduate owns her own salon and is getting ready to expand and double the number of people she employs. Likewise, the School of Cosmetology, which is celebrating 30 years of operation, showcased its own new addition to about 85 students and alumni at a special celebration earlier this month.

Program Director Sheila Batchelor has been with the School of Cosmetology for 29 years. "I almost came with the building," she said. "The school was opened in time for the 1976-77 school year by Gene Craven, who has since passed away."

Graduates over the last 30 years were invited to come back and visit and reminisce about how times have changed since the school opened in the mid-1970s.

"When I went to the school, you were there for half of the school day every day," Keantes said. "A lot of kids took cosmetology just to get out of school. Now, if you take cosmetology, it's just a part of your high school education, and you go for a few hours a week."

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers cosmetology as a two-year course (three credits per year). It is designed to prepare students for the Virginia Board for Cosmetology Licensing Examination. Students learn to shampoo, style, set, permanent wave, chemically relax and color/treat hair. In addition, students learn to consult, advise and create personalized services, such as manicures, facials and makeup for clients.

During the second year, students complete a work-study program and either operate a school-sponsored beauty salon or work in professional salons in the area.

Graduates of the program include salon owners, managers, platform artists, educators, stylists and sales representatives.

Batchelor says she has seen a number of changes over the years including changing industry standards as required by the state board. Also, she has seen the pendulum swing in hair styling.

"Styles that were popular years ago come back around," she said. "There have also been a lot of changes with the chemicals used, but for the most part, the methods we use don't change that much."

Keantes, who is expanding her shop on Alverser Drive from 11 employees to 25 or 30, said she has seen a lot more scientific and advanced techniques being used in the industry since she graduated.

"We've come a long way in learning how to make hair feel and look better," she said. "Hairstyles are softer and more natural looking. Hair is not so big, and it's not so in place. Hair is not so overprocessed. There's much more emphasis on having healthy hair."

Keantes says owning her own shop has always been a dream, and she appreciates the School of Cosmetology education she received.

"Two teachers who really stood out to me were Ms. Batchelor and Ms. [Judith] Thatcher," she said. "They saw the potential in you and knew that you were serious and wanted to learn. They really had a lot of patience and took the time to work with you."

"I always knew I would have my own shop one day, but I didn't imagine I'd have 30 people working for me," Keantes said. "But I really enjoy what I do. It's so much fun, and I really love it, so it's just evolved to this. I'm thrilled."