What’s Happening

Where Are They Now? Kyle Miller

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening
Kyle Miller graduated from our Academy in November 2008 with a license in Cosmetology. We recently reached out to Kyle because we knew he was doing some amazing things in this industry and we asked him a few questions:
1.) Why Cosmetology school?
It was curiosity that lead me to cosmetology school. I was in college to become an art teacher. Job opportunities are hard to come by in that field. So, decided to look at other options. Almost 10 years later, I could not have picked a better career to fall in love with and be so passionate about. I have no idea what I’d be doing if I hadn’t gone to cosmetology school. Best decision ever.
2.) How did attending TSPA impact your career?
TSPA gave me a really good foundation for my career as a cosmetologist. The educators are very knowledgeable and willing to help however they can. I also use a lot of the same goal tracking I learned in school to keep my business successful.
3.) What cool things have you experienced as a hairstylist?
Oh wow, so many cool things. First, every day behind the chair, connecting with people and making them look and feel their best. I’ve traveled and worked for behindthechair.com. I am also an educator for the beauty brand Joico. I travel to work hair shows and to educate other stylists. Most recently, I was in the Dominican Republic for Joico’s Destination Education 2018. I was able to meet and work with some of the industry’s top artists! Another cool part of this industry is the people you meet. Whether it’s clients or fellow stylists, we’re all one, big family!
4.) When people say, You cant make money as a hairstylist, what do you tell them?
I feel like when you’re passionate about something, you do what you can to make it work. The beauty industry has changed so much in a positive way, even since I first started out. I think people are starting to show a little more respect for hairstylists. Which is amazing because I feel like hairstylists are so underrated. We’re just like everyone else, trying to make it in the world, raising kids, running businesses, etc. I mean, how many single, under thirty-five, stylists do you know that own their own home and a small business?
5.) How has the beauty industry impacted your life?
This industry has impacted me in the best way possible. I’ve met so many different people, traveled to so many beautiful places and had so many amazing experiences. Like I said earlier, I don’t know what I would be doing if I wasn’t doing hair.
6.) What advice would you give to someone thinking about cosmetology school?
At first, I didn’t realize how much time, heart, blood, sweat and tears it took to be in this industry. But I promise you, if you’re willing to work for it, it’s totally worth it in the end.
 

Kyle Miller

Master Stylist | JoiColor Systems Advisor
Day Salon
3775 Haley Drive, Suite A
Newburgh, IN 47630
Bus: 812.573.0075

Where are they now-Megan Johnson

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

Where Are They Now? Attending the Beauty Changes Lives Experience!

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Chelsie McPherson

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA), Evansville Cosmetology graduate Megan Johnson had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2018 Beauty Changes Lives Experience this past April. The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation helps support the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals by awarding scholarships to cosmetology, nail, massage and esthetic students. This foundation held their 6th Beauty Changes Lives Experience at the Art Institute of Chicago. Here is where the NEXTGEN Team and their Mentors put together looks to interpret their theme of “Exposed.”

Megan worked side by side with Chris Baran as her mentor. She was just as excited to share her experience of this event as she was participating, “The entire week was a dream come true. It was a lot of prep working up to the day of the event. We hung out back stage at the American Beauty Show with the Redken team. Chris and I were prepping in the corner for the Beauty Changes Lives Experience and we’d have artists coming up to us saying how amazing it looked as it came together. Everyone was very welcoming, and it was nice they were so supportive of someone new.”

One of the looks they had created was made from a lot of braids and chicken wire. That’s right, chicken wire! The look was incredible and displayed beautiful texture and movement with the curvature shaping. Megan began to explain what it was like to put this piece together with Chris Baran, “He was very informative and patient. I had never worked with chicken wire before and he had walked me through everything and explained everything without making me feel any less knowledgeable.”

Not only did she learn new techniques, but she took home other lessons as well. She explains, “I met a lot of Redken Artists and industry leaders and this was an awesome way to network. I learned a lot of new techniques. This experience really opened my eyes because at the end of the day we are all still people. No matter how good we are at something we are all still people. I learned to be humble and will take a lot of life lessons with me.”

TSPA Evansville owner, Robin Halter and Lead Educator Kerri Schultz attended the event cheering Megan on. Kerri shares, “It was a proud moment for us. She was such a true student and was always wanting to know every detail of how to do something. I couldn’t think of a more deserving student to have this experience.”

It is exciting to see such talent coming from our very own TSPA Evansville, IN. Being a winner of last year’s National Student Competition and now have participated in Beauty Changes Lives event, Megan sure is expanding her experiences.

 

Redken Scholarship Winners

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

 

We did it again!  We had 13, $1000 Redken Scholarship winners out of the 35 that were given out nation wide to our TSPA franchise Academies. That’s $13,000!!!  Congratulations to:

Larissa Chantley-Barr, Fallon Carie, Stephanie Stevens, Madison Roberson, Kaci Hess, Lauren Singer, Eric Croft, Hailee Fromm, Skyler Conner, Brooke Carlson, Sadi Collins,  Dena Ferguson and Briley Wingerter!  Amazing job and very deserving to all of the winners!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Follow the Artist: Megan Johnson

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

 

 

 

Where Are They Now? TSPA offers a rare peek into some of our beauty school graduates and shares a little insight into what happens to TSPA students after they win titles like National Student Competitions during their academic stretch.

 

 

 

Winning Student Competition Color Photo (Above)

Meet Megan Johnson (Front Right):

Well, there are some exciting things to come for one of our 2017 Cosmetology graduates and National Student Competition winner, Megan Johnson. The fun happens on April 29th in Chicago at the 6th Annual Beauty Changes Lives Experience. This fundraiser unites our industry, honors outstanding visionary leadership and celebrates the NEXTGEN of beauty professionals. This year’s NEXTGEN talent are going to wow you with their runway collections!

Stay posted to see what Megan brings to the stage!

(Megan Johnson Right Front)

Where Are They Today: Jake Kissel’s Cosmetology Career

Written by SEO-Admin on in Latest News, What's Happening

Learn Where Jake Kissel’s Curiosity About The World Of Cosmetology Has Taken Him, What Ignited Him, What He Is Doing In The World Of Cosmetology Today, What Opened His Eye Up To TSPA Evansville Cosmetology School & How He Overcame People Deterring His Decision. Get Ready To Get Inspired

Jake Kissel grew up next door to me along with his 3 brothers. When we were in the planning stages of the Academy, Jake was really interested in what we were doing and started asking my son, what is a licensed cosmetologist, and the next thing I knew, Jake was the first student to sign an enrollment agreement for TSPA Evansville. Jake started in our first class on July 9, 2007. As a student, Jake was very committed to graduating at the top of his class and took his learning very serious. Jake had all the obstacles that most students and new graduates have with financial being right at the top. While attending TSPA, Jake worked a part time job, sold his paintings on the side and saved his money with a purpose. I still remember how excited he was when he was able to buy his first brand new car on his own merit about 2 years after graduating. Jake worked hard and has continued to work hard and never let anything get in the way of his passion and dreams.  What really stands out for me now is Jake’s love of sharing his gifts and talent with others through teaching and mentoring. It’s been a great pleasure to watch Jake Kissel grow as a salon professional and as a person of influence.

Robin Halter

~Why did you choose the beauty industry?

I was in a way oblivious to the beauty industry at this point in my life. It was during my gap year from high school that I had to find a career choice that spoke to me. I knew college wasn’t the best fit for me. With my creative background in the arts, I knew I needed something to fuel my creative side. My mentor, Robin Halter, came to me and shared a bit about The Salon Professional Academy/Evansville. I was intrigued by this idea and it sparked a new flame inside me. I signed up shortly after our chat. So as a big picture, the beauty industry chose me.

~How has your decision to attend TSPA influenced your career?

The Salon Professional Academy helped me to become who I am today. It was the birth place of the career of my dreams. The Academy showed me how I can become the best authentic version of myself. I was able to graduate knowing my foundational skills as well as advanced current real world techniques.

~What have you experienced as a licensed cosmetologist?

Wow, so much has happened since graduation. So here are some of the hi-lights.

  • Hair and Makeup for movie title, Daylight (filmed in Evansville, IN).
  • 3 years at Salon WOW (Evansville, IN)
  • 7 years at current salon, Elements of Style Salon and Spa (Eldersburg, MD just west of Baltimore)
  • Becoming A Pure Artist 2012 (Pureology)
  • Redken Color Certification
  • Working alongside with many industry greats like Chris Baran and Ruth Roche
  • Attended 5 Exchange classes in NYC
  • Worked at Richmond hair show selling products on show floor,  presenting on mini stage, and doing behind the scenes hair for Pureology.
  • Worked at the Jerry Garcia Foundation Concert and had the opportunity to do hair for Peter Frampton, Grace Potter, Eric Church and Allie Kral.
  • Attended the London Redken Symposium 2014
  • Attended the Las Vegas Redken Symposium 2015 working show floor and behind the scenes hair for the event
  • Became Co- Owner and Education Director of my salon company, Elements of Style Salon and Spa in 2017
  • Level 4A stylist and associate trainer.
  • Stand up for Hero’s event NYC 2017
  • Featured on Michel Cole’s FB Live January 2018
  • Motivational Speaker at Cosmetology Schools
  • Will be working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week-February 2018

~How has the  beauty industry impacted your life?

I wouldn’t be in the position I am today, if I hadn’t made the decision to become a student at TSPA Evansville I have been able to touch the lives of thousands of guest working behind the chair. Sometimes all anyone needs is someone to talk to and have them listen. I love bringing joy to my guests with my personality and skill.

I was told by managers at prior jobs, by family and friends that this industry couldn’t offer me much money or opportunity. I have always had a strong will and I pushed myself to prove the haters wrong. I’m happy to say that I have reached a 6 figure income.  This is not to brag but to shed light on the earning potential that is available if you put in the hard work.

Another huge impact in my life is my ability to travel the world, which seemed out of reach in my life before. Learn better, Earn better, Live better is the Redken mantra. This mantra has helped me be able to grow and focus my goals towards something and achieve them. Anything is possible when you have a road map to a goal.

~What advice would you give to someone thinking about attending school to become a cosmetologist, esthetician, nail tech, etc? 

If you truly want to make an impact in your community and even the world then this is for you. We all hold the greatness within us to become what we want in life. The biggest piece of advice I can give; You drive your own car and no one else. You may have people in your life that may try to detour you from this career, but you need to listen to what your heart is telling you. There are so many opportunities within this great industry and we are waiting for you to show up.

Jake Kissel

@JakeAKissel

JakeAKissel.com

Reflections of 2017

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

 

A new year! I always like to take a moment to look back and see what all happened in retrospect. 2017 was a blur…..

So what did happen?  We had a record number of students that entered our National Student/Educator Competition and consequently had a record number of finalist and winners! We had 5 finalist, Students-Alexandra Schroeder, Olivia Wampler, Gracie Smith, Tyla Oller and Educator, Brianne Wagoner, and 4 winners, Megan Johnson, Kevin Leisure, Erica Hackworth and Educator- Abby Turpen. The winners  and their coaches won a trip to NYC in August and took part in a national photo shoot with top artists from Redken and L’oreal Professionnel and photographers.

We gave a lot of services away and collected a lot of money and canned goods. In March we participated in the annual Homeless Connect and did over 480 services to those in need including haircuts, beard trims, brow waxing and manicures. We cut a bunch of hair for back to school in August.  In October we participated in Trim Hunger and collected over $800.  In November and December we collected 16- 50 gallon drums of canned goods and $400 in cash. Over the course of the entire year we held monthly dress for a cause events and collected over $2500 that went to various organizations and sometimes to a student in need.

In June we had our annual summer fun day with blowup slide and obstacle course, volleyball, cornhole tournament, team relay complete with blindfold makeup, dunking booth and lots of great food!

 

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary in July with our annual career fair and student runway competition.  We gave away a bunch of Sam Villa goodies (blowdryers, flat irons and brushes) and had a record turn out with 21 salons/vendors and a bunch of students!

What came next? Well, we had 9 Redken $1000 Scholarship winners, Sydney Ahrens, Hannah Hartzler, Rachel Hale, Lesa Beasley, Rosalie Fair, Jillian Schirtzinger, Rachel Hale, Emma Wildeman and Kaleigh Prow, out of 35 given to our TSPA franchise and 1 Great Clips $500 scholarship winner, Lauren Singer. We, TSPA Evansville, gave out $32,000 in scholarships in 2017!  Extra funds always make our students happy!

2017 was the year to set records for sure at TSPA Evansville.  We had more students qualifying and jumping (meeting their level goals) every month than ever! We had 2 Cosmetology students reach level 4A, Kaleigh Prow and Hannah Hartzler, which is no easy task since we’ve only had 4 in our 10 year school history,  4 Level 4s,  8 Level 3s and 25 Level 2s. We had the most motivated positive attitude group of students we have ever experienced.   We had our highest total student enrollment plus we had the highest outcomes reported for overall students: Graduation 82%, Placement 89% and Licensure 100% (this is reported by Nov 30, 2017 for 2016 annual report to our accrediting agency, NACCAS).

Our educators spent a lot of time training this past year.  They got certified in MUD makeup and Men’s Hair cutting. They traveled to Texas, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, Las Vegas and NYC for various conferences and training. Two of our educators, Lisa Brinkmeyer and Kerri Schultz, became trainers for our parent company SPEC and they now travel all around the country training the staff at the new Academies that are opening. Owner, Carla Boyles traveled to the Austin Film Festival for a viewing of her hair and makeup work on the big screen of Bullitt County.  Whew…our staff and owners were busy!

More exciting news:  We became a brand partner school for MUD makeup and added the MUD into our student kits and into our curriculum. We achieved World Class status for Bioelements and we also achieved the highest Diamond Academy status within our franchise.  We have more new stuff coming that we can’t talk about just yet but we are all pretty pumped!

 

2017 is a year we can all be proud of at TSPA Evansville.  2018 is shaping up pretty awesome and I’m sure it will be a blur as well.  We will be adding onto our physical building and will have new things to offer down the way so stay tuned.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Robin Halter/Academy Director/Owner

How a girl from Evansville Indiana is making her Hollywood dreams come true…

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

How a girl from Evansville Indiana is making her Hollywood dreams come true…

The Salon Professional Academy of Evansville is hitting the Red Carpet at the Austin Film Festival October 29, 2017. How did this all come about you ask? Back in September of 2010, just 3 short years after TSPA Evansville opened for business, we began a journey with up and coming film makers David McCracken and Josh Riedford. These young men, both originally from Evansville, were reaching out to the community via local radio advertising to find local cast and crew for an independent film they wanted to shoot in and around Evansville called DAYLIGHT. One of our students heard about this and asked about getting involved. We reached out to David and Josh and quickly built a great working relationship. We traveled all over the tristate area learning the ins and outs of leading the hair and makeup department for a movie. DAYLIGHT wrapped roughly 9 months later and has done very well on the film festival circuit as well as platforms such as iTunes and Amazon.

Having such a great rapport with these film makers made way for them to call upon us again in 2015 to collaborate on their newest venture. Bullitt County is an action thriller about 4 friends on a bachelor party/bourbon trail trek that quickly spirals out of control. The team got the opportunity to do some special effects makeup such as bruising, lacerations, and blood effects. Bullitt County officially wrapped in May of 2017 and is making is premiere at the Austin Film Festival. TSPA Evansville will be represented by Carla Boyles, Co-Owner/Educator, leading the hair/makeup/SFX department for the film. We couldn’t be more excited! Carla also just finished a 3 day shoot for an upcoming A&E program on people living with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). This is Carla’s third time working in television and she also has 4 independent films under her belt. Congratulations Carla and TSPA Evansville!

“I love to show my students there is a world of opportunity for the salon professional. Even someone from a small town in the Midwest can conquer big dreams when they set their mind to it.” –Carla Boyles

#TSPAEvansville #SFXMakeup #TSPALife #BullittCounty  #1970sThriller  #BourbonTrailMovie  #BuriedTreasure  #MrPicturs #AFF2017

Constitution Day September 18, 2017

Written by TSPA Evansville on in What's Happening

Admission Director, Melanie Holmes, invited her dad  into our Academy to help us celebrate Constitution Day.  Mr Carl Mann is a WWII Veteran and carries with him a wealth of life experience and knowledge. Mr Mann retired at the age of 91 and is the father of 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  Since his retirement, he has made himself available to area high schools and other organizations to talk about the importance of upholding our constitution and its origins.  Mr Mann emphasizes how lucky we are in the United States to enjoy the Freedom that so many have fought for and continue to fight for.  He witnessed first hand the atrocities that Nazi Germany imposed on millions of Jews and other Europeans.  Mr Mann also witnessed first hand what freedom looks like on the faces of those that were freed by the American troops that he served with.  Mr Mann is very passionate about preserving our freedoms that we enjoy and exercising our rights as US citizens to vote and make informed decisions when casting those votes.

TSPA staff and students want to thank Mr Mann for sharing his wisdom and experiences with us on Constitution Day and look forward to having him join us again next year.