When Stacey James opened Stacey James Salon and Spa in Parker over 10 years ago, she found it difficult to hire stylists who had the technical and creative skills required for today’s beauty industry. Stacey saw a need and decided to fill it. Soon after opening her salon she also created and opened Stacey James Institute, a full-service cosmetology and esthetic school.
“The unique atmosphere at our school is to give the support, skill, and specialized attention to our students, enabling them to be career-ready, not just license-ready," she says. "We are committed to giving students an experience of a real salon and spa. My focus and passion is on the school as I love to watch students develop their creative talents. They have the skill set and confidence to enter the ever-changing beauty industry in their new careers. It’s not about growing a business. It’s about growing people.”
Stacey James Institute wants to change the old beauty-school stigma. The beauty industry has evolved tremendously. “Having a cosmetology license requires as many hours as an associate degree and our students accomplish this in about a year," Stacey says. "The income to be made can be just as much, if not more, than someone coming out of college. Baby Boomers are retiring by the millions and are done raising their families. They now have the money to take care of their skin and beauty needs. We are seeing more and more surgeons and doctors hiring cosmetologists and estheticians for their offices. As well as, more salons and spas are opening and looking to hire beauty professionals.
Cosmetologists and estheticians are poised to take care of the high demand for the latest trends in hair, skin and nails.”
“It’s the first time I think I’ve been in an environment where everyone truly wants you to do your best and succeed,” says Stacey James Institute student Hallie Miller.
School director Patty Westra sums it up well. “Stacey is always on the move, never wanting to stop helping others and giving back," she says. "From students to staff, this culture breeds a camaraderie and collaboration that benefits all.”