May 16, 2017
Graduate Showcase-Lisa Dechant
Graduate Spotlight-Lisa Dechant
1. Where are you from?
I am from Garden City, KS
2. What was the defining moment in you choosing to attend?
I tried the college path and just felt like I wasn’t working towards something I was passionate about. Cosmetology was always in the back of my mind. I did some research and found out there was a cosmetology school in Hays. In a matter of 2 days I was enrolled in Hays Academy and the rest is history!
3. What fears did you have and how did you overcome them?
I could go on for days of all the fears I had getting into this career, it’s too bad there is such a negative stereotype on being a hairdresser. The biggest is you will never make any money. In some sense this is true, no, you don’t start out making a set salary like most jobs. You have to work your way up from the bottom. It’s a lot of hours and hard work but I can tell you at 25 I just bought my first home! I think it’s good to never stop having some fears, it keeps you motivated and helps to not make you complacent!
4. What were some of your favorite aspects of Hays Academy of Hair Design and your time in school?
After graduating I realized how lucky I was to be able to work on actual people during my time at school and have a full clientele by the time I left, it’s not just working on a mannequin all day. That made me more confident going into the salon! The Nuts and Bolts business program is just another thing that sets HAHD apart from the rest. It really challenges you to look at the business end of hairdressing and gives you skills to implement when you are finally in the salon working! Also, the instructors are amazing and always willing to go above and beyond to help you. I know I could call anyone of them still to this day and they would be willing to answer any questions I have! That’s just something you don’t hear about in any other cosmetology school, HAHD goes above and beyond!
5. Where are you working now?
I am at Illusions Hair Salon in Garden City!
6. How long have you been there?
2 1/2 years!
7. Are you happy with your decision to enter this wonderful industry?
Absolutely, there is no better feeling then making someone else feel good about themselves, it makes the tough days worth it! You develop such good relationships with your clients you get to watch them get married, have kids, and that’s something not too many other careers offer. This is what makes being a cosmetologist so unique!
8. What career goals do you have and what are your plans to achieve?
Personally I just want to keep growing my clientele and learning more! This career is ever changing and I think that’s what makes it so fun, you never get bored doing the same thing over and over again because new trends are always coming!
