L-R 1st row: Taylor Dunham, Brittany O’Brien, 2nd row: Alyssa Bartolomeo, Alison O'Connor, Jenna Fennelly, 3rd row: Teacher Lisa Baron; Jade Rodger, Brittany Collins, Stephanie Brust, Teacher Asst Lisa Ann Bonafede; Emily Sass, Kayla VanderBogar, Victoria Warnken
Blink International, an online trade magazine for cosmetology schools, recently published an article by Lisa (Nagengast) Bonafede, a teaching assistant at Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy.
Bonafede was interviewed by the magazine on the idea of “Top 10 List: Make Your Student Competition a Success,” an article aimed at helping cosmetology schools attract future students. She speaks from a broad range of experience.
Trained at the Orlo School of Hair Design in Albany, Bonafede has worked for Questar III since last September. Currently a NYS Licensed Cosmetologist, she has previously served as an enrollment manager for the Austin School of Spa Technology, and as a national account manager for Milady; a part of Cengage Learning, which is recognized as the world’s number one publisher of beauty education materials.
The article came about after she made a presentation at the American Association of Cosmetology Schools in Las Vegas on how schools can amplify their admissions.
“Every school could have a yearly student competition to show their students talent, encourage potential students to enroll, and spark interest in area salon owners to hire future graduates,” Bonafede said.
Bonafede’s top 10 tips to schools are:
- make it fun;
- publicize it;
- pair experienced students with new students as their mentors;
- pick a theme to encourage participation;
- build a stage to showcase students’ talent;
- give great prizes;
- invite area salons so salon owners can meet prospective employees;
- encourage student recognition by inviting students’ families and friends to attend;
- send releases to media with photos including to national trade publications; and,
- make it an annual event to build momentum and recognition.”
Lisa Baron, Questar III’s cosmetology teacher said Bonafede is a great resource for students.
“We are very fortunate to have Lisa. She’s creative, savvy about the latest technology and software for this field, very good with technique, and knows the industry from every aspect so her experience is invaluable to our students.”
Bonafede said she enjoys teaching. “I never forget how I felt when I started,” she said. “I look at this from the students’ eyes and encourage them to realize they will get to a professional level if they work hard. I love working with them and seeing them grow”
Questar III’s two-year cosmetology program combines classroom theory, clinical experience, work-based learning and portfolio development in completing the required 1,000 hours of curriculum to obtain a New York State license for a career in the appearance enhancement industry. This includes training in the full beauty umbrella of services including facials, makeup, skin care, manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
