Cindy Shorts wears several hats at the award-winning cosmetology and aesthetics school including managing the staff and students of the cosmetology salon and aesthetics spa, ensuring the curriculum is followed correctly, as well as serving as director of the laser program and teaching laser hair removal classes.
International Academy of Hair Design and Aesthetics recently launched a 64-hour laser program. Those who successfully complete the course are certified by the state to perform laser hair removal in a salon or clinic setting.
Prior to joining the cosmetology and aesthetics school, Shorts, an East Mesa resident, worked for Robert Mindell, M.D. She also owns her own medspa in Mesa.
However, Shorts feels her greatest responsibility and strength is her dedication to helping students succeed.
“The path to success is often a bumpy road and a lot of students experience challenges,”
Part of Shorts’ philosophy is to bolster student confidence by celebrating victories along the way, as well as engaging in community service projects such as offering free back-to-school haircuts to children at the Child Crisis Center.
Each of the company’s 21 schools cosmetology and aesthetics schools donate funds and services to homeless shelters and nursing homes. Peter Hantz Company, an affiliate of the cosmetology school, company provides ongoing support to the Red Cross in Arizona by donating shampoo, conditioner and combs. The toiletry kits are distributed to homeless veterans, as well as active duty soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
In addition to supporting the troops, many military veterans use their GI benefits to enroll in the company’s schools. Scholarships are also available for motivated individuals who qualify and show a strong desire to attend school so they can embark in a career in cosmetology or aesthetics.
Choosing either cosmetology or aesthetics is a good career choice. According to a U.S. News and World Report hairdresser is cited as one of the best jobs of 2012. In a March 21, 2012 article in USA Today, beauty salon sales grew 5.4 %.4 in the last two years vs. a 2.3% sales increase in 2009. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of 15.7% employment growth expected by 2020, the future of hair salons and the future of hair stylists should continue to grow.
In addition to the cosmetology school in Tempe, the company owns International Academy of Hair Design in Fiesta Mall in Mesa, Metro Center in Phoenix and Desert Sky in West Phoenix as well as Olympian University in New Mexico and Lawton , Oklahoma, ITS Academy of Beauty in Texas and Hair Benders Academy in Florida.
For more information visit www.intlacademy.biz. Or call 480-820-9422.
