6 Destinations Every Cosmetologist Should Visit and Why

May 24, 2021

Traveling can give you more than just a new profile picture. Beauty professionals can travel to improve their skills and gain inspiration from exploring new places around the world.


We all have photo albums dedicated to our favorite trips and travel memories. Exploring new places gives us refreshing experiences and allows us to grow from these new destinations. As a beauty expert, your next vacation can also be an educational one. Here are some travel events and destinations that can help feed your inspiration as a professional cosmetologist. Additionally, many of your favorite venues are now leading virtual and online events.

 

1) Visit a Cosmetology Trade Show in New York City, Chicago, or Las Vegas. 


Makeup, hair, and skincare trade shows are an excellent way to network, connect with leading industry professionals, and learn more about the products and services that are out there. Some of the biggest meet-ups in the game are actually located in the United States. Head to New York City or Chicago to attend events like The Makeup Show or catch a flight to Vegas for the International Beauty Show. The good news is many of these events are also hosting online sessions, so you can even join from home if you can't make it in person.

 

2) Catch a Fashion Show in Paris, France


One thing is certain—the fashion and beauty world will forever be intertwined. Paris has long been synonymous with timeless fashion icons. For a makeup artist, hairstylist, or nail technician there are endless sources of inspiration throughout the city but especially in the fashion district. Paris hosts multiple fashion weeks throughout the year. Some will be available to the public so that people can book a ticket to watch the runways. The beauty choices on Paris runways are sure to awe and leave you creatively inspired. If you are interested in working in the background of the fashion industry, attending these shows are essential—each designer meticulously selects the hair and makeup for their show along with the artists that create them. This is the stage where you will see trends and groundbreaking styling choices at their birthplace.

 

3) Walk Through “The Black Hair Experience” Art Installation in Atlanta, Georgia 


Pop-up art installations and interactive displays are part of the latest phenomena in travel activities. However, most people may not realize there are tons of artists creating work centered around hair, makeup, and nails. One art installation series in Atlanta has particularly inspired its guests—The Black Hair Experience. This walkable museum and art exhibit is all about celebrating the hairstyles of African Americans as an affirmation of self-love and as significant cultural icons. Walk through the exhibits and take photos of art pieces devoted to the beauty of different hair types and styles.

 

4) Explore Pop Art Hair and Makeup Styles in the Harajuku District in Tokyo, Japan


If you have an interest in cosplaying, wig design, or creating elaborate art hair techniques, exploring the Harajuku district of Tokyo might be for you. This unique and colorful neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, has long been celebrated for its niche street style and creative looks. Explore the nearby streets to soak up the atmosphere or purchase your own fashion, jewelry, or hair. 

 

5) Visit the Makeup Museum in New York City 


When most people think of museums, they naturally think of old pottery, tapestries, and historic statues, but contemporary museums are popping up everywhere—celebrating the cultural items we know and love today. There are now even museums and exhibits devoted to elements of the beauty industry. For cosmetologists, you should check out the Makeup Museum in New York City. This museum takes you on a journey of cosmetic history with 5,000 years of cosmetic artifacts and displays about historical makeup artists and inventors. 


 

6) Tour the Local Street Art in Mexico City, Mexico.


As a beauty industry professional, you should always be closely in tune with art and artistic inspirations. For makeup artists, colors and shades hail from those on a canvas. Nail artists recreate the patterns and shapes they see in print and media. In Mexico City, get inspired straight from the source. Visit a local art museum or take a walking tour to see graphic street art around the city. The rich colors and sense of cultural identity from La Roma or Calle Zacatecas are sure to inspire your next creation. 

 

The wonder of travel is that your memories and experiences will be there to inspire you for years to come. Community and trade events are fantastic ways to connect with others in your industry. If you are interested in taking your hobby for hair, makeup, or nails to the next level, cosmetology schools can help you reach the next step. At PJ’s College of Cosmetology, we believe in using our community and its diversity as a source of inspiration. In our cosmetology, nail tech, and esthetician programs, we strive to celebrate how beauty is defined in different cultures. Enrollment advisors are currently available to help you discuss your options and enroll today. Connect with us online or call directly at 800-62-SALON (72566).

27 Sep, 2021
Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams.  If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.
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