Marketti Academy of Cosmetology has been around for nearly a year now, since they first opened their doors on March 13, 2007. Starting with only 13 students and four instructors they have grown to 60 students and five instructors.
‘We did a lot of research; it wasn’t something we just did,? said Co-Owner Allison Murphy. ‘We did a business plan, we surveyed licensed stylist, salon owners, people who were looking to go to school. Anybody who had anything to do with the beauty industry, we were surveying.?
Tawny Marketti-Pearson, the other co- owner, said she had wanted to start a school for a long time.
‘We both just kind of have the entrepreneurial spirit too,? said Murphy.
In order to be accepted to the academy, potential students must write an essay and then make an appointment to come into the school to file an application.
The applicant must be 17-years-old and either be in high school or have a high school diploma or GED. When the student graduates, they get a diploma from the academy and then must apply at the state level for a license.
Marketti teaches cosmetology, manicuring, esthetics and instructional training. It generally takes one to two years to get a diploma in cosmetology, said Murphy. Esthetics runs about four to eight months and manicurists will go for about three-and-a-half to seven months, she said.
‘Each of our programs have their own instructor and own classroom,? said Murphy. ‘These students truly learn, they’re constantly being taught. The attendance is good, the students enjoy coming to school.
‘We offer a scholarship program, which is very unique. There are different levels to attain the next level of scholarship with each level giving more money toward tuition.?
Marketti-Pearson said the students like when they can put their practice to work on a real person.
Student Karina R., who had been in a previous school prior to coming to Marketti, said Marketti was much friendlier and professional.
‘It’s a very friendly atmosphere and all the instructors are so nice that it sets a pace for the rest of us to be nice,? she said. ‘One of the best things is they force you to think outside the box by putting you in real life situations. They take your creativity past your learned ability in an attempt to go further.?
Marketti offers great services at discounted prices, said Murphy. They take both appointments and walk-in customers and they sell Design Essentials and Redken products.
Marketti Academy of Cosmetology is located on the corner of Dixie Hwy and Sashabaw Road behind RiteAid in Waterford. For more information, call 248-618-6394 or visit their Web site at www.marketticosmetology.com.