JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of people enroll in the Cosmetology Career Certificate (C.C.) program at Florida State College Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) North Campus every year, filling classes day and night all while impacting the community.
It offers affordable service while providing students with hands-on experience to open career opportunities in the beauty industry.
“They can work in a Day Spa Salon. They can own their own salons. They can work in a pharmaceutical area that deals with facials,” instructor Berneither Lavant said. “It’s not difficult. Because when they come in, they come in with their own talents.”
From curls to highlights and even retwist, the program helps students build their versatility.
“I think it is a great placement for it to be on the North Side. It gives all walks of life an opportunity to be able to come to the campus,” Lavant said. “This is good for the North Side because it’s like in between the North Side and downtown. Easy access.”
Felicia Brinson’s passion for teaching and her love for the industry shines through as she continues to inspire the next generation of cosmetologists.
“25 years ago, I came here and I was actually recognized by my instructor at Kent Campus. She remembered my professionalism and she also remembered my integrity and how I worked hard. And she said, you would be a great fit for this cosmetology department,” Brinson said.
Brinson not only teaches but also owns a salon.
“The North Side is a part of me,” she said. “It’s who I am. And I wanted to give back to my community, and I also wanted to be an example of the young women, young women and boys, guys, that you can be successful in this industry.”
With 38 years in the cosmetology industry, she shares her wealth of knowledge with students.
“The special part of being a cosmetologist is that it’s a gift, it’s a God given gift. And so we use it, you know, to uplift others, you know, empower other women and as well as enhance their natural beauty,” she said. “It’s an art. I absolutely love it, you know, no one can take it away from me. We’re all different, you know, we’re all different. I often tell the students, you know, hey, no artists paint the same picture twice.”
As the program continues to grow, it remains an inspiration of opportunity for aspiring cosmetologists for generations to come.