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Name: Pamela Hogan

Title: Owner of Hogan Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics, Master Cosmetologist, Senior Teacher Instructor, International Educator, Expert Beauty Educator

Education: Troy/Pike Vocational School/Master Cosmetology Program, DeKalb College/Business Administration, Cutting Edge Academy/Instructor Program. Higher Education: Nov. 5 will be attending The Trichology Institute.

Briefly describe your day to day activities and responsibilities as a school director/owner and salon owner:

My week usually starts on Tuesday morning and goes through Saturday with my school. I make sure I have my staff on point and the instructor scheduled for the week. Some days I might have to step in as a license senior instructor to cover for another instructor if I am not traveling out of the town/country.

Because I am over the entire educational department, I am responsible for training the new instructors. The administration and the financial adviser usually run the front office but sometimes it needs my attention. Between answering students questions and making sure everything is running smoothly, I am on my computer answering consumer questions for Strength of Nature as a senior educator/consultant Monday through Friday.

Now that I am retired from doing hair behind the chair, I usually go into the salon that I own on Saturday afternoons to make sure everything is smooth and collect booth rent. In between my crazy schedule, I am spending time with my family or traveling with Strength of Nature as a beauty senior educator for the company.

Briefly describe what prompted your interest in beauty and your interest in hair:

I was always fascinated with beauty as a child. I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer or hairstylist. I loved dressing up my baby dolls and doing their hair. I leaned toward hair when I started high school. After entering the vocational program for cosmetology, I knew this was for me. I love making people feel beautiful.

What suggestions regarding networking would you give to those seeking to get into beauty/hair?

If you are interested in doing hair, do your research. Use Google and visit nearby schools and ask for their rating and talk to the students. Make sure you get into a good school and absorb as much as you can about all the beauty industry has to offer.

What are the major challenges in your role as a hair stylist (and business owner) and what solutions have you deemed best to handle these challenges?

My major challenges were getting through the day when I first opened my school. When my husband and I started the school, we did not use a bank or business loans. We used our own money to finance the business. I obtained my instructor license a couple years before I opened the school. It was a very big challenge because I trained my husband on the office/administration tasks. I found myself doing a lot of the office duties. Managing the office and educational department a huge challenge. As time passed and we grew, we were able to hire other teachers and that freed me up from having to both. Running a school is a huge responsibility and a big challenge.

Learning how to be disciplined with business and your money is a challenge. Taking some business classes is a plus and seeking advice from a financial adviser is going to be important to your future. Never stop educating yourself. The beauty industry is forever changing and when its time, know how to transition.

What would you contribute your level of success?

I contribute my success to God giving me the strength and knowledge to further my career. My mother has given me the skills to become a hard worker and entrepreneur. My husband, son and close friends/family give me all their love and support.

Any advice for those who want to expand their career the way you have?

Do your research and educate yourself. Transitioning can be a good thing. Don’t be afraid. Nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream.

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