The judging criteria for both hair design and color included technical, creative and esthetic considerations. To ensure a level playing field, every competitor worked on an identical mannequin head by CLiC. Each entry was also photographed by a JCPenney Portrait Studio, with hundreds of loca-tions throughout the country. Besting this criteria were the judges them-selves: A mighty panel of 18 seasoned hairstylists carefully examined each entrant’s work to ensure a fair and equitable outcome.
In addition to Gomez’s bank account swelling to dreamy proportions, she recently traveled to Orlando and Las Vegas trade show events. And her future career prospects appear to have no limitations. “By entering this competition, Angie has already dem-onstrated an interest in excelling in the beauty industry,” notes Jim Cox, executive director of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. “This entrepreneurial element and commitment to learning will serve her well in her career.”
Note: Careers in the professional beauty realm remain a bright spot in the employment arena. US News & World Report rated cosmetology as one of the top careers for 2009, with job growth in hair, skin and nails expected to outpace general economic growth through 2015.
Interview
Is it your first competition?No. I have competed since I wasa freshman in beauty school.Our instructors would hold in-house competitions and that always moti-vated me to be No. 1.
What does it mean for you to win this competition?
It’s a dream come true! It definitely increased my confidence and self-esteem. I also learned so much from other entries. I would study every angle of the designs that were entered into the competition.As a stylist, that gave me a deeper understanding of progression, form, balance, design, and color.
What are your career aspira-tions?
Eventually, I would like to becomea cosmetology instructor and give back what was given to me. But for now, I am learning and enjoying this wonderful experience.
How has this competition changed your life?
It has opened many doors that wouldn’t have opened otherwise.It is amazing to have my work of art in print! I mean, who wouldn’t want to have their work published? I have been exposed to other competi-tions, fashion photo shoots and shows, movie sets, one-on-one train-ing with the best hairstylists in the United States. It has also given me the courage to believe thatanything is possible if I workhard enough.
Has someone been your mentor?
Yes, yes, yes!!!!! Ms. Marilyn Maine: I LOVE HER! She is the Department Chair at Los Angeles Trade Technical College’s Cosmetology Department. I was fortunate to have her as my freshman instruc-tor. She saw the determination within me and I was blessed to have her as my competition coach. The rest is history!
What advice would you have for a future Junior Style Stars com-petitor?
I would tell you to believe in your-self! The past doesn’t define who you will be tomorrow. It is the pres-ent and the actions of today that will dictate your future. Surround yourself with positive people, look for a mentor and competition coach and definetely buy the Hair’s How Bridal Styles book. It will inspire you to create your own work of art.
What is your favorite feature of Hairs How magazine?
Volume Four Bridal Style was the first Hair’s How book I bought. There are so many bridal styles that my mind was going a thousand miles per hour, just thinking how I could design something original that would grab the judge’s atten-tion. There is a step-by-step booklet included with this bridal book that is so helpful!
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