On Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-9:30 am and 10:55 am-12:55 pm, students in Elizabeth Villanti’s Cosmetology program work diligently in the new LMUSD Salon located in the Georgie O’Connor Board Room.
“[Getting the salon up and running has] been a really long process,” Villanti said. “I didn’t realize it was gonna take as much as it was because when you’re independent, you do something and it’s done.”
Before starting the cosmetology program at Arroyo Grande High School, Villanti was an independent hair stylist for 24 years, and even now her clients remain loyal.
“[The students] were able to get their hands dirty on Belle, [one of my clients], with my direct supervision. So basically, they all did a small section of her gray retouch,” Villanti said.
While guest speakers come in to help teach, it’s just Villanti and the students during salon hours.
“If they are doing a haircut, I’m checking it multiple steps throughout,” Villanti said. “I don’t just turn them loose and say, ‘hey, you’re on your own.’”
While the salon still isn’t offering its full list of services, students are well on their way to learning the skills needed for a successful career in cosmetology.
“On average, we’re seeing anywhere from 4 to 10 clients a day,” Villanti said. “You can always get an appointment.”
Along with easily available appointments, services at the LMUSD Salon are incredibly affordable, making it the perfect place to get services done.
“I’ve priced everything so that basically it’s all breaking even,” Villanti said. “Eventually, the revenue from the services clients are receiving, it’d be what covers our things, like our products.”
When it comes to showing gratitude to your stylist, the school district does ask that students don’t receive cash tips, but Villanti notes that baking cookies or giving gift cards is more than welcome.
To book an appointment individuals can either reach out to a student in the program to receive their independent booking link, or call the salon at 805-474-3000.
