Choffin cosmetology lab renovated for a new era

By Denise Dick | January 25, 2014 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Walk into the cosme- tology lab at Choffin Career and Technical Center and it resembles any salon you’d visit for a manicure, root touch-up or any other service.

It’s a marked contrast to last year, when the lab sported a more technical feel.

The change is because of a $161,000 renovation completed last November with a combination of career-technical funds and money from the Choffin Trust Fund, the endowment established when the school was founded. No general-fund dollars were used in the renovation.

It’s the first time the lab has been renovated since 1973 when it was constructed, said Rana Natour, cosmetology instructor.

“Before, we had these big bulky stations in the middle,” she said. “Now it looks like a salon.”

Students have separate areas to do manicures, pedicures, a cut and style and shampoo area, as well as a separate spa area.

“It’s a really big difference,” said senior Bre’Aunna Winkfield, 18.

The revamped space also allows areas for students to practice receptionist duties such as scheduling appointments and talking to clients, Natour said.

The students perform regular salon services for members of the public at much lower rates while school is in session.

A haircut is $5, a color retouch is $10, a regular manicure is $6 and a shellac manicure is $15.

The money goes toward the students’ activity fees.

Hours are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays for junior stylists and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for stylists in the senior year. Appointments may be made by calling the salon at 330-744-8746, and walk-ins are accepted. The new lab includes a dedicated area where students can shampoo clients.

“It gives you the time to talk to your client,” Bre’Aunna said.

Bre’Aunna was sitting down, allowing junior Julissa Rojas, 16, to do her nails.

“I’m just letting her play,” she said.

Junior Diamond Tate, 16, worked on her braiding techniques, practicing a prom look on a hairdresser’s mannequin head. She weaved an underbraid into the front part of the hair and wrapped two chain-style braids around the sides.

Since this is her first year at Choffin, she didn’t see the lab before the renovation, but she’s heard from other students how much of a change it is.

“It’s like we’re working in an actual salon,” Diamond said. “It’s fun.”

Juniors Raven Rutledge and La’Teonna Wheeler, both 16, honed their nail-art skills, working on plastic nails affixed to the fingers of sand-filled latex gloves.

Both girls opted for a Valentine’s Day theme with pink and red polishes and heart, X and O decor. Most of the designs are original.

“This one I found on Google,” Raven said, pointing to a nail decorated with X’s and O’s. “The others I just did myself.”

Joseph Meranto, Choffin director, said the center is considering opening the cosmetology lab some evenings as a way to serve more customers. The center also hopes to attract adult-education students to the cosmetology program as a way to increase revenue.

Upon completion of the Choffin program, the whole class schedules the test for their individual state licenses on the same day. Students who pass, which is most of them, receive their license the same day, Natour said.