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July 2007
Volume 1, Issue 4
A Cosmetology school licensed by the State of Illinois, Unity College of Cosmetology opened its doors for its first class of students in March 2007. But this dream for three cosmetologists was only in its infancy when the business owners were referred to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Illinois State in September of 2006.
"When Teresa, Phyllis, and Fran first came to us, they had an idea, but no plan to bring it to reality," said Illinois SBDC at Illinois State Director Elizabeth Binning. "We walked them through the process and gave them a realistic idea of what a commercial lender would expect from them."
The school will provide professional training for licensure as a Cosmetologist or cosmetology instructor as well as provide continuing education to area professionals. With new classroom and lab equipment, the 5,200 square foot facility is located at 24 Vermillion Plaza in Pontiac, IL, just off Route 116 and 1 mile east of I55. Cosmetology students attend classes Monday through Friday and will complete their training within one year.
"The ladies at the Illinois SBDC at ISU were great to work with! They jumped right in to help us with our business plan and pointed us in the right direction in a very timely fashion. We couldn't have done it as quickly without their help," explained part-owner, Phyllis Sippel.
“The wealth of experience and knowledge in the cosmetology industry that Teresa, Phyllis and Fran bring to the business was instrumental in writing a successful business plan. Through their plan they proved they have the tools they need to own and manage a successful, growing cosmetology school,” noted Special Project Coordinator Autumn Laube.
In the near future, the school plans on also providing training for licensure as a nail technician, esthetician and massage therapist.