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From an early age, Brian Duprey knew he wanted to be a part of the fashion industry; he was looking for a creative career, behind the scenes. Upon graduating from Sunstate Academy, Brian decided to focus his career on make-up application and design.
After building his portfolio in Minneapolis and Miami, he made the move to the big apple. Since his move to New York City over 17 years ago, Brian has developed quite a name for himself. He has worked with clients such as: Rachel Bilson, Alyssa Milano, Ralph Lauren, Polo, Calvin Klein Underwear, Niemen Marcus, Macy’s, Target, and many more. Currently, he works as a fashion and celebrity makeup artist and is co-owner of a make-up line, called Duprey Cosmetics.
For Brian, Sunstate Academy instilled the importance of professionalism and taking the job seriously. He says, “I take my work seriously, because I want it to take me seriously.” He encourages anyone considering a cosmetology career to dive right in. He states, “There are endless opportunities, whether you want to work at the salon in your local community, or you are making the move to 5th Avenue in New York City”. |
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Judy Zambryski was an office professional before starting her cosmetology career. She felt cosmetology was a better career path for her because it was something she really enjoyed doing. Immediately after graduating from Sunstate Academy, Judy started working in a local salon. It was not long before she was ready to open the doors to her very own salon.
Currently, Judy is the owner of Rosy’s Salon. She says, “I am my own boss. It’s a lot of work, but it is well worth it. It allows me to have control of my own successes, and that is very satisfying.” Judy encourages anyone considering a career in cosmetology not to be afraid of leaving their comfort-zone.
Sunstate Academy provided her with a convenient schedule, so she was able to keep her full-time job while taking classes. Judy says her only regret is not starting her career in the cosmetology industry sooner!
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Westley entered the workforce upon graduating from high school. He began working for his family at various businesses, but it was not something he could see himself enjoying for the rest of his life. He began cutting hair on the side for fun. It was not long before decided it was time to turn is dreams into reality.
When he made the decision to go back to school, Sunstate Academy was the right fit for him. He says, “I could tell I would be getting the right experience.” He says, “If I learned anything from Sunstate, it’s that you can sit around and let things happen, or you can go after what you want and make things happen!”
Today, Westley is the owner of Cigar City Barbershop located in West Tampa. His clients range from the area’s top CEOs to the everyday working man. His barbershop is as he imagined when he first started at Sunstate Academy. Westley works with motivated people who are dedicated to their work. He meets new people every day, and best of all, he get to hang out at the Barbershop all day. |
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Ami McClure did not start her cosmetology career focused on being a nail technician. She always thought that she would be more involved with styling hair. However, it was not until she got further into her education that she realized that she really enjoyed doing people’s nails and it was more ‘for her’.
After graduating from Sunstate Academy, Ami McClure and her sister, Traci Dungan, went into business together. They opened up their own salon called Profiles, which has four franchised locations in Lee County, Florida. She states, “Sunstate Academy helped me acquire the business skills I needed to become a successful salon owner.” She now trains and manages a staff of over 30 people and is an accomplished nail technician.
Ami credits her success to hard work, long hours, and excellent customer service skills. She says, “There are so many options in this industry, and it feels good to be thanked everyday!” |
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Throughout Travis Kelley’s life, his major focus had always been the music industry, but things never really panned out. Cosmetology was not something that he thought he would be interested in. In fact, before Sunstate Academy, Travis had never picked up a pair of shears. He says, “I was clueless”.The instructors encouraged and supported Travis’ interest in the more artistic and avant-garde things that were possible to do with hair. He says, “Sunstate really helped me develop my strengths; their unparalleled support still resonates with me today.”
After graduating from Sunstate Academy in 2007, Travis Kelly launched his own session stylist business, Shear Terror Hair Designs, based on his unique passion. Travis states, “Knowledge and education are the most important tools in the cosmetology industry. You can buy the most expensive shears, but unless you know how to use them, they will mean nothing to your work” |
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Gina Toscano enrolled at Sunstate Academy when she was 33 years old. Before starting her classes, she thought long and hard about making the commitment to go back to school. She wasn’t sure she was ready for nine months of career training.
Today, Gina’s only regret is not going sooner. At Sunstate Academy, the hair cutting techniques were easy for her to learn. Still to this day, she uses the hair cutting methods she learned in her classes. Gina says, “The instructors at Sunstate Academy go above and beyond to not only teach the technical skills, but they teach the business skills you need to be successful.”
Currently, Gina owns and operates two full-service salons. She sees a variety of clients from the working mom and dad to young children and the elderly. Gina states, “Sunstate Academy has taught me to believe in myself. This is a value that has carried over into my professional life and providing me with the courage to open up two salons.” |
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