School gives back to community

Students at Legacy Beauty Academy are guaranteed job placement after completion of their studies at the Tomball school.

"If they get their license, we can get them a job," owner Gaylene Green said. "We have a lot of students that go straight out from graduation and start their own businesses. We give our students the ability to be self-employed."

One aspect of her business Green said she takes pride in is that her students work with clients, rather than practicing on mannequins.

"We have [students] treat it like it's a job," she said.

Many of Legacy's clients come from Tomball-area nursing homes, in part because of the senior discounts Green offers. While a haircut runs $8, seniors pay $6 and clients over 90 years receive free service.

"I love my elderly clients—they're like family," Green said. "And anything you learn, you learn best with children and elderly. The best way to learn customer service is with elderly clients."

Green has such a devotion to her elderly clientele, she even picks one woman up weekly at her nursing home for her standing appointment. Another way Green gives back to the community is by providing free haircuts around Thanksgiving through the annual Families Feeding Families event put on by local businesses. In addition, Legacy Beauty Academy students do hair and makeup for some of Lone Star College–Tomball's theater productions.

"It's great for students, because they get to learn how to do hair and makeup for that industry," Green said.

Green said she sees her students as her most important clients and works with them on an individual basis when it comes to scheduling and finances. Because her academy is private pay and does not receive government assistance, she is able to deny students she does not think will be a good fit for the program. The cost of the program is $10,000, and Green offers discounts and payment plans. An ongoing special matches a student's downpayment up to $3,000.

Green is also able to be flexible with students' schedules. Although most students complete the program in a year, she has some who finish over three years because of job or family obligations.

"We do anything we can to help them and keep them in school," she said.

Legacy Beauty Academy has a pass rate of 100 percent for students who complete all their requirements and a drop out rate of 3–5 percent. Students come primarily from two categories—recent high school graduates and women in their 30s looking to start over in their career or start a career for the first time.

"I take a lot of pride in seeing my students through the program," Green said. "My goal is to teach women to be self-supportive, learn how to work and take care of themselves."

Legacy Beauty Academy, 1231 Alma St., Ste. M, Tomball, 866-920-1812, www.legacybeautyacademy.net