cosmetology schools

, business skills, and true love? For Joe and Shaun Settle, their marriage in 1988 not only confirmed their commitment to each other, but joined together all of their business and creative savvy -- the perfect union to open and operate a thriving hair salon that boasts celebrity clients including John Mayer!

In 1992, they decided to combine Joe's marketing and management background and Shaun's hair design experience and cosmetology training, and open an upscale salon in Avon, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis called Avant Gard (www.avantgardrocks.com).

Year later in 2004, they would again make strides in the industry, opening " Indiana's Premier Cosmetology Academy" in 2004, attracting those who are serious about being the best of the best. After 13 years of training staff, Joe and Shaun felt the education in cosmetology schools was lacking the ability to produce upper-scale, salon-ready students. "We felt we had to retrain graduates from cosmetology schools before we could get them to the salon skill level of training." And thus their academy was born.

Of course when considering cosmetology schools, you may want to find one in your area. Joe's advice in researching cosmetology schools? "Prospective students need to look for a school offering a broad based education," he says. "Make sure that your school offers educators with a successful background that should include: salon ownership, salon directors, or salon team educators."

Another tip from the styling couple: Cosmetology schools are the foundation of this industry, however, your education should never stop. "We encourage young designers to travel abroad and study after school," says Joe. "You can think of this as obtaining your master's degree."

Once you complete training at cosmetology schools, assures Joe, the career possibilities are endless. A degree in cosmetology opens the path to salon ownership, salon management, makeup artist, skin care specialist, nail technician, Spa director, hair colorist, hair designer, employment with a manufacturer, or even cruise ship stylist just to name a few. And, says Joe, "your income is only dictated by your hard work and desire to be the best." It is not unusual for a top stylist to make well over $100,000, and beyond.

From Cosmetology Schools to Celeb Stylin'
How cool would it be to be John Mayer's stylist? Joe knows this firsthand. "Working with John was so relaxing. He makes you feel very comfortable. I must say he is without a doubt the most grounded celebrity I have had the honor of working with," says Joe.

Of course, it's not all glitz and glamour when you style for the stars. "Celebrities are on very tight schedules, so to be a celebrity stylist you must make your schedule very flexible," warns Joe. "There have been many times we have been asked to get to a location at a certain time only to find out we had been bumped back for an interview, or some other demand placed on the star."

The Long Road to Cosmetology Schools
Although Joe says he knew he had a talent for hair, he hadn't considered cosmetology schools after high school, but decided to attend a four-year school and studied business. Those skills would later help in my managing the salon, he says, but he knew eventually he'd have to learn the craft of cosmetology. "It wasn't until I met Shaun that the realization came clear to go to cosmetology school and pursue my education. From that point, my life took on a drastic detour, and the excitement has yet to stop."