NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Recess
Albany High School alums are amazing. And they make great teachers!
Businesswoman and eyelash expert Chikia Williams (’16) returned to her alma mater’s Cosmetology Program Thursday and gave a free class on eyelash extensions to 34 seniors in Albany High’s advanced cosmetology classes.
Williams, a former student of teacher LaQuita Love, was among the first students to graduate from the Albany High Cosmetology Program with a New York State cosmetology license. She confessed to current students that she almost quit the program, but her mom and Love talked her out of it – and she was grateful.
Williams went on to Herkimer Community College, where she graduated with a degree in business administration. She now owns and operates Lash Paradise, an eyelash extension business. (You can find Lash Paradise on the web at lashparadise.as.me or on Instagram @lashparadiseco)
Her classes normally run at $600 per person. She provided classes and certificates of completion free of charge to the Albany High seniors.
“Having a chance to experience the Cosmetology Program and all that it has to offer, I want to give the students more insight on the path I chose and express to them the importance of not giving up and putting forth the effort needed to complete the program,” Williams said.
Williams didn’t just impart wisdom on all things eyelashes. She also shared her experience in starting and running her own business, from what to charge to how to handle no-show customers.
“Don’t shortchange yourself. You charge what you’re worth at all times,” she said.
Check out some Facebook photos of the lesson. (You don't need a Facebook account to see the pictures linked in the highlighted text above. A window may appear that says, “To see more from Albany City Schools on Facebook, log on or create an account,” but you can dismiss it by clicking “not now.”)
