News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A new barber and beauty academy set to open on South Jefferson Avenue this winter: Aspire Barber + Beauty Academy.
Loxx Salon and Spa Owner Tracey Franklin said it’s been a dream of hers to open a school since she began her career over two decades ago. She said with the popularity increasing for cosmetology CTE courses for Upper Cumberland students, she wants to do what she can to elevate that education.
“We are definitely seeing a huge surge in the interest of barbering and cosmetology,” Franklin said. “Trade school is also more popular than it used to be and you know a college education isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. And people are looking outside of that for a possible career, and beauty school is at the top of that list.”
Franklin said the academy will offer traditional barbering for those with short hair, and expand on that with coloring, hair extensions, and other aesthetics.
Franklin said they will also focus on the business side of the beauty industry. She said she feels as though that aspect is sometimes overlooked, but it’s important to understand the industry before you enter it.
“So job placement will be a big focus for us,” Franklin said. “As well as making sure they understand the type of business models and what type of salon they might want to work in once they graduate. It’s important to have job shadowing days so students can go spend the time needed in the salons that they’re hoping to get hired at so they can see that the culture is a good fit for them, and that the environment is a good fit for them. So we’re really going to advocate for that.”
Franklin said an official opening date is still tentative, but they are hoping for late January or early February.
