Posted:

November 06, 2018

Century College alum Kiana Sutherlin’s interest in the College’s Cosmetology program began early.  Her mother took classes in Cosmetology and also taught part time here. When she was a teenager, Kiana was a model for Century College Cosmetology classes, and knew all the faculty. 

During her junior and senior years of high school, Kiana took her first Cosmetology classes through the 916 program.  She currently works at Spalon Montage in Woodbury, MN, and is also a Moroccan Oil educator and trainer.  

The decision to get her Cosmetology training at Century College was a “no-brainer” for Kiana. ”You’re paying half the cost that you would pay at a private school, and you’re coming out of school with no debt,” Kiana says. “That alone is confirmation that Century College is the right place to go.”  In addition, Century College accepted all her credits from the 916 program, so it was a win-win situation for her.

The faculty were also supportive.  “Thom Costa pushed me outside my comfort zone,” Kiana remembers. “He saw something in me and believed in me from the start. He was amazing.” Kiana excelled inside and outside the classroom.  She represented Century College (and Minnesota) when she competed in SkillsUSA, and won at the Regionals in the hair category.  She also competed and placed at the Nationals. ”It’s important to participate in organizations like SkillsUSA because it opens doors and builds confidence,” notes Kiana. “SkillsUSA gave me the tools to be ready for the industry with both the technical and professional skills.”

Dawn Goebel, Director of Century College’s Cosmetology program says, “It’s been a pleasure watching Kiana grow in the beauty industry.  As a student, she was naturally gifted, passionate about helping others feel beautiful and always eager to learn more about her craft.  As an industry professional, she embodies all of those incredible characteristics and more.  As I follow her journey through the years, she has built a huge clientele, she continues to show a hunger for learning and she has worked tirelessly to earn an educator position.  She has worked so hard to get where she is today.  We are so proud to have her as an alumni of our program.”

 

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